UPSC CDS I Exam 2025 OTA Final Result Announced: A Comprehensive Guide to Selection and Next Steps
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially announced the final result for the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) I 2025 for admission to the Officers Training Academy (OTA). Candidates who successfully cleared both the written examination and the subsequent Service Selection Board (SSB) interviews for the OTA entry can now check their selection status. This highly anticipated result marks the culmination of a rigorous selection process that spanned nearly a year, identifying eligible candidates for the Short Service Commission (SSC) in the Indian Army.
The UPSC CDS I Exam 2025 OTA Final Result was released on 30 December 2025, signifying a major milestone for thousands of defence aspirants. The final merit list includes the roll numbers of candidates recommended for selection to the 123rd Short Service Commission Course (NT) (Men) and the 37th Short Service Commission Women (Non-Technical) Course at the Officers Training Academy, Chennai. The final selection is based on the combined performance in the written examination conducted by UPSC and the interviews held by the Services Selection Board (SSB) of the Ministry of Defence.
Candidates can easily access the final merit list and download the result PDF from the official UPSC website or through trusted result portals like Sarkari Result All. The final result for the other branches—Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Air Force Academy (AFA)—were announced separately, as their selection criteria and training duration differ. The focus here remains on the UPSC CDS I Exam 2025 OTA Final Result, which offers a unique path to a commission in the Indian Army through a Short Service Commission.
Click here to download UPSC CDS I Exam 2025 OTA Final Result directly from Sarkari Result All: https://www.sarkariresultall.in/
Understanding the UPSC CDS I 2025 Selection Process for OTA
The path to becoming an officer through the UPSC CDS I Exam 2025 is highly competitive. The selection process is meticulous and designed to filter candidates based on both academic knowledge and essential officer-like qualities (OLQs). The overall process is broadly divided into three stages: the Written Examination, the SSB Interview, and the Medical Examination, followed by the final merit list compilation. For candidates aspiring specifically for the Officers Training Academy, the selection process holds specific distinctions compared to other academies.
The written examination for the OTA entry in CDS I 2025 comprised two papers: English and General Knowledge. Each paper was worth 100 marks and lasted two hours. Unlike the selection process for IMA, INA, and AFA, which includes an Elementary Mathematics paper, the OTA entry for both men and women does not require candidates to take the math paper. This distinction is crucial and often attracts a different pool of aspirants.
Following the written exam, candidates who met the cut-off threshold were called for the SSB interview. The SSB Interview is a rigorous five-day assessment designed to evaluate a candidate's personality, leadership potential, intelligence, and psychological suitability for a leadership role in the armed forces. The SSB process itself consists of two stages, as detailed below.
Detailed Breakdown of the SSB Interview Stage
The Service Selection Board (SSB) interview stage is arguably the most critical component of the selection process. It is a comprehensive evaluation that tests candidates on various fronts, far beyond simple academic knowledge. The entire process aims to identify whether a candidate possesses the required "Officer Like Qualities" (OLQs) necessary to lead soldiers in high-pressure environments. The SSB process for the UPSC CDS I Exam 2025 OTA Final Result includes the following key stages:
Stage I: Screening Tests
Upon arrival at the SSB centre, candidates first undergo screening tests on Day 1. This stage includes:
a) Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test: A set of verbal and non-verbal reasoning questions designed to assess a candidate's intelligence quotient (IQ) and problem-solving skills.
b) Picture Perception and Discussion Test (PPDT): Candidates are shown a hazy picture for 30 seconds and then given four minutes to write a story based on their perception. Following this, candidates discuss their stories in groups to arrive at a consensus story. The PPDT assesses communication skills, confidence, and ability to influence others in a group setting.
Candidates who fail to clear Stage I are sent back home on the same day. Those who successfully screen in proceed to Stage II, which spans the next four days.
Stage II: Psychological Tests, Group Tasks, and Personal Interview
The main part of the SSB assessment consists of three different techniques used concurrently by different assessors (Psychologist, Interviewing Officer, and Group Testing Officer). These techniques include:
a) Psychological Tests: Conducted by a Psychologist, these tests aim to evaluate a candidate's personality traits and subconscious thought processes. Key tests include:
i. Thematic Apperception Test (TAT): Similar to PPDT, but candidates write stories for multiple pictures without group discussion.
ii. Word Association Test (WAT): Candidates respond with the first thought or idea that comes to mind upon seeing a list of words.
iii. Situation Reaction Test (SRT): Candidates write reactions to specific, challenging scenarios.
iv. Self Description Test (SD): Candidates describe themselves as perceived by their parents, friends, teachers, and themselves.
b) Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks: These are outdoor tasks where candidates are assessed in a group setting. The GTO evaluates a candidate's leadership, teamwork, planning ability, and physical stamina through various exercises, including:
i. Group Discussion (GD): Discussing current affairs topics or social issues.
ii. Group Planning Exercise (GPE): Solving a practical problem on a model layout.
iii. Progressive Group Task (PGT) and Half Group Task (HGT): Overcoming obstacles using limited resources (planks, ropes).
iv. Individual Obstacles: Completing 10 individual obstacles.
v. Command Task: Leading a team in solving a complex task.
vi. Final Group Task (FGT): A final group task to observe leadership and teamwork.
c) Personal Interview: Conducted by the Interviewing Officer (IO), this is a one-on-one interaction where the IO assesses the candidate's background, aspirations, and understanding of current affairs. The interview often involves rapid-fire questions and aims to cross-check the information gathered during psychological tests and GTO tasks.
Candidates who perform well across all three assessment techniques are recommended for selection. The final selection for the UPSC CDS I Exam 2025 OTA Final Result is based on the aggregate score in both the written exam and the SSB interview.
Post-Selection Process: Verification and Training at OTA
For those candidates whose roll numbers appear in the UPSC CDS I Exam 2025 OTA Final Result, the journey continues with critical post-selection formalities. The next steps involve document verification and a comprehensive medical examination. Candidates recommended by the SSB will receive further instructions from the Ministry of Defence regarding the submission of necessary documents.
Document Verification: Selected candidates must submit original educational certificates, mark sheets, and proof of age. The UPSC CDS I Exam 2025 OTA Final Result is provisional and subject to successful verification of all documents. The required documents include:
• Educational Qualification Certificates (Degree/Provisional Degree and Mark Sheets)
• Date of Birth Proof (Matriculation Certificate)
• Identity Proof (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, etc.)
• NCC 'C' Certificate (if applicable)
Medical Examination: The final selection for commissioning is contingent upon a thorough medical examination conducted by a military medical board. This examination checks physical standards, including height, weight, eyesight, and overall physical fitness. Candidates who are found "medically unfit" during this stage are not eligible for commission, regardless of their position on the merit list. Specific medical standards apply for different branches of the armed forces, but strict criteria ensure candidates are physically capable of handling the rigors of military training.
Training at Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai: Candidates who successfully clear all stages will report to the Officers Training Academy in Chennai. The training program for the Short Service Commission (SSC) at OTA lasts for 49 weeks. The curriculum at OTA aims to transform civilian candidates into professional officers. It focuses heavily on physical conditioning, military subjects, leadership development, and character building. Upon successful completion of training, cadets are awarded a Short Service Commission in the Indian Army.
Understanding the Importance of OTA Selection and Career Outlook
The UPSC CDS I Exam 2025 OTA Final Result signifies selection for the Short Service Commission. Unlike the Permanent Commission offered through IMA, INA, and AFA, the SSC provides a commission for a fixed term (generally 10 years, extendable up to 14 years). This path is suitable for individuals who wish to serve in the Indian Army without committing to a full career or those who wish to experience military life before transitioning to the corporate world or other fields.
The competition for OTA selection is exceptionally high. Thousands of candidates appear for the written exam, and only a small percentage clear the written cut-off to be called for the SSB interview. From those interviewed, only a limited number make it onto the final merit list. The UPSC CDS I Exam 2025 OTA Final Result represents the cream of the crop—candidates who have demonstrated exceptional academic ability, leadership skills, and resilience.
For candidates who were not successful in this cycle, the opportunity to re-apply for future CDS exams remains. The preparation for the UPSC CDS I Exam 2025 OTA Result cycle required extensive focus on General Knowledge and English comprehension. Future aspirants are advised to maintain consistent study habits and simultaneously work on improving their communication skills and psychological aptitude required for the SSB interview process.
Future Outlook for Candidates and Next Steps
The release of the UPSC CDS I Exam 2025 OTA Final Result on 30 December 2025 initiates the final administrative phase before induction into training. The candidates selected for the 123rd SSC (NT) Men and 37th SSC Women (NT) courses are expected to receive their call-up letters shortly from the respective selection directorates. These letters will contain detailed instructions regarding reporting dates, documentation requirements, and medical examination schedules.
For future aspirants preparing for upcoming CDS exams, the results of CDS I 2025 provide valuable insights into the level of competition and the rigorous standards maintained by UPSC and the Ministry of Defence. It is recommended that future candidates start preparing well in advance, focusing on improving both their written exam scores and their personality development for the SSB interview. The training at OTA Chennai is a challenging but rewarding experience that prepares future leaders to contribute effectively to the nation's defence forces.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about UPSC CDS I Exam 2025 OTA Final Result
1. What is the difference between the UPSC CDS I Exam 2025 OTA Final Result and the results for IMA, INA, and AFA?
The UPSC CDS I Exam 2025 results are typically released for four academies: Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA). The results for IMA, INA, and AFA lead to a Permanent Commission, while the OTA result leads to a Short Service Commission (SSC). Additionally, the written exam pattern differs; OTA candidates take only English and General Knowledge papers, while IMA/INA/AFA candidates also take an Elementary Mathematics paper. The final merit lists for each academy are released separately.
2. How do I access and download the UPSC CDS I Exam 2025 OTA Final Result?
Candidates can download the final merit list PDF from the official UPSC website. Alternatively, quick links and updates are available on trusted government job portals like Sarkari Result All. The final result list contains the roll numbers of the selected candidates in order of merit.
3. What happens after my name appears on the UPSC CDS I Exam 2025 OTA Final Result merit list?
If you are selected on the final merit list, you will receive further instructions from the Ministry of Defence. The next steps involve a thorough document verification process where you must submit original copies of your educational certificates and other necessary documents. This is followed by a medical examination. The final selection is subject to successfully clearing both the verification and medical examinations.
4. What is the duration of training at the Officers Training Academy (OTA) for the Short Service Commission?
The training duration at OTA, Chennai, for the Short Service Commission (SSC) courses for both men and women is approximately 49 weeks (around 11 months). The training program focuses on comprehensive physical conditioning, military academics, and leadership development necessary for commissioning into the Indian Army.
5. What documents are required for verification following the UPSC CDS I Exam 2025 OTA Final Result selection?
Selected candidates are required to produce original documents for verification, including but not limited to: mark sheets and certificates for all educational qualifications (from matriculation to degree level), proof of age (usually the matriculation certificate), and identity proofs. Candidates with NCC 'C' certificates must submit these as well, as they provide a bonus weightage in the final selection process.
6. Can I be selected for OTA even if I failed the SSB interview for IMA?
No. The SSB interview for the CDS I Exam 2025 is common for all entries (IMA/INA/AFA/OTA) for a specific cycle. Once a candidate is interviewed by the SSB, they are either recommended for selection or not recommended for selection for all entries applied for. Therefore, if a candidate fails to clear the SSB interview, they are not eligible for any academy in that particular cycle.
7. When will the training for the selected candidates of UPSC CDS I Exam 2025 OTA Final Result commence?
Based on previous cycles, training at OTA generally commences in April/May for the CDS I exam cycle. Call-up letters detailing the exact reporting dates are usually dispatched in the months leading up to the training start date. Candidates selected from the UPSC CDS I Exam 2025 OTA Final Result are expected to join the next training cycle at OTA, Chennai.