UPSC CDS 2025 registrations end today, exam on April 21

About UPSC CDS 2024

Prospective candidates preparing for defense examinations are strongly encouraged to thoroughly review the challenging CDS Exam Overview. The CDS 2024 exam serves as a vital pathway for individuals aspiring to become officers in the esteemed Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force. The CDS 2024 Exam provides candidates with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, knowledge, and aptitude across various domains.

The examination comprehensively covers three principal academies: the Indian Military Academy (IMA), the Indian Naval Academy (INA), and the Air Force Academy (AFA). Each academy delivers specialized training programs tailored to address the specific requirements and challenges unique to their respective branches of the defense forces. 

The Union Public Service Commission officially released the CDS 1 2024 Notification on December 20, 2025. Simultaneously, the CDS 1 2024 Application Form was made available on the official website at upsc.gov.in. Candidates need to note that the deadline for submitting the CDS 1 2024 Application Form is January 9, 2024, until 6 pm.

UPSC CDS 2024 Exam Highlight
Organization	Union Public Service Commission
Exam Name	Combined Defence Service Examination (I) 2024
CDS 2 Vacancy	457
Mode of Application	Online
Registration Dates	20th December 2025 to 9th January 2024
Selection Process	Written Test- Interview- Medical Examination
Language of Written Exam	Bilingual
Mode of Examination	Offline
Type of Questions	Multiple-choice questions
Eligibility	Unmarried Males & Females
CDS Exam Duration	2 hours (each paper)
Marking Scheme	1/3 for each incorrect answer
Job Location	All Over India
Official Website	upsc.gov.in

UPSC CDS 2024- Important Dates

Particulars	Dates
CDS 1 2024 Notification Release Date	20th December 2025
CDS 1 Application Form 2024	20th December 2025
Online Registration End Date	9th January 2024 (06:00 pm)
Last Date to Pay Fee	9th January 2024 (06:00 pm)
CDS 1 Admit Card 2024	April 2024
CDS 1 Exam Date 2024	21st April 2024

UPSC CDS 2024 Vacancies

Name of the Academy	Number of Vacancies
Indian Military Academy, Dehradun	100
Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala	32
Air Force Academy, Hyderabad	32
Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai (Madras) SSC Men	275
Officers Training Academy, Chennai SSC Women	18
Total Vacancies	457

UPSC CDS 2024 Selection Process

Written Exam:

• Tests in English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics.
• Different tests for each Academy.

Interview/Personality Test (SSB):

• Conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB).
• Assesses officer-like qualities and leadership skills.

Document Verification:

• Ensures the authenticity of submitted certificates.
• Validate educational documents and age proof.

Medical Examination:

• Conducted at a Military Hospital.
• Assesses physical and medical fitness.

Final Merit List:

• Based on the performance in written exams, interviews, and medical assessments.
• Determines seat allocation in academies.

This step-by-step process ensures a comprehensive evaluation, selecting candidates best suited for a career in the defense forces.

UPSC CDS 2024 Apply Online

• Visit UPSC's official website, locate the CDS 1 2024 section, and click on the application form link to initiate the process.
• Provide essential personal details, including name, date of birth, email, and contact number. For future access, create a distinct username and password.
• Log in using the credentials to fill in personal information, educational qualifications, and academy preferences.
• Upload a recent passport-sized photograph, signature, and necessary documents, adhering to specified formats.
• Pay the application fee online, with the amount varying based on categories such as general, OBC, SC/ST, or female candidates.
• Thoroughly review all entered details and uploaded documents for accuracy.
• Submit the application form, ensuring completeness and correctness of information.
• Print a copy of the completed application for reference and future communication.
• Adherence to this straightforward process ensures a successful and hassle-free submission of the CDS 1 2024 application, underscoring the significance of timely completion and document provision.

UPSC CDS 2024 Application Form Fee

The CDS 2024 Exam application cost is Rs. 200 for all categories, excluding SC/ST/Females. Payment can be made through online/offline modes, including Net Banking, Mastercard/Debit Card, or cash deposit at any SBI Bank branch. Timely fee payment is crucial for the seamless completion of the application process.

UPSC CDS 2024 Exam Pattern

The UPSC CDS 2024 examination follows a specific pattern for the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Navy Academy (INA), and Air Force Academy (AFA), as well as a separate one for the Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). The exam pattern for the UPSC CDS 1 is outlined below:

For IMA, INA, and AFA:

• Subject: English
• Duration: 2 hours
• Maximum Marks: 100
• Subject: General Knowledge
• Duration: 2 hours
• Maximum Marks:100
• Subject: Elementary Mathematics
• Duration: 2 hours
• Maximum Marks: 100

For OTA:

• Subject: English
• Duration: 2 hours
• Maximum Marks: 100
• Subject: General Knowledge
• Duration: 2 hours
• Maximum Marks: 100

This exam pattern provides a clear structure for candidates, outlining the subjects to be covered, the duration of each section, and the maximum marks allotted for each subject. Aspirants should tailor their preparation strategies according to these specific guidelines to enhance their chances of success in the UPSC CDS 2024 examination.

UPSC CDS 2024 Eligibility

Candidates aspiring to join the defense forces through the CDS exam must fulfill specific educational and age criteria. Here are the requirements:

Educational Criteria:

• For all academies, candidates must be graduates from a recognized university.
• To join the Navy, candidates must possess a bachelor's degree in engineering.
• For the Air Force Academy, candidates must have passed Physics and Chemistry in Class 12, in addition to holding a bachelor's degree.

Age Criteria:

• Applicants for the Air Force and Navy CDS exam must be between the ages of 19 and 23.
• Those applying for the Officers Training Academy must be between the ages of 19 and 24.

These criteria play a crucial role in determining the eligibility of candidates for different academies within the CDS exam, ensuring that they meet the educational qualifications and age limits specified for each branch of the defense forces. Aspirants should carefully assess and fulfill these requirements to qualify for the CDS exam and pursue a career in the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force.