The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the Combined Defence Services Examination (I) 2025 OTA Result on its official website upsc.gov.in. A total of 535 candidates have been shortlisted for admission to the Officers' Training Academy (OTA) for courses commencing in 2026.

Out of the shortlisted candidates, 473 are male candidates and 62 are female candidates, reflecting strong participation across both categories.
The result has been published in the form of a merit list, containing the roll numbers of candidates who have successfully qualified for the next stage of the selection process.
UPSC CDS (I) 2025 OTA Result: Key Highlights
| Events | Dates |
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services Examination (I) 2025 |
| Conducting Authority | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Academy | Officers' Training Academy (OTA) |
| Total Candidates Shortlisted | 535 |
| Male Candidates | 473 |
| Female Candidates | 62 |
| Course Commencement | 2026 |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
The merit list includes candidates selected for both OTA Chennai (Men) and OTA Chennai (Women - SSC Non-Technical) courses.
Candidates can follow the steps below to check and download the result:
1. Visit the official website - upsc.gov.in
2. Click on the "Written Results" section under the Examination tab
3. Select "CDS (I) Examination 2025 - OTA Result"
4. Download the PDF merit list
5. Use Ctrl + F to search for your roll number
6. Save a copy of the result for future reference
Only candidates whose roll numbers appear in the merit list have been shortlisted.
Candidates shortlisted in the CDS (I) 2025 OTA merit list are now required to undergo the document verification and medical examination process conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB). The final selection will depend on:
Candidates must submit original certificates to the concerned Army authorities as instructed by UPSC.
The Officers' Training Academy (OTA), Chennai, trains Short Service Commission (SSC) officers for the Indian Army. The training duration is typically 49 weeks, after which candidates are commissioned as Lieutenants. OTA offers a prestigious opportunity for graduates to serve the nation through the Indian Armed Forces.
Failure to meet documentation or medical standards may lead to cancellation of candidature, even after qualification.
The CDS examination is among the most competitive defence exams in India, attracting lakhs of aspirants every year. Qualifying the OTA merit list is a significant achievement that reflects a candidate's academic ability, discipline, and leadership potential.
The selection of 535 candidates highlights the rigorous standards maintained by UPSC to ensure that only the most capable candidates join the armed forces.
Conclusion
The release of the UPSC CDS (I) 2025 OTA Result marks an important milestone for defence aspirants aiming to join the Indian Army through the Officers' Training Academy. With 535 candidates shortlisted for courses starting in 2026, the focus now shifts to document verification and medical evaluation.
Candidates are advised to stay alert, follow official instructions closely, and prepare for the next stages with dedication and discipline. Serving in the armed forces is not just a career choice but a commitment to the nation.