Your Complete Guide Defence Exams in 2025

India’s defence exams open the doors to some of the most prestigious career opportunities in the nation. These are not just exams but pathways toward honourable roles in the defence sector, offering lucrative career opportunities in the Indian Armed Forces. Aspirants face a challenging selection process, covering eligibility checks, written exams, interviews, and medical exams.

This guide will cover every significant defence exam scheduled for 2025, including the NDA, CDS, AFCAT, and CAPF. We’ll also cover their basic eligibility criteria, exam patterns, and some effective preparation tips, ensuring your defence career dreams are within reach.

Why Take a Defence Exam?

Joining the Indian Armed Forces is more than just a career choice; it’s a life of discipline, service, and national pride. These exams lead to desirable roles in units like the Agniveer Army, Air Force & Navy, Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), and other paramilitary forces. While lakhs of candidates appear for these prestigious exams each year, only a few make it through this challenging selection process. Your path to success begins with proper knowledge and comprehensive preparation.

What Makes Defence Exams Appealing?

• Career Prospects: Multiple branches and roles, including technical and non-technical posts.
• Honour & Prestige: An admirable position in society.
• Variety: Includes national-level exams and specialized tests like JECRC University-specific roles or Indian Army Junior positions.

Key Defence Exams in 2025

Here’s an overview of the upcoming defence exams, their patterns, and notifications:

1. National Defence Academy (NDA) Exam

• Eligibility:
• • Age range of 16.5 to 19.5 years.
  • Must have passed 12th standard from a recognized board.
  • Exam Pattern:
  • Mathematics (300 marks) and General Ability Test (GAT) (600 marks).
  • Total duration of examination is 5 hours.
  • Selection Process:
  • Written test followed by the SSB Interview worth 900 marks.
  • A detailed medical check-up at authorized centres.
  • 2025 Schedule:
  • NDA I Notification release in December 2024, exam in April 2025.
  • NDA II Notification in June 2025, exam in September 2025.

  NDA opens the pathway to officer training at the National Defence Academy at Khadakwasla, leading to roles in the Army, Navy, or Air Force.

  Quick Tip

  Prepare diligently with defence exam prep books and regular mock tests. Time management is crucial during the offline exam phase.

2. Combined Defence Services (CDS) Exam

• Eligibility:
• Age limit varies:
  • IMA, INA: 19-24 years.
  • OTA: Up to 25 years.
• Graduate or final-year students from a recognized university.
• Exam Pattern:
• Duration (6 hours for IMA, INA, and AFA; 4 hours for OTA).
• 300 marks for IMA/INA/AFA, 200 for OTA.
• Selection Process:
• Written Exam followed by the SSB Interview and Medical Exam.
• 2025 Schedule:
• CDS I notification in December 2024, exam in April 2025.
• CDS II notification in May 2025, exam in September 2025.

CDS is an excellent gateway for roles at Indian Defence Academies, including the Indian Military Academy (IMA) and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA).

Quick Tip

Pay special attention to improving your English and General Knowledge sections, as these are pivotal for CDS.

3. Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT)

• Eligibility:
• Flying Branch: 20-24 years.
• Ground Duty branches (Technical & Non-Technical): 20-26 years.
• Exam Pattern:
• 100 questions. Total 300 marks.
• Covers General Knowledge, Verbal Ability, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning.
• Selection Process:
• Online Written Exam and interview with the AFSB (Air Force Selection Board).
• 2025 Schedule:
• Notifications are released in December 2024 (AFCAT I) and June 2025 (AFCAT II).
• Exams are held in February and August/September.

AFCAT is your ticket into lucrative roles within the Flying, Technical, and Ground Duty branches of the Indian Air Force.

Quick Tip

Focus on mock papers to enhance accuracy and speed. Study the syllabus thoroughly to avoid missing key topics.

4. Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) Exam

• Eligibility:
• Age range of 20-25 years (varies by role).
• Graduate degree from a recognized university.
• Exam Pattern:
• Written Exam (comprising objective and descriptive papers).
• Physical Standards and Efficiency tests.
• Personality Tests and Interviews.
• 2025 Schedule:
• Notification release in March 2025, exam in August 2025.

CAPF prepares candidates for positions like Assistant Commandants in forces like CISF, BSF, CRPF, and ITBP. It’s one of the best-considered defence exams for commanding officers.

Quick Tip

For the CAPF Written Exam, maintain fitness for physical tests while keeping the exam syllabus at your fingertips.

Important Dates for Upcoming Defence Exams

Exam	Notification Date	Exam Date	Application Period
NDA I	December 20, 2024	April 2025	Dec 2024–Jan 2025
NDA II	June 2025	September 2025	June 2025 – July 2025
CDS I	December 2024	April 2025	December 2024–Jan 2025
CDS II	May 2025	September 2025	May 2025–June 2025
AFCAT I	December 2024	February 2025	Dec 2024–Jan 2025
AFCAT II	June 2025	August/September 2025	June 2025 – July 2025
CAPF	March 2025	August 2025	Mar 2025–Apr 2025

Effective Preparation Strategies for Defence Exams

1. Structured Study Plan:

• Design a detailed schedule to manage deadlines and revision.

2. Engage with Peers:

• Form a study group to share insights and resources.

3. Mock Tests:

• Take variety of mock tests to identify strengths and improve weak areas.

4. Note Making:

• Summarize key points for last-minute revisions.

5. Expert Guidance:

• Choose reliable platforms like Parmanu Defence Academy or Physics Wallah for comprehensive preparation.

6. Physical Fitness:

• • Incorporate fitness training, as physical exams are crucial for most entries.

Eligibility Criteria for Defence Exams

Understanding the eligibility parameters is the first step in defence exam preparation. Age, educational qualifications, and physical standards vary across different popular defence exams, such as the NDA, CDS, AFCAT, and CAPF. Below, we detail eligibility for some of the key exams.

Exam	Age Range	Educational Qualification	Additional Criteria
NDA	16.5 – 19.5 years	Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (for Navy/Air Force)	Male & female candidates eligible post-2021 SC ruling
CDS	19 – 25 years	Graduation from a recognized university	Applicable for IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA programs
AFCAT	20 – 26 years	Graduation with 60% aggregate (Flying and Ground Duty branches)	Includes Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT) for technical recruits
CAPF	20 – 25 years	Bachelor’s degree	Requires passing physical fitness standards and a detailed medical check-up

General Criteria for Defence Examinations

• Nationality: Indian citizenship is mandatory for all aforementioned defence academies.
• Gender Inclusivity: Following recent developments, female candidates can apply for several exams like NDA, CDS (OTA), and AFCAT.
• Physical and Medical Standards: Each defence exam has strict physical fitness benchmarks. Candidates undergo detailed medical check-ups to ensure they meet defence forces’ requirements.

NDA Eligibility Requirements

The National Defence Academy (NDA) is one of the most desirable defence examinations for candidates after their 12th exam. It opens up opportunities to join the Army, Navy, or Air Force, making it a great starting point for young aspirants.

• Age: 16.5 to 19.5 years
• Educational Qualification:
• For the Army Wing – Class 12 pass from a recognized board
• For Air Force & Navy – Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics
• Selection Process:

1. Written Exam (900 Marks): Subjects include Mathematics and the General Ability Test (GAT).
2. SSB Interview (900 Marks): Focuses on leadership qualities, personality assessment, and situational analysis.
3. Detailed Medical Check-Up.

The NDA exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice a year, creating ample opportunities for interested candidates.

CDS Eligibility Requirements

The Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination, also conducted by UPSC, is another national-level examination. It is ideal for graduates looking to join the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Air Force Academy (AFA), or Officers Training Academy (OTA).

• Age: 19 to 25 years
• Educational Qualification:
• IMA/OTA – Graduate degree from a recognized university
• AFA – Graduation with Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level or a Bachelor’s in Engineering
• INA – Degree in Engineering
• Selection Process:

1. Written Exam (300 Marks for IMA, AFA, INA; 200 Marks for OTA): Subjects include English, General Knowledge, and Mathematics (not for OTA).
2. SSB Interview (300 Marks for IMA, INA, AFA; 200 Marks for OTA).
3. Medical Examination and document verification.

Defence exam preparation books like “Pathfinder CDS” can give candidates an edge during preparation. Keep an eye out for the CDS notification and the commencement of the application process to avoid missing deadlines.

AFCAT Eligibility Requirements

Aspiring to join the Indian Air Force? The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) opens doors to both Flying and Ground Duty branches.

• Age: 20 to 24 years for Flying, 20 to 26 years for Ground Duty branches
• Educational Qualification:
• Flying Branch – Graduation with Physics and Mathematics at the 12th level
• Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical branches) – Graduation with 60% aggregate
• Selection Process:

1. Written Exam (300 Marks): 100 questions covering English, General Awareness, and Numerical Ability.
2. Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT): Applicable for Ground Duty (Technical).
3. Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Interview.

The AFCAT 2025 Examination is scheduled biannually, in February and August. Be ready to register early!

CAPF Eligibility Requirements

For candidates exploring civilian careers in national security, the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) examination is an ideal choice.

• Age: 20 to 25 years
• Educational Qualification: A Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
• Selection Process:

1. Written Exam (MCQs and descriptive questions).
2. Physical Standards/Efficiency Tests.
3. Personality and leadership assessment through interviews.

The CAPF 2025 Examination identifies candidates for roles such as Assistant Commandants in the BSF, CRPF, and other paramilitary forces.

Exam Patterns and Syllabus

NDA Exam Pattern

Subject	Marks
Mathematics	300
General Ability Test	600

CDS Exam Pattern

Exam	Subjects	Marks
IMA/INA/AFA	English, GK, Math	300
OTA	English, GK	200

AFCAT Exam Pattern

Section	Questions	Marks
General Awareness, Verbal, Numeric Ability	100	300

For comprehensive preparation, resources like edtech platforms and books for exam preparation specific to each examination are recommended.

Vacancies and Recruitment Process

Each year, various defence exams provide opportunities for candidates to join esteemed organizations like the Indian Naval Academy, Officer Training Academy (OTA), and many others. Here’s an overview of the recruitment process:

1. Written Examination

Defence exams like the NDA, CDS (Combined Defence Services), and AFCAT assess candidates’ aptitude in areas such as General Awareness, Numerical Ability, and English Language. For technical roles, exams may include subjects like Engineering Knowledge and specific education question papers.

2. Interview Process

Post the written test, candidates must pass interviews conducted by boards like the AFSB (Air Force Selection Board) and SSB (Services Selection Board). These interviews evaluate both technical and personality traits.

3. Medical Standards Tests

Candidates undergo a detailed medical check-up to ensure they meet the rigorous health standards required for combat roles.

4. Physical Efficiency Tests (PET)

Successful candidates must also clear physical fitness and efficiency tests, confirming their ability to perform high-stakes active-duty responsibilities.

5. Specialized Training and Appointment

Finally, selected candidates receive specialized training that equips them for their specific roles in the armed forces.

Major Defence Exams in India

Here’s a list of defence exams you can consider based on your level of education and career preferences:

Exam Name	Eligibility	Exam Frequency	Recruitment Roles
NDA (National Defence Academy)	12th Pass (18-19.5 years)	Biannual	Army, Navy, Air Force
CDS (Combined Defence Services)	Graduate (19-25 years)	Biannual	Officers’ Training in Army, Navy, Air Force
AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test)	Graduate (Technical/Non-Tech)	Biannual	Flying/Ground Duty Officers
CAPF (Central Armed Police Forces)	Graduate	Annual	Assistant Commandants
SSC Technical	Graduate in Engineering	Biannual	Technical Roles in Army/Navy
Territorial Army	Graduate (18-42 years)	Annual	Part-Time Officers

NDA Vacancies

The National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA) offer entry-level positions for candidates after their 12th grade. For example:

• 352 vacancies in NDA (Army, Navy, and Air Force subdivisions) in 2023.
• 42 vacancies in Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme).
• Application deadline and exams occur biannually, often in April and September.

CDS Vacancies

Candidates with a graduate degree can pursue officer roles across different forces via the Combined Defence Services Examination:

• 208 vacancies in the Indian Army.
• 92 vacancies for Air Force flying officers.
• 42 engineering-based roles in the Navy, conducted via specialized exams like the INCET Navy.

The CDS Selection Process, like most Indian defence exams, includes written tests, SSB interviews, and medical examinations, ensuring the successful candidates meet every criteria for leadership positions.

AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test)

The AFCAT exam, conducted specifically by the Indian Air Force, assesses candidates for roles including:

• Flying Officers
• Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical)

Candidates need qualifying scores in written tests and additional Engineering Knowledge Tests (EKT) for technical roles.

CAPF Recruitment

The CAPF exam recruits candidates for units like the CRPF and Border Security Force (BSF) into roles such as Assistant Commandants. The process involves:

• Written Test
• CAPF Physical Efficiency Tests
• Appointment after specialized training and medical standards tests.

Preparing for Defence Exams

Aspiring candidates often wonder about the best approach for defence exam preparation. Here are actionable strategies:

Time Management Tips

• Set a strict schedule and stick to it—prioritize core subjects like Numerical Ability, English, and General Awareness.
• Take defence exam books and prepare notes for quick revision.
• Interact with other aspirants or defence personnel to learn best practices.

Mock Tests and Study Resources

• Start with free online mock tests and analyse your performance in various topics.
• Gather comprehensive study materials, focusing on current affairs, reasoning, and specialized defence topics.
• Utilize previous years’ question papers to familiarize yourself with the entire examination process.

Why Choose a Career in Defence?

A career inspired by service to the nation carries unmatched respect, stability, and opportunities for growth. Choosing the career path in defence means:

1. Exceptional Perks – Includes secure income, housing facilities, and allowances.
2. Dynamic Lifestyle – Ever-changing challenges, locations, and duties.
3. Sense of Purpose – Representing the country on national and global fronts.

Tips for Defence Exam Preparation

1. Understand the Syllabus: Keep up with the official notification for updates on patterns and syllabus.
2. Practice Mock Tests: Use common exam preparation tools and practice tests to simulate real exam environments.
3. Physical Fitness: Prepare for fitness parameters well ahead of the detailed medical check-up.
4. Stay Updated: Regularly check exam alerts to avoid missing deadlines for exams like CDS, AFCAT, or CAPF.

Recommended Resources for Exam Preparation

Books and online resources:

• “Pathfinder NDA/NA” for NDA preparation.
• “Objective General English” by S.P. Bakshi for CDS.
• AFCAT series by R. Gupta.
• CAPF preparation books by Arihant Publications.

Mock tests and coaching can multiply your chances of success in cracking any prestigious defence exam.

Your Defence Career Awaits!

Defence exams are more than competitive exams; they are a means to pursue a career of honor, discipline, and service. Master the exam syllabus, be mindful of deadlines, and give your absolute best. With dedication and the right resources, you’ll soon be living your career aspirations in the Indian defence sector.

Bookmark this guide and refer back whenever needed. Start your preparation today—because India needs its next generation of Bravehearts.