Notification Out – NDA – I & CDS – I Exam 2025: Everything You Need to Know

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the notification for the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Combined Defence Services (CDS) – I Exams 2025. These prestigious exams are held to recruit candidates into the Indian Armed Forces, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force, through the NDA and various defence academies via the CDS exam. If you have dreamt of serving the nation through a career in the military, this is your chance to take the first step toward that goal.

NDA – I Exam 2025

The NDA exam is one of the most competitive exams, and it is conducted twice a year by UPSC. The NDA – I Exam 2025 will be held on April 21, 2025. This exam is for candidates aspiring to join the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the NDA. The application process has already begun, and interested candidates must submit their applications before January 30, 2025. Eligible candidates must have completed their 12th class education with the required subjects from a recognized board.

CDS – I Exam 2025

The CDS exam is conducted by UPSC for the recruitment of candidates into the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Officers Training Academy (OTA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Indian Air Force Academy (AFA). The CDS – I Exam 2025 will take place on February 2, 2025. Applications for this exam are open from November 2024 and the last date for submission is December 2024. Candidates must hold a graduation degree from a recognized university to be eligible for this exam, depending on the course they are applying for.

Important Dates for NDA – I & CDS – I 2025:

Exam Pattern and Syllabus

Exam Pattern:

NDA – I Exam 2025:

The NDA exam consists of two papers:

1. Mathematics (Paper I):
   • Duration: 2.5 hours
   • Total Marks: 300
   • Objective-type questions (MCQs)
   • Subjects: Algebra, Matrices, Trigonometry, Calculus, Probability, etc.
2. General Ability Test (Paper II):
   • Duration: 2.5 hours
   • Total Marks: 600
   • Divided into two sections:
     • English: 200 marks (Vocabulary, Comprehension, etc.)
     • General Knowledge: 400 marks (Physics, Chemistry, Geography, History, Current Affairs, etc.)
   • Total Marks for NDA: 900 marks
   • The paper will be conducted in offline mode and the exam will be in Pen and Paper format.

CDS – I Exam 2025:

The CDS exam consists of three papers (for IMA, INA, and AFA) and two papers (for OTA):

1. English (Paper I):
   • Duration: 2 hours
   • Total Marks: 100
   • Objective-type questions (MCQs)
   • Topics: Vocabulary, Grammar, Reading Comprehension, etc.
2. General Knowledge (Paper II):
   • Duration: 2 hours
   • Total Marks: 100
   • Topics: Current Affairs, History, Geography, Politics, Science, etc.
3. Elementary Mathematics (Paper III) (For IMA, INA, and AFA candidates only):
   • Duration: 2 hours
   • Total Marks: 100
   • Topics: Arithmetic, Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, Geometry, and Statistics.
   • For OTA candidates, only English and General Knowledge papers will be required.

Syllabus:

NDA – I Exam Syllabus:

1. Mathematics:
   • Algebra: Linear and quadratic equations, Complex numbers
   • Matrices and Determinants
   • Trigonometry: Identities, Equations, Heights and Distances
   • Differential Calculus
   • Integral Calculus
   • Vector Algebra
   • Probability
2. General Ability Test:
   • English: Vocabulary, Comprehension, Error Spotting, Sentence Construction
   • General Knowledge:
     • Physics: Laws of Motion, Energy, Work, Waves
     • Chemistry: Matter, Atomic Structure, Elements
     • Geography: Physical Features, Climate, Resources
     • History: Ancient, Medieval, and Modern History of India
     • Current Affairs: National and International Importance
     • General Science: Environment, Agriculture

CDS – I Exam Syllabus:

1. English:
   • Synonyms, Antonyms, Sentence Correction
   • Reading Comprehension
   • Usage of Words and Phrases
2. General Knowledge:
   • History: Indian and World History, Freedom Struggle, and Indian Constitution
   • Geography: Earth’s Physical Features, Climate, Natural Resources
   • Current Affairs: National and International Events, Defense, Economy
   • Polity and Economy: Indian Government, Budget, Fiscal Policy
   • Science: Physics, Chemistry, Biology (Basic Level)
3. Elementary Mathematics:
   • Algebra: Polynomials, Quadratic Equations
   • Geometry: Triangles, Circles, Coordinate Geometry
   • Arithmetic: Profit and Loss, Time and Work, Probability
   • Trigonometry: Heights and Distances, Trig Identities
   • Calculus: Differentiation, Integration, Limits
   • Statistics: Mean, Median, Mode, Probability

Eligibility Criteria

NDA – I Exam 2025:

1. Age Limit:
   • Candidates must be between 16.5 to 19.5 years of age.
   • The candidate must have been born between July 2, 2005, and July 1, 2008.
2. Educational Qualification:
   • For Army Wing: Candidates must have passed 10+2 or equivalent from a recognized board.
   • For Navy & Air Force Wings: Candidates must have passed 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects.
3. Marital Status:
   • Only unmarried male and female candidates are eligible to apply.
4. Physical Standards:
   • Candidates must meet the medical standards set by the National Defence Academy and Indian Naval Academy.

CDS – I Exam 2025:

1. Age Limit:
   • Indian Military Academy (IMA): 19 to 24 years
   • Indian Naval Academy (INA): 19 to 22 years
   • Air Force Academy (AFA): 19 to 23 years
   • Officers’ Training Academy (OTA): 19 to 25 years
   • Candidates must not be older than the age limits on the 1st of January, 2025.
2. Educational Qualification:
   • IMA: Graduation from a recognized university.
   • INA: Degree in Engineering from a recognized university.
   • AFA: Graduation with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level or a B.E/B.Tech degree.
   • OTA: Graduation from a recognized university.
3. Marital Status:
   • Only unmarried male candidates can apply for IMA, INA, and AFA.
   • Unmarried and married male candidates can apply for OTA.
4. Physical Standards:
   • Candidates must meet specific physical and medical standards as prescribed by the respective academies.

Preparation for NDA & CDS Exams 2025

The NDA – I and CDS – I exams offer an incredible opportunity for candidates aspiring to serve in the Indian Armed Forces. To be successful in these competitive exams, candidates must be well-versed with the eligibility criteria, exam pattern, and syllabus. With thorough preparation, guidance, and practice, you can achieve your dream of joining the prestigious National Defence Academy or the Indian Military Academy.

To ensure you are fully prepared for these exams, The Prayas India offers expert coaching, study materials, mock tests, and personalized guidance to help you succeed. Contact us today at 07710013217 for more information or visit our nearest branch to start your preparation!

Join The Prayas India today and start your journey towards a prestigious career in the Indian Armed Forces!