Dreaming of serving in the Indian Armed Forces as an officer? The UPSC Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam is your golden ticket 🎟️. But here’s the catch—only 457 vacancies exist for 2025, and the competition is fierce.
Imagine this: Over 1.2 lakh candidates apply twice a year, but barely 5-6% clear the SSB interview. Lt. Rajesh Kumar (name changed), a 2023 CDS qualifier, recalls, “The 5-day SSB was tougher than my engineering finals—it tested my mind, body, and soul.”
This guide breaks down the CDS 2025 selection into bite-sized steps with real insider tips. Let’s dive in!
Key Highlights of UPSC CDS 2025 đź“Ś
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Frequency | Twice yearly (CDS I & II) |
| 2025 Vacancies | 457 across Army, Navy, Air Force & OTA |
| Selection Stages | Written Test → SSB Interview → Medical |
| Age Limit | 19-25 years (varies by academy) |
| Application Fee | â‚ą200 (free for SC/ST/women) |
| Exam Mode | Offline (pen-paper) |
| SSB Duration | 5 days of intense assessment |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
Stage 1: The Written Exam – Your First Battlefield ✍️
Held on April 13, 2025, the written test is your entry ticket. Here’s the lowdown:
Exam Pattern & Syllabus
| Academy | Subjects | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMA, INA, AFA | English, GK, Maths | 300 | 6 hours (3 papers) |
| OTA | English, GK | 200 | 4 hours (2 papers) |
Pro Tip: Major Kalshi Classes’ data shows 70% of toppers focus on GK current affairs from The Hindu and maths shortcuts.
Cutthroat Competition
- Cutoffs 2024: IMA (120/300), AFA (145/300)
- Time Management: “Solve maths in 90 mins to leave 30 mins for review,” advises Col. R. Singh (retd.), SSB interviewer .
Stage 2: SSB Interview – Where Minds Are Tested đź§
Cleared the written? Brace yourself for the 5-day SSB at centers like Allahabad or Bhopal.
Day-by-Day Breakdown
| Day | Test | What’s Assessed |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Screening (OIR+PPDT) | Quick thinking, observation |
| 2 | Psychology (TAT/WAT) | Personality traits |
| 3 | GTO Tasks | Teamwork, leadership |
| 4 | Personal Interview | Career motivation |
| 5 | Conference | Final recommendation |
Real-Life Hack: Cadet Priya Malik cleared SSB by practicing “storytelling from random pictures daily” .
Stage 3: Medical & Final Selection 🏥
The last hurdle! Even SSB-recommended candidates get rejected here for:
- Common Disqualifiers: BMI >25, vision below 6/6
- Success Rate: Only 60% of SSB qualifiers pass medicals
An Air Force aspirant shared: “I trained for months, only to fail the color blindness test—now I double-check all standards.”
Insider Strategies to Crack CDS 2025 🎯
- Written Exam:
- GK: Focus on defense news (e.g., Agnipath Scheme)
- Maths: Master speed calculations (avg. 1.2 mins/question)
- SSB Prep:
- Join mock SSB camps (cost: â‚ą5,000-10,000)
- Record yourself answering “Why Army?” (interviewers spot fake answers)
- Medical Readiness:
- Get pre-tested for common issues like flat feet
“CDS isn’t about being perfect—it’s about showing potential,” sums up Wing Commander S. Roy (retd.) . Ready for the challenge? Your uniform awaits!
