The CDS 1 Marks has been released for the 2025 cycle. The UPSC CDS 1 2025 notification was released on 11th December 2025 . A total number of 457 Vacancies have been announced for various courses. The UPSC conducts the Combined Defense Services Exam to select candidates for admission into the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). Graduates are eligible for this exam. Check all details and updates about UPSC CDS 2025 in this article.
The UPSC CDS 1 2025 Marks has been released on 14th January 2025. Earlier, the final result for the same has been released on 7th January 2025. Candidates can check their names and total marks obtained (Out of 600) in the official notification. The UPSC CDS 1 2025 Notification was been officially released on 11th December 2025 , announcing 457 vacancies for various prestigious courses. Candidates had applied online till 1st January 2025. This exam, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), aims to select candidates for the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). Key points to note about UPSC CDS 2025 are
- Candidates will be selected based on a written test followed by an interview. Selected candidates will be hired in their respective departments after undergoing a period of training.
- The selected candidates will receive a stipend of Rs.56,100.
Download UPSC CDS 1 2025 Marks PDF
Download UPSC CDS 1 2025 Final Result PDF
UPSC CDS 1 2025 Notification: Overview
UPSC CDS 2025 Notification has been released. A total of 457 Vacancies have been announced for the Combined Defence Services Examination (I) – 2025. Check out the below table to have an overview of the UPSC CDS 2025 exam.
| Particular | Details |
| Exam name | Combined Defense Services Examination |
| Conducting institute | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Vacancy | 457 |
| Application Start Date | 11th December, 2025 |
| Application End Date | 1st January 2025 |
| Exam Date | 13th April, 2025 |
| Exam website | UPSC Official Website |
| Exam Level | National |
| Exam frequency | Twice a year |
| Exam Language | English and Hindi |
| Number of question | General English: 120 General Knowledge: 120 Elementary Maths: 100 |
| Number of papers | IMA, INA, & AFA: 3 (General English, General Knowledge, & Elementary Mathematics) OTA: 2 (General English & General Knowledge) |
| Exam Mode | Offline |
| Exam stages | Written exam and SSB Interview |
| Exam Purpose | Selecting Candidate as a Commissioned officer in the Indian Army, Air Force and Navy. |
| Exam Duration | 2 Hours for each paper |
| Total Marks | Written Exam OTA: 200 IMA, INA and AFA: 300 SSB Interview: OTA: 200 IMA, INA and AFA: 300 |
| Exam fees | General and OBC male candidates: Rs. 200 Female, SC, and ST candidates are exempted from fee payment: Nil |
| No. of Exam Centers | 77 |
| Application Fees | 200/- |
| Qualification | Passed or appearing for graduation |
| Category | Defence Jobs |
Download UPSC CDS 1 2025 Notification PDF
What is CDS Exam?
The CDS (Combined Defense Services) Exam is a national-level exam conducted by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to select candidates for admission into the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA).
The exam is aimed at assessing the candidates’ knowledge, aptitude, and potential to join the Indian Armed Forces as commissioned officers. It consists of a written test, followed by the SSB interview. It is the gateway for defence job aspirants to join the Indian Armed Forces.
CDS 2025 Exam Date 2025
The following table lists important dates for CDS (1) 2025 as per the official calendar and CDS (2) 2025 as per the UPSC exam calendar.
| Events | CDS (1) 2025 | CDS (2) 2025 |
| Exam Date | 13th April 2025 | 14th September 2025 |
Direct Link to Download CDS Exam Date PDF
UPSC CDS Vacancy 2025
A total number of 457 vacancies have been released for the CDS (1) 2025. The detailed CDS vacancy distribution has been updated.
| Course | Vacancy |
| Indian Military Academy | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy | 32 |
| Air Force Academy | 32 |
| Officer Training Academy (Men) | 275 |
| Officer Training Academy (Women) | 18 |
| Total | 457 |
CDS 2025 Application Form
Completing the CDS Application process for CDS 1 2025 is the first step to applying for recruitment by the Combined Defence Services. Candidates should be careful to enter the correct information here as the same will be printed on their CDS admit cards. Go through the step-by-step procedure given below to be able to apply it smoothly.
Step 1: Visit UPSC Official Website:
Begin by visiting the official website of UPSC to initiate your application process for the CDS (1) 2025 Exam.
Step 2: Complete “Part I” of Application:
Enter your credentials in the designated fields under the section labeled “Part I” of the application form.
Step 3: Check Eligibility and Choose Academy:
Prior to proceeding, carefully review the eligibility criteria and select the desired academy (Indian Naval Academy, Indian Air Force Academy, etc.) for which you wish to apply.
Step 4: Generate Registration ID:
Upon completion of “Part A,” a unique registration ID will be generated. Proceed to “Part B” of the CDS 1 application form.
Step 4: Upload Required Documents:
Upload all necessary documents and signatures in the prescribed format (PDF, JPEG, etc.). Utilize tools like the Testbook Resize Tool to ensure compliance with specified dimensions.
Step 5: Pay Application Fee and Select Exam Center:
Make the payment of the application fee through the designated payment gateway and select your preferred examination center.
Step 6: Review and Submit:
Thoroughly review all details entered in the application form and ensure accuracy. Once verified, click on the “Submit” button to finalize your application.
Step 7: Save Application Number:
Safely store the application number generated upon successful submission for future reference and correspondence.
Step 8: Print Application Form:
Take a printout of the completed application form for your records and future reference purposes.
CDS 2025 Application Fees
The CDS 1 2025 Application Form will only be completed if you pay the application fee along with the application forms. Remember the following pointers for clarity.
- The application fee is Rs.200/- for all categories.
- The SC/ST/females do not have to pay any fees as they are exempted.
- You can pay via depositing money in SBI Bank by cash, Visa/Master/Rupay Credit/Debit Card/UPI Payment or by using the internet banking facility of any Bank.
- You can pay offline at any branch of the State Bank Of India.
CDS 2025 Eligibility Criteria
The CDS Eligibility Criteria including the age limit and educational qualifications, varies for posts under the IMA, AFA, Navy, INA, SSC(M) and SSC(W).
- For I.M.A. and Officers’ Training Academy, a degree of a recognized University or equivalent.
- For Indian Naval Academy, a degree in Engineering from a recognized University/Institution
- For Air Force Academy, a degree of a recognized University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or Bachelor of Engineering.
- The age of the candidates vary post wise, candidates can visit the attached link above to view more details about the eligibility.
CDS 2025 Selection Process
The CDS selection process involves a few stages that the candidates have to clear with flying colors to go a step closer to obtaining their desired post in their desired academy like AFA, IMA, etc. The various selection stages include
Written Examination
The first phase in the CDS selection procedure is the written exam. It comprises 2 hour papers. Candidates will just have to attempt the English and General Knowledge sections of the examination for admission to the officer training academy. Candidates for the Indian Naval Academy, Indian Maritime Academy, and Indian Air Force Academy must pass all three papers: English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics.
SSB Interview or Personality Test
The personality exam or SSB interview is the second phase in the CDS selection process. Stage I and Stage II of the SSB technique are two-stage selection processes. Only those applicants who have passed Stage I are eligible to take Stage II.
Document Verification
During the Document Verification stage, candidates must present all necessary documents to validate their eligibility. This includes educational certificates, proof of age, identity, and other relevant documents as per the notification. The verification ensures that the candidate meets all eligibility criteria for the CDS 1 exam. Failure to provide the required documents may lead to disqualification.
Medical Examination
All of the shortlisted candidates will undergo a medical examination to determine whether or not they are medically fit. A Board of Service Medical Officers conducts a medical examination of the applicants nominated by the Services Selection Board. Women applicants are examined by a Medical Board made up of male and female doctors, specialists, and gynecologists. A Lady Medical Officer will also be a member of the Board. Only those candidates who have been deemed fit by the Medical Board will be allowed into the Academy.
Note: A final merit list will be prepared for the shortlisted candidates who clear all these stages successfully.
CDS 2025 Syllabus
Candidates willing to apply for this examination should be well aware of the comprehensive and detailed CDS 1 syllabus for the CDS 2025 Exam. It includes the subjects of which they should know the important topics and sub-topics. Candidates can find the attached link in this article to view more about the UPSC CDS 1 Syllabus.
CDS 2025 Exam Pattern
The candidates who are applying to these respectable academies as mentioned above should be well aware of the latest examination pattern to have a well-informed idea about the important topics and sub-topics from an examination point of view. The table below shows the CDS exam pattern for Indian Naval Academy, Indian Military Academy & Indian Airforce Academy.
| CDS Exam Pattern (INA, IMA, Indian Airforce Academy) | |||
| Subject | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
| English | 120 | 100 | 2 hours |
| General Knowledge | 120 | 100 | 2 hours |
| Elementary Mathematics | 100 | 100 | 2 hours |
CDS Exam Pattern For Officers Training Academy
The written exam pattern for the CDS Examination varies in the case of the OTA or Officer Training Academy. Let us look at the tabulated forms below for a better idea.
| UPSC CDS Exam Pattern for OTA | |||
| Subject | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
| English | 120 | 100 | 2 hours |
| General Knowledge | 120 | 100 | 2 hours |
CDS Exam Interview
The CDS SSB Interview will be held for candidates who pass the written exams. The CDS SSB Interview is divided into two stages, each of which includes an intelligence and personality test:
- Officer Intelligence Rating, Picture Perception, and Description Test make up Stage 1.
- Interview, Group Testing Officer Task, Psychology Test, and Conference are all part of Stage 2.
- The CDS SSB Interview lasts four days. During the interview round, candidates are assessed physically, mentally, and psychologically.
CDS 2025 Salary
Those who pass the CDS exam will be paid a stipend during their training days. They will be paid a stipend of Rs 21,000 per month. The candidates who qualify for this prestigious UPSC CDS examination will receive a handsome salary as per the 7th pay Commission. It is quite sought after by the commissioned officers recruited via CDS. The CDS salary range varies rank-wise and also with the years of service rendered by the officers. Let us look at the table below for a better understanding:
| Sr. No. | Ranks | Pay Scale | Pay Matrix Level |
| 1 | Lieutenant | Rs. 56,100 – 1,77,500/- | Level 10 |
| 2 | Captain | Rs. 61,300 – 1,93,900 | Level 10B |
| 3 | Major | Rs. 69,400 – 2,07,200 | Level 11 |
| 4 | Lieutenant Colonel | Rs. 1,21,200 – 2,12,400 | Level 12A |
| 5 | Colonel | Rs. 1,30,600 – 2,15,900 | Level 13 |
| 6 | Brigadier | Rs. 1,39,600 – 2,17,600 | Level 13A |
| 7 | Major General | Rs. 1,44,200 – 2,18,200 | Level 14 |
| 8 | Lieutenant General | Rs. 1,82,200 – 2,24,100 | Level 15 |
| 9 | HAG + Scale | Rs. 2,05,400 – 2,24,400 | Level 16 |
| 10 | VCOAS/ Army Cdr/ Lieutenant General (NFSG) | Rs. 2,25,000 (fixed) | Level 17 |
| 11 | COAS | Rs. 2,50,000 (fixed) | Level 18 |
CDS Exam Books
The UPSC CDS I Books are important resources for the aspirants. These books provide thorough coverage of the exam syllabus, aiding in effective preparation and proficiency enhancement. Additionally, practice sets and sample papers provided in these books allow candidates to gauge their progress and identify areas for improvement. Therefore the books help develop concept clarity and provide tips, and strategies for the exam.
CDS Exam Preparation Tips
Given below are some UPSC CDS I Preparation Tips which can help you prepare for the written test.
- Start by thoroughly understanding the exam pattern and syllabus. Familiarize yourself with the sections, topics, and marking scheme. This will help you create a structured study plan.
- Solve Previous Year Question Papers. This will not only familiarize you with the exam pattern but also help you identify your strengths and weaknesses. Focus more on areas where you face difficulty and work on improving them.
- Take regular mock tests to simulate the exam environment and assess your preparation level. Analyze your performance in these tests and identify areas that need improvement. Additionally, mock tests will help you manage your time effectively during the exam.
- Allocate dedicated time for revision in your study schedule. Make concise notes of important points, formulas, and concepts to aid in quick revision.
CDS 2025 Cut Off
The UPSC CDS I Cut Off is announced online in a few days after the exam. The cut off marks determine the selection of candidates for the further selection process. The cut off marks are influenced by various factors such as the difficulty level of the exam, number of vacancies available, and overall performance of the candidates.
CDS 2025 Hall Ticket
The UPSC is expected to release the CDS admit card 2025 on the last working day of the preceding week of the date of examination, To download the CDS 1 Admit Card, candidates need to login to their account on the UPSC portal using their registration ID/roll number and date of birth. Along with the admit card, UPSC might also release the exam city details of the candidates.
CDS 2025 Answer Key
The UPSC CDS I Answer Key serves as a tool for candidates to assess their performance in the examination. It provides transparency in the evaluation process and allows candidates to compare their responses with the officially released key. Candidates are also allowed to raise objections against the provisional answer key for the written exam.
CDS 2025 Result
The UPSC is expected to release the CDS Result 2025 by June 2025 on the official website. Candidates who appeared for the written examination conducted by UPSC on 13th April 2025 can check their CDS result online. The result contains details like the roll numbers of recommended candidates, their all India ranks and qualifying marks. Separate merit lists are prepared for IMA, AFA, Navy, INA, SSC(M) and SSC(W).
