The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official notification for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination II 2025 under Notification No. 11/2025.CDS-II. This exam is a gateway for candidates who dream of joining the Indian Armed Forces through prestigious academies like IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA. A total of 453 vacancies have been announced. Interested and eligible candidates can apply online from 28 May 2025 to 17 June 2025. The written exam is scheduled for 14 September 2025.
UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2025
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) II 2025 |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Notification Number | 11/2025.CDS-II |
| Total Vacancies | 453 |
| Notification Date | 28 May 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 17 June 2025 (till 11:59 PM) |
| Exam Date | 14 September 2025 |
| Result Date (Tentative) | October 2025 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
Vacancies & Qualifications
| Course | Vacancies | Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun | 100 | Graduate degree from a recognized university |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala | 26 | Engineering degree |
| Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad | 32 | Graduation with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level or Bachelor of Engineering |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (Men) | 276 | Graduate degree from a recognized university |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (Women) | 19 | Graduate degree from a recognized university |
UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2025 Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
- IMA & OTA (Men & Women): Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline
- INA: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering
- AFA: Bachelor’s Degree with Physics & Maths at 10+2 level or a B.E./B.Tech Degree
Age Limit
- IMA: Unmarried male candidates born between 2nd July 2002 and 1st July 2007
- INA: Unmarried male candidates born between 2nd July 2002 and 1st July 2007
- AFA: Unmarried male candidates aged between 20 to 24 years as on 1st July 2026
- OTA (Men): Male candidates (married/unmarried) born between 2nd July 2001 and 1st July 2007
- OTA (Women): Unmarried women or issueless widows/divorcees born between 2nd July 2001 and 1st July 2007
UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2025 Apply Online
- Visit the official UPSC website: upsc.gov.in
- Click on the “Apply Online” link under the CDS II 2025 Notification
- Register with a valid email and mobile number if you’re a new user
- Fill in personal, academic, and communication details in the Part-I Registration
- Upload a scanned photograph, signature, and ID proof
- Pay the examination fee online
- Submit the application and download the confirmation page for reference.
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Application Fee
| Category | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| General / OBC | ₹200/- |
| SC / ST / Female | Exempted (No Fee) |
| Mode of Payment | Online (Debit Card, Credit Card, UPI, Net Banking) |
Documents Required
- Passport-size Photograph
- Signature
- Educational Certificates (10th, 12th, Graduation)
- Identity Proof (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, etc.)
- Category Certificate (if applicable)
- Disability Certificate (if applicable)
UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2025 Selection Process
The selection process for CDS II 2025 includes:
- Written Examination
- For IMA, INA & AFA: English, General Knowledge, Elementary Mathematics
- For OTA (Men & Women): English, General Knowledge
- SSB Interview (Service Selection Board)
- Includes Intelligence Test, Psychological Test, Group Testing, and Personal Interview
- Document Verification and Medical Examination
- Only those who qualify the SSB Interview are called for medical tests
Final selection is based on merit and subject to medical fitness and document verification.
Salary Structure
| Academy | Salary (Approx. during Training) |
|---|---|
| All Academies (IMA, INA, AFA, OTA) | ₹56,100 per month (stipend during training) |
After commissioning, officers receive pay according to Pay Level 10 (₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500) with Military Service Pay (MSP) of ₹15,500 plus allowances such as HRA, DA, and TA.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A1. The last date to apply online is 17 June 2025 (till 11:59 PM).
A2. There are a total of 453 vacancies for various academies.
A3. The CDS written exam is held in offline mode (pen and paper-based).
A4. Yes, women can apply for the OTA (Women) Course.
A5. Female candidates are exempted from paying the application fee.
The UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2025 is an excellent opportunity for young and ambitious candidates who want to serve the nation by joining the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force. With a detailed and transparent selection process, fair salary, and career growth opportunities, CDS is one of the most sought-after exams for defence aspirants. Interested candidates must read the official notification carefully and ensure that they meet all eligibility criteria before applying online. Keep visiting the official UPSC website for the latest updates on exam dates, admit cards, and results.