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 Name | Eligibility | Age Limit | Application Period | Exam Date | Selection Process |
| NDA (National Defence Academy) I | 10+2 (Physics & Maths for Air Force/Navy) | 16.5 – 19.5 years | Dec 2024 – Jan 2025 | April 21, 2025 | Written Exam, SSB Interview, Medical Test |
| NDA II | 10+2 (Physics & Maths for Air Force/Navy) | 16.5 – 19.5 years | June – July 2025 | September 14, 2025 | Written Exam, SSB Interview, Medical Test |
| CDS (Combined Defence Services) I | Graduation (Engineering for INA, Degree with Physics & Maths for Air Force) | 19 – 24 years | Dec 11, 2024 – Jan 1, 2025 | April 13, 2025 | Written Exam, SSB Interview, Medical Test |
| CDS II | Graduation (Engineering for INA, Degree with Physics & Maths for Air Force) | 19 – 24 years | May 28 – June 17, 2025 | September 14, 2025 | Written 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, 2024 | February 22-23, 2025 | Online Exam, AFSB Interview, Medical Test |
| AFCAT II | Graduation (Engineering for Technical Branch) | 20 – 24 years (Flying Branch) | June 2025 | August 2025 | Online Exam, AFSB Interview, Medical Test |
| Agniveer Recruitment | 10th/12th Pass (varies by role) | 17.5 – 21 years | To be announced | To be announced | Written Exam, Physical Fitness Test, Medical Test |
| DGAFMS Group C Recruitment | 10th/12th/Graduation (varies by post) | 18 – 25 years | Jan 7 – Feb 6, 2025 | To be announced | Written Exam, Skill Test, Medical Test |
| JAG (Judge Advocate General) Entry 35th Course | LLB with 55% marks, Registered with Bar Council | 21 – 27 years | To be announced | To be announced | Shortlisting, SSB Interview, Medical Test |
