For students dreaming of a prestigious career in the Indian Armed Forces, the CDS Exam (Combined Defence Services Examination) is a golden opportunity. Conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), this exam serves as a gateway to the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA).
If you’re planning to appear for the CDS Exam 2025, this blog will guide you through all the important details like the CDS exam syllabus, eligibility, exam pattern, age limit, exam date, and more.
What is the CDS Exam?
The Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam is a national-level defense recruitment test conducted by the UPSC. Successful candidates are trained to become officers in one of the three armed forces of India. Unlike other competitive exams, the CDS exam requires a strong commitment to service, leadership, and physical fitness.
CDS Exam 2025 Date
The CDS exam date 2025 is crucial for all aspirants to keep track of their preparation. UPSC has tentatively scheduled:
- CDS 1 2025 Exam Date: February 16, 2025
- CDS 2 2025 Exam Date: September 14, 2025
Tip: Stay updated on the official UPSC website for final notifications and CDS exam form release.
CDS Exam Eligibility Criteria
Before you start preparing, it’s essential to understand the CDS exam eligibility:
Nationality:
- Must be an Indian citizen, subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or a Tibetan refugee who came to India before Jan 1, 1962.
Educational Qualification:
- IMA & OTA: Graduation from any recognized university.
- INA: Engineering degree.
- AFA: Degree in Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level or Engineering.
Gender:
- IMA, INA, AFA: Unmarried males only.
- OTA (SSC Women): Unmarried women, widows without children, and divorcees who haven’t remarried.
CDS Exam Age Limit
The CDS exam age limit varies by academy:
| Academy | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| IMA | 19 to 24 years |
| INA | 19 to 22 years |
| AFA | 20 to 24 years |
| OTA (Men & Women) | 19 to 25 years |
Make sure your birthdate falls within the official cut-off dates published in the UPSC notification.
CDS Exam Syllabus 2025
Understanding the CDS exam syllabus is the first step in structured preparation. Here’s a section-wise breakdown:
For IMA, INA, AFA:
- English – Grammar, comprehension, vocabulary
- General Knowledge – History, current affairs, science, polity
- Elementary Mathematics – Algebra, arithmetic, trigonometry, geometry, statistics
For OTA:
- Only English and General Knowledge (No Mathematics section)
CDS Exam Pattern
The CDS exam pattern helps candidates understand the weightage and structure of the paper.
For IMA, INA, AFA:
- English: 100 Marks
- General Knowledge: 100 Marks
- Mathematics: 100 Marks
(Each paper is 2 hours long)
For OTA:
- English: 100 Marks
- General Knowledge: 100 Marks
Note: There is a negative marking for incorrect answers.
How to Apply: CDS Exam Form
Candidates can fill the CDS exam form online via the official UPSC portal. The form includes two parts:
- Basic registration and personal details
- Fee payment and selection of exam centres
Keep documents like photo ID, academic certificates, and passport-size photos handy during the application process.
CDS vs NDA vs AFCAT: What’s the Difference?
- CDS Exam: For graduates who want to join defence services as officers.
- NDA Exam: For students who have passed or are appearing for Class 12.
- AFCAT Exam: Conducted by the Indian Air Force for flying and ground duty posts.
While NDA and CDS are UPSC-conducted exams, AFCAT is organized by the IAF. Each exam has different eligibility and training programs.
Final Thoughts about CDS Exam
The CDS Exam 2025 is not just a competitive test—it’s the first step towards a career filled with honour, discipline, and leadership. Whether you’re interested in joining the Army, Navy, or Air Force, cracking the CDS exam opens doors to incredible opportunities.
Stay focused, keep track of the CDS exam date at Tyloon guru, follow the syllabus, and practice mock tests regularly. If you’re also considering the NDA exam or AFCAT exam, compare their eligibility and patterns to decide the best fit for you.
FAQs
Q: When will the CDS exam form for 2025 be available?
A: The CDS 1 form is expected in November 2024, and the CDS 2 form in May 2025.
Q: Can women apply for the CDS exam?
A: Yes, women can apply for OTA through the CDS exam.
Q: Is there a physical test in the CDS selection process?
A: Yes, selected candidates undergo SSB interviews which include physical and psychological assessments.
