List of Top 10 Defence Exams in India 2025 โ Complete Guide on Eligibility, Age Limit, Salary & More
List of Top 10 Defence Exams: Dreaming of serving in the Indian Armed Forces? 
Get complete details on the Top 10 Defence Exams in India 2025 including notification dates, eligibility, age limits, exam pattern, syllabus, selection process, salary, and job profiles in an SEO-friendly format.
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A career in Indian Defence Services offers prestige, job security, high salary, and an opportunity to serve the nation. This guide covers the best defence exams in India in 2025 to help you achieve your dream! 
Why Choose a Defence Career in 2025?
Prestigious & Highly Respected Job
Excellent Salary & Perks (DA, Pension, Housing, Medical Benefits)
Job Security & Adventure-Filled Lifestyle
Fast Promotions & Growth Opportunities
Now, letโs explore the Top 10 Defence Exams in India 2025! 
Top 10 Defence Exams in India 2025 โ Complete Details
1. NDA (National Defence Academy) Exam 2025
For candidates who want to join the Army, Navy, or Air Force after 12th.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Conducted By | UPSC |
| Notification Date | NDA I: December 2024, NDA II: May 2025 |
| Qualification | 12th Pass (PCM for Air Force & Navy) |
| Age Limit | 16.5 โ 19.5 years |
| Exam Pattern | Written Test + SSB Interview |
| Syllabus | Mathematics, General Ability Test (English & GK) |
| Selection Process | Written Exam โ SSB โ Medical |
| Application Fees | โน100 (SC/ST exempted) |
| Salary | โน56,100 โ โน2,50,000 per month |
| Job Profiles | Lieutenant (Army), Sub-Lieutenant (Navy), Flying Officer (Air Force) |
2. CDS (Combined Defence Services) Exam 2025
For graduates who want to join the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Conducted By | UPSC |
| Notification Date | CDS I: December 2024, CDS II: May 2025 |
| Qualification | Graduation (B.Tech for Navy & Air Force) |
| Age Limit | 19 โ 25 years |
| Exam Pattern | Written Test + SSB Interview |
| Syllabus | English, Mathematics, General Knowledge |
| Selection Process | Written Exam โ SSB โ Medical |
| Application Fees | โน200 (SC/ST exempted) |
| Salary | โน56,100 โ โน2,50,000 per month |
| Job Profiles | Lieutenant, Sub-Lieutenant, Flying Officer |
3. AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) 2025
For joining the Indian Air Force as an Officer in Flying & Ground Duty branches.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Conducted By | Indian Air Force |
| Notification Date | January 2025 & June 2025 |
| Qualification | Graduation (B.Tech for Technical Branch) |
| Age Limit | Flying: 20-24 yrs, Ground Duty: 20-26 yrs |
| Exam Pattern | Written Exam + AFSB Interview |
| Syllabus | Verbal Ability, Reasoning, Mathematics, GK |
| Selection Process | Written Exam โ AFSB โ Medical |
| Application Fees | โน250 |
| Salary | โน56,100 โ โน1,77,500 per month |
| Job Profiles | Flying Officer, Ground Duty Officer |
4. CAPF (Central Armed Police Forces) Exam 2025
For candidates who want to become Assistant Commandants (AC) in BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Conducted By | UPSC |
| Notification Date | April 2025 |
| Qualification | Graduation in any discipline |
| Age Limit | 20 โ 25 years |
| Exam Pattern | Written Exam + Physical Test + Interview |
| Syllabus | Paper 1: GS, Paper 2: Essay, Comprehension |
| Selection Process | Written Exam โ Physical Test โ Interview |
| Application Fees | โน200 (SC/ST exempted) |
| Salary | โน56,100 โ โน1,77,500 per month |
| Job Profiles | Assistant Commandant in CAPF |
5. Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Assistant Commandant Exam 2025
For joining the Indian Coast Guard as an Assistant Commandant.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Conducted By | Indian Coast Guard |
| Notification Date | February 2025 & August 2025 |
| Qualification | Graduation (PCM for GD, Engineering for Tech) |
| Age Limit | 21 โ 25 years |
| Exam Pattern | Written Exam + SSB Interview |
| Syllabus | General Knowledge, Mathematics, English |
| Selection Process | Written Exam โ SSB โ Medical |
| Application Fees | โน250 |
| Salary | โน56,100 โ โน1,77,500 per month |
| Job Profiles | Assistant Commandant |
6. Territorial Army Officer Exam 2025
For joining the Territorial Army as an Officer (Part-time Military Service).
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Conducted By | Indian Army |
| Notification Date | June 2025 |
| Qualification | Graduation in any discipline |
| Age Limit | 18 โ 42 years |
| Exam Pattern | Written Test + PIB + SSB |
| Syllabus | English, Reasoning, GK, Maths |
| Selection Process | Written Exam โ PIB โ SSB |
| Application Fees | โน200 |
| Salary | โน56,100 โ โน2,50,000 per month |
| Job Profiles | Lieutenant, Captain, Major |
7. SSB (Services Selection Board) Interview 2025
Direct entry for NCC cadets, JAG, Technical Graduates, and UES into the Indian Armed Forces.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Conducted By | Indian Army, Navy, Air Force |
| Notification Date | Varies as per entry type |
| Qualification | Varies (NCC, JAG, Engineering, Law) |
| Age Limit | 19 โ 27 years |
| Exam Pattern | Direct SSB Interview |
| Selection Process | SSB Interview + Medical |
| Salary | โน56,100 โ โน2,50,000 per month |
| Job Profiles | Officer in Army, Navy, Air Force |
Final Words: Achieve Your Defence Dream in 2025!
A career in the Indian Defence Forces is prestigious, rewarding, and adventurous. Choose the right exam, start preparing, and serve the nation with pride!
FAQs on Defence Exams 2025 โ Everything You Need to Know
Are you preparing for Defence Exams in 2025? Do you have questions about eligibility, exam pattern, syllabus, selection process, salary, and career opportunities in the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and Paramilitary Forces?
Here is a detailed FAQ guide answering the most commonly asked questions about Top Defence Exams in India 2025.
General FAQs on Defence Exams
1. What are the top defence exams in India?
The top defence exams in India for officer and non-officer positions are:
- NDA (National Defence Academy)
- CDS (Combined Defence Services)
- AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test)
- CAPF (Central Armed Police Forces)
- Indian Coast Guard Assistant Commandant Exam
- INET (Indian Navy Entrance Test)
- Territorial Army Officer Exam
- SSC Tech Entry (for Engineers)
- NCC Special Entry (Army)
- JAG (Judge Advocate General) Entry for Law Graduates
2. What is the eligibility for NDA (National Defence Academy)?
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Qualification | 12th Pass (PCM for Air Force & Navy) |
| Age Limit | 16.5 โ 19.5 years |
| Gender | Male & Female |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Selection Process | Written Exam โ SSB โ Medical |
3. What is the eligibility for CDS (Combined Defence Services)?
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Qualification | Graduation (B.Tech for Navy & Air Force) |
| Age Limit | 19 โ 25 years |
| Gender | Male & Female |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Selection Process | Written Exam โ SSB โ Medical |
4. What is the eligibility for AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test)?
| Branch | Qualification | Age Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Flying Branch | Graduation (60% + Physics & Maths in 12th) | 20-24 years |
| Ground Duty (Tech.) | B.Tech (60%) | 20-26 years |
| Ground Duty (Non-Tech.) | Graduation (60%) | 20-26 years |
Exam-Related FAQs
5. What is the selection process for defence exams?
Most defence exams have a 3-stage selection process:
Written Exam โ Objective-based (NDA, CDS, AFCAT, CAPF, etc.)
SSB Interview โ Intelligence, Psychology, & Personality Tests
Medical & Physical Fitness Tests
6. What is the syllabus for NDA, CDS & AFCAT exams?
| Exam | Subjects Covered |
|---|---|
| NDA | Mathematics, General Ability Test (English & GK) |
| CDS | English, Mathematics, General Knowledge |
| AFCAT | English, Mathematics, Reasoning, General Awareness |
7. Is SSB Interview compulsory for all exams?
Yes, for NDA, CDS, AFCAT, INET, SSC Tech, NCC Entry, and JAG Entry, candidates must qualify for the SSB Interview.
CAPF AC, Coast Guard, and Territorial Army Officer exams have separate interview rounds instead of SSB.
Salary & Career Growth FAQs
8. What is the starting salary of defence officers?
| Rank | Salary (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Lieutenant (Army) / Flying Officer (Air Force) / Sub-Lieutenant (Navy) | โน56,100 โ โน1,77,500 per month |
| Captain (Army) / Flight Lieutenant (Air Force) / Lieutenant (Navy) | โน61,300 โ โน1,93,900 per month |
| Major (Army) / Squadron Leader (Air Force) / Lieutenant Commander (Navy) | โน69,400 โ โน2,07,200 per month |
Additional benefits include free accommodation, DA, medical benefits, travel allowances, and pension.
9. What are the promotions in Defence Forces?
| Indian Army | Indian Air Force | Indian Navy |
|---|---|---|
| Lieutenant | Flying Officer | Sub-Lieutenant |
| Captain | Flight Lieutenant | Lieutenant |
| Major | Squadron Leader | Lieutenant Commander |
| Lieutenant Colonel | Wing Commander | Commander |
| Colonel | Group Captain | Captain |
| Brigadier | Air Commodore | Commodore |
| Major General | Air Vice Marshal | Rear Admiral |
| Lieutenant General | Air Marshal | Vice Admiral |
| General | Air Chief Marshal | Admiral |
Application & Fees FAQs
10. What are the application fees for NDA, CDS & AFCAT?
| Exam | Application Fees |
|---|---|
| NDA | โน100 (SC/ST exempted) |
| CDS | โน200 (SC/ST exempted) |
| AFCAT | โน250 |
| CAPF AC | โน200 |
| Indian Coast Guard AC | โน250 |
11. Where can I apply for Defence Exams?
- NDA, CDS, CAPF AC โ UPSC Official Website
- AFCAT โ Indian Air Force Website
- INET & SSC Tech โ Indian Navy Website
- Indian Army Entries (TES, NCC, JAG, etc.) โ Join Indian Army
- Coast Guard AC โ Indian Coast Guard Website
Physical Fitness & Medical FAQs
12. What is the minimum height required for defence exams?
| Gender | Minimum Height |
|---|---|
| Male | 157 cm (Army & Air Force), 162.5 cm (Flying Branch) |
| Female | 152 cm (Army & Air Force), 157 cm (Flying Branch) |
13. Can I join Defence with spectacles?
Yes, but there are restrictions on vision.
- Flying Branch (Air Force) โ 6/6 without glasses, 6/6 & 6/9 with glasses.
- Other Branches โ Up to 6/12 vision is allowed with spectacles.
Final Words: Start Your Defence Exam Preparation Today!
Now that you have a complete understanding of defence exams, itโs time to prepare, apply, and achieve your dream of joining the Indian Armed Forces!
Bookmark this FAQ guide for future reference.
Have more questions? Drop them in the comments below!
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