The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the notification for Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) II 2025. This prestigious examination is held to recruit officers in the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA).
If you're aspiring to serve the nation through the armed forces, this is your golden opportunity!
Eligibility Criteria
Nationality
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Indian Citizen or subject of Nepal/Bhutan.
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Tibetan refugee settled in India before Jan 1, 1962.
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Indian origin individuals migrated from select countries with intent to settle in India.
Age Limit (as on July 1, 2026)
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IMA: 19–24 years
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INA: 19–24 years
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AFA: 20–24 years
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OTA (Men & Women): 19–25 years
Educational Qualification
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IMA/OTA: Bachelor's Degree in any discipline.
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INA: Engineering Degree from a recognized university.
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AFA: Degree with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level OR Engineering Degree.
Exam Pattern
For IMA, INA, AFA:
| Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| English | 100 | 2 Hours |
| General Knowledge | 100 | 2 Hours |
| Elementary Maths | 100 | 2 Hours |
| Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| English | 100 | 2 Hours |
| General Knowledge | 100 | 2 Hours |
Selection Process
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Written Examination
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SSB Interview (Services Selection Board)
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Medical Examination
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Final Merit List
Preparation Tips
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Start early and follow a study plan.
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Focus on current affairs, English grammar, and mathematics fundamentals.
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Practice with previous year CDS question papers.
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Join mock test series to boost exam temperament.
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Work on communication skills for the SSB interview.
Application Fee
₹200 for General/OBC
SC/ST/Female candidates are exempted
Pay via debit card, credit card, UPI, net banking, or SBI e-challan
How to Apply for CDS II 2025:
- Visit the UPSC application portal: upsconline.nic.in
- Complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) process if you're a new user.
- Click on “Apply Online” under CDS II 2025.
- Fill out the form with personal, educational, and preference details.
- Upload photo, signature, and ID proof.
- Pay the fee via online mode or SBI challan.
- Submit and download your application for future reference.
Important Dates
Application Start Date: May 28, 2025
Last Date to Apply: June 17, 2025 (till 11:59 PM)
Withdrawal of Application: June 24 to July 1, 2025
CDS II 2025 Exam Date: September 14, 2025
Admit Card Release: Expected in the last week of August 2025
Important Links
| Online Application Form | Click Here |
| Advertisement Details | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |