UPSC Recruitment 2025: Your Complete Guide to CDS II Exam

UPSC Recruitment 2025: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the notification for the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) II 2025, under advertisement number 11/2025.CDS-II. This recruitment drive offers 453 vacancies across India’s esteemed defense academies, including the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). The application process commenced on 28th May 2025 and will conclude on 17th June 2025. The examination is scheduled for 14th September 2025.

Overview of CDS II 2025

  • Exam Name: Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) II 2025
  • Conducting Body: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
  • Total Vacancies: 453
  • Application Period: 28th May 2025 to 17th June 2025
  • Exam Date: 14th September 2025
  • Application Mode: Online
  • Official Website: upsconline.nic.in

Vacancy Details

The 453 vacancies are distributed among various academies as follows:

  • Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun: 100 posts (including 13 for NCC ‘C’ Certificate holders)
  • Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala: 26 posts (including 6 for NCC ‘C’ Certificate holders and 2 Hydro posts)
  • Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad: 32 posts (including 3 for NCC ‘C’ Certificate holders)
  • Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (Men): 276 posts
  • Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (Women): 19 posts

Eligibility Criteria

Nationality

Candidates must be:

  • A citizen of India, or
  • A subject of Nepal or Bhutan, or
  • A Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1st January 1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India, or
  • A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, or East African countries with the intention of permanently settling in India.

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: Candidates aged 20 to 24 years as of 1st July 2026 (born between 2nd July 2002 and 1st July 2006). Candidates holding a valid and current Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA (India) can apply up to the age of 26.
  • OTA (Men): Unmarried male candidates born between 2nd July 2001 and 1st July 2007.
  • OTA (Women): Unmarried women, issueless widows who have not remarried, and issueless divorcees who have not remarried, born between 2nd July 2001 and 1st July 2007.

Educational Qualifications

  • IMA and OTA: Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or equivalent.
  • INA: Degree in Engineering from a recognized university or institution.
  • AFA: Degree from a recognized university (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or Bachelor of Engineering.

Selection Process

The selection process comprises:

  1. Written Examination: Different for each academy.
  2. SSB Interview: Includes intelligence and personality tests.
  3. Medical Examination: To assess physical fitness.

Exam Pattern

For IMA, INA, and AFA:

  • English: 100 marks
  • General Knowledge: 100 marks
  • Elementary Mathematics: 100 marks
  • Duration: 2 hours for each subject

For OTA:

  • English: 100 marks
  • General Knowledge: 100 marks
  • Duration: 2 hours for each subject

Application Fee : UPSC Recruitment 2025

  • General/OBC Male Candidates: Rs. 200/-
  • Female/SC/ST Candidates: Exempted from fee payment
  • Payment Mode: Online (Debit/Credit Card, Net Banking) or by cash at any SBI branch.
Redirecting to UPSC Recruitment 2025

Job Opportunity at UPSC Recruitment 2025

Click the button below to proceed to the job listings.

How to Apply

Visit the official UPSC website: upsconline.nic.in

Register on the One-Time Registration (OTR) platform if not already registered.

Log in with your credentials.

Fill out the application form carefully.

Upload the required documents.

Pay the application fee, if applicable.

Submit the application and take a printout for future reference.

Important Dates UPSC Recruitment 2025

  • Application Start Date: 28th May 2025
  • Application End Date: 17th June 2025
  • Exam Date: 14th September 2025

Conclusion UPSC Recruitment 2025

The UPSC CDS II 2025 examination presents a significant opportunity for individuals aspiring to serve in India's defense forces. With 453 vacancies across various academies, candidates meeting the eligibility criteria should not miss this chance to embark on a prestigious career path. Ensure to apply before the deadline and prepare diligently for the examination.

For more details and to apply, visit the official UPSC website.

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