The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the notification for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) II Examination 2025. This national-level examination is conducted twice a year to recruit eligible candidates into the Indian Armed Forces. CDS II 2025 aims to fill 453 vacancies across various military academies, including the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA).
Important Dates
The online application process for UPSC CDS II 2025 has officially begun, with the application window opening on 28th May 2025 and closing on 17th June 2025. Candidates are advised to complete their application within this time frame, as no correction window has been announced by the commission. The exam date, along with the admit card and result release dates, are yet to be officially declared. Applicants should regularly check the official UPSC website for any updates regarding the examination schedule.
CDS II 2025 Vacancy Details
As per the notification, a total of 453 vacancies are available under CDS II 2025 across various military training academies. Here’s a brief breakdown of the number of vacancies:
| Academy | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 26 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 32 |
| Officers Training Academy – Chennai | 276 |
| Officers Training Academy – Madras | 19 |
| Total | 453 |
These positions are open to qualified graduates who aspire to serve the nation as commissioned officers in the Indian Armed Forces.
Eligibility Criteria
UPSC has clearly laid out the eligibility conditions for CDS II 2025 in its official notification. These include educational qualifications, age limits, marital status, and nationality.
Educational Qualification
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IMA / OTA: Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
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INA: Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.
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AFA: Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level, or a B.E./B.Tech degree.
Age Limit
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Candidates must be between 20 and 24 years of age.
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Only unmarried individuals are eligible to apply for any of the positions.
Nationality:
Candidates must be one of the following:
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A citizen of India
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A subject of Nepal or Bhutan
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A Tibetan refugee settled in India before January 1, 1962
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A person of Indian origin who migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, or East African countries with the intention of permanently settling in India
How to Apply for UPSC CDS II 2025
Eligible candidates can submit their applications through the official UPSC website. The step-by-step process is as follows:
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Visit the UPSC official website: https://upsc.gov.in
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Click on the link for CDS II 2025 Online Application
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Complete the registration by entering basic details
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Fill in academic and personal information as required
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Upload necessary documents like photo, signature, etc.
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Pay the application fee using the available online payment methods
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Submit the form and take a printout for future reference
💡 Make sure to fill in the details carefully, as no correction window will be provided after submission.
Quick Summary of CDS II 2025
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | UPSC CDS II 2025 |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission |
| Total Vacancies | 453 |
| Application Period | 28th May 2025 – 17th June 2025 |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Written Test) |
| Eligibility | Varies by academy (Graduation-based) |
| Official Website | https://upsc.gov.in |
Final Note
The CDS II 2025 examination is a golden opportunity for those who aspire to serve the nation in the armed forces. With a total of 453 officer-level positions available, the competition will be high, and early preparation is key. Candidates are strongly advised to read the full notification available on the UPSC website to understand the syllabus, exam pattern, physical requirements, and selection procedure thoroughly.
Stay tuned to the official site for updates on exam dates, admit card release, and further announcements.





