The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced the UPSC CDS Recruitment 2025 Notification, inviting applications for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination. Held twice annually as CDS 1 and CDS 2, this prestigious national-level exam is a golden opportunity for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces. The exam opens pathways to esteemed academies like the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA). With 457 vacancies up for grabs, the CDS 1 2025 Notification provides aspiring candidates with comprehensive details, including eligibility criteria, the application process, and the exam schedule.
The CDS 1 2025 exam date is set for 13th April 2025, and the application window runs from 11th December to 31st December 2024. Candidates must ensure they meet the age, educational qualifications, and nationality requirements outlined in the notification. This recruitment drive is open to both male and female candidates, offering a unique chance to serve the nation through various branches of the Indian Armed Forces. By thoroughly understanding the CDS 2025 selection process, which includes a written exam, SSB interview, and medical examination, candidates can better prepare for this competitive opportunity. Below is a detailed overview of the UPSC CDS Recruitment 2025 for your convenience.
UPSC CDS Recruitment 2025 Notification Overview:
The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Exam, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), is held twice a year as CDS 1 and CDS 2. Each cycle comes with its own notification, outlining the application process, eligibility criteria, exam schedule, and other essential details. This prestigious national-level examination is a gateway for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces through academies like the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA).
The CDS 1 2025 Notification provides a comprehensive roadmap for candidates, detailing critical aspects such as registration dates, the number of vacancies, and selection procedures. The application window for CDS 1 2025 opens on 11th December 2024 and closes on 31st December 2024, with the written examination scheduled for 13th April 2025. Aspiring candidates are advised to thoroughly review the official notification to ensure they meet the eligibility criteria and understand the selection process. Below is a summarized table of key information:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Post Name | Combined Defence Services (CDS) |
| Advertisement Number | 04/2025.CDS-I |
| Total Vacancies | 457 |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Registration Process Start Date | 11th December 2024 |
| Registration Process End Date | 31st December 2024 (till 06:00 PM) |
| Selection Process | • Written Examination • SSB Interview/Personality Test • Document Verification • Medical Examination |
| Age Limit | 20 to 25 years |
| Official Website | www.upsc.gov.in |
| Official Notification PDF | Download PDF |
| Job Location | Across India |
| Helpline Number | 011-23098543 / 23385271 / 23381125 / 23098591 |
| Helpline Mail | feedback-upsc@gov.in |
UPSC CDS Recruitment 2025 PDF:
UPSC has released the CDS 1 2025 notification in accordance with the annual calendar. The official website of UPSC will also provide details like eligibility criteria, application filing date and salary for the exam. Download the PDF version of the CDS notification and find out what needs to be done to go through the registration process till selection. Candidates can check the CDS 1 2025 notification by clicking on the link below.
UPSC CDS Recruitment 2025 Important Dates:
The UPSC CDS Recruitment 2025 follows a structured timeline, with key dates for the CDS 1 and CDS 2 exams. Here are the important dates for the CDS 1 2025 recruitment:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Released Date | 11th December 2024 |
| Registration Process Start Date | 11th December 2024 |
| Registration Process Last Date | 31st December 2024 (till 06:00 PM) |
| Online Fee Payment Date | 31st December 2024 |
| Form Correction Window | 1st January 2025 to 7th January 2025 |
| CDS 1 Exam Date | 13th April 2025 |
| Admit Card Availability | April 2025 |
| CDS 1 Result Declaration | May/June 2025 (tentative) |
UPSC CDS Recruitment 2025 Vacancy Details:
The UPSC CDS Recruitment 2025 offers a total of 457 vacancies across various prestigious academies of the Indian Armed Forces. Below are the details of the available vacancies for CDS 1 2025:
| Academy | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 32 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 32 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) Men | 275 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) Women | 18 |
| Total Vacancies | 457 |
UPSC CDS Recruitment 2025 Eligibility Criteria:
The UPSC CDS Recruitment 2025 is a prestigious opportunity for candidates who aspire to join the Indian Armed Forces through the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA). Below are the detailed eligibility criteria for the CDS 1 2025 exam:
► UPSC CDS Recruitment 2025 Educational Qualification:
- IMA, INA, AFA: Candidates must have a graduation degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
- OTA (Men & Women): Candidates must have a graduation degree in any stream from a recognized university.
- Final Year Students: Candidates in their final year of graduation are eligible to apply.
► UPSC CDS Recruitment 2025 Age Limit:
- IMA, INA, AFA : 20 to 24 years (Born between 02/01/2002 and 01/01/2007)
- OTA (Men & Women) :20 to 25 years (Born between 02/01/2001 and 01/01/2007)
UPSC CDS Recruitment 2025 Selection Process:
The UPSC CDS Recruitment 2025 follows a rigorous and multi-stage selection process to assess candidates’ suitability for entry into the Indian Armed Forces through academies like IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA. The selection process consists of the following stages:
- Written Examination
- SSB Interview/Personality Test
- Document Verification
- Medical Examination
UPSC CDS Recruitment 2025 Application Fee:
The UPSC CDS Recruitment 2025 application fee is as follows:
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General/OBC candidates | ₹200 |
| SC/ST/Female candidates | Exempted |
Note: (Candidates who are SC/ST or Female are exempt from paying the application fee.)
UPSC CDS Recruitment 2025 Application Form link:
UPSC CDS Recruitment 2025 Exam Pattern:
The UPSC CDS 2025 exam is conducted in a written format and consists of multiple-choice questions. The exam pattern differs based on the academy to which candidates are applying. Below is the detailed exam pattern for CDS 1 2025:
► Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Air Force Academy (AFA)
| Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| English | 100 | 2 hours |
| General Knowledge | 100 | 2 hours |
| Elementary Mathematics | 100 | 2 hours |
► Officers Training Academy (OTA)
| Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| English | 100 | 2 hours |
| General Knowledge | 100 | 2 hours |
► Key Features of the Exam Pattern:
- Mode of Examination: Offline (Pen and Paper mode).
- Type of Questions: Objective-type (Multiple Choice Questions).
- Marking Scheme:
- +1 mark for every correct answer.
- -1/3 marks (one-third) will be deducted for every incorrect answer.
► Subjects Overview:
- English: Focuses on grammar, vocabulary, sentence structure, and comprehension.
- General Knowledge: Includes questions from current affairs, history, geography, science, and polity.
- Elementary Mathematics: Covers arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and statistics (for IMA, INA, AFA candidates only).
► Exam Duration:
- Each paper is of 2 hours duration, with a total exam duration of 6 hours for IMA, INA, and AFA candidates, and 4 hours for OTA candidates (English and General Knowledge papers only).
UPSC CDS Recruitment 2025 Exam Syllabus:
English Syllabus:
- Comprehension: Passage reading and answering related questions.
- Grammar: Sentence correction, usage of appropriate tenses, and error spotting.
- Vocabulary: Synonyms, antonyms, and word meanings.
- Sentence Completion: Choosing the appropriate words to complete sentences.
- Para Jumbles: Rearranging the parts of a paragraph in a coherent manner.
- Idioms and Phrases: Understanding the meaning of commonly used idioms and phrases.
General Knowledge Syllabus:
- Current Affairs: National and international news, major government schemes, sports events, awards, etc.
- Indian History: Ancient, medieval, and modern history of India, including important historical events and movements.
- Geography: Physical geography, world geography, and basic knowledge of Indian geography, such as rivers, mountains, and climate.
- Science: Basic concepts in physics, chemistry, biology, and environmental science.
- Polity and Economics: Indian Constitution, governance, political systems, and economic principles.
- Culture: Indian culture, festivals, and heritage.
- Defense and Security: Basic knowledge about the Indian Armed Forces and their structure.
Elementary Mathematics Syllabus (For IMA, INA, and AFA)
- Arithmetic: Number systems, simplification, percentages, profit and loss, interest, ratio and proportion, averages, time and distance, and work and time.
- Algebra: Polynomials, linear equations, quadratic equations, and logarithms.
- Trigonometry: Trigonometric identities, heights and distances, and angles.
- Geometry: Lines, angles, triangles, circles, and basic coordinate geometry.
- Mensuration: Areas and volumes of various geometrical figures such as cubes, cuboids, spheres, and cylinders.
- Statistics: Mean, median, mode, standard deviation, and basic probability.
UPSC CDS Recruitment 2025 Application Process: How to Apply?
Step 1: Visit the UPSC Official Website
- Go to the official UPSC Online portal: upsconline.nic.in.
Step 2: Register for One-Time Registration (OTR)
- If you have not registered before, click on the “One-Time Registration” link to begin the process.
- Fill in personal details such as your name, date of birth, contact information, and educational background.
- Upload the required documents, including a recent photograph, signature, and ID proof.
- After completing the registration, you will receive a Registration ID for future use.
Step 3: Log In and Fill the Application Form
- Once you’ve completed the One-Time Registration, log in using your Registration ID and Password.
- Look for the “Apply Online” link for CDS 1 2025 and click on it.
- Fill in the application form with accurate details, including your personal, educational, and contact information.
Step 4: Choose Your Academy Preferences
- Select your preferred academies (IMA, INA, AFA, OTA) and ensure that your choices are in the correct order of preference.
Step 5: Upload Required Documents
- Upload scanned copies of your passport-sized photograph, signature, and other necessary documents as per the format specified by UPSC.
Step 6: Pay the Application Fee
- Pay the application fee of ₹200 through Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, or SBI Challan.
- SC/ST/Female candidates are exempt from the fee.
Step 7: Submit the Application Form
- After reviewing the form for accuracy, click on “Submit” to complete your application.
- Take a printout of the submitted application form for your reference.
Step 8: Form Correction (If Necessary)
- If you need to make any changes in your application, the form correction window will be open from 1st to 7th January 2025. Make the necessary corrections before the deadline.
UPSC CDS Recruitment 2025 Salary:
The UPSC CDS Recruitment 2025 offers an attractive salary structure for candidates selected for various positions in the Indian Armed Forces. Below are the details of the salary structure and additional benefits for candidates who successfully join the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), or Officers Training Academy (OTA).
► UPSC CDS Recruitment 2025 Salary Structure:
| Post | Salary Structure |
|---|---|
| Lieutenant (Level 10) | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 |
| Captain (Level 10B) | ₹61,300 – ₹1,93,900 |
| Major (Level 11) | ₹69,400 – ₹2,07,200 |
| Lieutenant Colonel (Level 12A) | ₹1,21,200 – ₹2,12,400 |
| Colonel (Level 13) | ₹1,30,600 – ₹2,15,900 |
| Brigadier (Level 13A) | ₹1,39,600 – ₹2,17,600 |
| Major General (Level 14) | ₹1,44,200 – ₹2,18,200 |
| Lieutenant General HAG (Level 15) | ₹1,82,200 – ₹2,24,100 |
| Lieutenant General HAG+ (Level 16) | ₹2,05,400 – ₹2,24,400 |
| VCOAS/Army Commander (Level 17) | ₹2,25,000 (Fixed) |
| COAS (Level 18) | ₹2,50,000 (Fixed) |
► UPSC CDS Recruitment 2025 Additional Benefits (Allowances):
- Dearness Allowance (DA): Paid based on the current rate as per the government’s policy.
- House Rent Allowance (HRA): Provided based on the location of the posting.
- Transport Allowance (TA): For travel and transportation costs.
- Kit Maintenance Allowance: For maintaining uniforms and equipment.
- Uniform Allowance: For the purchase and maintenance of uniforms.
- Medical Facilities: Comprehensive medical care for candidates and their families.
- Pension: Post-retirement pension benefits.
- Free Accommodation: Based on availability.
- Recreational Facilities: Access to various sports and entertainment facilities.
- Other Allowances: Including field area allowance, high-altitude allowance, special allowance, etc., depending on the posting location and role.
UPSC CDS Recruitment 2025 FAQs:
Q1. What is the salary structure for candidates selected through UPSC CDS 2025?
• Lieutenant (Level 10): ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500
• Captain (Level 10B): ₹61,300 – ₹1,93,900
• Major (Level 11): ₹69,400 – ₹2,07,200 and Other
Q2. What is the format of the UPSC CDS 2025 Examination?
• Test I: General Knowledge and English.
• Test II: Elementary Mathematics (only for IMA, INA, and AFA candidates).
Q3. What is the duration of the UPSC CDS 2025 exam?
The written exam is divided into three papers, each lasting 2 hours:English: 100 marks
General Knowledge: 100 marks
Elementary Mathematics: 100 marks (for IMA, INA, AFA candidates)
Q4. Is there any negative marking in the UPSC CDS 2025 exam?
Yes, there is a negative marking system. For each incorrect answer, 1/3 marks will be deducted from the total score in the objective-type questions.
Q5. What is the Personal Interview score in UPSC CDS 2025?
The Personal Interview conducted during the SSB (Services Selection Board) Interview is worth 100 marks. This interview is designed to assess the candidate’s leadership skills, intelligence, and suitability for a career in the Indian Armed Forces.
Q6. How many marks are allotted to the written examination in the UPSC CDS 2025?
• The written examination carries 200 marks for IMA, INA, and AFA candidates (with 100 marks for English, 100 marks for General Knowledge, and 100 marks for Elementary Mathematics).
• For OTA candidates, the written examination consists of two papers: English (100 marks) and General Knowledge (100 marks).
Q7. What is the selection process for UPSC CDS 2025?
• Written Examination (200 marks)
• SSB Interview (100 marks for Personality Test)
• Document Verification
• Medical Examination
Q8. How can I apply for UPSC CDS Recruitment 2025?
• To apply for UPSC CDS Recruitment 2025, candidates must:Visit the official UPSC website (upsc.gov.in).
• Complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) process.
• Log in, fill out the application form, and upload the necessary documents.
• Pay the application fee and submit the form.
• The application process runs from 11th December 2024 to 31st December 2024.
Q9. What is the age limit for UPSC CDS 2025?
The age limits for different academies are:Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Air Force Academy (AFA): 20 to 24 years (born between 02/01/2002 and 01/01/2007).
Officers’ Training Academy (OTA): 20 to 25 years (born between 02/01/2001 and 01/01/2007).
Q10. Can female candidates apply for UPSC CDS 2025?
Yes, female candidates are eligible to apply for Officers Training Academy (OTA) in both CDS 1 and CDS 2 exams. Female candidates can join the Indian Army through OTA for non-technical courses.
Q11. What is the syllabus for the UPSC CDS exam 2025?
The CDS exam syllabus includes English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics (for IMA, INA, and AFA candidates). The General Knowledge paper covers topics like current affairs, history, geography, science, and polity.
Q12. How many vacancies are there for UPSC CDS 2025?
PSC CDS Recruitment 2025 offers 457 vacancies across various academies, including IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA.
Q13. What is the last date to apply for UPSC CDS 2025?
The last date to apply for UPSC CDS 1 2025 is 31st December 2024 by 6:00 PM.
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