UPSC CDS 2 Recruitment 2025:
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official notification for the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) II 2025, offering a total of 453 vacancies across various defence academies. This examination serves as a gateway for aspirants aiming to join the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA).
📅 Important Dates
Notification Release Date: May 28, 2025
Online Application Start Date: May 28, 2025
Last Date to Apply Online: June 17, 2025 (11:59 PM)
CDS 2 Exam Date: September 14, 2025
Admit Card Release: Expected in early September 2025
🧾 Vacancy Details
The CDS 2 2025 examination offers the following vacancies:
Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun: 100 vacancies
Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala: 26 vacancies
Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad: 32 vacancies
Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (Men): 276 vacancies
Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (Women): 19 vacancies
Total Vacancies: 453
🎓 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 January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanently settling in India.
Age Limit
IMA & INA: Unmarried male candidates born between July 2, 2002, and July 1, 2007.
AFA: 20 to 24 years as of July 1, 2026 (born between July 2, 2002, and July 1, 2006). Upper age limit for candidates holding a valid and current Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA (India) is relaxable up to 26 years (born between July 2, 2000, and July 1, 2006).
OTA (Men): Unmarried male candidates born between July 2, 2001, and July 1, 2007.
OTA (Women): Unmarried women, issueless widows who have not remarried, and issueless divorcees who have not remarried, born between July 2, 2001, and July 1, 2007.
Educational Qualifications
IMA & OTA: Degree from a recognized university or equivalent.
INA: Degree in Engineering from a recognized university/institution.
AFA: Degree from a recognized university (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or Bachelor of Engineering.
💰 Application Fee
General/OBC/EWS: ₹200
SC/ST/Female Candidates: Exempted from fee payment.
Payment can be made online through various modes.
📝 Selection Process
The selection process comprises:
Written Examination:
IMA, INA, AFA:
English: 100 marks
General Knowledge: 100 marks
Elementary Mathematics: 100 marks
OTA:
English: 100 marks
General Knowledge: 100 marks
SSB Interview:
Personality and Intelligence Assessment.
Medical Examination:
Comprehensive medical check-up as per UPSC standards.
🖊️ How to Apply
Visit Official Website: Go to upsconline.nic.in.
New Registration: Complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) process.
Fill Application Form: Log in and fill out the CDS 2 2025 application form.
Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of photograph and signature.
Pay Application Fee: Make the payment through the available online modes.
Submit Application: Review and submit the application form.
Print Confirmation: Download and print the confirmation page for future reference.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the last date to apply for UPSC CDS 2 2025?
A: The last date to apply online is June 17, 2025.
Q2. How many vacancies are available in CDS 2 2025?
A: A total of 453 vacancies are announced across IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA.
Q3. What is the exam date for CDS 2 2025?
A: The examination is scheduled for September 14, 2025.
Q4. Are female candidates eligible for CDS 2 2025?
A: Yes, female candidates can apply for the Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai.
Q5. Is there any age relaxation for reserved categories?
A: No, there is no age relaxation for any category in CDS examinations.
Q6. Can engineering graduates apply for all academies?
A: Engineering graduates can apply for INA and AFA. For IMA and OTA, a degree from a recognized university is sufficient.
✅ Conclusion
The UPSC CDS 2 2025 examination is a prestigious opportunity for individuals aspiring to serve in the Indian Armed Forces. With 453 vacancies across various academies, candidates meeting the eligibility criteria should not miss this chance. Ensure timely application and begin your preparation to embark on a rewarding career in defence services.