Comprehensive Guide to India’s Defence Exams in 2025: NDA, CDS, AFCAT, Agniveer & More
Are you dreaming of joining the Indian Armed Forces and serving the country with pride? If yes, then you should know about the important defence exams that will help you get there. These exams are the first step towards joining the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, or other defence services. in 2025, there are several major exams that can help you start your career in defence. This guide explains everything you need to know about these exams in a simple way.
- National Defence Academy (NDA) Exam 2025
What is the NDA Exam?
The NDA exam is one of the most well-known ways for young people to join the Indian Armed Forces. It is conducted by the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) twice every year. If you pass the exam and the selection process, you can join the Army, Navy, or Air Force as a cadet. After training, you become an officer.
Who Can Apply?
- Age Limit: You must be between 16.5 to 19.5 years old.
- Education: You need to have passed your 12th class from a recognized board.
- Gender: Both boys and girls can apply.
Exam Details
- Mathematics Paper: 300 marks
- General Ability Test (GAT): 600 marks
- SSB Interview: 900 marks
Important Dates
- NDA I: Notification comes out in December 2024, and the exam is in April 2025.
- NDA II: Notification comes in June 2025, and the exam is in September 2025.
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Combined Defence Services (CDS) Exam 2025
What is the CDS Exam?
The CDS exam is for graduates who want to join the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), or Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). It is also conducted by UPSC and happens twice a year.
Who Can Apply?
- Age Limit: You should be between 19 to 25 years old.
- Education: You must have completed your graduation or be in the final year.
- Gender:
- Both men and women can apply for OTA.
- Only men can apply for IMA, INA, and AFA.
Exam Details
- For IMA, INA, AFA:
- English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics (100 marks each)
- For OTA:
- English and General Knowledge (100 marks each)
- SSB Interview:
- 300 marks for IMA, INA, AFA
- 200 marks for OTA
Important Dates
- CDS I: Notification in December 2024, exam in April 2025
- CDS II: Notification in June 2025, exam in September 2025
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Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) 2025
What is AFCAT?
AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) is a national-level exam conducted by the Indian Air Force. It is used to select candidates for different branches, such as flying, ground duty (technical), and ground duty (non-technical). The exam is held twice a year.
Who Can Apply?
- Age:
- 20 to 24 years for flying branch
- 20 to 26 years for ground duty
- Education: You must have completed 12th with Physics and Maths and have a graduation degree with at least 60% marks.
- Gender: Both men and women can apply.
Exam Details
- AFCAT Paper: 100 questions worth 300 marks
- SSB Interview: The process depends on the branch you choose
Important Dates
- AFCAT I: Notification in December 2024, exam in February 2025
- AFCAT II: Notification in June 2025, exam in August 2025
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Agniveer Exam 2025
What is the Agniveer Exam?
Agniveer is a new scheme under the Agnipath initiative. It offers young people a chance to serve in the Indian Armed Forces for four years. After four years, some of the Agniveers may be allowed to continue in regular service based on performance.
Who Can Apply?
- Age: 17.5 to 21 years
- Education: 10th or 12th pass, depending on the role
- Gender: Both men and women can apply
Exam Details
- Written Test: Different for Army, Navy, and Air Force
- Physical Fitness Test (PFT): Running, push-ups, and other physical tasks
- Medical Exam: Full body check-up
Important Dates
- Notification: Likely in early 2025
- Exam: Expected around mid-2025
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Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Exam 2025
What is the ICG Exam?
The Indian Coast Guard also offers good opportunities to serve the nation. The recruitment is done for both officer and sailor posts. These include General Duty, Technical, Law, and other categories.
Who Can Apply?
- Age: Usually 18 to 22 years (may vary based on the post)
- Education:
- 10+2 for sailors
- Graduate degree for officers
- Gender: Both male and female candidates can apply
Exam Details
- Written Exam: Depends on the role you choose
- Physical Fitness Test: Includes exercises like running and push-ups
- Medical Test: Health check-up to ensure fitness
Important Dates
- Notification: Expected early in 2025
- Exam Dates: Will vary based on the role
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Territorial Army (TA) Exam 2025
What is the TA Exam?
The Territorial Army is a unique opportunity. It allows people to serve the Indian Army part-time while continuing their regular jobs. This exam is for those who want to be officers in the Territorial Army.
Who Can Apply?
- Age: 18 to 42 years
- Education: Graduation from a recognized university
- Gender: Both male and female candidates are welcome
Exam Details
- Written Test: Two papers:
- Paper I: Reasoning and Elementary Mathematics
- Paper II: General Knowledge and English
- SSB Interview: For those who pass the written test
Important Dates
- Notification: Expected in July 2025
- Exam: Scheduled for September 2025
Final Thoughts
The year 2025 brings many chances for those who want to serve the country by joining the defence forces. Whether you are just finishing school, completing college, or already working, there is an exam that fits your stage in life. From the NDA for school-leavers to the CDS for graduates, and the Agniveer scheme for short-term service, each path offers its own benefits and challenges.
To succeed, stay focused, follow a proper study plan, and keep yourself physically fit. With hard work and dedication, you can turn your dream of wearing the uniform into reality. Start preparing early, stay updated on notifications, and believe in yourself—your service to the nation can begin with one of these exams in 2025.
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