The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination is one of the most prestigious exams conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for recruitment into the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. CDS 2025 offers a golden opportunity for aspirants looking to serve the nation as officers in the Indian Armed Forces. This guide covers the eligibility criteria, exam pattern, syllabus, preparation strategies, important dates, and career prospects after clearing the exam.
What is CDS 2025?
CDS is a national-level entrance exam conducted twice a year (CDS 1 & CDS 2) to select candidates for Indian Military Academy (IMA), Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Air Force Academy (AFA). Candidates who clear the written exam proceed to the SSB Interview, followed by medical tests before final selection.
CDS 2025 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must fulfill specific eligibility requirements to appear for the exam:
1. Nationality:
- Must be an Indian citizen.
- Subjects of Nepal/Bhutan or Tibetan refugees (before Jan 1, 1962) are also eligible.
2. Age Limit & Marital Status:
| Academy | Age Limit | Marital Status |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 19 – 24 years | Unmarried |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 19 – 24 years | Unmarried |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 20 – 24 years | Unmarried (up to 26 years for commercial pilot license holders) |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) | 19 – 25 years | Unmarried (Male & Female) |
3. Educational Qualification:
| Academy | Required Qualification |
| IMA & OTA | Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university |
| INA | Engineering degree from a recognized university |
| AFA | Bachelor’s degree with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level OR Engineering degree |
CDS 2025 Exam Pattern
The CDS exam consists of objective-type multiple-choice questions. The structure of the exam varies for IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA candidates.
For IMA, INA, and AFA:
| Subject | Marks | Duration |
| English | 100 | 2 hours |
| General Knowledge | 100 | 2 hours |
| Elementary Mathematics | 100 | 2 hours |
| Total | 300 | 6 hours |
For OTA:
| Subject | Marks | Duration |
| English | 100 | 2 hours |
| General Knowledge | 100 | 2 hours |
| Total | 200 | 4 hours |
- Negative Marking: 1/3rd mark deduction for each incorrect answer.
CDS 2025 Syllabus
The CDS syllabus includes topics from three subjects:
1. English:
- Grammar, Vocabulary, Synonyms & Antonyms
- Spotting Errors, Sentence Completion
- Comprehension, Idioms & Phrases
2. General Knowledge:
- Current Affairs (National & International)
- History, Geography, Polity, Economy
- Science & Technology, Defence-related news
3. Elementary Mathematics (For IMA, INA, AFA):
- Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry
- Trigonometry, Mensuration, Statistics
How to Prepare for CDS 2025?
1. Build a Strong Foundation
- Focus on NCERT books (Class 6-12) for Maths, Science, and History.
- Read newspapers and magazines like The Hindu, PIB, and Yojana for current affairs.
2. Improve English Proficiency
- Regularly practice reading comprehension and grammar.
- Enhance your vocabulary with daily word lists.
3. Master Mathematics Concepts
- Solve previous years’ question papers.
- Focus on speed and accuracy to manage time effectively.
4. Stay Updated with General Knowledge
- Follow defence-related news and international affairs.
- Study Indian polity, history, and geography for conceptual clarity.
5. Practice Mock Tests & Time Management
- Attempt CDS mock tests and analyze your performance.
- Develop exam-taking strategies to optimize speed and accuracy.
CDS 2025 Important Dates (Tentative)
| Events | CDS 1 2025 | CDS 2 2025 |
| Notification Release | December 2024 | May 2025 |
| Application Start Date | December 2024 | May 2025 |
| Application End Date | January 2025 | June 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | February 2025 | August 2025 |
| Exam Date | April 2025 | September 2025 |
| Result Declaration | June 2025 | November 2025 |
| SSB Interview | July – September 2025 | November 2025 – January 2026 |
Selection Process After CDS Exam
1. Written Exam: Candidates qualifying for the written test proceed to the next stage.
2. SSB Interview: A five-day assessment including:
- Psychological Tests
- Group Discussions
- Outdoor Tasks & Personal Interview
3. Medical Examination: Candidates must meet physical and medical fitness standards.
4. Final Merit List: Based on written exam + SSB interview performance.
Career Prospects After Clearing CDS 2025
Selected candidates undergo rigorous training at:
- IMA, Dehradun – Army cadets
- INA, Ezhimala – Naval cadets
- AFA, Hyderabad – Air Force cadets
- OTA, Chennai – Short Service Commission officers
After completion, they are commissioned as Lieutenants, Sub-Lieutenants, or Flying Officers, beginning an illustrious career in the Indian Armed Forces.
Final Thoughts
Cracking CDS 2025 requires dedication, consistent practice, and a well-structured preparation plan. If you aim to serve the nation and seek a career filled with adventure, discipline, and honor, start your preparation today. With the right mindset and strategy, success in the CDS exam is within your reach!
For more information, visit the official UPSC website and stay updated with the latest notifications.