CDS 2025 CDS 1 Notification is out for 457 vacancies! Check eligibility, application process, exam pattern, salary, and important dates. Apply online before the deadline.
CDS 2025 CDS 1 Notification for 457 Vacancies
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the CDS 2025 CDS 1 Notification for a total of 457 vacancies. This notification is for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces through the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination. The CDS exam is a gateway to prestigious positions in the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). Interested and eligible candidates can apply online through the official UPSC website. This article provides detailed information about the notification, eligibility criteria, application process, and more.
Highlights of CDS 2025 CDS 1 Notification for 457 Vacancies:
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Post Name | Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) |
| Job Category | Defence Services (Army, Navy, Air Force) |
| Total Vacancies | 457 |
| Pay Scale/Salary | As per the 7th CPC (Pay Level 10-12) |
| Job Location | Across India (specific academies) |
| Type of Job | Full-Time, Permanent (Defence Services) |
| Apply Start Date | December 11, 2024 |
| Apply Last Date | December 31, 2024 |
| Application Fees | ₹200 (General/OBC); Nil for SC/ST/Female candidates |
| Selection Process | Written Exam + SSB Interview + Medical Examination |
| Official Website | UPSC Official Website |
Eligibility Criteria:
- Age Limit (with Age Relaxation):
- Indian Military Academy (IMA): 19 to 24 years
- Indian Naval Academy (INA): 19 to 24 years
- Air Force Academy (AFA): 20 to 24 years
- Officers’ Training Academy (OTA): 19 to 25 years (both men and women)
- Education Qualification:
- IMA & OTA: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline
- INA: Engineering degree
- AFA: Engineering degree or graduate with Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level
Application Fees:
- General/OBC male candidates: ₹200
- SC/ST/Female candidates: Exempted
Vacancy Details
The total number of vacancies for CDS 2025 CDS 1 is 457, distributed as follows:
| Academy | Vacancies |
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 200 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 45 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 32 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) (Men) | 140 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) (Women) | 40 |
| Total | 457 |
Selection Process
The selection process for CDS 2025 CDS 1 consists of the following stages:
Written Examination: The exam will consist of three papers – English, General Knowledge, and Mathematics.
SSB Interview: After clearing the written exam, candidates will undergo a five-day Service Selection Board (SSB) interview.
Medical Examination: Candidates must pass the medical examination set by the Defence Services.
Final Merit List: Based on the written exam and SSB interview scores, a merit list will be prepared.
Exam Pattern
The CDS written exam pattern varies depending on the academy:
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 |
- SSB Interview:
- IMA, INA, and AFA: 300 marks
- OTA: 200 marks
Salary
The salary structure for CDS officers is as per the Defence Pay Matrix:
| Rank | Pay Scale (Approx.) |
| Lieutenant | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 |
| Captain | ₹61,300 – ₹1,93,900 |
| Major | ₹69,400 – ₹2,07,200 |
| Lieutenant Colonel | ₹1,21,200 – ₹2,12,400 |
| Colonel | ₹1,30,600 – ₹2,15,900 |
| Brigadier | ₹1,39,600 – ₹2,17,600 |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Notification Release | 11th December 2024 |
| Online Application Start | 11th December 2024 |
| Last Date to Apply | 31st December 2024 |
| Admit Card Release | March 2025 (Tentative) |
| Exam Date | 13/04/2025 |
How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for CDS 2025 CDS 1:
- Visit the official UPSC website: www.upsc.gov.in.
- Click on the “Apply Online” link under the CDS 2025 section.
- Register yourself by providing basic details.
- Fill out the application form with personal, educational, and contact details.
- Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and ID proof.
- Pay the application fee (if applicable).
- Submit the application form and take a printout for future reference.
Quick Links
| Link | URL |
| Online Apply Link | Apply Here |
| Notification PDF Link | Download PDF |
| Official Website | UPSC Official Website |
FAQs
What is the application fee for CDS 2025 CDS 1?
The application fee is ₹200, but female candidates and SC/ST candidates are exempted.
What is the age limit for CDS 2025 CDS 1?
The age limit varies by academy, ranging from 20 to 24 years for AFA and other specific criteria for IMA, INA, and OTA.
What is the last date to apply for CDS 2025 CDS 1?
The last date to apply is January 9, 2025.
What is the total number of vacancies for CDS 2025 CDS 1?
The total number of vacancies is 457.
What is the selection process for CDS 2025 CDS 1?
The selection process includes a written exam, SSB interview, and medical examination.
What is the exam date for CDS 2025 CDS 1?
The CDS 2025 CDS 1 exam is scheduled for April 21, 2025.