The Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam is conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to recruit officers for various Indian defence academies, such as the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA).
This article provides detailed information on the CDS Exam Date 2025 regarding important dates, eligibility criteria, and other essential details for the CDS 1 and CDS 2 exams in 2025.
Also Read | Life After CDS Exam: Job Profile and Career Growth
CDS Exam Dates 2025
The UPSC has released the exam dates for CDS 1 and CDS 2 for the year 2025. The key dates are summarized in the table below:
| Event | CDS 1 2025 | CDS 2 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | December 11, 2024 | May 28, 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | December 31, 2024 | June 17, 2025 |
| Exam Date | April 13, 2025 | September 14, 2025 |
Candidates must ensure that they meet the eligibility requirements before applying for the CDS 2025 exam.
CDS 2025 Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility for the CDS 2025 exam is prescribed by UPSC in terms of nationality, age, educational qualifications, and physical standards. Only candidates who fulfill these criteria are eligible to apply.
1. Nationality
To be eligible for the CDS 2025 exam, candidates must fulfill the following nationality requirements:
- Citizen of India, or
- Subject of Bhutan, or
- Subject of Nepal, or
- Tibetan Refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962, intending to settle permanently, or
- Person of Indian Origin (PIO) who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries (such as Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, and Ethiopia), or Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.
Candidates belonging to certain categories will need a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India. Gorkha candidates from Nepal will also need a certificate of eligibility.
2. CDS 2025 Age Limit and Marital Status
The CDS exam has specific age limits and marital status requirements for each academy:
CDS 1 2025 Age Limit
The age eligibility criteria for the CDS 1 exam are as follows:
- Indian Military Academy (IMA): Unmarried male candidates must be born between January 2, 2002, and January 1, 2007, to be eligible to apply.
- Indian Naval Academy (INA): Unmarried male candidates must also be born between January 2, 2002, and January 1, 2007, to qualify.
- Air Force Academy: Candidates should be between 20 and 24 years old as of January 1, 2026, which means they must have been born between January 2, 2002, and January 1, 2006.
- Officers’ Training Academy (SSC Course for Men): Unmarried male candidates must be born between January 2, 2001, and January 1, 2007, to be eligible.
- Officers’ Training Academy (SSC Women Non-Technical Course): Candidates must be unmarried and born between January 2, 2001, and January 1, 2007.
| Academy | Age Limit (Years) | Marital Status |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 19-24 | Unmarried |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 19-22 | Unmarried |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 19-23 | Unmarried; Married candidates over 25 years must not live with their family during training. |
| Officers Training Academy (SSC Course for Men) | 19-25 | Unmarried |
| Officers Training Academy (SSC Women Non-Technical Course) | 19-25 | Unmarried women, issueless widows, and issueless divorcees who have not remarried |
CDS 2 2025 Age Limit
- IMA: Candidates should be unmarried and born between July 2, 2002, and July 1, 2007.
- INA: Unmarried male candidates born between July 2, 2002, and July 1, 2007.
- AFA: Candidates should be between 20 to 24 years old, born between July 2, 2002, and July 1, 2006. Candidates holding a valid and current Commercial Pilot Licence (issued by DGCA, India) can apply until the age of 26.
- OTA (SSC Course for Men): Unmarried candidates born between July 2, 2001, and July 1, 2007.
- OTA (SSC Women Non-Technical Course): Unmarried women, issueless widows who have not remarried, and issueless divorcees who have not remarried are eligible. They must be born between July 2, 2001, and July 1, 2007.
Note: Male divorcees or widowers are not eligible to be considered unmarried and thus cannot apply.
3. Educational Qualification
The educational qualifications for different academies under CDS 2025 are as follows:
| Academy | Educational Qualification |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) & Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) | Graduation from a recognized university or equivalent. |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | An engineering degree from a recognized university or institution. |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | Graduation (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or Bachelor of Engineering. |
- Candidates in their final year of graduation can apply provisionally.
- Graduates with their first choice as Army, Navy, or Air Force must present a provisional certificate during the SSB Interview.
Note: Candidates who have only completed 12th grade are not eligible for the CDS exam.
Also Read | 8 Things You Must Know Before Applying for CDS Exam Entry
4. Physical Standards
Candidates applying for the CDS 2025 exam must be physically fit according to the standards set by UPSC. Medical fitness is an essential part of the selection process, and candidates are advised to undergo a preliminary medical examination to ensure they meet the required standards.
Physical Standards for Male Candidates
- Minimum Height: 157.5 cm (for Navy: 157 cm; for Air Force: 162.5 cm).
- The minimum height requirement for Gorkhas and candidates from North-Eastern regions, Garhwali, and Kumaon is 5 cm less.
- Candidates from Lakshadweep can have a 2 cm reduction in the minimum acceptable height.
| Height (cm) | Weight (kg) at Different Ages |
|---|---|
| 152 | 44 |
| 155 | 46 |
| 157 | 47 |
| 160 | 48 |
Physical Standards for Female Candidates
- Minimum Height: 152 cm.
- Weight parameters vary based on height and age. A sample is provided below:
| Height (cm) | Weight (kg) at Different Ages |
|---|---|
| 20 years | |
| 148 | 39 |
| 150 | 40 |
| 153 | 42 |
| 155 | 43 |
How to Apply for CDS 2025
The application process for the CDS 2025 exam is online. Candidates must visit the official UPSC website to apply. The notification for CDS 1 2025 will be released on December 11, 2024, and the last date for submitting applications is December 31, 2024. For CDS 2 2025, the notification will be available from May 28, 2025, and candidates can apply until June 17, 2025.
Also Read | NDA Exam Date 2025 – Check NDA 1 2025 and NDA 2 2025 Exam Dates
Conclusion
The CDS exam is a gateway for young aspirants to join the Indian Armed Forces. It is essential to understand the eligibility criteria, including age, nationality, educational qualification, and physical standards, before applying. Make sure to mark the important dates for both CDS 1 and CDS 2 in 2025 and fulfill all necessary requirements to complete your application successfully. Keep in mind that meeting the eligibility criteria is the first step towards serving the nation as a commissioned officer.
FAQs
1. When will the CDS 1 2025 notification be released?
The CDS 1 2025 notification will be released on December 11, 2024.
2. What is the last date to apply for CDS 1 2025?
The last date to apply for CDS 1 2025 is December 31, 2024.
3. When will the CDS 2 2025 notification be issued?
The CDS 2 2025 notification will be issued on May 28, 2025.
4. What is the last date to apply for CDS 2 2025?
The last date to apply for CDS 2 2025 is June 17, 2025.
5. When will the CDS 2 2025 exam take place?
The CDS 2 2025 exam will be held on September 14, 2025.
