Employer: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Location: Across India
Key Opportunity: A gateway to elite training academies for future leaders in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination (I), 2025 invites motivated individuals to apply for officer positions in the Indian Military Academy, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers’ Training Academy. Seize this opportunity to serve the nation and build a rewarding career in the armed forces.
Job Positions Available
The following positions are open for recruitment through the CDS Examination:
| Position | Training Academy | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Officer (Men) | Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun | 100 (13 for NCC ‘C’ Certificate holders) |
| Officer (Men) | Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala | 32 (6 for NCC ‘C’ Certificate holders) |
| Officer (Men/Women) | Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad | 32 (3 for NCC ‘C’ Certificate holders) |
| Officer (Men) | Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai | 275 |
| Officer (Women) | Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai | 18 |
| Total Vacancies: 457 |
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must fulfill the following qualifications and requirements:
Nationality
Applicants must be:
- Indian citizens, or
- Subjects of Nepal/Bhutan, or
- Persons of Indian origin migrated from specific countries intending to settle in India permanently.
Educational Qualifications
| Position | Educational Qualification |
|---|---|
| IMA/OTA | Degree from a recognized university or equivalent. |
| INA | Degree in Engineering from a recognized institution. |
| AFA | Degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level, or a Bachelor of Engineering. |
Age Limits and Marital Status
| Position | Age Range (as of January 1, 2026) | Marital Status |
|---|---|---|
| IMA/INA | 19–24 years | Unmarried |
| AFA | 20–24 years (26 years for CPL holders) | Below 25 years: Unmarried; Above 25: No marital accommodation provided. |
| OTA (Men) | 20–25 years | Unmarried |
| OTA (Women) | 20–25 years | Unmarried, issueless widows, or issueless divorcees. |
Important Dates
| Event | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Notification Release | December 11, 2024 | Applications open. |
| Application Deadline | December 31, 2024 | Submit before 6:00 PM IST. |
| Correction Window | January 1–7, 2025 | Edit details within this period. |
| Examination Date | April 13, 2025 | Ensure readiness by this date. |
Application Process
- Visit UPSC Portal: Access the official application portal at the Link given below.
- Register and Complete Application: Fill out both Part I (personal details) and Part II (fee payment and document upload).
- Upload Documents: Include scanned copies of:
- Recent photograph.
- Signature.
- Valid Photo ID (Aadhaar, Passport, etc.).
- Pay Fees:
- General/OBC/EWS: ₹200.
- Female/SC/ST: Fee exempt.
Selection Process
The CDS Examination involves a two-stage selection process:
- Written Examination:
- IMA/INA/AFA: Papers on English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics (100 marks each).
- OTA: Papers on English and General Knowledge (100 marks each).
- SSB Interview: Includes psychological tests, group exercises, and interviews.
Candidates must meet physical and medical standards as per UPSC guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
- What is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted by December 31, 2024, before 6:00 PM IST. - Who can apply for the CDS Examination?
Graduates from recognized universities meeting the eligibility criteria for their chosen academy. - Is there a correction window for applications?
Yes, from January 1 to January 7, 2025. - What is the age limit for IMA applicants?
Unmarried males born between January 2, 2002, and January 1, 2007, are eligible. - What are the fees for the exam?
₹200 for General/OBC/EWS candidates. SC/ST and female candidates are exempt. - Is there negative marking?
Yes, 1/3rd marks will be deducted for each incorrect answer. - Can final-year students apply?
Yes, if they can provide proof of graduation by the course commencement date. - When will admit cards be available?
Seven days before the examination date, i.e., by April 6, 2025. - What happens after passing the written exam?
Qualified candidates will undergo the SSB Interview and medical examination. - Can candidates choose their examination center?
Yes, but allocation is on a first-come, first-served basis.
- What is the application deadline?
Important Links:
Other Latest Jobs
Exciting Career Opportunity: Join UCIL as a Trade Apprentice
Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL) is inviting applications for Trade Apprenticeship Training 2024-2025. This esteemed program is an excellent opportunity for candidates who have completed ITI training and wish ...
South Central Railway Act Apprentice Recruitment 2024-25: Apply Now for 4232 Positions
Join the South Central Railway Apprenticeship Program and Build Your Future in the Indian Railway Sector! Job Title: South Central Railway Act Apprentice Recruitment 2024-25 Employer Name: South Central Railway ...
Apply for Junior Research Fellow (JRF) Positions at DRDO: 2025 Walk-In Interviews
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is seeking qualified and enthusiastic individuals to join as Junior Research Fellows (JRF) at the Defence Institute of Bio-Energy Research (DIBER) in Haldwani, ...
BEL Hiring 350 Probationary Engineers: Apply Now for Electronics and Mechanical Roles
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), India’s leading electronics company and a Navaratna PSU under the Ministry of Defence, is inviting applications for the position of Probationary Engineer (Electronics and Mechanical). With ...
Railway Recruitment 2024: Apply Now for Sports Quota Positions in South Central Railway
South Central Railway (SCR) invites applications for recruitment under the Sports Quota for 2024-25. Based in Secunderabad, SCR is offering 61 positions across various sports disciplines under Group C and ...
Recruitment of Scientific Officers in DAE – Apply Now for OCES/DGFS 2025
The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) invites applications for the recruitment of Scientific Officers through its prestigious OCES-2025 and DGFS-2025 training programs. These programs, based at the Bhabha Atomic Research ...
ONGC Recruitment 2025: Engineering and Geoscience Opportunities with ₹25 LPA Salary
The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), India’s largest crude oil and natural gas company, is hiring Assistant Executive Engineers (AEE) and professionals in Geoscience disciplines. These positions, based across ...
Apply for Supervisor Recruitment Exam 2024 – Women and Child Development, MP
Supervisor Recruitment Exam 2024 Job Summary The Directorate of Women and Child Development, Madhya Pradesh, invites applications for the Supervisor Recruitment Exam 2024. This recruitment drive aims to fill vacancies ...
