The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced the Combined Defence Services (CDS) I Examination 2025 to fill 457 posts across various academies. This recruitment provides opportunities for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA). This blog post simplifies all the details, including eligibility criteria, important dates, application process, and preparation tips. Let’s get started.
Important Dates for UPSC CDS I 2025
- Application Start Date: December 11, 2024
- Last Date to Apply Online: December 31, 2024 (till 6:00 PM)
- Fee Payment Deadline: December 31, 2024
- Form Modification Window: January 1-7, 2025
- Exam Date: April 13, 2025
- Admit Card Availability: Before the exam
- Result Announcement: To be notified
Application Fee
- General/OBC: ₹200/-
- SC/ST/Female: Exempted (No Fee)
- Payment Methods: Net Banking, Credit/Debit Card, or Bank Challan
UPSC CDS I 2025 Vacancies
The 457 posts are distributed as follows:
| Post Name | Total Posts | Age Limit | Educational Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 100 | Born between 02/01/2002 to 01/01/2007 | Bachelor’s degree in any stream from a recognized university. |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 32 | Born between 02/01/2002 to 01/01/2007 | Bachelor’s degree in Engineering. |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 32 | Born between 02/01/2002 to 01/01/2006 | Bachelor’s degree in any stream with Physics and Math at 10+2 level or Bachelor’s degree in Engineering. |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA) | 275 | Born between 02/01/2001 to 01/01/2007 | Bachelor’s degree in any stream. |
| OTA Women | 18 | Born between 02/01/2001 to 01/01/2007 | Bachelor’s degree in any stream. |
Eligibility Criteria for UPSC CDS I 2025
- Nationality: Must be an Indian citizen.
- Age Limit:
- IMA and INA: 20-24 years
- AFA: 20-23 years
- OTA: 20-25 years
- Educational Qualification:
- Varies by post (refer to the table above).
- Marital Status: Candidates applying for OTA must be unmarried.
How to Apply for UPSC CDS I 2025
To apply for this prestigious opportunity, follow these simple steps:
- One-Time Registration (OTR):
- Visit the UPSC website and complete your One-Time Registration (OTR).
- Filling the Application Form:
- Log in using your OTR credentials.
- Fill out the CDS I 2025 application form carefully.
- Upload the required documents, including:
- Scanned photograph
- Signature
- ID proof
- Thumb impression
- Fee Payment:
- Pay the application fee online via Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, or through a bank challan.
- Final Submission:
- Review your application thoroughly.
- Submit the form and take a printout of the confirmation page for future reference.
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Selection Procedure
The UPSC CDS I 2025 selection process involves the following stages:
- Written Examination:
- Objective-type questions covering English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics.
- The exam pattern varies slightly for OTA candidates (no Mathematics section).
- SSB Interview:
- Candidates shortlisted from the written exam will be called for the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview.
- The SSB assesses candidates on their psychological and physical fitness.
- Medical Examination:
- A comprehensive medical test ensures candidates meet the required fitness standards.
- Final Merit List:
- The final selection depends on candidates’ performance in the written exam and SSB interview.
Tips to Prepare for UPSC CDS I 2025
- Understand the Exam Pattern:
- Familiarize yourself with the syllabus and exam pattern.
- Create a Study Plan:
- Allocate dedicated hours to each subject daily.
- Practice Previous Year Papers:
- Solve past papers to improve time management and accuracy.
- Focus on Fitness:
- Start preparing for the physical tests early.
- Stay Updated:
- Regularly read newspapers and magazines to stay informed about current affairs.
FAQs About UPSC CDS I 2025
Q1: What is the last date to apply for UPSC CDS I 2025? A1: The last date to apply online is December 31, 2024, until 6:00 PM.
Q2: Is there an application fee for female candidates? A2: No, female candidates are exempted from paying the application fee.
Q3: Can final-year students apply for CDS I 2025? A3: Yes, candidates appearing in the final year of their degree are eligible to apply.
Q4: What is the age limit for the Air Force Academy (AFA)? A4: Candidates must be born between January 2, 2002, and January 1, 2006.
Q5: When will the admit card be available? A5: The admit card will be released a few weeks before the exam date, April 13, 2025.
Q6: What is the selection process for CDS I 2025? A6: The process includes a written examination, SSB interview, and a medical examination.
Q7: How many vacancies are available for OTA Women? A7: There are 18 posts available for OTA Women in CDS I 2025.
Q8: Can I edit my application form after submission? A8: Yes, you can modify your application during the correction window from January 1-7, 2025.