Defence and Paramilitary Exams 2025
Pursuing a career in the Indian Armed Forces is a dream for many young individuals inspired by the discipline and valor of the military. For those determined to join, understanding the key Indian defence exams after 12th grade is essential.
This journey begins with completing your 12th-grade education from a recognized board and meeting the age criteria, typically between 16.5 and 19.5 years, depending on the specific exam requirements.
Indian defence exams focus on building leadership skills, resilience, and discipline. Some of the most sought-after exams include NDA, AFCAT, CDS, CAPF, BSF, INCET Navy, and the Territorial Army.
Every year, around 500,000 candidates compete for opportunities to join prestigious institutions such as the Indian Military Academy (IMA) Dehradun, Indian Naval Academy (INA) Ezhimala, Air Force Academy (AFA) Dundigal, and the Officer’s Training Academy (OTA) Chennai and Gaya.
Defence Exams 2025
Defence exams in India are conducted to select eligible candidates for recruitment into the esteemed Indian Armed Forces. These exams pave the way for admission into prestigious Defence training academies, including:
- Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun
- Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala
- Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad
- Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai
Every year, millions of aspirants take these exams, driven by the dream of serving the nation and being part of one of the most respected professions in India. This guide provides detailed information on various Defence exams in India, helping aspirants effectively prepare for their upcoming challenges.
List of Defence Exams 2025
The Indian Army offers a diverse range of career opportunities, catering to various skill sets and ambitions. From combat roles to medical, technical, and administrative positions, it provides a platform for individuals to contribute meaningfully to the nation. Joining the Indian Army after 12th grade is a noble pursuit that demands dedication and thorough preparation.
Below is a list of the top Defence exams in India:
- CDS
- NDA
- AFCAT
- ICG
- INET
- CAPF
- IB ACIO
- Territorial Army
Defence Exams 2025 Highlights
Defence exams offer prestigious, dignified and lucrative career opportunities. Most of the defence exams in India are conducted by the UPSC – Union Public Service Commission. However, there are individual organisations also that conduct their own exams to fill up various vacancies.
Check the highlights of Defence Exams 2024 in the table below:
| Defence Exams 2025 Highlights | |||
| Exam | Conducting Body | Frequency | Main Purpose |
| Combined Defence Services (CDS) | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) | Twice a year (April and September) | Recruitment of officer cadets for IMA, INA, AFA, OTA |
| National Defence Academy (NDA) | UPSC | Twice a year | Admission to NDA for Army, Navy, Air Force |
| Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) | Indian Air Force | Biannual | Recruitment for various branches of the Indian Air Force |
| Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Exam | Indian Coast Guard | Annually | Recruitment of officers in the Indian Coast Guard |
| Indian Navy Entrance Test (INET) | Indian Navy | Annually | Entry into various branches of the Indian Navy |
| Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) Exam | UPSC | Once a year | Recruitment of Assistant Commandants in CAPF |
| Intelligence Bureau Assistant Central Intelligence Officer (IB ACIO) | Ministry of Home Affairs | Annually | Recruitment for Assistant Central Intelligence Officers |
| Territorial Army Exam | Territorial Army | Annually | Recruitment for part-time soldiers in the Territorial Army |
Defence Exams Calender 2025
Check the calendar for key Defence Exams in 2025, including important dates for notifications, application periods, and exam dates:
| Defence Exams Calender 2025 | ||||
| Exam | Notification Date | Application Period | Exam Date | Result Declaration |
| National Defence Academy (NDA) I | December 11, 2024 | December 11 to December 31, 2024 | April 13, 2025 | May 2025 |
| National Defence Academy (NDA) II | May 28, 2025 | May 28 to June 17, 2025 | September 14, 2025 | September 2025 |
| Combined Defence Services (CDS) I | December 11, 2024 | December 11 to December 31, 2024 | April 13, 2025 | May 2025 |
| Combined Defence Services (CDS) II | June 2025 (exact date TBD) | June 2025 (exact dates TBD) | September 2025 | October 2025 |
| Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) | January/July (exact dates TBD) | January/July (exact dates TBD) | February/August (exact dates TBD) | March/September (exact dates TBD) |
| Indian Coast Guard (ICG) | Annually (exact date TBD) | Annually (exact date TBD) | Annually (exact date TBD) | Annually (exact date TBD) |
| Indian Navy Entrance Test (INET) | Annually (exact date TBD) | Annually (exact date TBD) | Annually (exact date TBD) | Annually (exact date TBD) |
| Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) | April 2025 (tentative) | April – May 2025 | August – September 2025 | October – November 2025 |
| Intelligence Bureau ACIO | Annually (exact date TBD) | Annually (exact date TBD) | Annually (exact date TBD) | Annually (exact date TBD) |
| Territorial Army Exam | July/August (exact dates TBD) | July/August (exact dates TBD) | September/October (exact dates TBD) | October/November (exact dates TBD) |
Defence Exams 2025 Eligibility
To apply for defence exams 2025, candidates must meet certain eligibility requirements, which typically vary depending on the specific exam. Below are the general criteria:
Nationality:
- Candidates must be Indian citizens.
- For some exams, individuals of Nepalese or Bhutanese origin may also be eligible under specific conditions.
Age Limit:
The minimum and maximum age limits depend on the exam. For example, NDA candidates typically fall between 16.5 and 19.5 years, while CDS applicants may have broader age criteria.
Educational Qualification:
Requirements vary by exam. For instance:
- NDA: Must have completed 10+2.
- CDS: A bachelor’s degree is generally required.
Physical Fitness:
Candidates must meet prescribed physical and medical standards, including height, weight, and vision benchmarks.
Gender:
Some exams are open to both male and female candidates, while others may have restrictions based on the role or position.
Defence Exams 2025 Result
The results of defence exams are announced online by the respective conducting authorities, such as UPSC or individual organizations. Candidates can check their results by visiting the official website and entering their credentials, such as roll numbers or registration details. The result typically includes a merit list of qualified candidates and cut-off marks for each category.
Successful candidates proceed to the next stages, such as interviews, physical tests, or medical examinations. It’s important to regularly check updates and notifications to stay informed about the result announcement and further steps in the selection process.
Defence Exams 2025 Preparation
Preparing for Defence Exams in India requires a well-structured and strategic plan. Here are some essential tips to help you succeed:
- Create a Study Schedule: Plan your study routine and stick to it consistently to cover all topics effectively.
- Join a Study Group: Connect with others preparing for the same exam or those who have already cleared it. Discussing topics and clearing doubts can boost your confidence and knowledge.
- Take Notes: While studying, jot down important points. Short, concise notes are perfect for quick revisions, especially as the exam date approaches.
- Stay Updated with Relevant News: Focus on listening to short, relevant news updates. Avoid spending time on unnecessary discussions unless required.
- Use Memory Techniques: Apply techniques like mnemonics or visualization to remember key facts and concepts more effectively.
- Practice Regularly: Attempt mock tests and practice answer writing frequently. This helps improve your speed, accuracy, and time management during the exam.
- Identify Weak Areas: Analyze your mock test results to find areas where you need improvement. Work on these areas to strengthen your overall preparation.
Defence Exams 2025 FAQs
Q.1. What is the age limit for Defence Exams in 2025?
Ans. The age limit varies by exam, typically between 16.5 and 19.5 years for NDA and broader for CDS.
Q.2. How can I apply for Defence Exams in 2025?
Ans. Applications can be submitted online through the official websites of the respective conducting bodies.
Q.3. What is the educational qualification required for Defence Exams?
Ans. It depends on the exam; NDA requires 10+2, while CDS generally requires a bachelor’s degree.
Q.4. When will the Defence Exams 2025 results be announced?
Ans. Results are usually announced within a few months after the exam date on the respective official websites.
Q.5. Can females apply for Defence Exams?
Ans. Yes, many Defence exams are open to female candidates, but certain roles may have restrictions.