The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the results of the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Exam (I) 2025 held on 13th April 2025. A total of 8516 candidates have successfully cleared the written exam and are now eligible to appear for the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview, which is the next crucial step towards joining the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA) and Officers Training Academy (OTA).
This announcement marks an important milestone in the selection process for individuals aspiring to serve in the prestigious Indian Armed Forces. The written exam was conducted at multiple centres across the country and assessed candidates’ knowledge, aptitude and suitability for a career in defence.
CDS 1 2025 Exam: Gateway to Defence Careers
The CDS 1 2025 exam was conducted for recruitment to the following academies:
- Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun
- Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala
- Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad
- Officer Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (Male & Female)
Thousands of candidates compete in this national-level exam to get a chance to serve the nation in various capacities in the armed forces. Those who clear the written exam move on to the SSB interview, which is a rigorous assessment process that evaluates their leadership skills, psychological fitness, and physical readiness.
How to Check UPSC CDS 1 Result 2025 PDF?
Candidates who appeared for the exam can now download the CDS 1 2025 result from the official website of UPSC. The result has been published in PDF format and contains the roll numbers of all the shortlisted candidates.
Steps to Download UPSC CDS 1 Result 2025
- Visit the official UPSC website: https://upsc.gov.in.
- On the homepage, go to the “What’s New” section.
- Click on the “CDS 1 2025 Written Result” link.
- The PDF document containing the list of qualified candidates will open.
- Use Ctrl+F to find your roll number in the list.
- If your number is present, download and save the PDF for future use.
What to do after the CDS 1 2025 Result?
Start preparing for the SSB interview
Candidates whose roll numbers appear in the result should now prepare for the SSB interview, which is the next stage of the recruitment process. The Service Selection Board conducts interviews for the respective academies, and each candidate will be evaluated based on various personality, psychological, and physical parameters.
Reporting for SSB Interview
Candidates must:
- Register on the official recruitment portal of the respective forces. Wait for the SSB Interview Call Letter, which will be sent soon.
- Choose the preferred SSB centre and available dates when allotted.
- Bring all the required original documents for verification.
- Report as per the schedule mentioned in the call letter.
CDS 1 2025 Selection Process – Detailed Stages
The CDS selection process comprises the following stages:
1. Written Exam
The exam consisted of the following papers:
- English – 100 marks
- General Knowledge – 100 marks
- Elementary Mathematics – 100 marks (only for IMA, INA, AFA applicants)
For OTA candidates, only English and General Knowledge were applicable.
2. SSB Interview
The SSB interview comprises two main stages:
- Phase I: Screening Test (Picture Perception and Description Test and Officer Intelligence Rating Test)
- Phase II: Psychological Tests, Group Test Officer Tasks, Personal Interview and Conference Round
3. Medical Examination
Candidates who clear the SSB will have to undergo a comprehensive medical test to assess their level of fitness as per Defence standards.
4. Final Merit List
The final selection is based on the combined performance in the written exam and SSB interview. Only those candidates who meet the required standards in both stages and are declared medically fit will be included in the final merit list.
Important Documents Required for SSB
The shortlisted candidates must bring the following documents for verification during the interview process:
- Original 10th and 12th mark sheets
- Proof of graduation degree or final year (as applicable)
- Valid government-issued identity proof
- Recent passport-size photographs
- SSB call letter and roll number proof
- NCC certificate (if applicable)
Tips to prepare for the SSB interview after the CDS 1 2025 result
- Improve communication and public speaking skills to stand out in group discussions.
- Practice reasoning and aptitude tests to sharpen analytical skills.
- Do regular physical exercises to meet the required physical standards during the test.
- Be honest, calm, and confident during all stages of the interview.
- Read books like “SSB Interview: The Complete Guide” and practice mock interviews.
What to expect at the best training academies?
- The Indian Military Academy (IMA) trains officers for the Indian Army, focusing on leadership, tactics, endurance, and discipline. Cadets undergo rigorous physical and mental training.
- The Indian Naval Academy (INA) prepares prospective officers for the Indian Navy with training in navigation, ship operations, marine engineering, and leadership development.
- The Air Force Academy (AFA) trains Air Force officers with advanced courses in aerodynamics, aviation technology, and flight training programs.
- Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) Focused on short-service commission entries, OTA trains cadets with intensive programs in military tactics, leadership, and ethics.
Conclusion
The announcement of the CDS 1 2025 result marks the beginning of a new chapter for ambitious officers. With 8516 candidates having qualified, the race to secure a spot in India’s elite defence academies has heated up. The road ahead involves dedication, preparation and an unwavering commitment to serve the nation.
Candidates should now focus on clearing the SSB interview, which requires clarity of thought, leadership skills and a strong sense of discipline. The journey is tough, but the rewards are extraordinary – honour, pride and the opportunity to serve India in uniform.
Also Read:
- Harsh’s Inspirational Journey towards the Defence Forces: A Story of Determination and Support from KGS Defence
- Join Online CDS 02 2025 Target Batch Bilingual
