The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially announced the commencement of UPSC Recruitment 2025 for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination-I. This golden opportunity invites aspiring candidates to join esteemed institutions such as the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Officer’s Training Academy (OTA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Indian Air Force Academy (AFA). With 457 vacancies open, this recruitment drive is a promising chance for candidates to fulfil their dream of serving the nation. Let us delve deeper into the details.
Table of Contents
- Course Name and Vacancies
- Age Limit
- Qualifications Required
- Selection Process
- Examination Centres
- Application Fee
- How to Apply
- FAQs
Course Name and Vacancies for UPSC Recruitment 2025
UPSC is conducting this recruitment drive to fill 457 vacancies through the CDS Examination-I for various prestigious courses.
| Institution | Course Name | Number of Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 153rd (DE) Course | 200 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | Executive Course (General Service) | 32 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | Flying Branch (Pre-Flying Training) | 32 |
| Officer’s Training Academy (OTA) | 116th SSC (Men) & 30th SSC (Women) Course | 193 |
| Total | 457 |
This structured table provides clarity on the distribution of vacancies under UPSC Recruitment 2025.
Age Limit for UPSC Recruitment 2025
Candidates applying for UPSC Recruitment 2025 must meet the following age criteria:
| Institution | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 20 to 24 years as of 1st January 2026 (Born between 2nd January 2002 and 1st January 2006) |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 20 to 24 years as of 1st January 2026 (Born between 2nd January 2002 and 1st January 2006) |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 20 to 24 years as of 1st January 2026 (Born between 2nd January 2002 and 1st January 2006) |
| Air Force Academy (with valid DGCA Commercial Pilot Licence) | Up to 26 years as of 1st January 2026 (Born between 2nd January 2000 and 1st January 2006) |
| Officer’s Training Academy (OTA) | 20 to 25 years |
It is essential to note that only unmarried candidates are eligible to apply for IMA, INA, and AFA courses under UPSC Recruitment 2025.
Qualifications Required for UPSC Recruitment 2025
Applicants must meet the educational qualifications prescribed by UPSC:
- Indian Military Academy (IMA): A degree from a recognised university or an equivalent qualification.
- Indian Naval Academy (INA): A degree in Engineering from a recognised university or institution.
- Air Force Academy (AFA): A degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level, or a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.
- Officer’s Training Academy (OTA): A degree from a recognised university or an equivalent qualification.
Candidates with their first choice as Army, Navy, or Air Force must present their graduation or provisional degree certificates during the SSB Interview.
Selection Process for UPSC Recruitment 2025
The selection process for UPSC Recruitment 2025 includes the following stages:
- Written Examination
- The written examination for IMA, INA, and AFA consists of three papers: English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics.
- For OTA, the examination includes two papers: English and General Knowledge.
| Subject | Duration | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English | 2 Hours | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 2 Hours | 100 |
| Elementary Mathematics (IMA, INA, AFA only) | 2 Hours | 100 |
- SSB Interview/Personality Test
- Shortlisted candidates will undergo a two-stage selection procedure. The first stage involves Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception Description Tests (PPDT). Successful candidates will proceed to stage two, including psychological tests, group testing, and a personal interview.
Admit cards will be available for download on the UPSC website three to four days before the examination.
Read Also: National Highway Authority of India Recruitment 2024: Apply for GM & DGM Positions
Examination Centres for UPSC Recruitment 2025
The written examination for UPSC Recruitment 2025 will be conducted on 13th April 2025 at various centres across the country. Some popular centres include:
- Delhi
- Mumbai
- Chennai
- Bengaluru
- Hyderabad
- Kolkata
- Lucknow
A detailed list of examination centres is available in the official notification on the UPSC website.
Application Fee for UPSC Recruitment 2025
The application fee details for UPSC Recruitment 2025 are as follows:
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General/OBC | Rs. 200 |
| Female/SC/ST | Exempted |
Candidates can pay the fee via:
- Online payment (Credit/Debit Card, Net Banking, UPI)
- Cash payment at any SBI branch through a system-generated challan (Pay by Cash option available until 30th December 2024, 11:59 PM).
How to Apply for UPSC Recruitment 2025
Follow these steps to complete the application process for UPSC Recruitment 2025:
- Visit the official UPSC website.
- Click on the “Online Application for CDS-I 2025” link.
- Complete the Part-I Registration by providing personal and educational details.
- Complete the Part-II Registration by uploading scanned documents and paying the application fee.
- Submit the form and take a printout for future reference.
Important Dates:
- Last Date to Apply: 31st December 2024, 6:00 PM.
- Application Correction Window: 1st January 2025 to 7th January 2025.
FAQs
- How many vacancies are available for UPSC Recruitment 2025?
- There are 457 vacancies under UPSC Recruitment 2025.
- What is the last date to apply for UPSC Recruitment 2025?
- The last date to submit the online application is 31st December 2024.
- What is the selection process for UPSC Recruitment 2025?
- The selection process includes a written examination and an SSB Interview/Personality Test.
- What is the application fee for UPSC Recruitment 2025?
- General and OBC candidates need to pay Rs. 200. Female/SC/ST candidates are exempted from the fee.
- Can I apply offline for UPSC Recruitment 2025?
- No, only online applications through the UPSC website are accepted.
Conclusion
The UPSC Recruitment 2025 for the CDS Examination-I offers an excellent opportunity for ambitious candidates to secure a respected position in the defence forces of India. With 457 vacancies across esteemed institutions, this recruitment drive is a stepping stone for those aiming to serve the nation. Make sure to apply on time and prepare thoroughly to excel in this highly competitive examination.
For further details, visit the official UPSC website and download the detailed notification.