Overview
CDS 1 2025 Notification PDF and detailed information about the Application form. How to Apply for the CDS 2025 Exam. Get all the information like Eligibility Criteria, Exam date and important links.
Welcome to India’s leading coaching institute Target Defence Academy Lucknow for CDS written and SSB Interview classes in Lucknow. Here, we have detailed Notifications for CDS 1 and CDS 2 2025. Join our Test Series to prepare yourself for upcoming CDS exams.
CDS 2025 Notification
CDS is a National-level entrance examination conducted by UPSC twice a year to recruit eligible candidates for the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy. Here in this article, we will discuss about CDS Notification in detail.
CDS Exam Overview
| Conducting Organization | UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) |
| Exam Name | CDS (Combined Defence Services) |
| Exam Level | National Level |
| Exam Mode | Offline |
| Frequency | Twice a Year (April & September) |
| Exam Phases | Written Test & SSB Interview |
| Type of Questions | Objective Type |
| Language of Question Paper | Hindi and English (Except English Paper) |
| Total Marks | IMA, INA and AFA – 300 OTA – 200 |
| Time | Two hours for each section of the test |
| Official website | www.upsc.gov.in |
Important Dates For CDS 2025
| UPSC CDS Exam Date 2025 | ||
| Events | CDS 1 2025 | CDS 2 2025 |
| Notification | 11th December 2024 | 28th May, 2025 |
| Application form | 11th December 2024 | 28th May, 2025 |
| Last date to apply | 31th December 2024 (6 pm) | 17th June, 2025 |
| Application Correction Window | 01st Jan 2025 to 07 Jan 2025 | To be notified |
| Admit card Release Date | 28th March, 2025 | First Week of September 2025 |
| Written exam | 13th April 2025 | 14th September 2025 |
| Declaration of written result | To be notified | To be notified |
| SSB Interview Dates | To be notified | To be notified |
Important Links
| CDS Syllabus | Check Now |
| CDS Eligibility Criteria | Check Now |
| UPSC Calendar | Download Now |
| Notification PDF Download | Download Now |
| Previous Year Previous Paper | Download Now |
CDS Eligibility Criteria
Age Limit for INA, AFA, IMA and OTA
| Academy | Age Limit |
| INA | 19 years – 22 years |
| AFA | 19 years – 23 years |
| IMA | 19 years – 24 years |
| SSC Women Non-Tech Course – OTA | 19 – 25 years |
| SSC Course – Men – OTA | 19 – 25 years |
Educational Qualification
- For IMA and OTA: The Candidate must have a graduation degree from a recognized University or equivalent.
- For INA: The candidate must have a graduation degree in Engineering from a recognized University.
- For AFA: The Candidate must have a graduation degree from a recognized University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or a Bachelor of Engineering.
Gender: Both male and female candidates are eligible for the CDS Exam. But female candidates can apply only for OTA whereas male candidates can apply for IMA, OTA, and AFA.
Marital Status: Only unmarried candidates are eligible for the CDS Exam; issueless widows who have not remarried and issueless divorcees who have not remarried are eligible.
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CDS Exam Pattern
Candidates preparing for the CDS Exam should have deep knowledge of the Syllabus and Exam Pattern. The CDS Exam is conducted in three shifts and comprises three subjects: English, General Awareness and Mathematics. Candidates applying for the Officers Training Academy (OTA) are required to take only Papers 1 and 2, while those preparing for the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA) and Air Force Academy (AFA) should attempt all three papers.
Below is a structured table that outlines the CDS Exam Pattern, including details about the subjects, duration, number of questions, negative marking and maximum marks for each paper.
Exam Pattern for IMA, INA and AFA
| Subjects / Section | Duration | No. of Questions | Max. Marks | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English | 2 Hrs | 120 | 100 | -0.33 marks for each wrong answer |
| General Knowledge | 2 Hrs | 120 | 100 | -0.33 marks for each wrong answer |
| Elementary Mathematics | 2 Hrs | 100 | 100 | -0.33 marks for each wrong answer |
Exam Pattern for OTA
| Subjects / Section | Duration | No. of Questions | Max. Marks | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English | 2 Hrs | 120 | 100 | -0.33 marks for each wrong answer |
| General Knowledge | 2 Hrs | 120 | 100 | -0.33 marks for each wrong answer |
In conclusion, Target Defence Academy is the leading coaching institute for defence exams. TDA has experienced Sainik School Teachers who give guidance for Defence Exams Written Exam as well as SSB Interviews. Aspirants looking for the best CDS Coaching in Lucknow can join Target Defence Academy. For more details call on 8953532115.