UPSC CDS 2025 Notification Out; Apply at upsconline.gov.in

CDS 2025 Notification is out on the official website of UPSC. Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) released the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS I) notification 2025, on December 11, 2024. This exam is conducted to recruit eligible candidates into premier defense academies like the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA).

Download CDS 1 2025 Notification PDF	Apply online for CDS 1 2025

Important Dates for CDS I, 2025

Event	Date
Notification Release	December 11, 2024
Start of Online Application	December 11, 2024
Last Date to Apply	December 31, 2024 (6:00 PM)
Correction Window	January 1–7, 2025
Exam Date	April 13, 2025

How many vacancies are out for CDS I 2025?

Course	Number of Vacancies
Indian Military Academy (IMA)	100
Indian Naval Academy (INA)	32
Air Force Academy (AFA)	32
Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) - Men	275
Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) - Women	18

Total vacancies: 457

Eligibility Criteria

Nationality:

Must be a citizen of India, or
A subject of Nepal or Bhutan, or
A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, or other specified countries.

Age limits:

Indian Military Academy and Indian Naval Academy: Born between January 2, 2002, and January 1, 2007.
Air Force Academy: 20–24 years as of January 1, 2026.
Officers’ Training Academy: Specific criteria based on marital status and gender.

Educational Qualification:

Indian Military Academy and Officers’ Training Academy: Degree from a recognized university.
Indian Naval Academy: Engineering degree.
Air Force Academy: Degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level or a Bachelor’s in Engineering.

Key Instructions

Candidates must apply online at the UPSC online portal.
There will be a penalty of one-third of the marks for wrong answers in objective-type questions.
Requests for application withdrawal will not be entertained after submission.
Ensure your email ID remains active for communication.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What is the last date to apply for CDS I, 2025?

Answer: The last date to apply is December 31, 2024, till 6:00 PM.

Question: How can I correct errors in my application form?

Answer: The correction window will be open from January 1 to January 7, 2025. Modifications can be made only during this period.

Question: What are the fees for CDS I, 2025?

Answer: The application fee is 200 INR for general candidates. Female, Scheduled Caste, and Scheduled Tribes candidates are exempted from paying the fee.

Question: When will the CDS I, 2025 exam be conducted?

Answer: The exam is scheduled for April 13, 2025.

Question: How many vacancies are available for CDS I, 2025?

Answer: A total of 457 vacancies are available across the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers’ Training Academy.

Question: Is there any negative marking in the CDS exam?

Answer: Yes, one-third marks will be deducted for every incorrect answer in objective-type questions.