Serving in the Indian Armed Forces is a coveted dream for many aspiring individuals, offering a prestigious career path filled with honor, discipline, and the opportunity to protect the nation. The Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), is a crucial gateway for those seeking to join the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force as commissioned officers.
As the CDS 1 2025 notification approaches, it’s essential for candidates to familiarize themselves with the exam details, eligibility criteria, and the comprehensive selection process.
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CDS 1 2025: An Overview
The CDS 1 2025 exam is scheduled to be held on April 13, 2025, with the detailed notification set to be released on December 11, 2024. This exam serves as a pivotal opportunity for aspiring defense officers to demonstrate their skills, knowledge, and leadership potential. Successful candidates will be granted admission to the prestigious Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Air Force Academy (AFA), where they will receive specialized training tailored to the specific needs of their respective defense branch.
| CDS 1 2025: Overview | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Organization | UPSC |
| CDS Full Form | Combined Defence Services |
| Post Name | Lieutenant (On Commission) |
| Frequency | Twice a Year |
| CDS 1 2025 Vacancy | To be announced |
| CDS 1 2025 Notification | 11 December 2024 |
| CDS 1 Exam Date 2025 | 13 April 2025 |
| Exam Level | National |
| Exam Mode | Offline |
| Selection Process | Written Exam, SSB Interview, Medical Exam |
CDS 1 2025 Notification: Key Highlights
The upcoming CDS 1 2025 notification, to be released by the UPSC, will provide comprehensive details about the exam process, including the application procedure, important dates, and eligibility criteria. Candidates are advised to closely monitor the UPSC’s official website for the latest updates and to ensure they have all the necessary information to apply for the exam within the stipulated deadlines.
CDS 1 2025 Important Dates
Staying updated with the key dates for the CDS 1 2025 exam is crucial for proper preparation and planning. The important dates are as follows:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| CDS Exam Notification Release | December 11, 2024 |
| Application Start Date | December 11, 2024 |
| Application End Date | December 31, 2024 |
| Admit Card Release Date | Third week of March 2025 |
| CDS 1 Exam Date 2025 | April 13, 2025 |
| CDS Result Declaration | May 2025 |
CDS 1 2025 Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the CDS 1 2025 exam, candidates must meet the following criteria:
Age Limit
The minimum age to apply for the CDS 1 2025 exam is 19 years, and the maximum age limit varies based on the specific defense academy:
- IMA (Indian Military Academy): 19 to 24 years
- INA (Indian Naval Academy): 19 to 22 years
- AFA (Air Force Academy): 19 to 23 years
- OTA (Officers Training Academy): 19 to 25 years
Educational Qualification
Candidates must have a graduate degree in any discipline to be eligible for the CDS 1 2025 exam. Those who are in the final year of their graduation program can also apply, provided they complete their degree before the commencement of the respective academy’s training program.
Required Documents
Applicants for the CDS 1 2025 exam must have the following documents ready:
- A valid photo identity card (Aadhaar, voter ID, PAN card, passport, driving license, or any other government-issued ID)
- Bank details for online fee payment
CDS 1 2025 Application Fee
The application fee for the CDS 1 2025 exam is as follows:
- General Category: Rs. 200/-
- SC/ST Candidates and Female Candidates: No application fee
Candidates can pay the fee using credit/debit cards, net banking, or by depositing cash at any SBI bank branch. It is important to note that the fee is non-refundable.
CDS 1 2025 Selection Process
The selection process for the CDS 1 2025 exam comprises several stages:
Written Examination
Candidates must clear a multiple-choice written test covering subjects such as English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics.
Interview/Personality Test
Successful candidates from the written exam will undergo an interview and personality assessment conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB) to evaluate their officer-like qualities and leadership skills.
Document Verification
Shortlisted candidates will be required to provide original documents for verification, including educational certificates and age proof.
Medical Examination
Candidates who clear the interview will undergo a thorough medical examination at a Military Hospital to assess their physical fitness.
Final Merit List
The final selection will be based on the candidate’s performance in the written exam, interview, and medical tests. Successful candidates will be assigned seats in the respective academies based on their ranks.
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CDS 1 2025 Syllabus and Exam Pattern
The CDS 1 2025 syllabus covers essential subjects like English, General Knowledge, and Mathematics. Candidates can download the detailed syllabus PDF from the official UPSC website to plan their preparation accordingly.
The CDS 1 2025 exam will be conducted in offline mode and will consist of three papers:
- Paper I: English (2 hours, 100 marks)
- Paper II: General Knowledge (2 hours, 100 marks)
- Paper III: Mathematics (2 hours, 100 marks)
Candidates applying for the Officers Training Academy (OTA) will have to appear for only Paper I and Paper II, while those aspiring for the IMA, INA, and AFA must appear for all three papers.
CDS 1 2025 Salary and Benefits
The compensation package for CDS officers in the Indian Armed Forces is structured to reflect their rank, responsibilities, and years of service. The table below outlines the rank-wise salary structure:
| Rank | Level | Pay Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Lieutenant | Level 10 | Rs. 56,100 – 1,77,500 |
| Captain | Level 10B | Rs. 61,300 – 1,93,900 |
| Major | Level 11 | Rs. 69,400 – 2,07,200 |
| Lt Colonel | Level 12A | Rs. 1,21,200 – 2,12,400 |
| Colonel | Level 13 | Rs. 1,30,600 – 2,15,900 |
| Brigadier | Level 13A | Rs. 1,39,600 – 2,17,600 |
| Major General | Level 14 | Rs. 1,44,200 – 2,18,200 |
| Lieutenant General HAG Scale | Level 15 | Rs. 1,82,200 – 2,24,100 |
| HAG+ Scale | Level 16 | Rs. 2,05,400 – 2,24,400 |
| VCOAS/Army CDR/ Lieutenant General (NFSG) | Level 17 | Rs. 2,25,000 (fixed) |
| COAS | Level 18 | Rs. 2,50,000 (fixed) |
In addition to the competitive salary, CDS officers also enjoy numerous benefits, including housing, healthcare, and pension, making it an attractive career choice for aspiring defense personnel.
Negative Marking in CDS 1 2025 Exam
It is crucial for CDS 1 2025 exam candidates to be aware of the negative marking system. For every incorrect answer, there will be a deduction of 1/3 marks. However, if a question is left unanswered, there will be no negative marking.
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Conclusion
The CDS 1 2025 exam presents a remarkable opportunity for individuals who aspire to serve in the esteemed Indian Armed Forces. By understanding the exam notification, eligibility criteria, selection process, and other important details, candidates can strategically plan their preparation and increase their chances of success. With unwavering dedication, strong leadership skills, and a deep sense of patriotism, the CDS 1 2025 aspirants can embark on a fulfilling career in the defense services, contributing to the nation’s security and well-being.
FAQs
1. What is the CDS 1 2025 exam?
The CDS 1 2025 exam is a national-level examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to select candidates for commissioned officer positions in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
2. What is the CDS 1 2025 exam date?
The CDS 1 2025 exam is scheduled to be held on April 13, 2025.
3. What is the age limit for the CDS 1 2025 exam?Â
 The minimum age to apply for the CDS 1 2025 exam is 19 years, and the maximum age limit varies based on the specific defense academy (IMA, INA, AFA, OTA).
4. What are the educational qualifications required for the CDS 1 2025 exam?
Candidates must have a graduate degree in any discipline to be eligible for the CDS 1 2025 exam.
5. What is the selection process for the CDS 1 2025 exam?
The selection process includes a written examination, an interview/personality test, document verification, and a medical examination. The final selection is based on the candidate’s performance in these stages.
