The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the notification for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) II Examination 2025. This is a golden opportunity for candidates who dream of serving the country by joining the Indian Armed Forces as Officers in the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The online application process will begin on 28 May 2025 and will remain open till 17 June 2025.
If you’re interested in a career in defence, now is the time to prepare and apply. Below, we provide all the important information related to eligibility, age limit, application fee, vacancy details, and selection procedure.
Important Dates for UPSC CDS II 2025
- Application Begin: 28 May 2025
- Last Date to Apply Online: 17 June 2025
- Last Date to Pay Exam Fee: 17 June 2025
- Correction Window: As per schedule
- Exam Date: 14 September 2025
- Admit Card Release: Before the Exam
Application Fee
- General / OBC / EWS: ₹200/-
- SC / ST / Female Candidates: ₹0/- (No Fee)
- Payment Mode: Online via Debit/Credit Card, Net Banking, or through E-Challan
Eligibility Criteria for UPSC CDS II 2025
Candidates must fulfill the following educational qualifications to be eligible:
- For Indian Military Academy (IMA):
Bachelor’s Degree in any stream from a recognized university. - For Indian Naval Academy:
Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering. - For Air Force Academy:
Bachelor’s Degree in any stream with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level. - For Officers Training Academy (OTA):
Bachelor’s Degree in any stream.
Age Limit (as on 01 July 2025)
- Minimum Age: 20 Years
- Maximum Age: 24 Years
- Note: Age relaxation is applicable as per government rules. For post-wise age criteria, please refer to the official notification.
Vacancy Details – Total Posts: To Be Announced
The detailed number of vacancies for each academy will be released soon. The expected academies under CDS II 2025 are:
- Indian Military Academy (IMA) – Dehradun
- Indian Naval Academy (INA) – Ezhimala
- Air Force Academy (AFA) – Hyderabad
- Officers Training Academy (OTA) – Chennai
How to Apply for UPSC CDS II 2025 Online Form
Candidates can follow the steps below to apply online:
- Visit the official UPSC website or wait for the Apply Online link to be activated on 28 May 2025.
- If you are a new user, first complete OTR (One Time Registration) using the official UPSC OTR portal.
- Login using your credentials and complete the CDS II 2025 application form.
- Upload required scanned documents: Photo, Signature, and ID Proof.
- Review all the details carefully before final submission.
- Pay the application fee online if applicable.
- After successful submission, download and print the confirmation page for your records.
Selection Process for UPSC CDS II 2025
The selection process for CDS II 2025 will involve the following stages:
- Written Examination – Conducted by UPSC for all eligible candidates.
- Interview/Personality Test – Conducted by SSB (Services Selection Board).
- Medical Examination – Candidates recommended by SSB will undergo a thorough medical test.
- Final Merit List – Based on marks secured in written and interview rounds.
Conclusion
The UPSC CDS II 2025 exam offers a prestigious chance for young aspirants to join the Indian Defence Forces as Class I officers. With the exam scheduled for 14 September 2025, aspirants have ample time to prepare strategically. Make sure to read the official notification thoroughly and keep all documents ready before applying.
Important Links
- 🔗 Apply Online (Active from 28 May 2025)
- 🔗 OTR Registration
- 🔗 Download Syllabus
- 🔗 Download Notification (Available on 28 May 2025)
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