The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the notification for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) II Examination 2025. This examination offers a prestigious opportunity for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces, including the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). Eligible candidates can submit their online applications from 28 May 2025 to 17 June 2025.
Key Highlights – UPSC CDS II Examination 2025 #
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | 28 May 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 17 June 2025 |
| Last Date to Pay Fees | 17 June 2025 |
| Exam Date | 14 September 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | To be announced |
| Correction Window | As per schedule |
Eligibility Criteria #
Candidates must meet the following academic and age-related criteria as per their preference of service branch:
Educational Qualifications
- Indian Military Academy (IMA): Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university.
- Indian Naval Academy (INA): Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering.
- Air Force Academy (AFA): Graduation in any stream with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level OR a degree in Engineering.
- Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) (Men & Women): Bachelor’s Degree in any stream.
Age Limit (as on 01 July 2026)
- Minimum Age: 20 years
- Maximum Age: 24 years
- Candidates must be unmarried and should be born between the dates specified in the official notification.
- Age relaxation applies as per UPSC norms.
CDS II 2025 – Vacancy Breakdown #
A total of 453 vacancies have been announced. The distribution across various academies is as follows:
| Post Name | Number of Posts |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 26 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 32 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) – Men | 170 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) – Women | 125 |
Application Fee #
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹200 |
| SC / ST / Female | Nil (Exempted) |
Mode of Payment:
Fee can be paid using a debit/credit card, net banking, or through e-Challan.
Selection Process #
The selection process for CDS II 2025 comprises the following stages:
- Written Examination
- Interview by Services Selection Board (SSB)
- Document Verification
- Medical Examination
Examination Pattern #
The written test varies depending on the chosen course:
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: There is negative marking for incorrect answers.
Syllabus Overview #
English
- Vocabulary
- Grammar and Usage
- Comprehension
- Sentence Improvement
- Synonyms/Antonyms
General Knowledge
- Current Affairs (National & International)
- History of India
- Indian Polity
- Geography
- Science and Technology
Mathematics (for IMA/INA/AFA only)
- Algebra
- Trigonometry
- Geometry
- Arithmetic
- Mensuration
- Statistics
Pay Scale & Salary Structure #
Once selected and after successful training, candidates are appointed at the rank of Lieutenant. Here’s the initial pay structure:
| Post | Pay Level | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| Lieutenant | Level 10 | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 per month |
Additional allowances such as Military Service Pay (MSP), Dearness Allowance, Uniform Allowance, and more are applicable.
How to Apply Online for UPSC CDS II 2025 #
Candidates must follow the steps below to successfully submit their application form:
Step-by-Step Guide
- Visit the official UPSC website: https://upsconline.nic.in
- Click on the “Online Application for Various Examinations” link.
- Choose CDS II Examination 2025 and start Part I Registration.
- Enter personal, academic, and contact information as required.
- Proceed to Part II Registration to upload scanned documents.
- Recent Photograph
- Signature
- Valid ID proof
- Pay the required application fee through your preferred mode.
- Verify all entered details in the application form preview.
- Submit the final form and take a printout for future reference.
Documents Required #
Ensure the following documents are ready and scanned before applying:
- Passport-size photograph
- Signature
- Valid ID proof (Aadhaar card, PAN card, etc.)
- Academic certificates
- Caste or category certificate (if applicable)
Joining and Training Process #
Selected candidates undergo training at the respective academies:
- IMA (Dehradun)
- INA (Ezhimala)
- AFA (Hyderabad)
- OTA (Chennai)
Training duration:
- IMA, INA, AFA: Approximately 18 months
- OTA: Approximately 49 weeks
Post-training, cadets are commissioned as officers in the respective forces.
Important Points to Remember #
- Ensure eligibility before applying.
- Only one application form should be submitted; multiple entries may lead to disqualification.
- Use a valid email ID and phone number to receive updates.
- Keep a copy of the application form and fee receipt.
- Stay updated via the UPSC website for admit card and exam details.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) #
Q1. Can final-year students apply for CDS II 2025?
Yes, if they can submit proof of passing the degree by the date of commencement of the course.
Q2. Is there any reservation for women candidates?
Yes, women are eligible for OTA (Officers’ Training Academy) entry.
Q3. Is there negative marking in the CDS exam?
Yes, 1/3rd of the marks for a question will be deducted for each incorrect answer.
