CDS 1 2025 Notification (Out) - Eligibility, Syllabus, Exam Pattern and How to Apply?

CDS 1 2025 Notification is Out: What You Need to Know

The wait is over! The notification for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) 1 2025 exam has been officially released. If you're dreaming of a career in the Indian Armed Forces, now is the perfect time to take the first step. Here's everything you need to know about the upcoming exam, including important dates, eligibility criteria, and how to apply.

Key Dates for CDS 1 2025

The important dates for CDS 1 2025 have been shared in the notification:

• Notification Release Date: December 11, 2024
• Online Application Starts: December 11, 2024
• Last Date to Apply: December 31, 2024 - 6:00pm
• Admit Card Release: To be Informed
• Exam Date: April 13, 2025

Make sure to submit your application before the deadline and begin your preparations early to maximize your chances of success.

Eligibility Criteria

Before applying, it’s important to confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements. Here’s a quick overview:

Nationality

You need to be one of the following:

• A citizen of India
• A subject of Bhutan or Nepal
• A Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962

Age Requirements

The age limits for various academies are:

• Indian Military Academy (IMA): Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd January, 2002 and not later than 1st January 2007 only are eligible.
• Indian Naval Academy (INA): Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd January 2002 and not later than 1st January 2007 only are eligible.
• Air Force Academy (AFA): 20 to 24 years as on 1st January 2026 i.e. born not earlier than 2nd January 2002 and not later than 1st January 2006 (Upper age limit for candidates holding valid and current Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA (India) is relaxable upto 26 yrs. i.e. born not earlier than 2nd January 2000 and not later than 1st January 2006 only are eligible.
• Officers Training Academy (OTA): unmarried candidates born not earlier than 2nd January 2001 and not later than 1st January, 2007 only are eligible

Educational Qualifications

• IMA/OTA: A bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
• INA: A bachelor’s degree with Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level or an Engineering degree.
• AFA: A bachelor’s degree with Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level or an Engineering degree.

Marital Status

Candidates must be unmarried at the time of application and remain unmarried during their training.

Syllabus

The syllabus for CDS includes the following:

• English: Vocabulary, grammar, comprehension, and sentence formation.
• General Knowledge: Current events, Indian history, geography, economics, and scientific developments.
• Mathematics (IMA, INA, AFA): Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, mensuration, and statistics.

Each section is designed to test the analytical, linguistic, and problem-solving skills of candidates.

How to Apply for CDS 1 2025

The application process is entirely online. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Visit the UPSC Website: Go to the Union Public Service Commission’s official site at www.upsc.gov.in.

2. Create an Account: If you’re a first-time applicant, register by providing your personal and academic details.

3. Fill Out the Application Form: Once registered, complete the form with all the required details, such as educational qualifications and preferred exam centers.

4. Pay the Application Fee: The fee is Rs. 200 for General and OBC candidates. SC, ST, and female candidates are exempt from the fee.

5. Submit the Form: After reviewing the form for accuracy, submit it online.

6. Download the Confirmation Page: After submission, download and save the confirmation page for your records.

CDS 1 2025 Exam Pattern

The exam consists of three parts based on the academy you’re applying for:

• Officers Training Academy (OTA):

  • General Knowledge (100 marks)
  • English (100 marks)

• Indian Military Academy (IMA) / Indian Naval Academy (INA) / Air Force Academy (AFA):

  • General Knowledge (100 marks)
  • English (100 marks)
  • Mathematics (100 marks)

Each paper lasts 2 hours. All questions are objective type, and there will be negative marking for incorrect answers.

Tips to Prepare for CDS 1 2025

Here are some tips to help you prepare effectively for the exam:

1. Understand the Syllabus: Review the syllabus carefully for each subject. Focus on key topics like current affairs for General Knowledge, grammar for English, and basic math for the Mathematics section.

2. Practice with Previous Papers: Solve past year’s question papers to get a feel for the exam format and improve your time management.

3. Stay Updated on Current Affairs: Regularly read newspapers and online resources to stay updated on national and international events.

4. Manage Your Time: Practice mock tests to improve your speed and accuracy, helping you handle the exam efficiently. Free Mocks is available on Defence Mania App.  ( Download the Defence Mania App Now)

5. Check out CDS Warrior Batch is Starting from 20th December on Defence Mania App.

Final Thoughts

With the release of the CDS 1 2025 notification, now is the time to kickstart your preparations. Whether you’re aiming for IMA, INA, AFA, or OTA, staying focused and consistent in your studies will give you the best chance of success.

Start preparing early, stay disciplined, and aim high. Best of luck with your journey towards a prestigious career in the Indian Armed Forces!