CDS Exam Centres 2025: Check CDS 2 State-Wise Exam Cities List

Combined Defence Services Exam 2025 ( CDS )

DeskCalelnderRegistration - 10 Dec '25 - 30 Dec '25

Shikha Goyal
Updated on May 29, 2025 12:44 IST

By Shikha Goyal, Assistant Manager

CDS Exam Centres 2025: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) released the CDS 2 2025 exam centres along with the CDS 2 notification on May 28, 2025. The written exam will be conducted in more than 70 cities spread throughout the country in two shifts.

Candidates are required to enter their preferences for CDS exam centres 2025 while filling out the application form. Candidates can choose only one exam city at the time of filling up the CDS 2 application form. CDS exam centres are allotted to candidates on a first-apply-first-allot basis. The details regarding the exam cities are mentioned on the CDS admit card. Read below for more details on the exam centres of CDS 2025.

Latest Updates:

CDS 2 2025 Notification and Application Form released

Important Links:

CDS 2 Official Notification 2025 PDF link Download Here
Q:   Will the UPSC notify candidates about the exact centre location for CDS exam?
A: 

Yes, the UPSC will release the CDS admit card a few days before the exam. The admit card will consist of the exact address and name of the exam centre.

Q:   Who is eligible to take the CDS exam?
A: 

The minimum age limit for applying CDS exam is 19 years. Candidates must be graduate or appearing in the final year. B.Tech and BE candidates can apply for IMA, INA and AFA. The age limit criteria for CDS 1 exam have been given below for the candidates:

Indian Naval Academy: 19 to 24 years

Air Force Academy: 20 years to 24 years

Indian Military Academy: 19 to 24 years

Officers Training Academy (SSC Women Non Technical Course): 19 to 25 years 

Officers Training Academy (SSC Course for Men): 19 to 25 years

The candidates must note that if they don't fulfill the age limit and educational qualification criteria will not be able to appear in the CDS exam. 

Q:   What are the exam dates for CDS 2025 exam?
A: 

The CDS 2 2025 application and notification was released on May 28, 2025. The application link will remain active until June 20, 2025. However, the exam for the CDS 2 2025 will be conducted on September 14, 2025. On the other hand, the CDS 1 2025 application form and the notification was released on December 11, 2024 and the last date to apply was January 1, 2025 (extended). The CDS 1 exam was conducted on April 13, 2025.

The candidates must be aware that these dates are released by UPSC through exam calendar. There are slight chances that the exam dates get changed due to any circumstance. However, the candidates must prepare for the CDS exams according to these exam dates.

Table of content
  • CDS Exam Centres 2025
  • CDS Exam Dates & Schedule
  • Important Points Related to CDS Exam Centres 2025
  • CDS Exam Centre 2025 FAQs
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CDS Exam Centres 2025

The exam cities for the CDS 2 2025 exam is provided below. Candidates who will appear for the exam can check below the exam centre list.

Agartala

Ghaziabad

Navi Mumbai

Agra

Gorakhpur

Panaji (Goa)

Ajmer

Gurgaon

Patna

Ahmedabad

Gwalior

Sri Vijaya Puram

(Port Blair)

Aizawl

Hyderabad

Prayagraj

(Allahabad)

Aligarh

Imphal

Puducherry

Almora (Uttarakhand)

Indore

Pune

Anantapur (Andhra Pradesh)

Itanagar

Raipur

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Aurangabad (Maharashtra)

Jabalpur

Rajkot

Bengaluru

Jaipur

Ranchi

Bareilly

Jammu

Sambalpur

Bhopal

Jodhpur

Shillong

Bilaspur (Chhatisgarh) 

Jorhat

Shimla

Chandigarh

Kargil

Siligudi

Chennai

Kochi

Srinagar 

Coimbatore

Kohima

Srinagar (Uttarakhand)

Cuttack

Kolkata

Thane

Dehradun

Kozhikode (Calicut)

Thiruvananthapuram

Delhi

Leh

Tiruchirappalli

Dharamshala

Lucknow

Tirupati

Dharwad

Ludhiana

Udaipur

Dispur

Madurai

Varanasi

Faridabad

Mandi

Vellore

Gangtok

Mumbai

Vijayavada

Gaya

Mysore

Vishakhapatnam

Gautam Buddh Nagar

Nagpur

Hanumakonda

(Warangal Urban)

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Can I choose any exam centre for the CDS exam?
A: 

No. The commission released the notification for the CDS 2 exam 2025 on May 28, 2025. Candidates can apply for the designated exam centres across India as mentioned in the notification. The list of exam centers has been mentioned in the notification. Exam centres are allotted on a first-apply-first-allot basis to the candidates. Also, some centres have a limited capacity and, once filled, are no longer available for selection.

Q:   Why CDS exam is conducted?
A: 

The CDS exam is conducted by the UPSC to select candidates for admission to various courses in the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers' Training Academy (OTA). The CDS exam is conducted twice a year, and candidates who meet the eligibility criteria can apply for the exam. The exam consists of a written test followed by a Services Selection Board (SSB) interview, which is designed to assess the personality traits and suitability of the candidates for the respective course or post. The CDS exam is a highly competitive exam, and candidates who clear the written test and the SSB interview are selected for admission to the respective course or post based on their overall performance in the exam. The CDS exam provides an opportunity for candidates who are interested in a career in the Indian Armed Forces to pursue their dream and serve the country with honor and pride.

CDS Exam Dates & Schedule

Take a look at the table below for the complete schedule of CDS 2025 exam

DatesUpcoming Exam Dates
10 Dec ' 25

CDS 1 Notification 2026

10 Dec ' 25 - 30 Dec ' 25

CDS 1 Application Process 2026

12 Apr ' 26

CDS 1 Exam 2026

20 May ' 26

CDS 2 Notification 2026

20 May ' 26 - 09 Jun ' 26

CDS 2 Application Process 2026

13 Sep ' 26

CDS 2 Exam Date 2026

DatesPast Exam Dates
14 Sep ' 25

CDS 2 Exam 2025

04 Sep ' 25

CDS 2 2025 admit card

07 Jul ' 25 - 09 Jul ' 25

CDS 2 2025 application correction dates

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Important Points Related to CDS Exam Centres 2025

A few important points related to CDS exam centres are given below:

  • Allotment of CDS exam centres is done on the first-apply-first-allot basis
  • Once the capacity of a particular CDS exam centre is attained, the same is frozen
  • In such a case, candidates are allotted to the next available centres
  • Candidates are advised to fill out the application form early to get their preferred CDS exam centres
  • There is a ceiling on the number of candidates allotted to each exam centre except Chennai, Delhi, Dispur, Kolkata, and Nagpur
  • The examination authority does not entertain any request for a change in CDS exam centres after the final submission of the CDS application form
  • Candidates are advised to choose the exam centres carefully
  • The details related to the CDS exam centre such as an address, centre code, venue, and time are mentioned on the CDS admit card

Read More:

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   How can I find out CDS exam centre?
A: 
You can find out your CDS exam centre by following these steps: 1. Visit the official website of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) 2. Click on the Examination tab on the homepage. 3. Click on the Active Examinations link. 4. Find the link for the CDS exam and click on it. 5. Click on the Download Admit Card link. 6. Enter your registration number/roll number and date of birth. 7. Click on the Submit button. 8. Your CDS admit card will be displayed on the screen. 9. Check the details on the admit card, including the exam centre, date, and time. 10. Download and take a printout of the admit card for future reference. The CDS exam centre will be mentioned on your admit card, which is released by the UPSC a few weeks before the exam. It's important to note that the exam centre allotted by the UPSC is final, and candidates must appear for the exam at the allotted centre only.
Q:   Is the CDS exam online or offline?
A: 

The CDS exam is conducted in two stages, the written exam and the SSB interview. The CDS exam is an offline exam conducted in pen paper-based format. The CDS marking scheme, negative marking, total marks, exam timing, and the paper pattern for the IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA are available on this page for the CDS exam.

Q:   What documents do I need to carry to the CDS exam centre?
A: 

Candidates need to carry the following documents to the CDS exam centre: 1. CDS Admit Card: Candidates must carry the CDS admit card to the exam centre. The admit card will be released by the Union Public Service Commission UPSC a few weeks before the exam. 2. Photo ID Proof: Candidates must carry a valid photo ID proof, such as Aadhaar card, PAN card, driving license, or passport, to the exam centre. The ID proof must be original and should not be expired. 3. Two passport size photographs: Candidates must carry two passport size photographs to the exam centre. The photographs should be recent and identical. Candidates should ensure that all the details mentioned on the admit card, photo ID proof, and photographs match with each other. Candidates should also reach the exam centre at least 30 minutes before the reporting time mentioned on the admit card. It's important to note that candidates who fail to carry any of the above documents to the exam centre will not be allowed to appear for the exam. Candidates should also check the official notification and updates regarding the CDS exam on the official website of the UPSC for any changes or updates related to the documents required at the exam centre.

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CDS Exam Centre 2025 FAQs

Refer CDS Centre 2025 FAQs Here

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Can I wear masks at CDS exam centres?
A: 

Yes, candidates are allowed to wear masks at the CDS exam centre. In fact, wearing a mask is mandatory as per the guidelines issued by the government to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Candidates should ensure that they wear a mask covering the nose and mouth at all times while at the exam centre. Candidates are also advised to carry an extra mask and a small bottle of hand sanitizer for their personal use. The exam authorities may also follow other safety protocols, such as thermal scanning, social distancing, and sanitation of the exam hall and other related areas. Candidates should follow the instructions and guidelines issued by the exam authorities and cooperate with them to ensure the safety of everyone present at the exam centre. It's important to note that any violation of the safety protocols or guidelines may lead to disqualification from the exam and other penalties as per the rules and regulations of the UPSC. Therefore, candidates should strictly follow the safety protocols and guidelines issued by the exam authorities and the government to ensure a safe and smooth exam experience.

Q:   What should I do if I feel unwell during the CDS exam at the CDS exam centre?
A: 
If a candidate feels unwell during the CDS exam, they should inform the invigilator or the exam supervisor immediately. The invigilator or the supervisor will take appropriate action based on the rules and regulations of the UPSC. The exam authorities may provide medical assistance or first aid to the candidate if required. In case of a serious medical emergency, the candidate may be allowed to leave the exam hall and seek medical attention immediately. It's important to note that candidates should not ignore any signs of illness or discomfort during the exam and should inform the exam authorities immediately. Any delay in seeking medical attention may lead to serious health complications and may also affect the performance in the exam. Therefore, candidates should take care of their health and well-being before and during the exam, and inform the exam authorities immediately if they experience any discomfort or illness during the exam.
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CDS Exam

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 2 weeks ago

Here are the list of some of the books which can help candidates in their preparation. 

  • High School English Grammar & Composition Edition by Wren and Martin
  • Objective General English by SP Bakshi
  • Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis
  • English Grammar & Composition by S.C Gupta

J

Jasleen Jain

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 2 weeks ago


The authority released a total of 453 vacancies for the CDS 2 exam 2025 for admission to the Indian Air Force, Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, and Officers’ Training Academy for courses. 

M

Manisha Singh

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 2 weeks ago

It is recommended to the candidates to reach the CDS exam centre at least one hour prior to the reporting time. The CDS exam centre allotment is done on a first-apply-first-allot basis.

C

Chanchal Shekhar

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 2 weeks ago

Yes, the English section of the CDS exam is scorable if it is prepared properly. Usually the difficulty level of the exam is moderate. 

S

Satyendra Garg

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 2 weeks ago

Candidates can check the cut off marks for the CDS exam by visiting the official website at upsc.gov.in. The UPSC will release the cutoff according to the academy or course.

S

Shikha Goyal

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

The steps to check the CDS cut off marks is provided below:

  • Visit at upsc.gov.in
  • Click on the :Examination" tab
  • Go to the "Cut Off Marks" dropdown menu.
  • Click on the download link and save it for future reference

I

Ishita Kaur

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 4 weeks ago

Yes. In the CDS exam there is a negative marking. One-third mark will be deducted for an incorrect answer. No mark will be deducted for unanswered questions. 

S

Shikha Shukla

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 4 weeks ago

The CDS exam is conducted in an offline mode that is in a pen-paper mode. The exam consists of objective type questions and need to mark their answers in an OMR sheet.

J

Jasleen Jain

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 2 months ago

Apart from the salary, CDS officers receive several allowances, including DA, high altitude allowance, uniform allowance, transport allowance, medical aid, accommodation, children's education allowance, etc. It depends upon the amount of salary, and it varies depending on the designation and academy

...Read more

G

Gunjan Majumder

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 2 months ago

Candidates can check below the CDS 2 2025 age limit:

  • IMA: Candidates for IMA should be unmarried and must have been born not earlier than July 2, 2002, and not later than July 1, 2007.
  • INA: Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than July 2, 2002, and not later than July 1, 2007, can apply for INA

...Read more

N

Nitesh Pruthi

Contributor-Level 6

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