The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the admit card for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination – I 2025. The admit cards were made available on April 3, 2025, on the official website upsconline.gov.in. All candidates who have registered for the exam can now visit the portal and download their hall ticket.
In this article, we’ll provide all the important information – how to download the admit card, exam date and timings, exam pattern, and important instructions for candidates.
Key Highlights of CDS 1 Exam 2025
The UPSC conducts the CDS exam twice a year to recruit eligible candidates for prestigious defence training academies in India, such as.
- Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun
- Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala
- Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad
- Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai
This year, through CDS 1 2025, the recruitment is being held for a total of 457 posts.
Exam Date and Timings
The CDS 1 Exam 2025 is scheduled to be conducted on April 13, 2025 (Sunday) at various exam centres across the country. The exam will be held in three sessions as per the schedule below.
| Subject | Timing |
|---|---|
| English | 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM |
| General Knowledge | 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM |
| Elementary Mathematics | 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM |
Note: Candidates applying for OTA (Officers’ Training Academy) will only have to appear for English and General Knowledge papers, while candidates applying for IMA, INA, and AFA will have to appear for all three papers.
How to Download UPSC CDS 1 Admit Card 2025
Candidates can follow the steps below to download their admit card.
- Visit the official UPSC website: https://upsconline.gov.in
- On the homepage, click on “e-Admit Card for CDS I Examination 2025”.
- You will be redirected to a login page. Choose to login using either:
- Registration Number or
- Roll Number
- Enter your date of birth and the captcha code.
- After logging in, your admit card will appear on the screen.
- Check all the details carefully, then download and print the admit card for exam day.
Details Mentioned in Admit Card
The admit card will include the following information.
- Candidate’s name and roll number
- Photograph and signature
- Exam centre name and full address
- Date and time of the exam
- Important exam-day instructions
If there are any discrepancies in the admit card, candidates are advised to contact UPSC immediately for corrections.
Important Guidelines for Candidates
- Reach the exam centre at least 30 minutes before the reporting time.
- Carry a printed copy of the admit card along with a valid photo ID proof such as Aadhaar card, Passport, Driving License, etc.
- Electronic gadgets like mobile phones, smartwatches, Bluetooth devices, calculators, etc., are strictly prohibited inside the exam hall.
- Follow the dress code and guidelines mentioned on the admit card or UPSC website.
- Keep your admit card safe even after the exam, as it may be required during the SSB interview or document verification.
Final Words
The UPSC CDS 1 Exam 2025 is a golden opportunity for young aspirants who wish to serve the nation by joining the Indian Armed Forces. If you haven’t downloaded your admit card yet, make sure to do it as soon as possible from the official website. For more updates, keep checking the official UPSC website and stay informed.