UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2025 – 453 Vacancies | Check Eligibility, Dates & More

📌 Introduction to UPSC CDS II Exam 2025

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the notification for the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) II 2025. This is an excellent opportunity for young individuals who want to serve the country by joining the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA).

The application process began on 28 May 2025 and will remain open till 17 June 2025. The exam will be conducted on 14 September 2025.

📅 Important Dates

• Application Start Date: 28 May 2025

• Last Date to Apply Online: 17 June 2025

• Fee Payment Last Date: 17 June 2025

• Correction Window: As per official schedule

• Exam Date: 14 September 2025

• Admit Card: Available before the exam

💰 Application Fee

• General / OBC / EWS: ₹200/-

• SC / ST / Female Candidates: Free

• Payment Mode: Online (Debit Card / Credit Card / Net Banking) or via E-Challan

📋 Total Vacancies: 453 Posts

🎓 Eligibility Criteria for UPSC CDS II 2025

For IMA and OTA:

• Must have a Bachelor’s degree in any stream from a recognized university.

For INA:

• Must have a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.

For AFA:

• Must have a Bachelor’s degree in any stream, but should have studied Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level.

⏳ Age Limit (As on 01 July 2026)

• Minimum Age: 20 years

• Maximum Age: 24 years

• (For detailed post-wise age limits and relaxations, refer to the official notification.)

🧾 How to Apply for UPSC CDS II 2025

Follow these steps to fill the CDS II Online Form:

1. Visit the official UPSC website.

2. Register for the One Time Registration (OTR) system.

3. Fill in your personal, educational, and contact details.

4. Upload required scanned documents (Photo, Signature, ID Proof).

5. Pay the exam fee if applicable.

6. Double-check all the information before submitting.

7. Submit and download a copy of the final application form.

📑 Documents Required

• Scanned Photo & Signature

• Educational Certificates

• ID Proof (Aadhar, PAN, etc.)

• Category Certificate (if applicable)

🛡️ What is CDS Exam?

The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Exam is held by UPSC to recruit officers into the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Candidates must clear a written exam and SSB interview to qualify.

This exam is conducted twice a year: CDS-I and CDS-II.

📝 CDS II 2025 Written Exam Pattern

For IMA, INA & AFA:

For OTA:

🧠 Selection Process

1. Written Examination

2. SSB Interview (Service Selection Board)

3. Document Verification

4. Medical Examination

Only those who clear the written exam will be called for the SSB Interview.

💼 Training Academies and Job Roles

• IMA (Dehradun): Trains officers for the Indian Army.

• INA (Ezhimala): Trains officers for the Indian Navy.

• AFA (Hyderabad): Trains future Air Force pilots and officers.

• OTA (Chennai): Trains short service commission officers.

💸 Salary After Selection

Selected candidates will undergo training and will receive a stipend of approx. ₹56,100 per month. After successful training, officers are placed under Level 10 (₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500) of the 7th Pay Commission.

Additional allowances include:

• Military Service Pay

• Dearness Allowance

• Transport Allowance

• Uniform Allowance

🎯 Tips to Crack CDS II 2025

• Focus on English Grammar and Vocabulary.

• Stay updated with Current Affairs and General Knowledge.

• Practice Quantitative Aptitude and Maths for IMA, INA, AFA.

• Solve previous year CDS exam papers.

• Stay consistent and manage your time.

📚 Recommended Books for CDS Preparation

• English: Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis

• GK: Manorama Yearbook, Lucent GK

• Maths: RS Aggarwal Quantitative Aptitude

• Previous Papers: Arihant CDS Pathfinder Book

🔍 Why Choose a Career in Defence?

• Serve the nation with pride.

• Excellent career growth opportunities.

• Strong pension and retirement benefits.

• Highly respected profession in society.

Some Useful Important Links
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Official Website			UPSC Official Website

🖊️ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the last date to apply for UPSC CDS II 2025?
Ans: The last date to apply is 17 June 2025.

Q2. What is the exam date for CDS II 2025?
Ans: The exam will be conducted on 14 September 2025.

Q3. Can a final-year student apply for CDS?
Ans: Yes, but you must have your degree by the time of joining.

Q4. Are females allowed to apply for CDS?
Ans: Yes, female candidates can apply for OTA (Officers Training Academy).

Q5. Is there any negative marking in CDS Exam?
Ans: Yes, 1/3rd marks will be deducted for every wrong answer.

Q6. Can commerce or arts students apply for CDS?
Ans: Yes, they can apply for IMA and OTA if they hold a valid degree.

Q7. Is CDS tougher than NDA?
Ans: Both are competitive. CDS requires a graduation degree while NDA is for 12th pass students.

Q8. What is the minimum height required for CDS?
Ans: The minimum height varies by gender and academy. For males, usually 157.5 cm and for females 152 cm (OTA).

📢 Final Words

If you’re passionate about serving the nation and looking for a challenging and rewarding career, then UPSC CDS II 2025 is your golden opportunity. Start your preparation today, stay focused, and apply before the deadline.