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Defence Services Exams in India: A Comprehensive Guide

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India provides a range of routes for those interested in joining the armed forces. It could be in the Army, Navy, Air Force, or any other defense forces. In 2025, many exams will be conducted to recruit people for these coveted jobs. Here is the list of main defense exams along with their eligibility criteria, application dates, and selection procedures.

National Defence Academy (NDA)
The NDA exam is one of the most coveted entry points for candidates who aspire to join the Army, Navy, or Air Force through the prestigious National Defence Academy. The NDA exam is conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission. Candidates who qualify in the examination are sent to NDA for training at Khadakwasla, Pune.

CDS Combined Defence Services
The CDS exam is conducted by the UPSC and marks a gateway for graduates to enter Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), or Officers Training Academy (OTA). It is held twice in a year, and this exam is open for both male as well as female candidates for OTA.

Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT)
AFCAT is a recruitment program run by the Indian Air Force, which admits people into any of the several divisions of the Air Force-the Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical), and Ground Duty (Non-Technical).

Agniveer Recruitment Scheme
The Agniveer Recruitment Scheme is a new recruitment scheme introduced by the Government of India, where the tenure would be four years in the Indian Armed Forces. The candidates would be given an exit package and a possibility of permanent service, based on performance.

DGAFMS Group C Recruitment
This Group C Recruitment at DGAFMS is done in various posts: Accountants, Lower Division Clerks, Multi-Tasking Staff, and Tradesman Mates under the Director General Armed Forces Medical Services.

Exam NameEligibilityAge LimitApplication PeriodExam DateSelection Process
NDA (National Defence Academy) I10+2 (Physics & Maths for Air Force/Navy)16.5 – 19.5 yearsDec 2024 – Jan 2025April 21, 2025Written Exam, SSB Interview, Medical Test
NDA II10+2 (Physics & Maths for Air Force/Navy)16.5 – 19.5 yearsJune – July 2025September 14, 2025Written Exam, SSB Interview, Medical Test
CDS (Combined Defence Services) IGraduation (Engineering for INA, Degree with Physics & Maths for Air Force)19 – 24 yearsDec 11, 2024 – Jan 1, 2025April 13, 2025Written Exam, SSB Interview, Medical Test
CDS IIGraduation (Engineering for INA, Degree with Physics & Maths for Air Force)19 – 24 yearsMay 28 – June 17, 2025September 14, 2025Written Exam, SSB Interview, Medical Test
AFCAT I (Air Force Common Admission Test)Graduation (Engineering for Technical Branch)20 – 24 years (Flying Branch)Dec 2 – Dec 31, 2024February 22-23, 2025Online Exam, AFSB Interview, Medical Test
AFCAT IIGraduation (Engineering for Technical Branch)20 – 24 years (Flying Branch)June 2025August 2025Online Exam, AFSB Interview, Medical Test
Agniveer Recruitment10th/12th Pass (varies by role)17.5 – 21 yearsTo be announcedTo be announcedWritten Exam, Physical Fitness Test, Medical Test
DGAFMS Group C Recruitment10th/12th/Graduation (varies by post)18 – 25 yearsJan 7 – Feb 6, 2025To be announcedWritten Exam, Skill Test, Medical Test
JAG (Judge Advocate General) Entry 35th CourseLLB with 55% marks, Registered with Bar Council21 – 27 yearsTo be announcedTo be announcedShortlisting, SSB Interview, Medical Test

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