UPSC CDS Recruitment 2025

UPSC CDS Recruitment 2025 Notification Out, Apply Online Now for 457 Vacancies

UPSC CDS Recruitment 2025 : The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the notification for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination (I) 2025, aimed at recruiting candidates for various courses in the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). A total of 457 vacancies are available, and eligible candidates can apply online by December 31, 2024.

The examination is scheduled for April 13, 2025. The CDS (I) 2025 provides an opportunity to join prestigious defense academies, with specific eligibility requirements regarding age, educational qualifications, and nationality.

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Posts, Vacancies, and Pay for UPSC CDS Recruitment 2025

The Combined Defence Services Examination (I) 2025 offers various opportunities for candidates to join the defense services of India. Below is the list of posts, their respective vacancies, and the pay scale:

Post Name	Vacancies	Pay (Approx.)
Indian Military Academy (IMA)	100	₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500
Indian Naval Academy (INA)	32	₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500
Air Force Academy (AFA)	32	₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 (Flying Officer rank)
Officers’ Training Academy (Men)	275	₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500
Officers’ Training Academy (Women)	18	₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500

Eligibility Criteria for UPSC CDS Recruitment 2025

The required educational qualifications and age limits for each post:

Post Name	Educational Qualification	Age Limit
Indian Military Academy (IMA)	Degree	19 to 24 years
Indian Naval Academy (INA)	Degree in Engineering	19 to 24 years
Air Force Academy (AFA)	Degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level, or B.E./B.Tech	20 to 24 years
Officers’ Training Academy (Men)	Degree	19 to 25 years
Officers’ Training Academy (Women)	Degree	19 to 25 years

Fees for UPSC CDS Recruitment 2025

The application fee for the UPSC Combined Defence Services Examination (I) 2025 is ₹200 for most candidates. However, candidates belonging to the SC/ST categories and all female candidates are exempt from paying the fee. Payment can be made via cash at any SBI branch, Visa/Master/Rupay Credit/Debit Card, UPI, or internet banking.

If opting for the “Pay by Cash” method, the payment must be made by December 30, 2024. After this date, only online payment methods will be accepted​.

UPSC CDS Recruitment 2025 Selection Process

The selection process for CDS (I) 2025 involves a two-stage process:

Written Examination:

• For Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Air Force Academy (AFA): Subjects include English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics, each carrying 100 marks.
• For Officers’ Training Academy (OTA): Subjects include English and General Knowledge, each carrying 100 marks.

Intelligence and Personality Test (SSB Interview):

• Stage I: Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception and Description Test (PP&DT).
• Stage II: Interviews, Group Testing, Psychological Tests, and a final conference.
• Candidates are assessed for “Officer-like Qualities” and trainability​.

Application Process for UPSC CDS Recruitment 2025

Candidates must apply online through the UPSC website upsconline.nic.in. The process includes two parts:

1. Registration: Personal and educational details are submitted. Scanned copies of a photo ID and recent photograph with a name/date stamp are required.
2. Filling Application: Candidates select preferences for courses and make the fee payment (if applicable). Corrections in the application form can be made between January 1 and January 7, 2025. Applications must be submitted by December 31, 2024, by 6:00 PM

Official Notification PDF

Click Here to Apply Online

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Important Dates for UPSC CDS Recruitment 2025

Event	Date
Release of Notification	December 11, 2024
Start of Online Application	December 11, 2024
Last Date for Online Application	December 31, 2024 (Till 6:00 PM)
Correction Window for Applications	January 1, 2025 – January 7, 2025
Date of Written Examination	April 13, 2025
Admit Card Availability	April 6, 2025 (Approx.)
Declaration of Written Exam Results	May 2025 (Tentative)
SSB Interview Dates	August 2025 – December 2025

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for UPSC CDS Recruitment 2025

Q1. Who is exempted from paying the application fee?
A: Female candidates and candidates belonging to SC/ST categories are exempted from paying the application fee.

Q2. Can final-year students apply for the CDS exam?
A: Yes, final-year students can apply, provided they do not have any backlog at the time of application and submit proof of passing the degree by the specified date.

Q3. What is the mode of application for CDS (I) 2025?
A: The application process is entirely online through the UPSC website upsconline.nic.in.

Q4. Can candidates make corrections to the application form?
A: Yes, candidates can make corrections between January 1 and January 7, 2025, after the application window closes.

Q5. What is the selection process for CDS?
A: The selection involves a written examination followed by an SSB interview, including intelligence and personality tests.

Q6. Are married candidates eligible for CDS?
A: Married candidates above 25 years of age are eligible for the Air Force Academy but will not be provided married accommodation during training.

Q7. How are e-Admit Cards issued?
A: e-Admit Cards are issued online, typically seven days before the exam date, and must be downloaded from the UPSC website. No hard copies are sent by post.