Introduction: CDS 2025 Entrance Exam application process is been initiated for the interested candidate. Before we provide you with the latest information lets explain you everything about CDS Exam.
Complete information on Combined Defense Services (CDS 2025) Examination
CDS exam stands for Combined Defense Services Examination, which is an all India level entrance exam for the entry to join the Indian Military Academy, Officers Training Academy, Indian Naval Academy and Indian Air Force Academy.
The CDS exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to recruit candidates in the mentioned forces. This examination is conducted twice a year in the month of February and September. Interested candidate can start applying for the examination through the online portal of UPSC.
The selection process starts with a written examination which followed by an interview. Only the selected short listed candidates are invited to join any one of the academy through a merit list which again depends on the performance of the candidate.
The CDS 2025 exam is twice a year usually known as CDS I and CDS II
What is the CDS 2025 exam process?
The process of CDS 2025 exam is very simple the application form can be filled on online on the UPSC website
| Name of Entrance Exam | CDS (Combined Defense Services) |
| Exam organizers | UPSC |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Official Website | https://www.upsconline.nic.in/ |
| Application fee | Rs. 200/=
§ SC/ST candidates are exempted from fee payment.
|
CDS 2025 Entrance Exam Tentative Dates
| Events | CDS 1 2025 Exam Dates | CDS 2 2025 Exam Date |
| Notification Release Date | Dec-24 | May-25 |
| Online application form submission date start | Dec-24 | May-25 |
| Last date of application form date | Jan-24 | Jun-25 |
| Admit card download date | Mar-25 | Aug-25 |
| CDS 2025 Exam Date | Apr-25 | Sep-25 |
| Result Date | Update Soon | Update Soon |
| CDS Exam 2025 SSB Date | — | — |
The UPSC selection process is through written exam and SSB interview.
List of Academies to join after CDS exam
| S. No. | Name of the academy | Place |
| 1. | Indian Military Academy | Dehradun |
| 2. | Air Force Academy | Hyderabad |
| 3. | Officers’ Training Academy (SSC Men) | Chennai |
| 4. | Officers Training Academy (SSC Women) | Chennai |
| 5. | Indian Naval Academy | Ezhimala |
Eligibility criteria for candidates who want to appear for CDS 2025 exam
The eligibility criterion for the application is mentioned in the UPSC examination guidelines all candidates are requested to check the official website once. Here we are also providing the eligibility criteria.
- NATIONALITY
The candidate be one of these
- The Citizenship of India, or
- The subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or
- Tibetan refugee who had been migrated to India before January 01, 1962 with the intention of Permanent Settle, or
- An individual of Indian Origin migrated from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Burma, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Malawi, Zambia, Zaire & Vietnam for permanent settle purpose in India.
- Gender and Marital Status Eligibility
| Academy | Gender | Marital Status |
| Indian Military Academy | Male | Unmarried |
| Indian Naval Academy | Male | Unmarried |
| Indian Air Force Academy | Male | Unmarried |
| Officer Training Academy | Male | Married/Unmarried |
| Officer Training Academy | Female | Unmarried |
3. Educational Qualification
The educational qualification for UPSC CDS exam for vacancies and admission into academies are as follows.
| Recruiting academy | Educational Eligibility Criteria |
| IMA | Graduate from Recognized University |
| INA | Engineering Degree from Recognized University |
| AFA | Engineering Degree (Physics & Maths at 10+2) or B. Tech from Recognized University |
| OTA | Graduate from Recognized University |
4. Age limit
| Academies | CDS Exam I | CDS Exam II | ||
| Not born earlier than | Not born later than | Not born earlier than | Not born later than | |
| IMA – Indian Military Academy | 2nd January 1999 | 1st January 2004 | 2nd July 1999 | 1st July 2004 |
| INA – Indian Naval Academy | 2nd January 1999 | 1st January 2004 | 2nd July 1999 | 1st July 2004 |
| AFA – Air Force Academy | 2nd January 1999 | 1st January 2004 | 2nd July 1999 | 1st July 2004 |
| OTA – Officers Training Academy (MEN) | 2nd January 1998 | 1st January 2004 | 2nd July 1999 | 1st July 2004 |
| OTA – Officers Training Academy (Women) | 2-Jan-98 | 1-Jan-04 | 2-Jan-98 | 1-Jan-04 |
We have already discussed that the examination is conducted two times in a year the first step is always the written examination after which the qualifying candidates are invited for the SSB interview. Final selection is based on the merit list which a candidate has scored in the overall selection process.
How to fill the online application form (process) step by step guide
The CDS exam application process is filled in two parts which are Part 1 and Part 2 respectively. The application process involves the payment of application fee, registration, documents submission and over all information in the form.
Please check below the Part I and Part 2 of application process. Do not miss any step and note down the steps.
Application process CDS 2025 EXAM PART 1
- Visit the official website of UPSC (https://upsconline.nic.in/).
- Click on ‘apply online’ option (right-hand) side of the website).
- Search for CDS examination name. Click on ‘click here for part 1’ button for this examination.
- Go through the set of instructions. Click on ‘yes’ button to proceed.
- An application form will appear on your screen.
- Fill up the application form by entering the following details – personal details, academic details, address and contact details.
- Click on ‘continue’ button.
- Select the type of photo ID card (Aadhar card, PAN card, Driving license, Passport etc).
- Enter the photo ID card number.
- Enter your preferences.
- Click on ‘continue’ button.
- Preview your part 1 form. Click on ‘update’ button to make changes to the form.
- Enter the captcha code and click on ‘I agree’ button to proceed.
- You will get a part 1 registration slip/receipt. Print this slip for future use/reference.
- You’ll also receive confirmation message via SMS/E-Mail.
As soon as candidates will finish the Part 1 application process then will then proceed to the Part 2 registration process by clicking on the Part 2 registration.
Application process CDS 2025 EXAM PART 2
- After completing part 1 registration, click on ‘click here for part 2 registration’ button.
- Enter your registration id, date of birth and captcha code.
- Click on ‘submit’ button.
- Pay the application fee. Choose preferred mode of payment and pay the application fee.
- After payment, you will find payment receipt on the screen.
- Save payment receipt for future use/reference.
- Click on ‘continue’ button.
- Enter your choice of exam centre.
- Click on ‘submit’ button.
- Upload relevant documents (photograph, signature and photo ID proof of the candidate).
- Click on ‘upload image’ button.
- Preview the uploaded images and click on ‘continue’ button.
- Enter your photo ID number.
- Go through the declaration text. Click on ‘I agree..’ button.
- Part 2 registration process is complete. You may click on view/print application button to save/print the application form.
What are the important documents and things required?
- A valid email id
- An active mobile number
- Academic certificates
- Scanned documents (photograph, signature and photo ID card)
- Photo ID card
- Credit/debit card for paying application fee
What are the document file size and format requirement to fill the application form?
| Items | Size | Pixels | Bit | Format |
| Photograph | 20 – 300 Kbs | 350×350 – 1000×1000 | 24 | .jpg |
| Signature | 20 – 300 Kbs | 350×350 – 1000×1000 | 24 | .jpg |
| Photo identity card | 20 – 300 Kbs | – | – |
Final recommendation and suggestions
After reading this article you must have learned everything about the CDS exam process in India and how to go about it.
Here are few recommendations to avoid last minute hassles.
- Keep ready all the necessary documents with you before you initiate the process
- Read the eligibility criteria again.
- Follow the Part 1 and Part II application process.
- Visit official website and also read the instruction carefully
- Start preparing for the physical fitness follow a fitness regime
- Always keep the printout of the confirmation page.
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