The UPSC CDS (Combined Defence Services) Exam is one of the most coveted exams for young individuals aspiring to serve in the Indian Armed Forces. The UPSC regulates CDS twice per year as a prime opportunity for candidates seeking military service in the Army, Navy, Air Force and Officers Training Academy. The UPSC CDS Exam is highly competitive, and a comprehensive understanding of its structure, syllabus, eligibility, and preparation strategies is crucial for success.

In this blog, we will cover everything you need to know about the UPSC CDS Exam, including details about UPSC CDS 1 2025 and UPSC CDS 2 2025, the UPSC CDS syllabus, eligibility, exam notification, admit card, and results. If you plan to take the test for the first or second time in 2025, this resource will guide you through the exam system and show you important preparation details.

What is the UPSC CDS Exam?

The UPSC CDS Exam is a national-level exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission for recruiting candidates into the Indian Armed Forces. The exam is held twice a year, usually as UPSC CDS 1 in February and UPSC CDS 2 in August. Through the CDS exam, candidates can join the following academies:

1. Indian Military Academy (IMA): For the Indian Army.

2. Indian Naval Academy (INA): For the Indian Navy.

3. Indian Air Force Academy (AFA): For the Indian Air Force.

4. Officers Training Academy (OTA): For the Indian Army.

Candidates must pass a written examination before moving forward to the Service Selection Board (SSB) interview with its physical and medical fitness assessments.

Key Aspects of the UPSC CDS Exam:

• Conducted by: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

• Frequency: Twice a year (CDS 1 in February and CDS 2 in August)

• Mode: Offline (pen-and-paper based)

• Selection: Written exam + SSB Interview + Medical Fitness

UPSC CDS 1 2025 and UPSC CDS 2 2025: Important Dates and Notifications

UPSC CDS 1 2025 Notification

The UPSC CDS 1 2025 exam will be held in the first quarter of 2025, and the official notification will be released in November 2024. Students must understand all important deadlines to complete essential application stages without setbacks.

UPSC CDS 2 2025

The UPSC CDS 2 2025 exam is usually held in August every year, with its notification being released several months before the exam. If you miss the UPSC CDS 1 2025, the CDS 2 2025 provides another opportunity to appear for the exam and fulfill your dream of joining the Indian Armed Forces.

Both UPSC CDS 1 2025 and UPSC CDS 2 2025 have similar exam patterns and eligibility criteria. Detailed application information, including eligibility demands, fee needs and procedure instructions, will come within the exam notification.

Note: To stay updated with the changes, check out their official website.

UPSC CDS Exam Pattern

The UPSC CDS Exam consists of three main papers, depending on the branch for which you’re applying. These papers are:

1. English – 100 Marks

2. General Knowledge – 100 Marks

3. Elementary Mathematics – 100 Marks

The Indian Air Force Academy (AFA) candidates will also need to take an additional paper that tests their proficiency in Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level.

Exam Structure

• Mode: Pen-and-paper-based (Objective-type questions)

• Duration: Each paper lasts 2 hours.

• Negative Marking: 1/3 of the marks allotted to a question will be deducted for each wrong answer.

The UPSC CDS Exam is conducted in both English and Hindi, but the question paper for English is only in English.

Also, check out the Lateral entry in UPSC blog.

UPSC CDS Exam 2025 Fee Structure

• General/OBC Candidates: ₹200

• SC/ST/PH Candidates: Exempted from the fee (No fee)

Mode of Payment

• The fee can be paid either online through the UPSC portal using a debit/credit card or net banking.

• Alternatively, it can be paid through cash at any branch of the State Bank of India (SBI) using a pay-in slip generated during the application process.

It's important to note that the female candidates of all categories are also exempted from the fee.

Make sure to check the official UPSC CDS Notification for any updates or changes to the fee structure.

Do check out our other website, GetMyCollege, for more guidance.

UPSC CDS Syllabus

The UPSC CDS Syllabus is extensive and covers a wide range of subjects. Below is a summary of the key topics that you must prepare for the UPSC CDS Exam.

English Paper

• Grammar and Vocabulary: Sentence correction, synonyms and antonyms, sentence completion, word meanings.

• Reading Comprehension: Reading and understanding short passages.

• Spotting Errors: Identifying errors in sentences.

• Para Jumbles: Arranging jumbled sentences in a coherent manner.

General Knowledge Paper

• Current Affairs: National and international events.

• History: Ancient, medieval, and modern history of India & the world.

• Geography: Physical and economic geography of India and the world.

• Economics and Social Development: Economic policies, social welfare schemes, economic growth.

• Polity: Indian Constitution, political system, Panchayati Raj.

• General Science: Biology, physics, chemistry, environmental studies.

• Defence and Security: Indian armed forces, security issues.

Mathematics Paper

• Algebra: Basic concepts of algebra.

• Geometry: Lines, angles, triangles, quadrilaterals, and circles.

• Trigonometry: Trigonometric identities and equations.

• Statistics: Mean, median, mode, and standard deviation.

• Arithmetic: Basic arithmetic operations, percentage, time and distance, ratio and proportion.

For AFA candidates, the Physics and Mathematics syllabus will be at the 10+2 level, and more emphasis is placed on these subjects.

UPSC CDS Eligibility Criteria

Before applying for the UPSC CDS Exam, you must ensure you meet the eligibility criteria, which include age limits, educational qualifications, and physical standards.

Age Limits

• IMA and INA: 19 to 24 years.

• AFA: 19 to 23 years.

• OTA: 19 to 25 years.

Educational Qualifications

• IMA & OTA: A bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.

• INA and AFA: A bachelor’s degree in engineering or physics and mathematics at the 10+2 level.

Physical Standards

Candidates must meet certain physical and medical requirements to be eligible for the exam. These include height, weight, and eyesight standards, which vary for different services.

Do check our log about UPSC Scholarship for more insights.

UPSC CDS Admit Card

Once you’ve successfully registered for the UPSC CDS Exam, you will need to download the Admit Card UPSC CDS from the official UPSC website. Your admit card includes essential details that include your roll number together with your designated exam location and specific examination guidelines. It is compulsory to carry the admit card to the exam center along with a valid photo ID.

UPSC CDS 1 2025 candidates can download their admit cards in January 2025, while UPSC CDS 2 2025 candidates can download theirs in July 2025.

UPSC CDS Results

The UPSC CDS Results would be declared in two stages. The first result will be the written exam result, followed by the final result after the SSB interview and medical tests.

• UPSC CDS 1 2025 Results: The results for UPSC CDS 1 2025 will likely be announced in March 2025.

• UPSC CDS 2 2025 Results: The results for UPSC CDS 2 2025 will be declared in September 2025.

Applicants who pass the written exam will be called for the SSB Interview. After clearing the SSB interview and medical tests, the final results will determine the successful candidates for training at the respective academies.

UPSC CDS 2025 Cutoff Trends

Preparation Tips for UPSC CDS Exam

Here are some preparation tips to help you succeed in both UPSC CDS 1 2025 and UPSC CDS 2 2025:

1. Understand the Syllabus and Exam Pattern: Be well-versed with the exam pattern and syllabus to prioritize your preparation and focus on important topics.

2. Consistent Practice: Regularly solve mock tests and previous years' question papers to improve speed and accuracy.

3. Focus on General Knowledge: It is essential to stay current with news and read publications about history, geography, general science and current affairs.

4. Physical Fitness: Prepare for the physical fitness tests that are part of the selection process. Practicing exercise with yoga will benefit your fitness level along with eating nutritious food.

5. Time Management: Allocate sufficient time for each section based on your strengths and weaknesses.

Also, do check out our other website, GetMyCollege, for more guidance.

Contact Details

• Official Website: upsc.gov.in

• Helpline: +91 8867325152

Conclusion

The UPSC CDS Exam is a prestigious opportunity for those aiming to serve in the Indian Armed Forces. Whether you’re preparing for UPSC CDS 1 2025 or UPSC CDS 2 2025, having a clear understanding of the exam, syllabus, eligibility, and preparation strategies will increase your chances of success. Ensure you stay updated with the UPSC CDS Notification for both exams, follow the application process diligently, download your UPSC CDS Admit Card on time, and prepare thoroughly for the written exam.

FAQS

1. How many times is the UPSC CDS exam conducted in a year? 

The UPSC CDS exam is conducted twice a year, usually as CDS 1 in February and CDS 2 in August.

2. What is the age limit for the UPSC CDS exam? 

The age limit varies depending on the academy you're applying to. For the IMA and INA, it is 19 to 24 years; for the AFA, it is 19 to 23 years; and for the OTA, it is 19 to 25 years.

3. What are the educational qualifications required for the UPSC CDS exam?

Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university for IMA and OTA, and for INA and AFA, candidates must have a degree in engineering or physics and mathematics at the 10+2 level.

4. How can I apply for the UPSC CDS exam?

Candidates can apply for the exam through the official UPSC website by filling out the online application form when the notification is released.

5. Is there any negative marking in the UPSC CDS exam?

Yes, there is negative marking for incorrect answers. One-third of the marks allotted to a question will be deducted for each wrong answer.