Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has published an examination notification for Combined Defense Services (CDS) posts under Examination Notice No. 04/2025.CDS-I, dated 11.12.2024. Here, you will get complete information about UPSC CDS 2025 online application process, including key dates, application fee, eligibility, vacancies and important links.
Applicants need to review the official notification carefully before applying to ensure that they fulfill all the eligibility conditions. Links to the official notification and UPSC website are given below for reference.
UPSC CDS Vacancy Details
- Indian Military Academy, Dehradun: 100 vacancies
- Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala: 32 vacancies
- Air Force Academy, Hyderabad: 32 vacancies
- Officers Training Academy, Chennai (Men): 275 vacancies
- Officers Training Academy, Chennai (Women): 18 vacancies
total vacancies: 457 posts
educational qualification details
- Indian Military Academy (IMA): Degree or equivalent from a recognized university.
- Indian Naval Academy (INA): Degree in Engineering from a recognized University/Institute.
- Air Force Academy (AFA): Degree (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or Graduation in Engineering from a recognized university.
- Officers Training Academy (OTA): Degree or equivalent from a recognized university.
age limit details
- there is: Unmarried male candidates born between 02.01.2002 and 01.01.2007.
- When?: Same as IMA.
- air force academy: 20-24 years as on 01.01.2026 (born between 02.01.2002 and 01.01.2006; upper age relaxation of 26 years for DGCA-licensed commercial pilots).
- OTA (Male and Female): Unmarried candidates born between 02.01.2001 and 01.01.2007.
salary details
Pay scales of Army officers and equivalent ranks in the Air Force and Navy.
| Post | level | Salary Range (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| lieutenant | level 10 | 56,100 – 1,77,500 |
| captain | level 10b | 61,300 – 1,93,900 |
| Chief | level 11 | 69,400 – 2,07,200 |
| Lieutenant Colonel | level 12a | 1,21,200 – 2,12,400 |
| colonel | level 13 | 1,30,600 – 2,15,900 |
| Brigadier | level 13a | 1,39,600 – 2,17,600 |
| major General | level 14 | 1,44,200 – 2,18,200 |
| Lieutenant General (HAG Scale) | level 15 | 1,82,200 – 2,24,100 |
| hag+scale | level 16 | 2,05,400 – 2,24,400 |
| VCOAS/Army Commander/Lieutenant General (NFSG) | level 17 | Rs.2,25,000/- (Fixed) |
| COAS (Chief of Army Staff) | level 18 | Rs.2,50,000/- (Fixed) |
The MSP to the officer is as follows,
- Military Service Pay (MSP) for officers from Lieutenant to Brigadier rank – fixed at Rs 15,500 per month
Fixed stipend for cadet training,
- Stipend to Officer Cadets during the entire period of training in Service Academies i.e. during the training period in IMA and OTA – Rs. Rs.56,100/- per month (Starting salary in Level 10)
How to Apply for UPSC CDS Exam 2025
Candidates are required to apply online only at upsconline.gov.in. No other medium is allowed to submit application.
selection process
- Written examination.
- Interview/Personality Test conducted by Services Selection Board (SSB).
- Final merit list based on combined marks of written and SSB tests.
Application Fee and Payment Mode
- General/OBC: ₹200.
- SC/ST/Women: No fee.
- Payment Mode: Net Banking, Credit/Debit Card, UPI, or Cash at SBI Branches (Offline).
important dates
- notification date: 11 December 2024.
- application deadline: 31 December 2024, 6:00 pm.
- repair window: From 1 January 2025 to 7 January 2025.
- exam date: 13 April 2025.
Notification and official website link
The details given above are for informational purposes only. For comprehensive information see the official UPSC notification.
FAQ: UPSC CDS Exam 2025
- Can I apply offline for UPSC CDS exam?
No, applications are accepted online only through UPSC website. - What documents will be required during the application process?
A photo ID, scanned copies of recent photograph and signature are mandatory. - Is there negative marking in written examination?
Yes, one-third marks will be deducted for each wrong answer in objective type question papers. - Can I modify my application form after submission?
Yes, revision is allowed during the correction window (January 1 to January 7, 2025). - What is the last date for payment of application fee in cash?
Cash payment mode is available till 30th December 2024, before 11:59 PM.
