UPSC CDS II 2025
UPSC CDS II 2025: Eligibility, Application & Vacancy Guide
UPSC CDS II 2025: Eligibility, Application & Vacancy Guide
UPSC CDS II 2025: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the notification for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination (II), 2025, offering opportunities to join prestigious institutions like the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). This comprehensive guide, brought to you by Freejobsinformation.in, covers all essential details to help you prepare and apply successfully.
Quick Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Examination | Combined Defence Services (CDS) II, 2025 |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Application Start Date | 28 May 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 17 June 2025 (11:59 PM) |
| Exam Date | 14 September 2025 |
| Official Website | upsconline.nic.in |
Educational Qualifications
| Course | Qualification |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) & Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) | Degree from a recognized university or equivalent |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | Degree in Engineering from a recognized university/institution |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | Degree from a recognized university (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or Bachelor of Engineering |
Note: Candidates in their final year/semester of the degree can apply but must submit proof of passing by the specified deadlines (1st July 2026 for IMA/INA/AFA, 1st October 2026 for OTA).
Age Limit
Calculate your eligibility with our Age Calculator 2025 tool to ensure you meet the age criteria.
| Course | Age Criteria |
|---|---|
| IMA | Unmarried males born between 2nd July 2002 and 1st July 2007 |
| INA | Unmarried males born between 2nd July 2002 and 1st July 2007 |
| AFA | 20-24 years as on 1st July 2026 (born between 2nd July 2002 and 1st July 2006). Upper age limit relaxable up to 26 years for candidates with a valid Commercial Pilot Licence |
| OTA (Men) | Unmarried males born between 2nd July 2001 and 1st July 2007 |
| OTA (Women, Non-Technical) | Unmarried women, issueless widows, or divorcees born between 2nd July 2001 and 1st July 2007 |
Age Relaxation
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| Commercial Pilot Licence Holders (AFA) | Up to 26 years (born between 2nd July 2000 and 1st July 2006) |
Note: No additional age relaxation is mentioned for other categories in the notification.
Vacancy Details
| Course | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 100 (including 13 for NCC ‘C’ Certificate holders) |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 26 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 14 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) – Men | 26 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) – Women | 9 |
| Total | 175 |
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General/OBC | Rs. 200/- |
| Female/SC/ST | Exempted |
Payment Mode: Visa/Master/Rupay Credit/Debit Card, UPI, or Internet Banking.
Explore More Opportunities
Check out the latest job openings on Freejobsinformation.in to stay updated with government and defense job notifications.
Selection Process
- Written Examination: Objective-type papers with negative marking for incorrect answers.
- SSB Interview: Includes Psychological Aptitude Test and Intelligence Test in two stages.
- Medical Examination: Candidates must meet the physical and medical standards as per guidelines.
How to Apply
- Visit the official website: upsconline.nic.in.
- Complete the online registration and application form on the new UPSC Online Application Portal.
- Upload required documents, including a Photo ID (preferably Aadhaar Card).
- Pay the application fee (if applicable) through the specified payment modes.
- Submit the application before 14 June 2025 (11:59 PM).
- Download and print the application form for future reference.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 28 May 2025 |
| Application Start | 28 May 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 14 June 2025 (11:59 PM) |
| Exam Date | 14 September 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | Approximately one week before the exam |
Important Links
| tDescription | tLink |
|---|---|
| tOfficial Notification | Download from upsc.gov.in |
| Apply Online | upsconline.nic.in |
| tJoin WhatsApp Channel | Join Now |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who can apply for CDS II 2025?
Unmarried males for IMA, INA, and AFA, and unmarried females for OTA, meeting eligibility criteria.
2. What is the application fee?
Rs. 200/- for General/OBC; exempt for females.
3. Can I change my preferences after applying?
No, preferences are final after submission.
4. When will admit cards be available?
One week before the exam date.
5. How to contact UPSC for help?
Call 011-234-41001 (10:00 AM to 5:30 PM) during application period.