CDS EXAM
The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination is a national-level exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice a year to recruit candidates for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The selection process involves a written test followed by a five-day Services Selection Board (SSB) interview. Successful candidates are admitted to the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, or Officers' Training Academy.
The official notification for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination (II) 2025 was released on May 28, 2025, and the application period closed on June 20, 2025. The examination was held on September 14, 2025. For the upcoming CDS 1 2026 exam, the notification is expected on December 10, 2025, with the application deadline being December 30, 2025, and the exam scheduled for April 12, 2026.
Key details for CDS II 2025
- Notification Date: May 28, 2025
- Application Start Date: May 28, 2025
- Last Date to Apply: June 20, 2025
- Exam Date: September 14, 2025
Upcoming dates for CDS 1 2026
- Notification Date: December 10, 2025
- Application Start Date: December 10, 2025
- Last Date to Apply: December 30, 2025
- Exam Date: April 12, 2026
CDS EXAM | 2025
Registration Date
28 May 2025 - 17 Jun 2025
Exam Date
14 Sep 2025 - 14 Sep 2025
Salary
Rs.56100.00 - Rs.250000.00
Vacancies
453
Eligibility
Graduate
Official Notification
Application Link
No Tests Available for CDS EXAM
Exam structure and process
- Application: Applications are invited twice a year, typically in December and May.
- Written Test: The first stage is a written examination covering subjects like English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics.
- SSB Interview: Candidates who clear the written test are called for a five-day SSB interview to assess their personality and suitability for the armed forces.
- Medical Examination: A final medical examination is conducted before the final selection.
- Admission: Based on merit and preference, successful candidates are admitted to one of the academies for training.
Eligibility
- Must be a citizen of India, or a subject of Nepal or Bhutan, or have migrated from other specified countries with the intent to settle permanently in India.
- Educational qualifications vary depending on the academy. For example, a degree from a recognized university is required for the Indian Military Academy and Officers' Training Academy, while a B.E./B.Tech degree is needed for the Indian Naval Academy. The Air Force Academy requires a degree with Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level, or a B.E./B.Tech degree.
- Only unmarried male and female graduates are eligible to apply.
- Age limits vary based on the branch. For example, the age limit for the Indian Military Academy is 19–24 years.
