UPSC CDS Examination (I) 2025

UPSC CDS Examination (I) 2025

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) invites applications for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination (I) 2025. This prestigious examination is conducted for recruitment into the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA).

Overview:

Vacancy Details:

Applications are invited for a total of 457 vacant posts.

1. Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun:
   • Vacancies: 100
   • Includes 13 vacancies reserved for NCC ‘C’ Certificate (Army Wing) holders.
2. Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala:
   • Vacancies: 32
   • Includes 6 vacancies reserved for NCC ‘C’ Certificate (Naval Wing) holders.
3. Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad:
   • Vacancies: 32
   • Includes 3 vacancies reserved for NCC ‘C’ Certificate (Air Wing) holders.
4. Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (SSC Men):
   • Vacancies: 275
5. Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (SSC Women Non-Technical):
   • Vacancies: 18

Eligibility Criteria:

Nationality:

Candidates must be:

• A citizen of India, or
• A subject of Nepal, or
• A person of Indian origin who has migrated from certain countries with the intention of permanently settling in India (refer to the official notification for details).

Age Limit:

1. IMA:
   • Unmarried male candidates born between 2 January 2002 and 1 January 2007.
2. INA:
   • Unmarried male candidates born between 2 January 2002 and 1 January 2007.
3. AFA:
   • 20 to 24 years as of 1 January 2026 (born between 2 January 2002 and 1 January 2006).
   • Upper age limit relaxable to 26 years for candidates holding a valid and current Commercial Pilot Licence.
4. OTA (SSC Men):
   • Unmarried male candidates born between 2 January 2001 and 1 January 2007.
5. OTA (SSC Women Non-Technical):
   • Unmarried women, issueless widows, and issueless divorcees who have not remarried, born between 2 January 2001 and 1 January 2007.

Educational Qualifications:

1. IMA and OTA:
   • A degree from a recognized university or equivalent.
2. INA:
   • A degree in Engineering from a recognized university or institution.
3. AFA:
   • A degree from a recognized university with Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level, or a Bachelor of Engineering.

Physical Standards:

Candidates must be physically fit as per the prescribed physical standards outlined in the official notification.

Selection Process:

1. Written Examination:

• IMA, INA, AFA:
  • English: 100 Marks
  • General Knowledge: 100 Marks
  • Elementary Mathematics: 100 Marks
• OTA:
  • English: 100 Marks
  • General Knowledge: 100 Marks

2. SSB Interview:

• Conducted for candidates who qualify in the written examination.

3. Medical Examination:

• Final selection based on medical fitness, SSB performance, and merit.

How to Apply:

1. Visit the official UPSC portal: UPSC Online Portal.
2. Complete Part I and Part II of the application form.
3. Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and valid photo ID.
4. Pay the application fee online or through SBI bank branches.

Application Fee:

• General/OBC: ₹200
• Female/SC/ST: Exempted

Important Dates:

Important Links: