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Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2025 457 Posts – Admit Card Released – India – 2024

UPSC Service Commission
Domain: Defense & Security
Employment Type: Full time
Stage: Admit Card - Admit Card Release

Posted: 9 months ago

Posts: 457

Location: CENTRAL

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Job Details

The Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2025, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), is a prestigious examination for recruitment into the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers’ Training Academy. The exam tests candidates on English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics, and is a gateway for graduates aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces. The e-Admit Card for the examination is now available for download on the UPSC website.

Level:
central
Cities:
Dehradun, Ezhimala, Hyderabad, Chennai
Other Information:
  • Service Allocation: Candidates may be posted in any state or union territory of India as per the service requirements.
Exam Centers:
  • Examination Centers: Exams will be conducted in major cities across India, including Agartala, Ghaziabad, Navi Mumbai, and others.

Job Summary

The Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2025 offers an opportunity for graduates to join the Indian Armed Forces. The examination process involves a written test followed by an interview conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB). Candidates must prepare thoroughly to succeed in this competitive examination. Recent notification highlights the release of the e-Admit Card for the exam scheduled on April 13, 2025.

Important Dates

#EventDate
1Notification Release DateDecember 11, 2024
2Application Start DateDecember 11, 2024
3Application End DateDecember 31, 2024
4Examination DateApril 13, 2025

Fee Structure

Application Fee

1. General/OBC:
₹200
2. SC/ST/Female:
Exempted

Payment Methods

1. Accepted Payment Methods:
Credit Card, Debit Card, UPI, Net Banking

Other Information

1. Refund Policy:
Application fees are non-refundable.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Educational Qualifications

CriteriaDetails
Any GraduateRequired

2. Other Educational Qualifications

CriteriaDetails
Final Year StudentsCandidates in their final year of graduation may apply, provided they can submit proof of passing the examination at the time of the SSB interview.

3. Age Limit

CriteriaDetails
Age Range20 - 24 years
Age Limit As On1 Jan 2026
Indian Military AcademyUnmarried male candidates born not earlier than January 2, 2002, and not later than January 1, 2007.
Indian Naval AcademyUnmarried male candidates born not earlier than January 2, 2002, and not later than January 1, 2007.
Air Force Academy20 to 24 years as on January 1, 2026, with relaxation up to 26 years for candidates holding a valid and current Commercial Pilot Licence.
Officers' Training AcademyUnmarried male candidates born not earlier than January 2, 2001, and not later than January 1, 2007.
SSC Women (Non-Technical) CourseUnmarried women, issueless widows who have not remarried, and issueless divorcees who have not remarried, born not earlier than January 2, 2001, and not later than January 1, 2007.

4. Citizenship

CriteriaDetails
NationalityMust be a citizen of India, or a subject of Nepal or Bhutan, or a person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, and East African countries with the intention of permanently settling in India.

5. Physical Requirements

CriteriaDetails
Physical StandardsCandidates must meet specific physical standards as set by UPSC for admission to the Combined Defence Services Examination.

6. Other Eligibility

CriteriaDetails
Marital StatusCandidates must be unmarried, with specific conditions for widows and divorcees applying for the SSC Women (Non-Technical) Course.

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Post Details

Total Posts: 457

1. Indian Military Academy

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Educational Qualification: Degree of a recognized University or equivalent.

Age Limitations:

  • Age Criteria: Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than January 2, 2002, and not later than January 1, 2007.

Category Wise Vacancy:

CategoryReserved SeatsOther Eligibility
General87N/A
NCC 'C' Certificate (Army Wing)13
  • NCC 'C' Certificate: Candidates must hold an NCC 'C' Certificate (Army Wing) to be eligible for reserved vacancies.

2. Indian Naval Academy

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Educational Qualification: Degree in Engineering from a recognized University/Institution.

Age Limitations:

  • Age Criteria: Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than January 2, 2002, and not later than January 1, 2007.

Category Wise Vacancy:

CategoryReserved SeatsOther Eligibility
General26N/A
NCC 'C' Certificate (Naval Wing)6
  • NCC 'C' Certificate: Candidates must hold an NCC 'C' Certificate (Naval Wing) to be eligible for reserved vacancies.

3. Air Force Academy

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Educational Qualification: Degree of a recognized University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or Bachelor of Engineering.

Age Limitations:

  • Age Criteria: 20 to 24 years as on January 1, 2026, with relaxation up to 26 years for candidates holding a valid and current Commercial Pilot Licence.

Category Wise Vacancy:

CategoryReserved SeatsOther Eligibility
General29N/A
NCC 'C' Certificate (Air Wing)3
  • NCC 'C' Certificate: Candidates must hold an NCC 'C' Certificate (Air Wing) to be eligible for reserved vacancies.

4. Officers’ Training Academy (Men)

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Educational Qualification: Degree of a recognized University or equivalent.

Age Limitations:

  • Age Criteria: Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than January 2, 2001, and not later than January 1, 2007.

5. Officers’ Training Academy (Women)

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Educational Qualification: Degree of a recognized University or equivalent.

Age Limitations:

  • Age Criteria: Unmarried women, issueless widows who have not remarried, and issueless divorcees who have not remarried, born not earlier than January 2, 2001, and not later than January 1, 2007.

Cut Off Marks

1. Written Examination:
Cut-off marks for the written examination will be released after the results are declared.
2. SSB Interview:
Cut-off marks for the SSB interview will be determined based on performance and announced accordingly.

How to Apply

1. Step 1:
Register on the UPSC online portal and complete the One Time Registration (OTR) process.
2. Step 2:
Fill out the application form and provide necessary details accurately.
3. Step 3:
Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and ID proof as per guidelines.
4. Step 4:
Submit the application fee and review the filled form before final submission.

Exam Pattern

1. Written Examination:
Consists of objective-type questions covering English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics for IMA, INA, and AFA. OTA candidates have English and General Knowledge papers.
2. SSB Interview:
Candidates who qualify the written examination are called for an interview conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB), which includes psychological tests, group tasks, and personal interviews.

Syllabus Details

1. English:
Designed to test the candidates’ understanding of English and workmanlike use of words.
2. General Knowledge:
Covers current events, history of India, geography, and general science.
3. Elementary Mathematics:
Includes arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, mensuration, and statistics.

Selection Process

1. Selection Stages:
The selection process consists of a written examination followed by an SSB interview. Candidates are evaluated on their knowledge, personality, and suitability for a career in the armed forces.
2. Written Examination:
The written exam comprises objective-type questions in English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics for IMA, INA, and AFA. OTA candidates have English and General Knowledge papers.
3. SSB Interview:
The SSB interview includes psychological tests, group tasks, and personal interviews to assess candidates' leadership qualities, communication skills, and overall personality.

Admit Card Details

1. Admit Card Release:
Admit cards will be available on the UPSC website approximately three weeks before the exam date. Candidates must download and print their admit cards.
2. Admit Card Requirements:
Candidates should carry a printed copy of the admit card along with a valid photo ID to the examination center. Failure to produce these documents may result in disqualification.
3. Admit Card Corrections:
In case of discrepancies in the admit card details, candidates should immediately contact UPSC for necessary corrections.

Reservation Details

1. Reservation Policy:
Reservations apply for SC, ST, and NCC 'C' Certificate holders according to the latest government policies.
2. SC/ST Reservation:
15% of seats are reserved for Scheduled Caste (SC) and 7.5% for Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates.
3. NCC 'C' Certificate Reservation:
Reserved vacancies are available for NCC 'C' Certificate holders in the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, and Air Force Academy.

Document Requirements

1. Required Documents:
Candidates must submit scanned copies of their graduation degree certificate, valid ID proof, and relevant category certificates as specified.
2. ID Proof:
Acceptable ID proofs include Passport, Aadhar Card, Voter ID, or Driving License.
3. Category Certificates:
SC/ST candidates must submit their respective caste certificates, issued by a competent authority.
4. Proof of Date of Birth:
Candidates must provide a Matriculation or equivalent certificate as proof of date of birth.
5. Other Required Documents:
Additional documents like NCC 'C' Certificate and proof of benchmark disability (if applicable) may be required.

Preparation Tips

1. Preparation Strategy:
Candidates should focus on understanding the syllabus, practicing previous years' question papers, and taking regular mock tests to evaluate their preparation levels.
2. Time Management:
Effective time management is crucial. Candidates should allocate adequate time to each subject and balance between different sections of the exam.
3. Stay Updated:
Regularly reading newspapers and current affairs is essential, as a significant portion of the exam is based on current events.
4. Mock Tests:
Practicing with mock tests improves speed and accuracy, helping candidates become familiar with the exam pattern and identify weak areas.

Important Instructions

1. Exam Guidelines:
Candidates must bring a valid photo ID, their admit card, and adhere to the dress code and other instructions on the exam day.
2. Use of Electronic Devices:
Electronic devices such as mobile phones, calculators, and digital watches are strictly prohibited in the examination hall.
3. COVID-19 Precautions:
Candidates are advised to follow COVID-19 guidelines, including wearing masks, maintaining social distancing, and sanitizing hands frequently.
4. Answer Sheet Instructions:
Use only blue or black ballpoint pens for marking answers. Answers marked with any other writing instrument will not be evaluated.

Interview Details

1. Interview Process:
The SSB interview assesses a candidate’s mental alertness, critical powers of assimilation, and clear and logical exposition.
2. Interview Panel:
The interview panel consists of board members who evaluate the candidate's suitability for a career in the armed forces.
3. Topics Covered:
Questions may cover a wide range of topics, including the candidate's educational background, work experience, and understanding of current affairs.
4. Interview Preparation:
Candidates should focus on honing communication skills, staying updated on current affairs, and having a clear understanding of their chosen subjects.

Training Details

1. Training Period:
Selected candidates undergo training at designated academies, including the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers’ Training Academy.
2. Training Content:
Training includes foundational courses in military tactics, leadership skills, and physical fitness, preparing candidates for their responsibilities in the armed forces.
3. Field Training:
Candidates also participate in field training exercises to gain practical experience in military operations and leadership.
4. Evaluation:
Trainees are evaluated periodically on their performance, including assessments of leadership skills, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability.

Bond or Service Agreement

1. Service Bond:
Selected candidates may be required to sign a service bond committing to a minimum tenure in the armed forces.
2. Bond Amount:
The bond amount varies depending on the service and is meant to cover training costs in case the candidate exits prematurely.
3. Minimum Service Duration:
The bond typically requires a minimum service duration of 5 years from the date of joining.
4. Bond Terms:
The bond terms are binding, and breaking the bond prematurely may lead to financial penalties as outlined in the service agreement.

Disqualification Criteria

1. Disqualification Conditions:
False information, misconduct, or violation of exam guidelines will result in disqualification.
2. Use of Unfair Means:
Any candidate found using unfair means during the examination will be disqualified and barred from future exams.
3. Incomplete Applications:
Applications that are incomplete or contain inaccurate information will be rejected without further consideration.
4. Breach of Conduct:
Any breach of conduct, such as misbehavior with examination staff, may lead to disqualification and future exam restrictions.

Probation Period

1. Probation Terms:
The probation period for selected candidates is two years, during which performance and conduct are closely monitored.
2. Probation Review:
Candidates’ performance is evaluated periodically, and successful completion of probation is mandatory for confirmation in service.
3. Termination of Service:
Failure to meet performance standards or misconduct during the probation period may lead to termination from the service.
4. Permanent Appointment:
After satisfactory completion of the probation period, candidates are confirmed in their respective services and granted permanent appointment status.

Other Information

1. Helpline:
Additional information and FAQs are available on the official UPSC website.

Contact Details

Address: UPSC Facilitation Counter, Dholpur House, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi - 110069

Other Information

  • Helpline: For any queries, contact UPSC at 011-23385271 during working hours.

FAQ

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