UPSC CDS 1 Exam 2025: Timetable Released, Key Dates and Preparation Tips

Introduction

UPSC CDS 1 Exam 2025: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the timetable for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) 1 Exam 2025, scheduled for April 13, 2025. This prestigious examination is a gateway for aspirants aiming to join the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA).

With the exam date fast approaching, it is essential for candidates to be well-versed with the exam schedule, paper patterns, and preparation strategies. In this article, we provide a detailed breakdown of the CDS 1 2025 timetable, exam pattern, and expert tips to help you prepare effectively.

UPSC CDS 1 Exam 2025: Key Dates and Timetable

The UPSC CDS 1 Exam 2025 will be held in a single shift on April 13, 2025. Here is the detailed schedule:

✅ Note:

• Candidates applying for IMA, INA, and AFA will have to attempt all three papers: English, General Knowledge, and Mathematics.
• Those appearing for OTA will only need to take the English and General Knowledge papers.

UPSC CDS 1 Exam 2025: Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the CDS 1 exam, candidates must meet the following eligibility requirements:

1. Nationality

• Indian citizen or a subject of Nepal/Bhutan.
• Tibetan refugees who migrated to India before January 1, 1962.
• Individuals of Indian origin who migrated from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Burma, or East African countries with the intention of permanent settlement in India.

2. Age Limit

• IMA: 19 – 24 years (Unmarried male candidates).
• INA: 19 – 22 years (Unmarried male candidates).
• AFA: 19 – 23 years (Unmarried male candidates).
• OTA: 19 – 25 years (Both unmarried male and female candidates).

3. Educational Qualification

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

Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme

Understanding the exam pattern is crucial for effective preparation. Here is the section-wise distribution:

For IMA, INA & AFA

• Total Marks: 300
• Number of Papers: 3 (English, General Knowledge, Mathematics)
• Negative Marking: 1/3rd mark deducted for each wrong answer.

For OTA

• Total Marks: 200
• Number of Papers: 2 (English, General Knowledge)
• Negative Marking: 1/3rd mark deducted for incorrect answers.

Syllabus and Important Topics

Here are the key topics covered under each section:

1. English

• Comprehension passages
• Synonyms and antonyms
• Error spotting
• Sentence rearrangement
• Vocabulary and grammar

2. General Knowledge

• Current affairs (national and international)
• History of India and the Indian National Movement
• Geography (Indian and world geography)
• General science
• Indian polity and governance

3. Mathematics (For IMA, INA & AFA Only)

• Algebra, trigonometry, and geometry
• Arithmetic operations
• Statistics and probability
• Mensuration
• Time and distance

Tips for Effective Preparation

To excel in the UPSC CDS 1 Exam 2025, follow these expert preparation tips:

✅ 1. Create a Study Plan

• Allocate dedicated time slots for each section.
• Prioritize weaker areas and practice them regularly.

✅ 2. Practice Previous Year Papers

• Solve previous year’s question papers to get a clear understanding of the exam pattern.
• Practice mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.

✅ 3. Stay Updated with Current Affairs

• Read newspapers like The Hindu and Indian Express daily.
• Refer to reliable current affairs websites:
  • Current Affairs

✅ 4. Use Reliable Study Materials

• For comprehensive preparation, use NCERT books and reference guides:
  • NCERT Courses
  • Free NCERT PDFs
  • Mind Maps

✅ 5. Time Management and Revision

• Allocate time for revision and focus on solving mock tests regularly.
• Improve speed and accuracy by solving practice papers under timed conditions.

How to Download the UPSC CDS 1 Admit Card

Candidates appearing for the CDS 1 Exam can download their admit card by following these steps:

1. Visit the official UPSC website: UPSC CDS Admit Card.
2. Click on the ‘Admit Card’ link.
3. Enter your registration number/roll number and date of birth.
4. Download and print the admit card for future reference.

Exam Day Guidelines

To ensure a smooth exam experience, candidates must follow these guidelines:

• Carry a hard copy of the admit card along with valid ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN card, or voter ID).
• Reach the exam center at least 30 minutes before the reporting time.
• Avoid carrying prohibited items like mobile phones, smartwatches, or calculators.

Conclusion

The UPSC CDS 1 Exam 2025 is a crucial step for aspirants aiming to join the Indian Armed Forces. With the timetable released and the exam date approaching, candidates must focus on effective preparation, time management, and revision. Make use of quality study materials, solve previous papers, and stay updated with current affairs to boost your chances of success.