Akhilesh Kumar
UPSC CDS 2025 Exam: Complete Guide for Aspirants
The UPSC CDS (Combined Defence Services) Exam is a significant opportunity for candidates looking to join the Indian Armed Forces. Held twice a year, this exam opens the door to prestigious positions in the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA). This guide provides all the details you need for CDS 2025, including eligibility, exam dates, syllabus, application process, and preparation tips.
Overview of UPSC CDS Exam 2025
The CDS exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in two phases: CDS I and CDS II. Candidates who qualify this exam will go through further rounds, such as the SSB (Service Selection Board) interview and a medical examination, to secure final selection in one of the academies.
Important Dates for CDS 2025
The tentative dates for CDS I and CDS II in 2025 are:
CDS I
- Notification Release: December 11, 2024
- Application Period: December 11, 2024 – January 9, 2025
- Exam Date: April 13, 2025
- Result Declaration: June 2025
CDS II
- Notification Release: May 2025
- Application Period: May – June 2025
- Exam Date: September 14, 2025
- Result Declaration: October 2025
Make sure to stay updated with the official UPSC website for any changes in dates and announcements regarding the CDS exam.
Eligibility Criteria for CDS 2025
To be eligible for CDS 2025, candidates must meet the educational qualifications, age limits, and nationality requirements specific to each academy.
Educational Qualifications
- Indian Military Academy (IMA): Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
- Indian Naval Academy (INA): Engineering degree from a recognized university.
- Air Force Academy (AFA): Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or a Bachelor of Engineering.
- Officers Training Academy (OTA): Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
Age Limit
- IMA: 19-24 years
- INA: 19-24 years
- AFA: 20-24 years
- OTA: 19-25 years
Note: Women candidates are eligible to apply only for OTA.
Application Process for CDS 2025
To apply for CDS 2025, follow these steps:
- Registration: Visit the UPSC Online Application Portal and complete the One Time Registration (OTR).
- Fill Out Application: Once registered, log in to complete the application form. Fill in all details carefully, including personal, educational, and contact information.
- Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your photograph and signature in the specified format.
- Fee Payment: Pay the application fee of Rs. 200 (women, SC, and ST candidates are exempted) via net banking, debit/credit card, or e-challan.
- Submit Application: Double-check all details, submit the application, and print a copy for future reference.
Exam Pattern for CDS 2025
The CDS Exam Pattern varies slightly depending on the academy you’re applying for.
For IMA, INA, and AFA
- Subjects: English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics
- Marks per Subject: 100
- Duration per Subject: 2 hours
- Total Marks: 300
For OTA
- Subjects: English and General Knowledge
- Marks per Subject: 100
- Duration per Subject: 2 hours
- Total Marks: 200
Note: All questions are multiple-choice, and there is a penalty for incorrect answers.
CDS Syllabus 2025
Here’s a breakdown of the topics for each section:
English
Focus on grammar, vocabulary, sentence structure, synonyms, antonyms, and comprehension passages.
General Knowledge
Covers current events, Indian history, geography, political science, economics, and scientific advancements.
Elementary Mathematics
Topics include arithmetic, algebra, trigonometry, geometry, mensuration, and statistics.
Selection Process for CDS 2025
The CDS selection process involves three stages:
- Written Exam: Based on the subjects mentioned above, candidates must achieve the qualifying scores for their academy.
- SSB Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be called for the SSB Interview, which tests personality traits, leadership qualities, and intellectual capabilities.
- Medical Examination: Candidates who clear the interview must pass a medical examination to ensure they meet the physical standards for the armed forces.
Final Selection: The final merit list will be based on candidates’ performance in the written exam, SSB interview, and medical examination.
Preparation Tips for CDS 2025
To excel in CDS 2025, a disciplined preparation strategy is essential:
- Understand the Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with each topic in the syllabus to cover every aspect of the exam.
- Practice Previous Papers: Attempting past question papers helps with understanding the exam pattern and time management.
- Time Management: Since the exam includes multiple subjects with limited time, practicing under timed conditions is essential.
- Mock Tests: Regular mock tests improve your performance, speed, and accuracy.
- Stay Updated: Keep up with current affairs and general knowledge, as these are crucial for the GK section.
Recommended Books for CDS Preparation
Here are some popular books for CDS exam preparation:
- English: “Objective General English” by SP Bakshi, and “High School English Grammar and Composition” by Wren & Martin.
- General Knowledge: “General Knowledge” by Manohar Pandey and “Manorama Yearbook”.
- Mathematics: “Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations” by RS Aggarwal, and “Pathfinder CDS” by Arihant Publications.
Conclusion
The UPSC CDS 2025 exam is a golden opportunity for young aspirants looking to join the Indian Armed Forces. With careful planning and consistent preparation, you can increase your chances of success in this challenging yet rewarding career path. Remember to stay updated with official notifications, prepare diligently, and keep your motivation high.
CDS Syllabus 2025: Overview
| Mode of exam | Offline |
| Number of sections | Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA) and Air Force Academy (AFA) – Three Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) – Two |
| Total marks of the test | IMA, INA and AFA – 300 OTA – 200 |
| Nature of questions | Objective type |
| Language of question paper | Hindi and English |
| Duration of the test | 2 hours for each section of test |
CDS Exam Pattern for IMA, INA, AFA
| Subject | Duration | Maximum marks |
| English | 2 hours | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 2 hours | 100 |
| Elementary Mathematics | 2 hours | 100 |
CDS Exam Pattern for OTA
| Subject | Duration | Maximum marks |
| English | 2 hours | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 2 hours | 100 |
CDS Syllabus 2025: Marking Scheme
Negative marking is applicable for every wrong marked answer. In CDS paper, each question carries 4 options and out of which only 1 option is correct. For each incorrect answer, 1/3 of the marks will be deducted. More than one option marked is treated as incorrect. However, if a question is left unanswered there will be no negative marking.
CDS Syllabus 2025: Subject-Wise Syllabus
Candidates can check the UPSC CDS Syllabus in the table given below.
| Sections | Topics |
| English | * Spotting Errors Questions * Sentence Arrangement Questions * Synonyms & Antonyms * Selecting Words * Ordering of Sentence * Comprehension Questions * Ordering of words in a sentence * Fill in the blanks questions * Idioms and Phrases |
| General Awareness (GK) | * Economics * Physics * Current Affairs * Politics * Chemistry * Sociology * History * Defence related Award * Geography * Environment * Sport * Biology * Cultural * Book * Statement * true/false |
| Elementary Mathematics | * Basic Operations * simple factors * Remainder Theorem * H.C.F. * L.C.M. * Theory of polynomials * solutions of quadratic equations * relation between its roots and coefficients (Only real roots to be considered) * Simultaneous linear equations in two unknowns—analytical and graphical solutions * Simultaneous linear inequations in two variables and their solutions * Practical problems leading to two simultaneous linear equations or inequations in two variables or quadratic equations in one variable & their solutions * Set language and set notation * Rational expressions and conditional identities * Laws of indices | |
| Arithematic | * Number System: Natural numbers, Integers, Rational and Real numbers. * Fundamental operations: addition, substraction, multiplication, division, Square roots, Decimal fractions * Unitary method * time and distance * time and work * percentages * applications to simple and compound interest * profit and loss * ratio and proportion * variation * Elementary Number Theory: Division algorithm * Prime and composite numbers * Tests of divisibility by 2, 3, 4, 5, 9 and 11 * Multiples and factors. Factorisation Theorem * H.C.F. and L.C.M. * Euclidean algorithm * Logarithms to base 10 * laws of logarithms * use of logarithmic tables | |
| Trigonometry | * Sine ×, cosine ×, Tangent × when 0° < × < 90° * Values of sin ×, cos × and tan ×, for ×= 0°, 30°, 45°, 60° and 90° * Simple trigonometric identities * Use of trigonometric tables * Simple cases of heights and distances | |
| Geometry | * Lines and angles * Plane and plane figures * Theorems on Properties of angles at a point * Parallel lines * Sides and angles of a triangle * Congruency of triangles * Similar triangles * Concurrence of medians and altitudes * Properties of angles * sides and diagonals of a Parallelogram * rectangle and square * Circles and its properties including tangents and normals * Loci | |
| Mensuration | * Areas of squares * rectangles * parallelograms * triangle and circle * Areas of figures which can be split up into these figures (Field Book) * Surface area and volume of cuboids * lateral surface and volume of right circular cones and cylinders * surface area and volume of spheres | |
| Statistics | * Collection and tabulation of statistical data * Graphical representation frequency polygons * histograms * bar charts * pie charts etc * Measures of central tendency |
CDS Important Instructions
- Write only in Black ballpoint pen, your Centre and subject followed by the CDS 2025 test booklet series (in bracket), subject code and the exam roll number at the appropriate space provided on the answer sheet at the top.
- Encode your CDS 2025 booklet series (A, B, C, or D as the case may be), subject code and roll number in the circles provided for the purpose in the answer sheet.
- In case the CDS booklet series is not printed on the test booklet or answer sheet is un-numbered then candidates should report immediately to the invigilator and get the test booklet/answer sheet replaced.
- Candidates should note that any omission/mistakes/discrepancy in encoding/filling of details in the CDS 2025 OMR answer sheet, especially with regard to the Roll Number and Test Booklet Series Code, will render the answer sheet liable for rejection.
- Immediately after the commencement of the CDS 2025 please check that the test booklet supplied to you does not have any unprinted or torn or missing pages or items etc., if so, get it replaced by a complete test booklet of the same series and subject.
- Do not write your name or anything other than the specific items of information asked for, on the CDS answer sheet/test booklet/sheet for rough work.
- Do not fold or damage or put any extraneous marking over the CDS Answer Sheet. Do not write anything on the reverse of the answer sheet.
