🔰 UPSC CDS II Examination 2025 – Apply Online for 453 Prestigious Defence Posts
Are you ready to serve the nation with honor, discipline, and courage? 🌟 The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has once again opened the gateway to one of the most respected careers in India through the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) II, 2025. This is more than just a job notification—it’s a call to lead, protect, and inspire.
With a total of 453 vacancies across the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academies (OTA), this is your opportunity to enter into a life of prestige, discipline, and unmatched service to the nation. 💂♂️✈️⚓
🌐 Important Web-Links of UPSC CDS II 2025
| Title | Link |
|---|---|
| 📝 Online Application Form | Click Here |
| 📄 Advertisement Details | Click Here |
| 🌐 Official Website | Click Here |
📋 Overview: UPSC CDS II 2025 Notification
Let’s begin with a quick snapshot of the examination details:
- Name of Exam: Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) II, 2025
- Conducting Body: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
- Total Vacancies: 453
- Mode of Application: Online
- Application Dates: 28th May 2025 to 17th June 2025
- Exam Date: 14th September 2025
- Job Type: Central Government, Defence
- Service Locations: Across India
🏛️ Institute-Wise Vacancy Distribution
The 453 vacancies are divided among the top military training institutions in India. Here’s the break-up:
| Academy | Course | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| 🪖 Indian Military Academy, Dehradun | 155th (DE) Course (Jan 2026) | 100 |
| ⚓ Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala | Course commencing Jan 2026 | 26 |
| ✈️ Air Force Academy, Hyderabad | Pre-Flying Training Course (Jan 2026) | 32 |
| 🏅 Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai (Men) | 124th SSC (NT) (Oct 2026) | 276 |
| 🏅 Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai (Women) | 124th SSC Women (NT) (Oct 2026) | 19 |
📜 What is UPSC CDS II Examination?
The Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) is held twice a year by UPSC to recruit officers into the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. It is one of the most prestigious defence entrance exams in India and offers both male and female candidates a chance to serve the country with honor and dignity.
Candidates selected through this exam are trained at the respective academies before commissioning as officers. Upon completion of training, they join the Armed Forces as Lieutenants or equivalents, ready to lead and command troops.
✅ Eligibility Criteria: UPSC CDS II 2025
To ensure only the most dedicated and eligible candidates apply, UPSC has laid down strict eligibility requirements.
🌏 Nationality
A candidate must be:
- A Citizen of India, or
- A subject of Nepal, or
- A person of Indian origin who has migrated from countries like Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, or Vietnam with the intent of permanently settling in India.
👉 Note: Candidates falling under category (ii) and (iii) must have a certificate of eligibility from the Government of India. However, Gorkha subjects of Nepal are exempted.
🧑🎓 Educational Qualifications
| Academy | Qualification |
|---|---|
| 🪖 IMA & OTA | Degree from a recognized University or equivalent |
| ⚓ INA | Degree in Engineering from a recognized University/Institution |
| ✈️ AFA | Degree from a recognized University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) OR Bachelor of Engineering |
🔎 Note: Final-year students are also eligible to apply provided they submit proof of passing the degree exam at the time of SSB interview.
⏳ Age Limit, Gender & Marital Status
| Academy | Age (As on 1st July 2026) | Gender | Marital Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMA | 19 to 24 years (born between 2nd July 2002 – 1st July 2007) | Male | Unmarried |
| INA | 19 to 24 years (same as above) | Male | Unmarried |
| AFA | 20 to 24 years (born between 2nd July 2002 – 1st July 2006) Upper age limit is 26 for CPL holders (born after 2nd July 2000) | Male | Unmarried |
| OTA (Men) | 19 to 25 years (born between 2nd July 2001 – 1st July 2007) | Male | Unmarried |
| OTA (Women) | 19 to 25 years (same as above) | Female | Unmarried / Divorcee / Widow (without children) |
💰 Application Fee Details
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| 👤 General / OBC | ₹200/- |
| 👩🦰 Female / SC / ST | Nil |
💳 Mode of Payment:
- Online: Debit/Credit Card, Internet Banking
- Offline: Deposit at any SBI Branch
🛠️ Step-by-Step: How to Apply for UPSC CDS II 2025
Follow these simple steps to apply online for CDS II Examination 2025:
- 🔍 Visit the official UPSC Online Application Portal
- 🧾 Click on “Online Application Form” under the CDS II notification.
- 🖋️ Complete Part I Registration: Fill basic details, educational qualification, and contact information.
- 📤 Complete Part II Registration: Upload photograph, signature, ID proof.
- 💳 Pay the application fee online or offline as applicable.
- 🧾 Submit the form and take a printout for future reference.
⛔ Warning: Applications without complete details or incorrect information will be summarily rejected.
📆 Important Dates of UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2025
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| 📢 Notification Release | 28th May 2025 |
| 📝 Application Start Date | 28th May 2025 |
| 🛑 Application Last Date | 17th June 2025 |
| 📤 Application Withdrawal Window | To be notified |
| 🎟️ Admit Card Release | To be updated later |
| 📝 Date of Written Exam | 14th September 2025 |
| 📞 SSB Interview Dates | To be announced after result |
🧠 Selection Process for CDS 2025
UPSC follows a stringent multi-stage selection process:
1️⃣ Written Examination
| Academy | Subjects | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| IMA, INA, AFA | English, GK, Elementary Maths | 300 |
| OTA | English, GK | 200 |
Each paper is of 2 hours. Negative marking applies.
2️⃣ SSB Interview (Services Selection Board)
The SSB is a rigorous 5-day assessment that includes:
- Psychological Tests
- Group Tasks
- Personal Interview
- Intelligence and Personality Tests
3️⃣ Medical Examination
Candidates recommended by SSB undergo a thorough medical exam. Unfit candidates are disqualified.
📚 Syllabus & Exam Pattern
✍️ English
- Spotting Errors
- Sentence Improvement
- Synonyms/Antonyms
- Reading Comprehension
- Cloze Test
🌍 General Knowledge
- Current Affairs (National/International)
- History of India
- Indian Polity
- Geography
- Defence-related news
➕ Elementary Mathematics (for IMA, INA, AFA)
- Arithmetic
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Trigonometry
- Mensuration
- Statistics
🕒 Each subject carries 100 marks.
📖 Recommended Books for CDS Preparation
| Subject | Books |
|---|---|
| English | Word Power Made Easy (Norman Lewis), Objective General English (SP Bakshi) |
| GK | Lucent GK, Manorama Yearbook, Newspapers (The Hindu / Indian Express) |
| Maths | Quantitative Aptitude (RS Aggarwal), CDS Pathfinder (Arihant) |
📌 Tips to Crack UPSC CDS II 2025
- 🔄 Consistent Revision: Revise daily for at least 2–3 hours.
- 📅 Time Table: Plan your day and stick to it.
- 🧠 Mock Tests: Practice with previous years’ papers and full-length mocks.
- 📚 Focused Reading: Especially current affairs, defence news, and international relations.
- 💪 Stay Fit: A healthy body is essential to clear medical and SSB rounds.
🧾 What After Selection?
- 🪖 IMA/INA/AFA candidates undergo training of approx. 1.5–3 years.
- 🏅 OTA (SSC) candidates undergo 49 weeks of military training.
After successful completion, candidates are commissioned as:
| Academy | Commissioned Rank |
|---|---|
| IMA/OTA | Lieutenant |
| INA | Sub-Lieutenant |
| AFA | Flying Officer |
🔚 Final Words
If you’ve ever dreamt of wearing the uniform, carrying the national flag, and leading troops into missions that protect India’s sovereignty, this is your moment. ✨ The UPSC CDS II Examination 2025 is your doorway to honor, adventure, and a lifetime of leadership.
Don’t just apply—prepare with purpose, commit with courage, and march toward your destiny with pride. 🇮🇳