Are you an aspiring defence personnel looking to serve the nation with honor? The journey to a career in the Indian Armed Forces begins with clearing one or more of the prestigious defence exams. In 2025, several key exams will provide you with the gateway to join the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and other defence services. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the most important defence exams, including NDA, CDS, AFCAT, and Agniveer, along with some tips on how to prepare effectively.
1. National Defence Academy (NDA) Exam 2025
What is the NDA Exam?
The National Defence Academy (NDA) exam is one of the most popular entry points for young men and women into the Indian Armed Forces. Conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), the NDA exam is held twice a year, offering candidates a chance to join the Army, Navy, or Air Force.
Eligibility Criteria
- Age: 16.5 to 19.5 years
- Qualification: 10+2 from a recognized board
- Gender: Both male and female candidates are eligible
Exam Pattern
- Mathematics: 300 marks
- General Ability Test (GAT): 600 marks
- SSB Interview: 900 marks
Important Dates for 2025
- NDA I Exam: Notification in December 2024, exam in April 2025
- NDA II Exam: Notification in June 2025, exam in September 2025
2. Combined Defence Services (CDS) Exam 2025
What is the CDS Exam?
The Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam is another prestigious exam conducted by the UPSC for graduates who aspire to join the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA).
Eligibility Criteria
- Age: 19 to 25 years
- Qualification: Graduate or final-year students from a recognized university
- Gender: Both male and female candidates are eligible for OTA; only male candidates for IMA, INA, and AFA
Exam Pattern
- For IMA, INA, and AFA: English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics (each 100 marks)
- For OTA: English and General Knowledge (each 100 marks)
- SSB Interview: 300 marks for IMA, INA, AFA; 200 marks for OTA
Important Dates for 2025
- CDS I Exam: Notification in December 2024, exam in April 2025
- CDS II Exam: Notification in June 2025, exam in September 2025
3. Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) 2025
What is the AFCAT Exam?
The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is the entry point for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Air Force as commissioned officers in flying, ground duty (technical), and ground duty (non-technical) branches.
Eligibility Criteria
- Age: 20 to 24 years (Flying branch); 20 to 26 years (Ground duty branches)
- Qualification: 12th (with Physics and Mathematics for flying branch) + Graduates (with aggregrate 60%)
- Gender: Both male and female candidates are eligible
Exam Pattern
- AFCAT: 100 questions, 300 marks
- SSB Interview: Varies based on the branch
Important Dates for 2025
- AFCAT I Exam: Notification in December 2024, exam in February 2025
- AFCAT II Exam: Notification in June 2025, exam in August 2025
4. Agniveer Exam 2025
What is the Agniveer Exam?
The Agniveer scheme, introduced as a part of the Agnipath recruitment model, provides a new entry-level opportunity for youth to serve in the Indian Armed Forces for a four-year tenure. The exam assesses candidates for recruitment into various roles in the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Eligibility Criteria
- Age: 17.5 to 21 years
- Qualification: 10th/12th pass depending on the role
- Gender: Both male and female candidates are eligible
Exam Pattern
- Written Test: Varies by service (Army, Navy, Air Force)
- Physical Fitness Test (PFT): Includes running, push-ups, and other physical activities
- Medical Examination: Detailed medical check-up
Important Dates for 2025
- Notification: Expected in early 2025
- Examination: Mid-2025
5. Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Exam 2025
What is the Indian Coast Guard Exam?
The Indian Coast Guard conducts exams for the recruitment of officers and sailors. This includes entry into various branches such as General Duty, Technical, Law, and more.
Eligibility Criteria
- Age: 18 to 22 years (varies by role)
- Qualification: 10+2 for sailors; graduate for officers
- Gender: Both male and female candidates are eligible
Exam Pattern
- Written Test: Varies by role
- Physical Fitness Test (PFT): Includes running, push-ups, and other physical activities
- Medical Examination: Detailed medical check-up
Important Dates for 2025
- Notification: Expected in early 2025
- Examination: Varies by role
6. Territorial Army (TA) Exam 2025
What is the Territorial Army Exam?
The Territorial Army (TA) offers a unique opportunity for civilians to serve the nation part-time while maintaining their regular civilian jobs. The TA exam is conducted for recruitment into the Indian Army as officers.
Eligibility Criteria
- Age: 18 to 42 years
- Qualification: Graduate from a recognized university
- Gender: Both male and female candidates are eligible
Exam Pattern
- Written Test: Paper I (Reasoning and Elementary Mathematics) and Paper II (General Knowledge and English)
- SSB Interview: For successful candidates in the written exam
Important Dates for 2025
- Notification: Expected in July 2025
- Examination: September 2025
Conclusion
The year 2025 presents multiple opportunities for aspiring defence personnel to realize their dreams of serving the nation. Whether you aim to join the Army, Navy, Air Force, or the Coast Guard, each exam offers a distinct path tailored to your career aspirations.
At Centre for Defence Careers, we offer comprehensive coaching and guidance to help you prepare for these exams. With the right strategy and dedicated preparation, you can ace these exams and step into a fulfilling career in the defence forces.
Start your preparation today with Centre for Defence Careers! Reach out to us for more information on courses, study materials, and tips to excel in these exams.
