UPSC NDA & CDS 2025: Exam Notification, Eligibility, Syllabus & Online Application Details

UPSC NDA & CDS 2025: Exam Notification, Eligibility, Syllabus & Online Application Details

Title: UPSC NDA & CDS 2025 Notification | Apply Online, Eligibility, Syllabus
Description: Check full details of UPSC NDA & CDS 2025 exams. Get syllabus, eligibility, age limit, online application process, and exam pattern at upsconline.nic.in.

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🔔 Introduction: What is UPSC NDA & CDS?

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts prestigious national-level defence exams like NDA (National Defence Academy) and CDS (Combined Defence Services) for recruitment into India’s armed forces – the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

These exams are the gateway to becoming an officer in the Indian Armed Forces and are highly respected and competitive.

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🛡️ About NDA (National Defence Academy) Exam

The UPSC NDA Exam is conducted twice a year for candidates who have completed or are appearing for Class 12. On selection, candidates are trained at the NDA in Khadakwasla, Pune and later commissioned as officers in the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force.

✅ Key Details:

• Exam Name: NDA 1 & NDA 2 (2025)

• Conducted By: UPSC

• Qualification: 12th pass (with Physics & Maths for Navy/Air Force)

• Age Limit: 16.5 to 19.5 years

• Official Website: https://upsconline.nic.in

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🎖️ About CDS (Combined Defence Services) Exam

The UPSC CDS Exam is for graduates looking to join the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Air Force Academy (AFA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), or Officers Training Academy (OTA).

✅ Key Details:

• Exam Name: CDS 1 & CDS 2 (2025)

• Qualification: Graduation (Degree/Engineering/Physics & Math for AFA)

• Age Limit: 19 to 25 years (varies by academy)

• Conducted By: UPSC

• Official Portal: https://upsconline.nic.in

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📅 UPSC NDA & CDS 2025 Exam Dates (Tentative)

Event	NDA 1 (2025)	NDA 2 (2025)	CDS 1 (2025)	CDS 2 (2025)
Notification Release	Dec 2024	May 2025	Dec 2024	May 2025
Application Start Date	Dec 2024	May 2025	Dec 2024	May 2025
Last Date to Apply	Jan 2025	June 2025	Jan 2025	June 2025
Exam Date	April 2025	Sept 2025	April 2025	Sept 2025
Result Date	May 2025	Oct 2025	May 2025	Oct 2025

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📝 How to Apply Online for UPSC NDA & CDS 2025

You can apply for both exams via the UPSC Online Portal.

Steps to Apply:

1. Visit the official UPSC website – https://upsconline.nic.in

2. Click on the “One Time Registration (OTR)” link (for new users).

3. Fill out the application form carefully.

4. Upload required documents and photograph/signature.

5. Pay the application fee.

6. Submit and take a printout for reference.

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📚 UPSC NDA & CDS 2025 Syllabus & Exam Pattern

📘 NDA Exam Pattern:

• Mathematics – 300 Marks

• General Ability Test (GAT) – 600 Marks

• Total – 900 Marks

• SSB Interview – 900 Marks

📗 CDS Exam Pattern:

Paper	Marks	Subjects
IMA/INA/AFA	300	English, GK, Elementary Math
OTA	200	English, GK

Note: There is negative marking in both exams.

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📌 Eligibility Criteria for NDA & CDS

✅ NDA:

• Age: 16.5 to 19.5 years

• Education: 12th Pass (with Physics & Maths for Navy/Air Force)

• Gender: Male & Female (unmarried)

✅ CDS:

• Age: 19–24 (IMA/INA), up to 25 (OTA)

• Education:

  • IMA/OTA: Graduation

  • AFA: Physics & Math at 10+2 and Engineering Degree

• Gender: Male & Female (unmarried)

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🙋 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

🔹 What is the age limit for NDA 2025?

✔️ Candidates must be between 16.5 and 19.5 years as of the cut-off date.

🔹 Can girls apply for NDA and CDS?

✔️ Yes, both NDA and CDS allow female candidates.

🔹 Is there negative marking in UPSC NDA/CDS?

✔️ Yes, there is 1/3 negative marking for every wrong answer.

🔹 Is maths compulsory for CDS?

✔️ Only for IMA, INA, and AFA. Not required for OTA.

🔹 Where can I apply for NDA and CDS?

✔️ Applications must be submitted via https://upsconline.nic.in

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📝 Conclusion

Both NDA and CDS exams offer a golden opportunity for young aspirants to serve the nation and become part of the prestigious Indian Armed Forces. Whether you're a 12th pass student or a graduate, UPSC has an entry path through NDA or CDS.

Start preparing now with the right strategy, follow official updates at upsconline.nic.in, and stay consistent with your efforts.