UPSC CDS I Examination 2025: Apply Online for 457 Vacancies

Introduction

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the notification for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) I Examination 2025. This prestigious examination offers 457 vacancies, providing aspiring candidates an opportunity to join the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA).

In this Post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the CDS I Examination 2025, including the application process, eligibility criteria, selection procedure, important dates, and answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs).

Key Highlights of CDS I Examination 2025

• Conducting Authority: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
• Total Vacancies: 457
• Examination Name: Combined Defence Services (CDS) I Examination 2025
• Application Mode: Online
• Application Start Date: December 11, 2024
• Application End Date: December 31, 2024 (till 6:00 PM)

Key Dates

• Notification Release Date: December 11, 2024
• Application Start Date: December 11, 2024
• Application End Date: December 31, 2024 (till 6:00 PM)
• Fee Payment Last Date: December 31, 2024
• Form Modification Window: January 1–7, 2025
• Exam Date: April 13, 2025
• Admit Card Availability: Before the exam
• Result Declaration: To be notified

Importance of the UPSC CDS Examination

The UPSC Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination is among the most prestigious exams in India, offering young men and women the chance to serve the nation by joining the armed forces. Known for its rigorous selection process, the examination requires dedication and thorough preparation. Successful candidates undergo training at world-class military academies and are groomed to become leaders in the Indian Armed Forces.

Detailed Vacancy Information

The 457 vacancies for CDS I Examination 2025 are distributed as follows:

• Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun: 100 vacancies
• Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala: 32 vacancies
• Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad: 32 vacancies
• Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (Men): 275 vacancies
• Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (Women): 18 vacancies

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the CDS I Examination 2025, candidates must fulfill the following criteria:

Nationality

The candidate must be:

• An Indian citizen, or
• A subject of Bhutan or Nepal, or
• A Tibetan refugee who migrated to India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanently settling in India.

Educational Qualifications

• Indian Military Academy (IMA): Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or equivalent.
• Indian Naval Academy (INA): Degree in Engineering from a recognized university/institution.
• Air Force Academy (AFA): Bachelor’s degree (with Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level) or a Bachelor of Engineering.
• Officers Training Academy (OTA): Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or equivalent.

Age Limit

• IMA & INA: Unmarried male candidates born between January 2, 2002, and January 1, 2007.
• AFA: Candidates aged 20 to 24 years as of January 1, 2026 (born between January 2, 2002, and January 1, 2006).
• OTA (Men): Male candidates (married or unmarried) born between January 2, 1999, and January 1, 2005.
• OTA (Women): Unmarried women, issueless widows, and issueless divorcees born between January 2, 1999, and January 1, 2005.

Application Process

The application process for the CDS I Examination 2025 is conducted online. Follow these steps to apply:

1. Visit the Official Website: Navigate to the UPSC official website and access the ‘Examination’ section.
2. Registration: Enter basic details such as name, email ID, and phone number. A registration number and password will be provided.
3. Fill the Application Form: Log in using the registration credentials and complete the form with personal, educational, and other required details.
4. Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and other required documents.
5. Pay the Application Fee: Pay the fee via the online payment gateway. Fee details are mentioned in the official notification.
6. Submit the Application: Review and submit the application. Save and print a copy for future reference.

Selection Process

The CDS I Examination 2025 selection process consists of the following stages:

1. Written Examination
   • For IMA, INA, and AFA: Three papers (English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics), each of 100 marks.
   • For OTA: Two papers (English and General Knowledge), each of 100 marks.
2. Interview/Personality Test
   • Conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB), assessing intelligence, personality, and leadership potential.
3. Document Verification
   • Original documents are verified for eligibility.
4. Medical Examination
   • A comprehensive medical check-up ensures candidates meet health standards.