The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the results for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination (I) 2025. This announcement marks a significant milestone for many aspiring candidates who have been eagerly awaiting their results. A total of 8,516 candidates have successfully cleared the written examination and are now eligible for the next phase, which is the Service Selection Board (SSB) Interview.
Overview of the CDS Examination
The CDS examination is a crucial step for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces. Conducted twice a year, this examination assesses the knowledge and aptitude of candidates in various subjects, including English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. The recent examination took place on April 13, 2025, and the results were declared on April 28, 2025.
Importance of the CDS Exam
The CDS exam serves as a gateway for candidates to enter prestigious military academies, including:
- Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun
- Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala, Kerala
- Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad
- Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai
Each of these institutions plays a vital role in training future leaders of the Indian Armed Forces.
Details of the Selected Candidates
The candidates who have qualified for the SSB Interview will be considered for admission into various courses commencing in early 2026. The breakdown of the courses is as follows:
- IMA, Dehradun: 160th (DE) Course starting January 2026
- INA, Ezhimala: Course commencing January 2026
- AFA, Hyderabad: Pre-Flying Training Course (219 F(P)) starting January 2026
- OTA, Chennai: 123rd SSC (Men) (Non-Technical) Course commencing April 2026
- OTA, Chennai: 37th SSC Women (Non-Technical) Course starting April 2026
Document Submission Requirements
Candidates who have cleared the written examination must submit original certificates to support their claims regarding age, educational qualifications, and any relevant NCC certificates. The submission addresses vary based on the candidate’s first choice of academy:
- For IMA/OTA first-choice candidates: IHQ of MoD (Army), Directorate General of Recruiting, West Block III, R. K. Puram, New Delhi-110066
- For Navy first-choice candidates: IHQ of MoD (Navy), DMPR (OI & R Section), Room No. 204, ‘C’ Wing, Sena Bhawan, New Delhi-110011
- For Air Force first-choice candidates: PO3 (A)/Air Headquarters ‘J’ Block, Room No. 17, Opposite Vayu Bhawan, Motilal Nehru Marg, New Delhi-110106
Important Deadlines
Candidates must adhere to the following deadlines for document submission:
- January 1, 2026: For IMA and INA candidates
- November 13, 2025: For AFA candidates
- April 1, 2026: For SSC course candidates
It is crucial to note that candidates should not send their original certificates directly to the UPSC.
Registration for SSB Interview
Candidates who have successfully cleared the written exam and selected Army (IMA/OTA) as their first choice are required to register on the official Indian Army recruitment website, joinindianarmy.nic.in. This registration is essential for receiving information regarding the SSB interview call-up. Those who have already registered do not need to do so again.
Marksheet Availability
For candidates who did not qualify, the UPSC will upload their marksheets on the official website within 15 days from the announcement of the final OTA results. These marksheets will remain accessible for 30 days.
How to Check the CDS 1 2025 Result
Candidates can easily check their results by following these steps:
- Visit the official UPSC website: Navigate to upsc.gov.in.
- Locate the results section: On the homepage, find the link that states “UPSC CDS I Result 2025” under the ‘What’s New’ or ‘Examination Results’ section.
- Open the result PDF: Click on the link to open a PDF file containing the list of qualified candidates.
- Search for your roll number or name: Use Ctrl + F (Windows) or Command + F (Mac) to find your roll number or name in the document.
- Download and save the result: After verifying your result, download the PDF for future reference, especially for the SSB interview process.
Understanding the SSB Interview Process
The SSB Interview is a comprehensive assessment that evaluates candidates on various parameters, including personality, aptitude, and suitability for a career in the armed forces. The interview process typically spans several days and includes various tests such as:
- Psychological Tests: Assessing mental agility and personality traits.
- Group Tasks: Evaluating teamwork and leadership skills.
- Personal Interviews: One-on-one discussions with assessors to gauge motivation and suitability.
Preparation Tips for Candidates
To excel in the SSB Interview, candidates should consider the following preparation strategies:
Join SSB Interview Online Coaching
- Understand the SSB Process: Familiarize yourself with the various stages of the interview.
- Practice Group Discussions: Engage in discussions with peers to enhance communication skills.
- Stay Physically Fit: Regular exercise can help maintain physical and mental well-being.
- Mock Interviews: Conduct mock interviews to build confidence and improve performance.
The announcement of the CDS 1 2025 Result is a significant achievement for the 8,516 candidates who have successfully cleared the examination. As they prepare for the next phase, the SSB Interview, it is essential for them to stay focused and committed to their goals. The journey to becoming a part of the Indian Armed Forces is both challenging and rewarding, and with the right preparation, candidates can pave their way to success.
