The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has unveiled the official proclamation for the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) II 2025, cataloged as Examination Notice No. 11/2025.CDS-II, dated 28th May 2025. This elite recruitment drive opens a distinguished path for eligible, unmarried degree-holders to secure a commission in the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA).
This announcement encapsulates admissions for several defense courses commencing in the calendar year 2026. Eager aspirants, meeting the stringent eligibility prerequisites, are mandated to submit their applications exclusively via the revamped UPSC Online Application Portal at https://upsconline.nic.in. The closing bell for registrations rings on 17th June 2025.
The selection trial-rigorous and expansive-is slated for 14th September 2025, to be conducted across an extensive lattice of examination centres throughout the nation.
UPSC CDS (II) 2025 Overview
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination (I), 2024 |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Courses Offered | IMA, INA, AFA, OTA |
| Vacancies | 453 |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
Quick Links:-
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 28th May 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 17th June 2025 (11:59 PM) |
| Exam Date | 14th September 2025 |
| Result Declaration (Tentative) | October 2025 |
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General/OBC | Rs.200/- |
| Female/SC/ST | Nil |
Payment can be made via online methods or by depositing cash at any SBI branch.
Vacancy Details
| Academy | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 26 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 32 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA, Men) | 276 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA, Women) | 19 |
UPSC CDS (II) 2025 Eligibility Criteria
Nationality
- Indian citizen or as prescribed in the notification (subject of Nepal, Bhutan, or Indian origin migrants).
Age Limit
- IMA: Unmarried male candidates born between 2nd January 2002 and 1st January 2007.
- INA: Same as IMA.
- AFA: 20 to 24 years as of 1st January 2026.
- OTA: Unmarried male and female candidates born between 2nd January 2001 and 1st January 2007.
Educational Qualification
- IMA and OTA: Candidates Should have Degree from a recognized university.
- INA: Candidates Should have Degree in Engineering from a recognized university.
- AFA: Candidates Should have Degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level or Bachelor of Engineering.
Selection Process
- Written Examination:
- IMA, INA, AFA:
- English: 100 Marks
- General Knowledge: 100 Marks
- Elementary Mathematics: 100 Marks
- OTA:
- English: 100 Marks
- General Knowledge: 100 Marks
- IMA, INA, AFA:
- SSB Interview:
- Intelligence and personality tests conducted by Services Selection Board (SSB).
- Merit List:
- Based on combined scores of the written exam and SSB interview.
Exam Pattern
| Subject | Duration | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English | 2 Hours | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 2 Hours | 100 |
| Elementary Mathematics (IMA, INA, AFA only) | 2 Hours | 100 |
- Negative marking applies to wrong answers.
How to Apply for UPSC CDS (II) 2025
- Visit upsconline.nic.in.
- Complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) process.
- Fill out the application form and upload the necessary documents.
- Pay the application fee and submit your application.
- Print the application confirmation page for future reference.
UPSC CDS II 2025 Important Links
FAQs
Yes, females can apply for specific academies like the Officers’ Training Academy.
The training duration at the Indian Military Academy is typically 18 months.
Yes, certain reserved categories have relaxation in the upper age limit as per UPSC guidelines.
There is no limit on the number of attempts for the UPSC CDS Examination, provided candidates meet the age criteria.