The UPSC CDS II 2025 (Combined Defence Services Examination) is a prestigious opportunity for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). Conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), this exam opens doors to a distinguished career in the Indian Armed Forces.
With 453 vacancies available, eligible candidates must apply online before 17th June 2025. The exam is scheduled for 14th September 2025, and selected candidates undergo a rigorous selection process, including a written test, SSB interview, and medical examination.
UPSC CDS II 2025 Overview
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) II 2025 |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Total Vacancies | 453 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Exam Date | 14th September 2025 |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
UPSC CDS II 2025 Important Dates
The UPSC CDS II 2025 notification will be released on 28th May 2025, and the last date to apply is 17th June 2025. The exam will be conducted on 14th September 2025, and results are expected by October 2025. Candidates must complete their registration before the deadline, as no corrections will be allowed after submission.
UPSC CDS II 2025 Vacancy Details
The UPSC CDS II 2025 offers 453 vacancies across various academies:
| Course | Vacancies | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 100 | Degree from a recognized university |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 26 | Engineering degree |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 32 | Degree with Physics & Maths at 10+2 or B.E. |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA – Men) | 276 | Degree from a recognized university |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA – Women) | 19 | Degree from a recognized university |
UPSC CDS II 2025 Age Limit and Eligibility
- IMA & INA: Unmarried male candidates born between 2nd July 2002 to 1st July 2007.
- AFA: Candidates must be 20-24 years as of 1st July 2026 (CPL holders up to 26 years).
- OTA (Men & Women): Unmarried candidates (including widows/divorcees) born between 2nd July 2001 to 1st July 2007.
UPSC CDS II 2025 Selection Process
The selection process includes:
- Written Examination (Objective-type questions)
- SSB Interview (Intelligence and Personality Test)
- Document Verification
- Medical Examination
UPSC CDS II 2025 Exam Pattern
For IMA, INA, AFA:
| Subject | Duration | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English | 2 Hours | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 2 Hours | 100 |
| Elementary Mathematics | 2 Hours | 100 |
For OTA (Men & Women):
| Subject | Duration | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English | 2 Hours | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 2 Hours | 100 |
Note: Negative marking of 1/3 mark per wrong answer applies.
UPSC CDS II 2025 Official Notification (PDF)
How to Apply for UPSC CDS II 2025
Candidates must apply online via https://upsconline.nic.in before 17th June 2025. The application fee is ₹200 (waived for SC/ST/female candidates). Aadhaar-based registration is recommended for smoother verification.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the last date to apply for UPSC CDS II 2025?
The last date to apply is 17th June 2025.
2. What is the age limit for AFA in CDS II 2025?
Candidates must be 20-24 years old as of 1st July 2026.
3. Is there negative marking in the CDS exam?
Yes, 1/3 mark is deducted for each wrong answer.
4. How many vacancies are there in CDS II 2025?
There are 453 vacancies across IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA.
5. What is the selection process for CDS II 2025?
The selection includes a written exam, SSB interview, document verification, and medical test.
Final Thoughts
The UPSC CDS II 2025 is a golden opportunity for defence aspirants. With a structured exam pattern and clear eligibility criteria, candidates must prepare strategically. Stay updated with the official UPSC website for further announcements. Best of luck!
For more details, visit UPSC Official Website.