The UPSC Combined Defence Services (CDS) I Examination 2025 is a prestigious recruitment process conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for selecting eligible candidates to serve as commissioned officers in the Indian Armed Forces. The CDS I 2025 notification was released on December 11, 2024, announcing a total of 457 vacancies across the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA).
This examination provides an excellent opportunity for aspirants to join the armed forces and serve the nation with honor. The application process is open from December 11, 2024, to December 31, 2024, and the written examination will be conducted on April 13, 2025. Below is a detailed guide of the UPSC CDS I Examination 2025, including important dates, eligibility criteria, application fees, and instructions for applying.
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UPSC CDS I Exam 2025
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services (CDS) I 2025 |
| Vacancies | 457 |
| Application Dates | December 11–31, 2024 |
| Exam Date | April 13, 2025 |
| Official Website | www.upsc.gov.in |
UPSC CDS Vacancy Breakdown
| Academy | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala | 32 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad | 32 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (Men) | 275 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (Women) | 18 |
Eligibility Criteria For UPSC CDS I
Educational Qualification:
- Indian Military Academy (IMA): A degree from a recognized university or equivalent.
- Indian Naval Academy (INA): A degree in Engineering from a recognized institution.
- Air Force Academy (AFA): A degree from a recognized university with Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level or a Bachelor of Engineering.
- Officers’ Training Academy (OTA): A degree from a recognized university or equivalent.
Age Limit:
- For IMA/INA: Born between January 2, 2002, and January 1, 2007.
- For AFA: Born between January 2, 2002, and January 1, 2006.
- For OTA: Born between January 2, 2000, and January 1, 2006.
UPSC CDS I Recruitment Selection Process
Written Examination:
- Objective-type questions in English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics.
- Each paper is of two hours duration.
SSB Interview:
- Consists of two stages: Officer Intelligence Rating Tests and Psychological/Group Testing.
Medical Examination:
- Candidates must meet the physical standards set by the respective academies.
Application Fees
- General/OBC Candidates: ₹200
- SC/ST/Female Candidates: Exempted from payment.
Important Dates
- Notification Release Date: December 11, 2024
- Application Start Date: December 11, 2024
- Application End Date: December 31, 2024
How To Apply For The UPSC CDS I Examination?
- Visit the official UPSC website (www.upsc.gov.in) during the application window.
- Click on “Apply Online” under the CDS I Examination section.
- Register yourself using the One-Time Registration (OTR) system.
- Fill out the application form with accurate details like personal information and educational qualifications.
- Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and photo ID proof in the specified format.
- Pay the application fee online through net banking or debit/credit card.
- Review your application form carefully before submitting it.
- Submit the application form and note down your registration ID.
Important Links
- Recruitment Form 2024: Apply Online
- Vacancy Notification: Read Here
- Official Website: Click Here