The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the notification for the Combined Defence Services Examination (I) 2025. This prestigious examination recruits candidates for training in Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). The details are as follows:
Key Highlights
- Total Vacancies: 457
- IMA: 100
- INA: 32
- AFA: 32
- OTA (Men): 275
- OTA (Women): 18
- Application Dates:
- Start: December 11, 2024
- End: December 31, 2024, by 6:00 PM
- Correction Window: January 1 – January 7, 2025
- Exam Date: April 13, 2025
- Admit Card: Available from April 6, 2025 (approx.)
- Result Declaration: May 2025 (tentative)
Eligibility Criteria
| Post Name | Educational Qualification | Age Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy | Degree | 19-24 years |
| Indian Naval Academy | Degree in Engineering | 19-24 years |
| Air Force Academy | Degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level OR B.E./B.Tech | 20-24 years |
| Officers’ Training Academy (Men/Women) | Degree | 19-25 years |
Note: Final-year students can apply, provided they clear their degree before the specified date.
Application Fees
- ₹200 for general and OBC candidates.
- Exempted for SC/ST and all female candidates.
- Payment Methods: SBI Branch (Cash), Debit/Credit Card, UPI, or Internet Banking.
- Pay by Cash Deadline: December 30, 2024.
Selection Process
- Written Examination
- For IMA, INA, AFA:
- English: 100 Marks
- General Knowledge: 100 Marks
- Elementary Mathematics: 100 Marks
- For OTA:
- English: 100 Marks
- General Knowledge: 100 Marks
- For IMA, INA, AFA:
- SSB Interview
- Stage I: Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Tests and Picture Perception and Description Test (PP&DT).
- Stage II: Group Testing, Psychological Tests, Interviews, and Final Conference.
Candidates are assessed for officer-like qualities and trainability during the SSB interview.
Steps to Apply
- Visit the official UPSC website: upsconline.nic.in.
- Official Notification PDF
Click Here to Apply Online - Complete Part I Registration: Enter personal and educational details, upload scanned photo ID, and photograph with a name/date stamp.
- Complete Part II Registration: Select preferences, pay the fee, and submit the application.
Vacancy Details and Pay Scale
| Post Name | Vacancies | Pay Scale (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy | 100 | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 |
| Indian Naval Academy | 32 | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 |
| Air Force Academy | 32 | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 (Flying Officer) |
| OTA (Men) | 275 | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 |
| OTA (Women) | 18 | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Release of Notification | December 11, 2024 |
| Start of Online Application | December 11, 2024 |
| Last Date for Application | December 31, 2024, by 6:00 PM |
| Correction Window | January 1-7, 2025 |
| Written Exam | April 13, 2025 |
| Admit Card Availability | April 6, 2025 (approx.) |
| Written Exam Results | May 2025 (tentative) |
| SSB Interviews | August–December 2025 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Who is exempted from paying the fee?
Female candidates and SC/ST candidates are exempt from paying the fee.
Q2. Can final-year students apply?
Yes, final-year students can apply if they clear their degree by the specified date.
Q3. Can application form corrections be made?
Yes, corrections can be made between January 1 and January 7, 2025.
Q4. What is the selection process for CDS?
It includes a written examination and an SSB interview (intelligence and personality assessment).
Q5. Are married candidates eligible?
Married candidates above 25 years are eligible only for the Air Force Academy, but they won’t receive married accommodation during training.
For more details and the official notification PDF, visit the UPSC website.