The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the notification for the Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2025. The notification has been released BY UPSC on December 11, 2024. This examination aims to recruit candidates for various courses in the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA).
The CDS exam is conducted twice a year by UPSC for entry into prestigious defence academies. It provides an opportunity for graduates to serve as commissioned officers in the Indian Armed Forces. The CDS (I) 2025 will be conducted nationwide, offering multiple openings across military branches.
Key Details: Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2025
- Exam Conducting Body: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
- Exam Mode: Offline (pen-paper based)
- Selection Process: Written Test and SSB Interview
- Total Vacancies: 457
- Website: http://upsc.gov.in/
Important Dates: Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2025
- Notification Release Date: December 11, 2024
- Start of Online Applications: December 11, 2024
- Last Date to Apply: December 31, 2024
- Admit Card Release: March 2025
- Exam Date: April 21, 2025
Application Fee: Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2025
- General/OBC Candidates: ₹200
- SC/ST/Female Candidates: No fee.
- Payment can be made online via debit/credit card, net banking, or e-challan.
Age Limit: Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2025
- Indian Military Academy (IMA): 19-24 years
- Indian Naval Academy (INA): 19-24 years
- Air Force Academy (AFA): 20-24 years
- Officers’ Training Academy (OTA): 19-25 years
Educational Qualifications: Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2025
- IMA and OTA: Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
- INA: Engineering degree from a recognized institution.
- AFA: Bachelor’s degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level, or an Engineering degree.
Vacancy Details: Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2025
| S. No. | Name of the Course | No. of Vacancies | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indian Military Academy, Dehradun – 160th (DE) Course commencing in January 2026 | 100 | Includes 13 vacancies reserved for NCC ‘C’ Certificate (Army Wing) holders |
| 2 | Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala – Course commencing in January 2026 Executive Branch (General Service)/Hydro | 32 | Includes 06 vacancies reserved for NCC ‘C’ Certificate (Naval Wing) holders |
| 3 | Air Force Academy, Hyderabad – (Pre-Flying) Training Course commencing in January 2026 | 32 | Includes 03 vacancies reserved for NCC ‘C’ Certificate (Air Wing) holders through NCC Special Entry |
| 4 | Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai (Madras) 123rd SSC (Men) (NT) (UPSC) Course commencing in April 2026 | 275 | – |
| 5 | Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai (Madras) 37th SSC Women (NT) (UPSC) Course commencing in April 2026 | 18 | – |
| Total | 457 | – |