Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the notification for the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) II 2025. Candidates aspiring to serve the nation in the Indian Armed Forces through Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), or Officers Training Academy (OTA) can now apply online. The application process starts from 28 May 2025 and will continue till 17 June 2025.
Aspirants must go through the eligibility conditions, vacancy details, selection procedure, and age criteria carefully before applying. The CDS exam is one of the most prestigious defence exams in India and offers a golden opportunity for young individuals aiming to wear the uniform and serve the country.
UPSC CDS II 2025 Notification Summary & Key Dates
Before diving deep into eligibility, selection, and application process, let’s look at the key highlights of the UPSC CDS II 2025 exam. This table below will help candidates quickly understand important dates, number of vacancies, and application fee details.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services (CDS) II 2025 |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Total Vacancies | 453 Posts |
| Application Start Date | 28 May 2025 |
| Application End Date | 17 June 2025 |
| Exam Date | 14 September 2025 |
| Application Fee (UR/OBC/EWS) | ₹200 |
| Application Fee (SC/ST/Female) | Exempted |
| Mode of Application | Online Only via UPSC Website |
| Admit Card Release | A few weeks before exam |
Candidates should ensure they apply before the deadline as no extension will be granted. Make sure your documents and scanned images are ready for smooth form submission.
Also Read: UPSC NDA II Examination 2025: Apply Online Now for 406 Defence Vacancies
UPSC CDS II 2025: Eligibility Criteria and Age Limit
To be eligible for the CDS II 2025 exam, candidates must meet educational and age requirements depending on the academy they are applying for.
Educational Qualification:
- Indian Military Academy (IMA) & OTA: Graduate in any discipline from a recognized university.
- Indian Naval Academy (INA): Graduate with an Engineering degree.
- Air Force Academy (AFA): Graduate in any stream with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level.
Age Criteria (as on 01 July 2026):
- Minimum Age: 20 years
- Maximum Age: 24 years
- Only unmarried candidates are eligible.
- Age relaxation is applicable as per UPSC norms.
Candidates must also ensure they are medically fit as per the defence standards. Women are eligible to apply only for OTA (Officers Training Academy) posts.
Also Read: UPSC Recruitment 2025: Apply for 493 Group A & B Posts Across Ministries
CDS II 2025 Vacancy Distribution: IMA, INA, AFA & OTA
The UPSC has announced a total of 453 vacancies in CDS II 2025 recruitment. Here’s the post-wise distribution:
| Post Name | Total Posts |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy | 26 |
| Air Force Academy | 32 |
| Officers Training Academy | 295 |
Applicants should choose the academy wisely based on their educational qualifications and career goals. For instance, only engineering graduates can apply for INA.
Also Read: SAIL IISCO Steel Plant Trade Apprentice Recruitment 2025: Apply for 302 ITI Vacancies
How to Apply Online for CDS II Exam 2025?
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you fill the CDS II 2025 application form:
- Visit the UPSC Website – Go to the UPSC official website or the Online Application portal.
- One Time Registration (OTR) – First-time users must complete the OTR process.
- Login and Fill Form – Use your credentials to log in and fill out Part I and Part II of the application form.
- Upload Documents – Upload scanned photograph, signature, and ID proof.
- Pay Application Fee – Payment can be made via debit/credit card, net banking, or e-Challan.
- Review and Submit – Double-check all information and submit the form. Take a printout for future reference.
Incomplete forms or forms without fee payment (if applicable) will be rejected.
Selection Procedure & Exam Pattern for CDS 2 2025
The selection process involves a Written Examination followed by SSB Interview and Medical Examination:
Written Exam Pattern:
- For IMA, INA, AFA:
- English – 100 marks
- General Knowledge – 100 marks
- Elementary Mathematics – 100 marks
- For OTA:
- English – 100 marks
- General Knowledge – 100 marks
Each paper is of 2 hours duration. The questions are objective type and negative marking is applicable.
Also Read: MPIDC Junior Engineer Recruitment 2025 – Apply Online for Civil Engineer Posts
Final Thoughts for Aspirants
The CDS II Examination opens the door to prestigious careers in the Indian Defence Forces. Candidates must prepare with dedication, as the selection process is competitive and thorough. A focused strategy, regular practice of previous years’ papers, and attention to physical fitness can significantly boost your chances.
Also, do not wait until the last day to apply online. Early application helps avoid last-minute server or technical issues.
External Links
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ans: The last date to apply online is 17 June 2025.
Ans: Yes, women can apply but only for Officers Training Academy (OTA).
Ans: Candidates must be between 20 to 24 years as on 01 July 2026.
