The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination twice a year, offering a prestigious pathway for individuals aspiring to serve in the Indian Armed Forces. For the 2025 CDS examination, understanding the eligibility criteria is crucial to ensure a successful application. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the age limits, educational qualifications, and physical standards required for candidates.
Key Highlights β¨
- Organization Name: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
- Examination Name: Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination 2025
- Application Mode: Online
- Age Limit: Varies by academy (detailed below)
- Educational Qualification: Specific to each academy (detailed below)
- Physical Standards: Mandatory for all candidates
- Nationality: Indian
- Marital Status: Unmarried (with exceptions)
- Official Website: upsc.gov.in
Age Limit Criteria π
Understanding the age requirements is essential for eligibility:
Indian Military Academy (IMA) ποΈ
- Age Range: 19 to 24 years
- Note: Candidates must be born between January 2, 2001, and January 1, 2006.
Indian Naval Academy (INA) β
- Age Range: 19 to 24 years
- Note: Birth dates should fall between January 2, 2001, and January 1, 2006.
Air Force Academy (AFA) βοΈ
- Age Range: 20 to 24 years
- Note: Candidates born between January 2, 2001, and January 1, 2005 are eligible. Upper age limit is relaxable up to 26 years for candidates holding a valid and current Commercial Pilot License issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) π«
- Age Range: 19 to 25 years
- Note: Applicable for candidates born between January 2, 2000, and January 1, 2006.
Educational Qualifications π
Each academy has specific educational prerequisites:
Indian Military Academy (IMA) π
- Requirement: Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or equivalent.
Indian Naval Academy (INA) π³οΈ
- Requirement: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from a recognized institution.
Air Force Academy (AFA) π©οΈ
- Requirement: Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or a Bachelor of Engineering.
Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) π’
- Requirement: Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or equivalent.
Physical Standards πββοΈ
Candidates must meet the prescribed physical standards:
- General Health: Good physical and mental health, free from any disease or disability.
- Vision Standards: Specific requirements for each branch; corrective surgery limitations apply.
- Height and Weight: Minimum height for men is 157.5 cm (varies for Air Force and women); weight should be proportionate to height and age.
- Hearing Ability: Normal hearing capabilities are essential.
Nationality and Marital Status π
- Nationality: Must be a citizen of India or meet conditions specified by UPSC for subjects of Nepal, Bhutan, or Tibetan refugees.
- Marital Status: Generally, candidates should be unmarried. Exceptions apply for certain courses at OTA.
Application Process π
To apply for the UPSC CDS Examination 2025:
- Visit the Official Website: upsc.gov.in
- Navigate to the ‘Examinations’ Section: Find the CDS examination link.
- Complete the Online Application Form: Provide accurate personal and educational details.
- Upload Required Documents: Recent photograph, signature, and relevant certificates.
- Pay the Application Fee: As specified in the notification.
- Submit the Application: Ensure all information is correct before submission.
- Download and Print the Confirmation: For future reference.
Important Dates ποΈ
- Notification Release: November 2024
- Application Start Date: December 2024
- Application Deadline: January 2025
- Examination Date: April 2025
Understanding and meeting the eligibility criteria is the first step toward a career in the Indian Armed Forces through the UPSC CDS Examination 2025. Ensure you fulfill all requirements before applying to embark on this honorable journey.
Selection Process π
The UPSC CDS 2025 selection process involves multiple stages to ensure only the most qualified candidates progress. The selection process consists of:
1. Written Examination βοΈ
The CDS written exam comprises objective-type questions covering different subjects based on the academy you are applying for:
For IMA, INA & AFA:
- English β 100 marks
- General Knowledge β 100 marks
- Mathematics β 100 marks
For OTA:
- English β 100 marks
- General Knowledge β 100 marks
- Duration: Each paper is for 2 hours.
- Negative Marking: One-third of the marks assigned to a question will be deducted for incorrect answers.
2. SSB Interview π€
Candidates who clear the written examination are called for the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview, which assesses their intelligence, personality, and leadership qualities. It is a two-stage process:
Stage 1 β Screening Test
- Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test
- Picture Perception & Description Test (PPDT)
Stage 2 β Psychological & Personal Interviews
- Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)
- Word Association Test (WAT)
- Situation Reaction Test (SRT)
- Personal Interview (PI)
3. Medical Examination π₯
Candidates recommended after the SSB Interview undergo a thorough medical check-up to ensure they meet the prescribed physical and medical standards for their respective academies.
CDS Exam Preparation Tips π
To clear the UPSC CDS 2025 exam, follow these effective preparation tips:
1. Understand the Syllabus π
- Go through the detailed syllabus for English, General Knowledge, and Mathematics.
- Focus on current affairs, history, polity, and defense-related news.
2. Make a Study Plan β³
- Allocate dedicated study hours for each subject.
- Divide your time between concept building, revision, and mock tests.
3. Practice Previous Year Papers π
- Solve at least 5β10 previous year papers to understand the exam pattern.
- Analyze mistakes and improve weak areas.
4. Stay Physically Fit πββοΈ
- Regular exercise, running, and yoga will help in the SSB physical tests.
- Maintain good posture, stamina, and endurance.
5. Improve Communication Skills ποΈ
- Practice speaking fluently in English to perform well in SSB interviews.
- Engage in group discussions and debates.
Salary and Career Growth π°
After successful selection, candidates undergo training at their respective academies and then join as officers in the Indian Armed Forces.
Rank and Pay Scale
- Lieutenant β βΉ56,100 β βΉ1,77,500
- Captain β βΉ61,300 β βΉ1,93,900
- Major β βΉ69,400 β βΉ2,07,200
- Lieutenant Colonel β βΉ1,21,200 β βΉ2,12,400
- Colonel β βΉ1,30,600 β βΉ2,15,900
- Brigadier β βΉ1,39,600 β βΉ2,17,600
- Major General β βΉ1,44,200 β βΉ2,18,200
Additional Benefits ποΈ
- Free accommodation & ration
- Medical facilities for family
- Retirement benefits & pension
- Travel and leave concessions
Important Documents for Application π
Candidates must keep the following documents ready while applying for the CDS 2025 exam:
β
Class 10 & 12 certificates (for date of birth verification)
β
Graduation degree or equivalent certificate
β
Scanned passport-size photograph and signature
β
Caste certificate (if applicable)
β
ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, etc.)
Final Thoughts π
The UPSC CDS 2025 exam offers a golden opportunity to serve the nation as a commissioned officer in the Indian Armed Forces. If you meet the eligibility criteria, start your preparations early and stay dedicated to achieve your dream. Stay focused, stay disciplined, and success will follow! π
Siddharth Jain is a career counselor and content creator focusing on recruitment notifications. He holds a degree in Management and has 7+ years of experience. Siddharth enjoys playing badminton and reading self-help books.
