The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially announced the UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2025, inviting applications from eligible and enthusiastic candidates for a total of 453 vacancies under the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS II). This recruitment drive offers a golden opportunity for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces, including the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA).
UPSC CDS II Notification 2025
As per the official notification released by UPSC, the online application process has commenced on 28th May 2025, and all eligible candidates are encouraged to submit their applications before the last date of 17th June 2025. Applications must be submitted only through the official UPSC website – upsconline.nic.in.
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Key Highlights of UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2025
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Total Vacancies | 453 Posts |
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination II 2025 |
| Application Mode | Online via upsconline.nic.in |
| Start Date to Apply | 28th May 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 17th June 2025 |
| Educational Qualification | Graduate Degree / Engineering Degree (for INA & AFA) |
| Age Limit | Varies by academy, generally 20–24 years |
| Selection Process | Written Exam, SSB Interview, Medical Test |
| Exam Date | 1st September 2025 (Tentative) |
| Application Fee | ₹200 (Gen/OBC), SC/ST/Female – Exempted |
Age Limit Details for UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2025
| Academy | Age Limit (as on 01.07.2026) | Marital Status | Gender |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | Born between 2nd July 2001 and 1st July 2006 | Unmarried | Male |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | Born between 2nd July 2001 and 1st July 2006 | Unmarried | Male |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 20 to 24 years (Born between 2nd July 2001 and 1st July 2005)Upper age limit for candidates holding a valid and current Commercial Pilot Licence is 26 years (i.e., born between 2nd July 1999 and 1st July 2005) | Unmarried | Male |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA – Men) | Born between 2nd July 2000 and 1st July 2006 | Unmarried or Married | Male |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA – Women) | Born between 2nd July 2000 and 1st July 2006 | Unmarried / Widows / Divorcees (not remarried) | Female |
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Important Dates – UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2025
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Release Date | 28th May 2025 |
| Starting Date of Online Application | 28th May 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 17th June 2025 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment (Online) | 17th June 2025 |
| Application Form Correction Window | To be announced |
| Admit Card Release Date | To be announced |
| CDS II 2025 Exam Date | 1st September 2025 (Expected) |
| Result Declaration | To be announced |
UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2025 Vacancy Details – Academy-Wise Breakdown of 453 Posts
The Union Public Service Commission has announced a total of 453 vacancies under the UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2025. The detailed distribution of posts across various academies is provided below:
| Name of the Academy | Course Name | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun | 157th (DE) Course (Jan 2026) | 100 Posts |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala | Course commencing in Jan 2026 | 32 Posts |
| Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad | Pre-Flying Training Course (Jan 2026) | 32 Posts |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (Men) | 120th SSC (NT) Course (Apr 2026) | 275 Posts |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (Women) | 34th SSC Women (NT) Course (Apr 2026) | 14 Posts |
Educational Qualification for UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2025 – Academy-Wise Eligibility Criteria
Candidates applying for the UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2025 must possess the following educational qualifications based on their preferred academy:
| Name of the Academy | Required Educational Qualification |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun | A degree (any discipline) from a recognized university or equivalent. |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala | A degree in Engineering from a recognized university or institution. |
| Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad | A degree from a recognized university (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or Bachelor of Engineering. |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (Men & Women) | A degree (any discipline) from a recognized university or equivalent. |
UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2025 Selection Process – Step-by-Step Stages
The selection process for UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2025 is designed to assess a candidate’s academic knowledge, personality, physical fitness, and suitability for a career in the armed forces. The entire process is conducted in multiple stages as shown below:
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Written Examination | Objective-type exam conducted by UPSC for IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA. |
| 2. SSB Interview | Two-stage selection process conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB) to assess intelligence, personality, and officer-like qualities. |
| 3. Document Verification | Verification of academic and personal documents during the SSB process. |
| 4. Medical Examination | Candidates undergo a comprehensive medical check-up as per military standards. |
| 5. Final Merit List | Prepared based on performance in the written exam and SSB interview (subject to medical fitness). |
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How to Apply for UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2025
Eligible and interested candidates can apply online for the UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2025 by following the steps below. The application must be submitted through the official UPSC website only.
✅ Step-by-Step Application Process:
- Visit the Official Website
Go to the UPSC Online Application Portal: https://upsconline.nic.in - Click on the Relevant Link
On the homepage, click on the link “Online Application for Various Examinations of UPSC” and then select “CDS II Examination 2025”. - Complete Part I Registration
- Fill in personal details such as name, date of birth, and contact information.
- Choose your preferred exam centers.
- Submit Part I to get your Registration ID.
- Complete Part II Registration
- Log in using your Registration ID.
- Upload scanned images of your passport-size photograph and signature in the specified format.
- Pay the application fee online via credit/debit card, net banking, or UPI.
- Submit the Application Form
Review all the information you entered carefully. Once satisfied, click on “Final Submit”. - Print Application Form
After successful submission, download or print a copy of the application form for future reference.
Step-by-Step Online Application Video Guide
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FAQs – UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2025
What is the last date to apply for UPSC CDS II 2025?
The last date to submit the online application form is 17th June 2025.
What is the age limit for applying to the CDS II Exam 2025?
The age limit varies by academy. For example, candidates must be born between 2nd July 2001 and 1st July 2006 for IMA. Please refer to the age limit table for detailed information.
Can female candidates apply for CDS II 2025?
Yes, female candidates can apply for the Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). Only unmarried women, widows, and divorcees (who have not remarried) are eligible.
What is the educational qualification required for CDS II 2025?
A graduate degree is required. Engineering graduates can apply for INA, and those with Physics & Math at 10+2 or an Engineering degree can apply for AFA.
How can I apply for UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2025?
Applications must be submitted online through the official UPSC website: https://upsconline.nic.in. Check the "How to Apply" section above for a step-by-step guide.
Is there any application fee?
Yes. The application fee is ₹200 for General/OBC candidates. SC/ST and all female candidates are exempted from paying the fee.
What is the selection process for CDS II 2025?
The selection process includes:
Written Examination
SSB Interview
Document Verification
Medical Examination
Final Merit List
When will the CDS II 2025 exam be conducted?
The CDS II 2025 written exam is tentatively scheduled for 1st September 2025.
Can final-year students apply for CDS II?
Yes, final-year students can apply, but they must produce proof of passing the qualifying examination at the time of the SSB interview.
