UPSC CDS Online Form 2025, Eligibility, Apply Online Link

The UPSC CDS Application Form 2025 was released on December 11, 2024. The CDS examination is conducted biannually to select candidates for the Indian Air Force, Indian Naval Academy, Indian Military Academy, and Officers Training Academy. The CDS 1 2025 Application Form will be available on the official website, upsc.gov.in, until December 31, 2024, at 6 PM.

The UPSC CDS Application Form is issued twice a year for CDS (1) and CDS (2). Candidates who meet the specified eligibility criteria and submit a duly completed application form will be permitted to sit for the UPSC CDS (Combined Defence Services) Examination.

UPSC CDS Online Form 2025 Overview

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam. The application process for the CDS 1 2025 exam began on 11 December 2024, with the deadline for submission set for 31 December 2024 (by 6 pm). This exam provides opportunities for admission to prestigious institutions such as the Indian Military Academy and the Indian Naval Academy. Aspirants are advised to carefully review the eligibility criteria before submitting their applications for CDS 1 2025.

CDS 1 2025 Important Dates

The key dates associated with various events of the UPSC CDS exam are outlined in the table below:

UPSC Combined Defence Service Eligibility

To be eligible for the UPSC Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination, candidates must meet specific criteria regarding age and educational qualifications. Generally, candidates should be unmarried and fall within the age range of 19 to 25 years. However, for certain positions, such as the Indian Military Academy ( IMA) and Air Force Academy (AFA), the age limits may vary. It is essential for candidates to thoroughly check the eligibility requirements for the specific academy they wish to apply for.

Age Limit

• Indian Military Academy (IMA): Unmarried male candidates born between January 2, 2002, and January 1, 2007.
• Indian Naval Academy (INA): Unmarried male candidates born between January 2, 2002, and January 1, 2007.
• Air Force Academy (AFA): Candidates aged 20 to 24 years as of January 1, 2026 (born between January 2, 2002, and January 1, 2006).
• Officers’ Training Academy (OTA): Unmarried male candidates born between January 2, 2001, and January 1, 2007; unmarried women, issueless widows, and issueless divorcees can also apply.

Educational Qualification

• Candidates must have completed their graduation from a recognized university.
• For the Indian Naval Academy, candidates should have an engineering degree.
• For the Air Force Academy, candidates must have a degree with Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level.

Documents Required for CDS Application Form

When applying for the CDS exam, candidates must ensure they have the necessary documents ready to complete their application form accurately. These documents are crucial for verifying eligibility and should be submitted as per the guidelines. It is important to keep all documents organized to facilitate a smooth application process.

• Scanned photograph
• Scanned signature
• Proof of identity (Aadhar card, PAN card, etc.)
• Educational qualification certificates
• Caste certificate (if applicable)
• Birth certificate or age proof

Online Application Fee

Candidates applying for the CDS exam must pay the application fee using various payment methods, including cash, credit card, debit card, or net banking. For the 2025 examination, the application fee is categorized as follows: General and OBC male candidates are required to pay Rs. 200, while female candidates and those belonging to SC/ST categories are exempt from the fee and can apply for free. It is essential for candidates to ensure timely payment to complete their application process successfully.

How to Fill UPSC CDS Application Form 2025?

To apply for the CDS exam 2025, follow these steps:

Step 1: Registration Form

• Visit the official UPSC website (www.upsc.gov.in)
• Click on “Examination “Active Examinations” “Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2025”.
• Click on “One-Time Registration (OTR) for Examination” and then click on the “New Registration” button.
• Fill in your details correctly and register yourself on the OTR portal.
• Log in using your Email ID, Mobile Number, or OTR ID to verify your registered OTR application.

Step 2: Application Form

• Log in using your Email ID, Mobile Number, or OTR ID and enter the OTP/Password.
• Fill in the required information, create a new password, and click on the “Submit” tab.
• Read the instructions carefully and proceed by clicking on “Yes”.
• Fill in your educational qualification, address, and other details.
• Upload the required scanned documents.
• Select your preferences carefully and continue to Part II.

Step 3: Application Fee Payment

• Pay the required application fee through online or offline mode.
• Select your desired examination center from the list.
• Review all the details and click on “Submit”.
• Download a copy of the UPSC CDS 1 application form 2025 for future reference.