CDS 2025 Mock Test – UPSC Combined Defence Services Exam Preparation

What is CDS?

The Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam is conducted by UPSC twice a year for recruitment of officers into the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). CDS offers a direct path to a highly respected and challenging leadership role in the Indian Armed Forces.

CDS 2025 Eligibility Criteria

• Nationality: Must be a citizen of India, or subject of Nepal/Bhutan or a Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1st January 1962.
• Age Limit (as on 1st January 2025):
  • IMA: 19 to 24 years
  • INA: 19 to 24 years
  • AFA: 20 to 24 years
  • OTA: 19 to 25 years
• Marital Status: Unmarried for IMA, INA, AFA. For OTA, both unmarried and married males can apply, but married candidates will not get accommodation during training.

Educational Qualification for CDS 2025

• IMA & OTA: Graduate degree (any discipline) from a recognized university.
• INA: Degree in Engineering from a recognized university or institution.
• AFA: Degree from a recognized university (with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level) or Bachelor of Engineering.
• Final Year Students: May apply, but must submit proof of passing before selection.

How to Apply for CDS 2025

1. Visit the official UPSC portal: upsconline.nic.in
2. Register and fill out the online application form with accurate details.
3. Upload scanned copies of your photograph and signature.
4. Pay the examination fee online or by cash at SBI branches.
5. Review the application and submit. Download and print the confirmation page for future reference.

Examination Fee

• General/OBC: ₹200/-
• SC/ST/Female Candidates: Exempted (no fee)
• Fee can be paid online via net banking, credit/debit card, or by cash at SBI branches.

CDS 2025 Exam Pattern & Syllabus

• For IMA, INA, AFA:
  • English – 100 marks (2 hours)
  • General Knowledge – 100 marks (2 hours)
  • Elementary Mathematics – 100 marks (2 hours)
• For OTA:
  • English – 100 marks (2 hours)
  • General Knowledge – 100 marks (2 hours)
• Syllabus Highlights:
  • English: Spotting errors, comprehension, synonym/antonym, sentence improvement, fill in the blanks
  • General Knowledge: Current affairs, history, geography, polity, economics, science, and defence
  • Elementary Mathematics: Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, mensuration, statistics
• Marking Scheme: 1/3rd negative marking for incorrect answers.
• SSB Interview: Candidates who qualify the written exam appear for the SSB interview for intelligence and personality assessment.

Preparation Tip: Attempting CDS mock tests regularly helps you understand exam trends, improve accuracy, and boost your scores.

CDS 2025: Important Dates

• Notification Released: December 2024
• Application Period: As per notification
• Admit Card Download: To be notified
• Exam Date: As per UPSC calendar
• Result Declaration: To be announced

Why Choose Our CDS Mock Tests?

• Latest CDS exam pattern and difficulty level.
• Complete performance analytics and detailed solutions for every question.
• Instant results, feedback, and ranking to monitor your progress.
• Created by defence exam experts and toppers.
• Accessible anytime, anywhere for flexible preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions – CDS 2025