CDS (Combined Defence Services) 2025 - Notification, Eligibility, Important Dates, Syllabus and more

The full form of UPSC CDS exam is Union Public Service Commission Combined Defence Services exam. It's not just an exam but it's a journey that tests not only your academic knowledge but also your mental agility, physical prowess, and leadership potential. Let us explore this guide to ace this exam and becoming a civil servant.

Application fee of the examination is 100 INR (SC/ST women from all categories are exempted from paying the fee). Basic pay is approx. 56,100 INR.

UPSC CDS (Union Public Service Commission Combined Defence Services) is conducted twice every year, usually in February and November and aims to recruit candidates for various branches of the Indian Armed Forces, including the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers' Training Academy (OTA).

How to Apply?

• Fill the UPSC CDE application form online on the official website.
• Pay the application fee online through various modes like debit/credit card, net banking, or offline through SBI Challan.
• Review the application form for any errors and submit it.
• Keep a printout of the application form for future reference.

• Nationality Criteria for UPSC CDS exam: The candidate must be a citizen of India or a subject of Bhutan or Nepal.
• Age limit for UPSC CDS exam:
  • For Indian Military Academy: 19 to 24 years
  • For Indian Naval Academy: 19 to 24 years
  • For Air Force Academy: 20 to 24 years
  • For Officers' Training Academy: 19 to 25 years
• Educational Qualifications for UPSC CDS exam: The educational qualifications vary for different academies, but a bachelor's degree from a recognized university is a common requirement.

Depending on the academy for which a candidate is applying, the UPSC CDS (Union Public Service Commission Combined Defence Services) exam syllabus varies slightly.

English (Paper I):

This paper is designed to test candidates' understanding of the English language and its usage. The syllabus includes:

General Knowledge (Paper II):

This paper evaluates candidates' knowledge of current affairs and general awareness. The syllabus includes:

Elementary Mathematics (Paper III)

Applicable only for candidates applying to the Air Force Academy. This paper assesses candidates' mathematical skills.

Topic-wise exam pattern

UPSC CDS exam consist two stage: written test and personality test.

Written Examination:

The written examination consists of three papers for admission to different academies:

a. For Admission to Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Air Force Academy (AFA):

- Paper I: English

- Paper II: General Knowledge

b. For Admission to Officers' Training Academy (OTA):

- Paper I: English

- Paper II: General Knowledge

c. For Admission to Air Force Academy (AFA) only:

- Paper III: Elementary Mathematics

The duration of each paper is 2 hours.

Interview/Personality Test:

Candidates who qualify the written examination are shortlisted for the interview conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB).

• Familiarize yourself with the exam pattern, syllabus, and marking scheme.
• Create a structured study plan, focusing on weaker areas and allocating time for regular revisions.
• Solve previous years' papers
• Take mock tests to improve speed, accuracy, and familiarity with the exam format.
• Keep yourself updated on current affairs, especially in areas like politics, economics, and defense-related news.
• Enhance physical fitness alongside academic preparation and practice communication skills for the SSB interview.

UPSC CDS examination offers a pathway to a respected career in the Indian Armed Forces. Success demands rigorous preparation, embodying values of discipline and patriotism. Aspirants must excel academically, demonstrate leadership qualities, and maintain physical fitness to serve the nation with honor and distinction.