Dreaming of serving in the Indian Armed Forces as an officer? The UPSC CDS (Combined Defence Services) exam is your gateway to prestigious academies like IMA, AFA, INA, and OTA. But cracking it isn’t just about acing a written test—it’s a two-stage battle involving a rigorous written exam followed by the grueling SSB interview. In 2025, the CDS 1 exam is set for April 13, with admit cards dropping soon .
This guide breaks down the selection process, shares real-life SSB experiences, and offers expert-backed strategies to help you navigate each step confidently.
Key Highlights of UPSC CDS 2025 📌
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | UPSC (Written Exam), SSB (Interview) |
| Exam Frequency | Twice a year (CDS 1 & CDS 2) |
| CDS 1 2025 Date | April 13, 2025 (3 shifts) |
| Admit Card Release | Last week before the exam (expected early April) |
| Vacancies | 457 posts across IMA, INA, AFA, OTA |
| Eligibility | Graduation (Age: 20–24 for AFA, 19–25 for others) |
| Negative Marking | Yes (–0.33 for wrong answers) |
| Selection Stages | Written Test → SSB Interview → Medical Exam |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
Stage 1: UPSC CDS Written Exam 📝
The first hurdle is the offline written test, designed to filter out candidates based on academic and analytical skills.
Exam Pattern & Syllabus
| Academy | Papers | Duration | Max Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMA, INA, AFA | English, GK, Maths | 2 hrs each | 300 |
| OTA | English, GK | 2 hrs each | 200 |
Pro Tip:
- OTA aspirants don’t have Maths, making it slightly easier .
- GK covers current affairs, history, geography, and basic science .
Real-Life Challenge: Rahul’s Strategy
Rahul, an IMA cadet, shared: “I focused on speed and accuracy—practicing 50 maths problems daily. For GK, I read newspapers and solved past papers.”
Stage 2: SSB Interview – The 5-Day Marathon 🏋️
The Service Selection Board (SSB) interview is where your officer-like qualities (OLQs) are tested. It’s a 5-day mental and physical grind .
Day-by-Day Breakdown
| Day | Tasks | What’s Tested |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Screening (PPDT, OIR) | Quick thinking, storytelling |
| Day 2 | Psychology Tests (TAT, WAT) | Personality, creativity |
| Day 3 | Group Tasks (GD, obstacles) | Teamwork, leadership |
| Day 4 | Personal Interview | Confidence, clarity |
| Day 5 | Conference | Final assessment |
Expert Insight:
“SSB isn’t about faking traits—it’s about being authentic. The assessors spot pretence easily.”
— Major Singh (Retd.), SSB Panelist
Common Mistakes to Avoid ❌
- Over-preparing scripted answers (assessors prefer spontaneity).
- Ignoring group dynamics (dominance ≠ leadership).
Medical Exam: The Final Filter 🏥
After clearing SSB, you’ll face a 4–6 day medical test at a military hospital. Key checks include:
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Height | 157 cm (men), 152 cm (women) |
| BMI | Below 25 |
| Vision | 6/6 or correctable |
Note: Even a minor color blindness or flat foot can lead to rejection .
Pro Tips to Crack CDS 2025 🎯
- Written Exam:
- Solve previous year papers (2015–2024).
- For Maths, master speed calculations .
- SSB Prep:
- Practice group discussions on defence topics.
- Work on physical stamina (running, push-ups).
- Medical Readiness:
- Get a pre-checkup to identify issues early.
Fun Fact:
About 60% of candidates fail SSB due to lack of self-awareness, not knowledge .
This guide arms you with actionable insights—now it’s your turn to execute! 🚀 For updates, keep an eye on upsc.gov.in.