Published on October 13, 2025
Delhi, India
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has unveiled the final results for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination 1, 2025, marking a triumphant milestone for defence aspirants. Announced on October 10, 2025, the merit list shortlists 365 candidates for admission to premier institutions like the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Air Force Academy (AFA). Conducted on April 13, 2025, this rigorous process—encompassing written tests, Services Selection Board (SSB) interviews by the Ministry of Defence, and provisional selections—paves the way for the 160th (DE) Course at IMA Dehradun, INA Ezhimala (Kerala), and AFA Hyderabad (Pre-Flying Training). With medical exam outcomes excluded from the current list, these qualifiers represent resilience and strategic excellence in a highly competitive field. This guide details the breakdowns, toppers, and pathways forward.
Key Highlights of CDS 1 2025 Final Results
- Total Qualified Candidates: 365, selected post-SSB interviews (medical results pending).
- Written Exam Qualifiers (Pre-SSB): 2,560 for IMA, 942 for INA, 636 for AFA—highlighting the SSB’s selective rigor.
- Vacancies Overview:
- IMA: 100 seats (13 reserved for NCC ‘C’ Army Wing holders).
- INA: 32 seats (6 for NCC ‘C’ Naval Wing).
- AFA: 32 seats (3 for NCC ‘C’ Air Wing via Special Entry).
- Provisional Status: All selections are tentative; verification of date of birth and educational qualifications is ongoing by respective service headquarters.
- Notable Trends: Dual toppers emerge—Arya Umesh Dharmatti excels in IMA and INA, while Rehan Singh Dhaka shines in INA and AFA—showcasing versatile talent across branches.
Academy-Wise Toppers and Merit Insights
The merit list, available as a PDF on upsc.gov.in, lists roll numbers and ranks academy-wise. Here’s a snapshot of the top three performers in each:
| Academy | Rank 1 | Rank 2 | Rank 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | Chirag Guar (or Gaur) | Arya Umesh Dharmatti | Satya Prakash Tiwari |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | Arya Umesh Dharmatti | Rehan Singh Dhaka | S Lalith Adityan |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | Rehan Singh Dhaka | Akshat | Atul Goyat |
- Merit List Access: Download the full PDF (FR-CDSE-I-25-Engl-101025.pdf) from upsc.gov.in under “Examinations > Results.” Use Ctrl+F to search by roll number.
- OTA Note: Officers’ Training Academy results are pending; individual marks for all candidates will follow post-OTA declaration.
Selection Process Recap
- Written Exam: Held April 13, 2025; qualified 4,138 candidates overall for SSB.
- SSB Interviews: Conducted by Army Headquarters; evaluated leadership, psychology, and physical fitness.
- Current Stage: Final merit based on combined written + SSB scores; medicals next.
- Competition Stats: From lakhs of applicants to 365 qualifiers, underscoring the exam’s prestige for commissioning officers in the Indian Armed Forces.
Next Steps for Qualified Candidates
- Document Submission: Forward original certificates (DoB, educational quals) with attested photocopies to Army/Naval/Air Headquarters per first-choice academy. Update address changes directly with HQs.
- Medical Examination: Undergo at designated centers; results will finalize candidature.
- Joining Instructions: Await from respective academies post-verification; training commences for 160th (DE) Course.
- Marks Release: Individual and non-qualifier marksheets available within 15 days post-OTA results, for 30 days.
- Queries: Contact UPSC Facilitation Counter (011-23385271/23381125/23098543, 10 AM-5 PM weekdays) or visit near Gate ‘C’.
How to Download the CDS 1 2025 Final Result
- Visit upsc.gov.in.
- Click “Examinations” > “Results.”
- Select “Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2025 – Final Result.”
- Download the PDF and search for your details.
- Direct Link: upsc.gov.in/sites/default/files/FR-CDSE-I-25-Engl-101025.pdf.
Pro Tip: Keep backups of all documents; monitor the site for OTA updates and marks.
