UPSC CDS Exam Date 2025: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) administers the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination twice a year to enroll candidates into the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA).
The UPSC CDS Exam Date 2025 has been officially released, giving potential candidates the timetable and other information. This detailed guide tries to provide all the information that is needed for the UPSC CDS Exam Date 2025, including key dates, eligibility, application procedure, pattern of the exam, and study tips.
UPSC CDS Exam Date 2025
The UPSC has published the examination calendar for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2025. The CDS 1 exam is going to be conducted on April 13, 2025, and the CDS 2 exam on September 14, 2025. Following is the detailed calendar:
|
Event |
CDS 1 (2025) |
CDS 2 (2025) |
| Notification Release Date | December 11, 2024 | May 28, 2025 |
| Application Start Date | December 11, 2024 | May 28, 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | December 31, 2024 | June 17, 2025 |
| Admit Card Release Date | April 6, 2025 (Tentative) | To be announced |
| Exam Date | April 13, 2025 | September 14, 2025 |
| Result Declaration Date | To be announced | To be announced |
UPSC CDS Exam Date 2025 Eligibility Criteria
In order to be qualified for the UPSC CDS Exam 2025, applicants should fulfill certain requirements in terms of nationality, age, and educational background.
Nationality
Candidates must be:
- A citizen of India, or
- A subject of Nepal or Bhutan, or
- A Tibetan refugee who came over to India before January 1, 1962, intending to settle permanently in India.
Age Limit
The age limits vary according to the academy:
- IMA: Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than July 2, 2001, and not later than July 1, 2006.
- INA: Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than July 2, 2001, and not later than July 1, 2006.
- AFA: 20 to 24 years old as of July 1, 2025, i.e., born not earlier than July 2, 2001, and not later than July 1, 2005. The upper age limit for candidates holding a valid and current Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA (India) is relaxable up to 26 years.
- OTA (Men): Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than July 2, 2000, and not later than July 1, 2006.
- OTA (Women): Unmarried women, issueless widows who have not remarried, and issueless divorcees (in possession of divorce documents) who have not remarried are eligible. They should have been born not earlier than July 2, 2000, and not later than July 1, 2006.
Educational Qualification
- IMA and OTA: Degree from a recognized University or equivalent.
- INA: Degree in Engineering from a recognized University or institution.
- AFA: Degree of a recognized University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or Bachelor of Engineering.
Final year students are also eligible to apply, provided they submit proof of passing the degree examination at the time of the SSB interview.
UPSC CDS Exam Date 2025 Application Process
The online application process for the UPSC CDS Exam 2025 is done through the official UPSC website. Candidates must register themselves by giving required personal and educational information. Once registered successfully, applicants are required to complete the application form, upload scanned documents as required, and submit the application fee.
The fee for General and OBC candidates is ₹200. SC/ST candidates and female candidates are exempted from the fee. The fee can be paid online through debit/credit cards or net banking, or offline through e-challan.
UPSC CDS Exam Date 2025 Exam Pattern
The UPSC CDS Exam 2025 consists of a written examination followed by an interview. The written examination for IMA, INA, and AFA includes three papers:
- English: 100 marks
- General Knowledge: 100 marks
- Elementary Mathematics: 100 marks
For OTA candidates, the written examination includes two papers:
- English: 100 marks
- General Knowledge: 100 marks
Each paper is of two hours duration. The interview is conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB) and carries 300 marks.
UPSC CDS Exam Date 2025 Selection Process
The selection process for the UPSC CDS Exam 2025 is as follows:
- Written Examination: Candidates must appear for the written examination as per the schedule.
- SSB Interview: Shortlisted candidates from the written examination are called for the SSB interview.
- Medical Examination: Candidates who clear the SSB interview undergo a medical examination.
- Final Merit List: Based on the performance in the written examination, SSB interview, and medical examination, a final merit list is prepared.
UPSC CDS Exam Date 2025 Preparation Tips
To pass the UPSC CDS Exam 2025, applicants should keep in mind the following preparation tips:
- Understanding the syllabus is crucial. Familiarize yourself with the topics covered in each paper.
- Develop a study schedule that allocates time for each subject.
- Regular practice with previous year question papers can help in understanding the exam pattern and improving time management skills.
- Staying updated with current affairs and general knowledge topics is essential.
- Regularly taking mock tests can help assess your preparation level and identify areas that need improvement.
UPSC CDS Exam Date 2025 Important Instructions
Candidates who are appearing for the UPSC CDS Exam 2025 must follow the following instructions:
- Bring the admit card to the examination center along with one valid photo ID proof.
- Mark answers using only black ballpoint pens. Report to the examination center at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled time.
- Do not take electronic devices, calculators, or any other banned items into the examination hall.
UPSC CDS Exam Date 2025 FAQs
Q1: When will the UPSC CDS Exam 2025 be held?
A1: The CDS 1 exam is scheduled for April 13, 2025, and the CDS 2 exam will take place on September 14, 2025.
Q2: How can I apply for the UPSC CDS Exam 2025?
A2: Applications can be submitted online through the official UPSC website.
Q3: What is the age limit for candidates applying for the UPSC CDS Exam 2025?
A3: The age limit varies according to the academy. For detailed information, refer to the eligibility criteria section.
Q4: What is the selection process for the UPSC CDS Exam 2025?
A4: The selection process includes a written examination, SSB interview, and medical examination.
Q5: Where can I find the official notification for the UPSC CDS Exam 2025?
A5: The official notification is available on the UPSC website.
