CDS-1 2025 Final Merit List Released - Check Your Result Now

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the CDS-1 2025 final merit list on its official website for all candidates who qualified in all the stages of the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS).  This is what everyone who wishes to join the ranks of the Indian Armed Forces as commissioned officers has been waiting for. Let’s now move to the highlights, selections, and the process to check if you are on the final merit list.

CDS-1 2025 Final Merit – Overview

Here is a brief overview of the key information regarding the CDS-1 2025 Final Merit List:

What is the CDS Final Merit List?

The final merit list of CDS-1 2025 includes the names of candidates who have qualified for the written examination and the SSB interview. The final merit list is prepared according to the total marks obtained by candidates in both stages.

It's also worth mentioning that medical fitness and document verification are also part of the final selection process before joining the respective academies.

Selection Process of CDS-1 2025

The selection procedure for the CDS is both transparent and thorough. It only picks the most highly qualified individuals. Here is how it proceeds, step by step:

1. Written Examination

The written examination, which is the initial step of the selection procedure, is conducted by UPSC.

• It examines candidates on English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics (for IMA, IN,A and AFA).
• For OTA, the paper merely has English and General Knowledge.
• The written examination is objective, with each paper carrying a fraction of 100 marks

It is important to score well in the written examination, since only those who meet the cut-off criteria are invited for the SSB Interview.

2. SSB Interview

The Services Selection Board (SSB) interview is conducted over a five-day process, which screens a candidate's personality, intelligence, leadership qualities, and officer-like qualities.

It includes various stages such as:

• Screening Test (OIR and PPDT)
• Psychological Tests
• Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks
• Personal Interview
• Conference Round

In this stage, they test your ability to think on your feet, express yourself confidently, and lead a group, which is an important skill for an army officer.

3. Medical Examination

Candidates who are on the list must pass through complete medical examination to determine their physical and mental fitness for training and service after successfully passing the SSB interview process.

Following these three phases, the final merit list created by the UPSC is based on the basis of total marks in the SSB interview and the written exam. The medical examination is qualifying but is mandatory for the purpose of being inducted.

How to Check the CDS-1 2025 Final Merit List

It is an easy task to check the final merit list. The following are the steps to check it easily:

1. Visit the official UPSC website.
2. On the homepage, go to the “What’s New” section.
3. Look for the notification titled “CDS-I 2025 Final Merit List”.
4. Click on the link to open the PDF file.
5. Once it opens, use Ctrl + F (on Windows) or Command + F (on Mac) to search for your name or roll number.
6. If your name appears on the list – congratulations, you’ve made it!
7. Download and save the PDF for your reference.

Details Mentioned in the Merit List

The final merit list PDF typically includes the following details:

• Name of the candidate
• Roll number
• Academy allotted (IMA, INA, AFA, or OTA)
• Order of merit

This list enables candidates to see their position and understand which academy they have been recommended for.

Important Note for Selected Candidates

Candidates whose names are included in the final merit list are recommended for admission in the respective training academies based on merit and preference.

• The joining dates and reporting instructions will be shared by the respective academies, Indian Military Academy (Dehradun), Indian Naval Academy (Ezhimala), Air Force Academy (Hyderabad), or Officers Training Academy (Chennai).
• Candidates are to ensure that all documents, stationery, certificates, and medical fitness reports are in the prescribed order before reporting for the training.

What’s Next After the Final Merit List?

If you're one of the candidates selected, congratulations! You are now one step closer to the start of your new journey as a commissioned officer. It is during training at these academies that our candidates are transformed into leaders who will serve our nation with pride and honour.

For those who haven't made it on this occasion, don’t lose hope. Remember, the CDS exams are conducted twice a year. Each time you try, you’re another step closer to your goal.  Use the experience to improve any areas of weakness, and ahead of CDS-2 2025, develop a new mindset for your next opportunity.

Download PDF of CDS-1 2025 Final Merit List