The Combined Defence Services (CDS 1 2025) exam is one of India's top competitive tests run by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to recruit officers in the Armed Forces of India. The CDS exam opens doors to those who want to join the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers' Training Academy (OTA). This complete guide tells you all you need to know about how CDS 1 2025 is set up to help you get ready in the best way possible.

Overview of the CDS 1 2025 Exam

UPSC conducts the exam twice a year (February and August/ September) sessions. The examination aims to test candidates on multiple parameters, such as academic knowledge, aptitude, and analytical skills. Candidates who clear the written exam are shortlisted and move to the next level of the selection process which is the Service Selection Board (SSB) interview, followed by medical examinations.

Eligibility Criteria for CDS 1 2025

Before delving into the exam structure, ensure you meet the eligibility requirements:

1. Nationality: Candidates must be Indian nationals or fulfil UPSC-specified requirements for specific other nationalities.
    
2. Age Limits:

• IMA: 19-24 years
• INA: 19-24 years
• AFA: 19-24 years
• OTA: 19-25 years

3. Educational Qualifications:

• IMA & OTA: Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
• INA: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.
• AFA: Bachelor’s degree (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.

4. Marital Status:

• IMA, INA, and AFA: Unmarried
• OTA: Both unmarried and married candidates can apply.

Exam Structure for CDS 1 2025

There are two sections for OTA candidates and three sections for IMA, INA, and AFA candidates on the CDS test. The exam structure's specifics are as follows: 

1. Written Examination: The written exam is the first stage of the CDS selection process. It assesses candidates on their knowledge and aptitude across various subjects.

(a) For IMA, INA, and AFA: The exam consists of three papers:

1. English:
   • Duration: 2 hours
   • Maximum Marks: 100
   • Topics Covered:
     • Vocabulary
     • Grammar and usage
     • Sentence structure
     • Reading comprehension
     • Synonyms and antonyms
     • Error spotting
2. General Knowledge (GK):
   
   
   • Duration: 2 hours
   • Maximum Marks: 100
   • Topics Covered:
     • Current events
     • History
     • Geography
     • Polity
     • Economics
     • Defence-related news
     • Science and technology
3. Elementary Mathematics:
   • Duration: 2 hours
   • Maximum Marks: 100
   • Topics Covered:
     • Arithmetic
     • Algebra
     • Geometry
     • Trigonometry
     • Statistics
     • Mensuration

(b) For OTA (Officers Training Academy): The exam covers two papers:

• English: The duration of the exam is 2 hours and it consists of 100 maximum marks.
• General Knowledge (GK): The duration of the exam is 2 hours and it consists of 100 maximum marks.

Note:

• OTA candidates are not obliged to take the Elementary Mathematics paper.
• Every question is a multiple-choice question (MCQ) of the objective kind.
• Examining is done offline, using pen and paper.
• All papers, except the English paper, are conducted in Hindi and English.

Marking Scheme

1. Correct Answer: +1 mark (varies by paper)
2. Incorrect Answer: -0.33 marks (negative marking for wrong answers)
3. Unattempted Question: No deduction

Syllabus Breakdown

1. English: The purpose of this paper is to assess the candidate's command of the English language, with an emphasis on vocabulary, grammar, and understanding.

• Spotting Errors
• Synonyms and Antonyms
• Sentence Rearrangement
• Reading Comprehension
• Cloze Test
• Fill in the Blanks

2. General Knowledge (GK): This paper assesses a candidate’s awareness of current affairs and general knowledge.

• Current Affairs: National and international news
• History: Ancient, medieval, and modern history of India
• Geography: Physical, social, and economic geography
• Polity: Constitution, governance, and political systems
• Economics: Basic concepts and Indian economy
• Science: Basic concepts in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology
• Defence: Updates on military exercises, weapons, and technology

3. Elementary Mathematics: This paper tests basic mathematical skills up to the 10th-grade level.

• Arithmetic: Percentages, ratio and proportion, profit and loss
• Algebra: Simple equations, quadratic equations
• Geometry: Lines, angles, triangles, circles
• Trigonometry: Trigonometric ratios, heights, and distances
• Statistics: Mean, median, mode
• Mensuration: Areas and volumes

Preparation Strategy

1. Get acquainted with the entire curriculum for every paper. Pay attention to the subjects that are more important.
2. Give each subject a specific amount of time. Solve past years' exam questions to help you efficiently manage your time throughout the test.
3. Study resources include Lucent's General Knowledge for GK and other standard books.
4. For information on English grammar, consult Wren & Martin.
5. Practice elementary mathematics using NCERT mathematics textbooks.
6. Practice papers and mock exams: Take practice exams frequently, then evaluate your performance to pinpoint your areas of weakness.
7. Keep up with daily news updates, particularly those about current events and defence.

SSB Interview

The second step in the CDS selection process is the SSB interview. It is a demanding assessment procedure that lasts for five days and includes:

1. Stage I: Screening Test (Picture Perception and Description Test, Officer Intelligence Rating Test)
2. Stage II: Psychological Tests, Group Testing, and Personal Interview

Conclusion

For candidates hoping to join the military as commissioned officers, the CDS 1 2025 exam is a fantastic chance. A thorough comprehension of the exam format, a well-thought-out study strategy, and persistent work will help you ace the test and realize your goals. Remember that your greatest partners on this road are discipline and dedication, so keep your focus.