UPSC Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) (I) 2025: Apply Now for 457 Officer Positions in Indian Armed Forces

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is offering exciting opportunities for young men and women to join the Indian Armed Forces. They are conducting the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) (I) 2025 on April 13th, 2025. This exam is your gateway to careers in the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA).

Here’s everything you need to know:

Vacancies: A total of 457 vacancies are available across various branches of the Indian Armed Forces:
- IMA, Dehradun: 100 vacancies (including NCC reservations)
- INA, Ezhimala: 32 vacancies (including NCC reservations)
- AFA, Hyderabad: 32 vacancies (including NCC reservations)
- OTA, Chennai (Men): 275 vacancies
- OTA, Chennai (Women): 18 vacancies
Eligibility: Requirements vary based on the chosen branch. Here’s a general overview:
- Age:
  - IMA & INA: Unmarried males born between January 2nd, 2002, and January 1st, 2007.
  - AFA: Unmarried males born between January 2nd, 2002, and January 1st, 2006.
  - OTA (Men): Males (married/unmarried) born between January 2nd, 2000, and January 1st, 2006.
  - OTA (Women): Unmarried women, widowed/divorced women (without children) born between January 2nd, 2001, and January 1st, 2007.
- Education:
  - IMA & OTA: Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or equivalent.
  - INA: Engineering degree from a recognized university/institution.
  - AFA: Bachelor’s degree (with Physics & Maths at 10+2) or Engineering degree from a recognized university/institution.
  - Final year degree students can apply provisionally.
- Physical Standards: Must meet the prescribed physical requirements as detailed in the UPSC advertisement.
Application Process: Apply online only between December 11th, 2024, and December 31st, 2024 (6:00 PM) at link to UPSC CDS application website. You can withdraw your application between January 1st, 2025, and January 7th, 2025 (6:00 PM).
Application Fee: Rs. 200/- (except for females/SC/ST candidates who are exempt). Payment can be made through SBI branch cash deposit, SBI net banking, Visa/Master Credit/Debit Card.
Exam Date: April 13th, 2025