Combined Defence Services Examination I 2025
Combined Defence Services Examination I 2025: Your Complete Guide
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Combined Defence Services Examination I 2025 (CDS I 2025) is one of the most prestigious competitive exams conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for recruitment into the Indian Armed Forces. This examination offers opportunities to join the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA). If you aspire to serve the nation and pursue a challenging and rewarding career, this exam is your gateway.
What is the Combined Defence Services Examination I 2025?
The Combined Defence Services Examination I 2025 is scheduled to be held by the UPSC in February 2025. This exam is conducted twice a year, and CDS I marks the first cycle. It is open to both male and female candidates who meet the eligibility criteria and aim to join various branches of the Indian Armed Forces.
Important Dates for CDS I 2025
Here are the critical dates you need to remember for the Combined Defence Services Examination I 2025:
Notification Release: Expected in November 2024
Application Start Date: November 2024
Last Date to Apply: December 2024
CDS I 2025 Exam Date: February 2025
Result Announcement: April 2025
Stay updated on these dates to ensure you don’t miss any step of the process.
Eligibility Criteria for CDS I 2025
To appear for the Combined Defence Services Examination I 2025, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
Nationality
Indian citizen
Subject of Bhutan, Nepal, or a Tibetan refugee (meeting specified conditions)
Age Limits, Gender, and Marital Status
IMA: Unmarried male candidates, born between January 2, 2001, and January 1, 2005.
INA: Unmarried male candidates, same as IMA.
AFA: Age between 20 to 24 years as of January 1, 2025.
OTA (Men): Male candidates (married or unmarried), born between January 2, 2000, and January 1, 2005.
OTA (Women): Unmarried women, widows, or divorcees not remarried, born between January 2, 2000, and January 1, 2005.
Educational Qualifications
IMA and OTA: Graduate degree from a recognized university.
INA: Engineering degree.
AFA: Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level or a graduate degree in Engineering.
Application Process for Combined Defence Services Examination I 2025
Step 1: Registration
Visit the UPSC official website to complete the CDS I 2025 online registration form.
Step 2: Application Form
Fill in your personal, educational, and contact details in the application form.
Step 3: Payment of Fee
Pay the application fee online via net banking, credit/debit card, or other specified methods.
Step 4: Upload Documents
Upload your photograph, signature, and photo ID proof as per the specifications.
Step 5: Submit the Form
Review the information, submit the form, and take a printout for future reference.
Combined Defence Services Examination I 2025 Exam Pattern
The Combined Defence Services Examination I 2025 consists of three written papers for IMA, INA, and AFA candidates, and two for OTA candidates:
For IMA, INA, and AFA
English: 100 marks, 2 hours
General Knowledge: 100 marks, 2 hours
Elementary Mathematics: 100 marks, 2 hours
For OTA
English: 100 marks, 2 hours
General Knowledge: 100 marks, 2 hours
Key Points:
Questions are objective-type.
Negative marking applies for incorrect answers.
The standard of the exam matches a graduate-level syllabus.
Preparation Tips for CDS I 2025
Understand the Syllabus: Cover all topics in English, General Knowledge, and Mathematics.
Refer to Standard Books: Use NCERTs and reputed reference books.
Solve Previous Papers: Analyze trends and understand question patterns.
Stay Updated: Read newspapers and follow current affairs daily.
Practice Time Management: Mock tests can help you improve speed and accuracy.
Focus on Fitness: Remember to prepare for the physical fitness test as part of the selection process.
Combined Defence Services Examination I 2025
Indian Defence Services Exam 2025