The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially announced the notification for the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA), as well as the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination (I) for 2025. These exams serve as the gateway for recruitment into the prestigious Indian Armed Forces, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Interested candidates can apply online through the official UPSC website.

The application process begins on December 11, 2024, and concludes on December 31, 2024. The examination is scheduled for April 13, 2025. Candidates are required to complete the One Time Registration (OTR) on the UPSC portal before submitting their application. All relevant guidelines, eligibility criteria, and application fee details can be found in the official notification.

Table of Contents

• CDS & NDA Exam Notification 2025
• Eligibility Criteria
• Selection Process
• Important Dates
• Application Fee
• How to Apply for NDA and CDS Exam 2025

CDS & NDA Exam Notification 2025

• Exam Name: National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (NDA & NA), CDS I
• Conducting Body: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
• Exam Frequency: Twice a year (April and September)
• Application Mode: Online
• Application Start Date: December 11, 2024
• Application End Date: December 31, 2024
• Official Website: upsc.gov.in

Eligibility Criteria

Age Limit

• For CDS: Candidates must be aged between 20 and 24 years as of January 1, 2025. However, the upper age limit varies depending on the academy:
  • Indian Military Academy (IMA): 24 years
  • Air Force Academy (AFA): 25 years
  • Naval Academy (NA): 25 years
• For NDA: Applicants must be between the ages of 16.5 to 19.5 years. Specific birth dates and criteria are provided in the official notification.

Educational Qualification

• For NDA: Candidates must have completed their 10+2 or equivalent from a recognized board. For those seeking admission to the Air Force or Naval wings, Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics at the 10+2 level are mandatory.
• For CDS: Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. For specific academies:
  • Indian Naval Academy (INA): A degree in Engineering is required.
  • Air Force Academy (AFA): A Bachelor’s degree with Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level or a Bachelor of Engineering/Technology.

Selection Process

The selection for the NDA and CDS examinations involves three stages:

1. Written Examination: The first stage includes two papers—Mathematics (300 marks) and General Ability Test (GAT) (600 marks), totaling 900 marks. Only those who clear this stage proceed to the next phase.
2. SSB Interview: Successful candidates from the written exam are called for the Service Selection Board (SSB) Interview. This five-day assessment tests candidates’ leadership, intelligence, and communication skills through various activities, including Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests, Picture Perception and Discussion Test (PPDT), group tasks, and personal interviews. This stage also carries 900 marks.
3. Medical Examination: After the SSB Interview, selected candidates undergo a medical examination to ensure they meet the necessary health and physical standards.

The final selection is based on the combined scores from the written exam, SSB interview, and medical fitness.

Important Dates

• Start Date for Application: December 11, 2024
• End Date for Application: December 31, 2024
• Exam Date: April 13, 2025

Application Fee

• For CDS-I: ₹200 (Exemptions available for Female, SC, and ST candidates)
• For NDA & NA-I: ₹100 (Exemptions available for SC/ST candidates, female candidates, and wards of JCOs, NCOs, and ORs)

Candidates can pay the fee through various methods, including cash deposit at SBI branches, debit/credit cards, UPI, or internet banking.

How to Apply for NDA and CDS Exam 2025

To apply for the NDA and CDS exam, candidates must follow these steps:

1. Visit the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in.
2. Register by providing basic personal details.
3. Log in using the registration number and proceed with the application process.
4. Complete the academic details, select preferred exam centers, and upload necessary documents.
5. Pay the application fee online or offline, if applicable.
6. Review and submit the application form, ensuring all details are correct.
7. Take a printout of the completed form for future reference.