CDS Exam 2025: Beginner’s Guide to Joining the Indian Armed Forces

What is the CDS Exam?

Hello! CDS stands for Combined Defence Services, and it’s an exam to join the Indian Armed Forces as an officer in the Army, Navy, or Air Force. After passing, you’ll train at academies like the Indian Military Academy (IMA) or Air Force Academy (AFA). The exam is run by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), and about 2 lakh graduates take it every year. If you want to serve the country and lead a life of honor, CDS is the perfect path!

A Little History of the CDS Exam

The CDS Exam started in 1979 to select officers for the Indian Armed Forces after graduation. Before that, the main entry was through NDA (after Class 12). CDS was created to give graduates a chance to join the military. The exam happens twice a year (CDS I and CDS II), and over the years, it has added more focus on English and current affairs to test well-rounded skills. CDS officers have led India in wars like Kargil (1999) and are key to national security!

Who Can Apply for the CDS Exam?

Here’s what you need:

• Education:
  • For IMA & Officers’ Training Academy (OTA): You need a bachelor’s degree (any stream).
  • For Naval Academy: A degree in Engineering.
  • For Air Force Academy: A degree with Physics and Math in Class 12, or an Engineering degree.
• Age:
  • IMA: 19-24 years (born between July 2, 2001, and July 1, 2006).
  • Naval Academy: 19-24 years (same as IMA).
  • Air Force Academy: 20-24 years (born between July 2, 2001, and July 1, 2005).
  • OTA: 19-25 years (born between July 2, 2000, and July 1, 2006).
• Marital Status: IMA, Navy, and Air Force require you to be unmarried. OTA allows married candidates (but no family benefits during training).
• Physical Standards: Minimum height is 157 cm for men, 152 cm for women. Good eyesight (like 6/6) and no major health issues.

What Will You Study? (Syllabus)

The CDS Exam has a written test and an SSB interview. Here’s what the written test covers:

• For IMA, Navy, Air Force:
  • English: Grammar, vocabulary, comprehension.
  • General Knowledge: Current affairs, history, geography, science.
  • Elementary Mathematics: Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, statistics.
• For OTA: Only English and General Knowledge (no Math).

How the Exam Works (Exam Pattern)

The CDS Exam has two stages:

• Written Test:
  • For IMA, Navy, Air Force: 3 papers, 300 marks total.
    • English: 100 marks, 2 hours.
    • General Knowledge: 100 marks, 2 hours.
    • Math: 100 marks, 2 hours.
  • For OTA: 2 papers, 200 marks total.
    • English: 100 marks, 2 hours.
    • General Knowledge: 100 marks, 2 hours.
  • All questions are multiple-choice (MCQs). Correct answers give 1 mark (0.83 for Math), wrong answers deduct 0.33 marks (0.27 for Math).
• SSB Interview: If you pass the written test, you’ll take the SSB (900 marks), a 5-day process:
  • Day 1: Screening (picture tests, discussion).
  • Days 2-4: Psychological tests, group tasks, physical tests.
  • Day 5: Personal interview and final conference.

Your final score is Written + SSB (1200 marks for IMA/Navy/Air Force, 1100 for OTA).

What’s Happened Before? (Past Trends)

Here’s what past exams show:

• In CDS I 2024, about 2.5 lakh students applied, but only 8,000 cleared the written test, and around 350 were selected after SSB.
• General Knowledge often has current affairs—like a 2024 question on India’s G20 presidency.
• Math includes algebra and geometry—like solving quadratic equations.
• Written cutoff for IMA in 2024 was around 135 out of 300 (General category).
• SSB is tough—many fail group tasks due to lack of teamwork or confidence.

Latest Updates for CDS Exam 2025

Here’s the latest as of May 26, 2025:

• CDS I 2025 was held on April 13, 2025, and results were announced on May 5, 2025. SSB interviews are ongoing.
• CDS II 2025 is scheduled for September 14, 2025. Applications opened today, May 26, 2025, and will close on June 10, 2025.
• No syllabus changes, but UPSC added more questions on defense policies in General Knowledge.
• Vacancies for CDS II 2025: 459 (IMA: 100, Navy: 32, Air Force: 92, OTA: 235).

How to Prepare for CDS Exam 2025 (Beginner Tips)

Here’s how to start:

• Study Math: Practice arithmetic, algebra, and geometry with Class 10 NCERT books.
• Improve English: Read newspapers and practice grammar with “High School English Grammar” by Wren & Martin.
• Learn General Knowledge: Read The Hindu for current affairs and use NCERT books (Class 6-12) for history and geography.
• Practice Past Papers: Solve CDS papers from the last 5 years. Arihant’s CDS book has good practice questions.
• Get Fit: SSB tests fitness—start running (2.4 km in 15 minutes), do push-ups, and practice climbing ropes.
• Prepare for SSB: Practice group discussions and interviews. Be confident and honest.
• Make a Study Plan: Study 5-6 hours a day. Spend 2 hours on Math, 2 on General Knowledge, 1 on English, and 1 on fitness.
• Stay Positive: The exam is tough, but with practice, you can do it. Keep trying!

Where to Find More Help (External Links)

• Official UPSC Website – Check dates, syllabus, and results here.
• Join Indian Army – Learn about CDS training and military life.
• Shiksha – Easy tips for CDS beginners.

Final Words

CDS Exam 2025 is your chance to join the Indian Armed Forces and serve the nation! It’s a challenging journey, but with hard work, fitness, and confidence, you can make it. Start studying, get fit, and believe in yourself. You’re on your way to becoming an officer!