UPSC CDS 1 Result 2025: Check Exam Marks & Merit List

The UPSC CDS-1 (Combined Defence Services Examination – I) is a national-level exam conducted by UPSC every year to recruit officers for Indian Army, Navy, Air Force and OTA (Officers Training Academy). A candidate must be a graduate to apply for this and the eligibility varies slightly according to the academies. The selection process includes written exam, SSB interview and medical test. After the final merit list, qualified candidates are called for training in the respective academies. This exam is a golden opportunity for Defence aspirants where they can serve the country by becoming a Commissioned Officer.

When was UPSC CDS-1 Result declared and what was its format?

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) declared the written result of Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination I 2025 on 28 April 2025. The result was uploaded on the official website of UPSC in the form of a PDF file in which the roll numbers of the shortlisted candidates were given. These roll numbers were of those candidates who cleared the written exam and now they will be called for SSB interview.

The final merit list which is based on the performance in the written exam as well as SSB interview and medical test, was released on 23 May 2025. This list contains the names of those candidates who were selected for admission in different academies – IMA, INA, AFA and OTA.

How to understand the marks and merit list of the written exam?

Only roll numbers were published in the CDS-1 2025 written exam result. After this, the scorecards of those candidates who do not qualify the written exam are released on the UPSC site after a few days. The names and academy allocation of the candidates are also given in the final merit list.

What is the process of checking result?

1. Visit official website: www.upsc.gov.in
2. Go to “What’s New” section on the homepage.
3. There you will find the link: WR-CDSE-I-2025-RollList-Engl-280425.pdf
4. Download the PDF and search your roll number with Ctrl+F.
5. If the roll number is in the list, then you have cleared the written exam.

What are the next steps after the written exam?

Candidates who clear the written exam are called for the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview. It is a detailed 5-day process that includes psychological tests, group tasks, and personal interviews. After the SSB, candidates undergo medical examination. Then after all the stages are completed, UPSC releases the final merit list.

In CDS-1 2025, a total of 8516 candidates were shortlisted for SSB after clearing the written exam. Document submission deadlines have been fixed for different academies which are given in the table below.

What are the Important Dates?

How is the final merit list and allocation of academies done?

After the merit list, candidates get admission in different academies:

• Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun – 160th Course (Jan 2026)
• Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala – Jan 2026 Course
• Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad – 219th Pre-Flying Course (Jan 2026)
• Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai – Short Service Commission Courses (from April 2026)

There is a different cut-off for every academy which UPSC releases later.

What are the Important Links?

Conclusion

UPSC CDS-1 Result 2025 is an important milestone for all those candidates who want to join Defense services. After clearing the written exam, it is equally important to prepare for SSB interview and medical exam. The final merit list decides the academy allocation, so candidates must submit their documents before the deadline. If you are shortlisted then this is a golden opportunity to start your Defense career.

Frequently Asked Questions