The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the notification for the Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2025 (CDS Exam I) . Eligible candidates aspiring to join the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA) can apply online. The examination is a gateway for commissioning into the armed forces of India and will be conducted on February 2025 . Below are the details regarding eligibility, application process, important dates, and more.
Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2025: Detailed Notification UPSC CDS Recruitment 2025 Overview
Name of Organization Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Examination Name Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2025
Total Vacancies To be announced
Eligibility Graduate or equivalent qualification
Application Fee ₹200 (exempted for certain categories)
Last Date to Apply December 2024 (Exact date in notification)
Mode of Application Online
Job Location All India
Job Sector Defence Services
Eligibility Criteria
Post Name Educational Qualification Age Limit (As of 01.01.2025)
Indian Military Academy Graduate degree from a recognized university.
19 to 24 years
Indian Naval Academy B.E./B.Tech from a recognized university or equivalent.
19 to 24 years
Air Force Academy Degree from a recognized university (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or B.E./B.Tech
19 to 24 years
Officers Training Academy (Men/Women) Graduate degree from a recognized university.
19 to 25 years
Note : Candidates in the final year of graduation are also eligible to apply.
Salary Details
Rank Pay Scale
Lieutenant
₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500
Captain
₹61,300 – ₹1,93,900
Major
₹69,400 – ₹2,07,200
Lieutenant Colonel
₹1,21,200 – ₹2,12,400
Colonel
₹1,30,600 – ₹2,15,900
Brigadier
₹1,39,600 – ₹2,17,600
Additional allowances and perks are provided as per Defence rules.
Selection Process
Stage Details
Written Examination Objective-type questions to assess knowledge in English, General Knowledge, and Mathematics.
SSB Interview A two-stage process assessing psychological aptitude and physical suitability for defence roles.
Medical Examination Comprehensive medical fitness tests as per Defence Services requirements.
Schedule Dates
Event Date
Release of Notification
October 2024
Start of Applications
October 2024
Last Date to Apply
December 2024
Admit Card Availability
January 2025
Exam Date
February 2025
Result Announcement
To be announced
Application Method
Step Details
Visit the Official Website Go to www.upsc.gov.in .
Fill the Online Application Form Register with valid credentials and complete the application form.
Upload Required Documents Upload recent passport-size photograph, signature, and necessary educational certificates.
Pay the Application Fee Use online payment methods such as net banking, credit card, or debit card to pay the required fee.
Submit and Download Confirmation Submit the form and download the confirmation page for future reference.
Application Fee
Category Fee
General/OBC
₹200
SC/ST/Female
Exempted
FAQs
Question Answer
Who can apply for the CDS Examination (I), 2025? Graduates meeting age and eligibility criteria can apply.
What is the selection process for CDS Exam? Written exam, SSB interview, and medical tests.
When will the CDS Exam (I), 2025, be conducted? February 2025.
Is there an application fee exemption for female candidates? Yes, female candidates are exempted from the application fee.
Can final-year students apply for the exam? Yes, final-year students are eligible to apply.
