“UPSC CDS 2 2025 Recruitment: Apply Online for 453 Defence Vacancies – IMA, INA, AFA, OTA”
UPSC CDS 2 2025 Recruitment Notification Released: Register Online for 453 Vacancies
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the notification for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination (II) 2025. This examination offers a prestigious opportunity for aspiring candidates to join the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) through the CDS Exam. Both men and women can apply for various courses commencing in July and October 2026.
Eligible candidates are invited to apply online through the UPSC portal. The detailed notification includes important information regarding vacancies, eligibility, age limit, educational qualifications, application fee, selection process, and key dates.
UPSC CDS (II) 2025: Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2025 |
| Total Vacancies | 453 |
| Stipend | ₹ 56,100/- per month during training |
| Educational Qualification | Graduation in specified disciplines |
| Selection Process | Written Exam, SSB Interview, Medical Exam |
| Application Deadline | 17/06/2025 (23:59 hrs) |
| Exam Date | 14/09/2025 |
UPSC CDS (II) 2025: Vacancy Details
| Course Name | Number of Vacancies |
| Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun (161st DE Course, Jul 2026) | 100 (including 13 reserved for NCC ‘C’ Certificate holders – Army Wing) |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala (Executive Branch/Hydro, Jul 2026) | 26 (including 6 for NCC ‘C’ Certificate Naval Wing holders and 2 for Hydro Cadre) |
| “Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad – Pre-Flying Training, 220th F(P) Course, commencing July 2026” | 32 (including 3 for NCC ‘C’ Certificate Air Wing holders) |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (124th SSC Men Non-Technical, Oct 2026) | 276 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (124th SSC Women Non-Technical, Oct 2026) | 19 |
UPSC CDS (II) 2025: Eligibility Criteria
Nationality
- Indian Citizen, or
- Subject of Nepal, or
- An individual of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, or East African nations (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia) or Vietnam with the purpose of settling permanently settling in India.
- Candidates other than Indian citizens (except Gorkha subjects of Nepal) must possess a Certificate of Eligibility issued by the Government of India.
Age Limit & Marital Status
- IMA/INA:
- Unmarried male candidates born between 02/07/2002 and 01/07/2007.
- AFA:
- Candidates should be between 20 and 24 years of age as of 01/07/2026 (born between 02/07/2002 and 01/07/2006).
- For candidates holding a valid and current Commercial Pilot License issued by DGCA (India), the age limit extends to 26 years (born between 02/07/2000 and 01/07/2006).
- Candidates below 25 years must be unmarried. Married candidates above 25 years are eligible but will not be provided married accommodation.
- OTA (Men):
- Unmarried male candidates born between 02/07/2001 and 01/07/2007.
- OTA (Women):
- Unmarried women, issueless widows, and divorcees who have not remarried are eligible.
- Must be born between 02/07/2001 and 01/07/2007.
- Male divorcees and widowers are not eligible.
Educational Qualifications
- Educational Requirements for Indian Military Academy (IMA) and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA):
- Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification from a recognized university.
- Indian Naval Academy (INA):
- A degree in Engineering from a recognized university or institution.
- Air Force Academy (AFA):
- A recognized university degree with Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level, or a Bachelor of Engineering.
UPSC CDS (II) 2025: Selection Process
The selection procedure for the UPSC CDS (II) 2025 includes the following stages:
- Written Examination:
- Candidates must qualify in a written test covering English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics (for IMA, INA, and AFA applicants).
- Candidates applying for OTA (both male and female) are required to take written examinations exclusively in English and General Knowledge.
- SSB Interview:
- Shortlisted candidates will be called for a two-stage SSB Interview to assess intelligence, personality, and potential for leadership.
- Medical Examination:
- Final selection will be subject to candidates being declared medically fit by the competent medical authorities.
UPSC CDS (II) 2025: Application Fee
- General/OBC/EWS Candidates: ₹ 200/-
- SC/ST/Female Candidates: Exempted from payment.
Mode of Payment:
- The fee can be paid through Credit Card, Debit Card, UPI, or Net Banking.
How to Apply for UPSC CDS (II) 2025
Eligible candidates are required to apply online through the UPSC Online Portal. Here are the key steps:
- Visit the official UPSC online application portal.
- Complete the registration process by filling in basic personal and educational details.
- Upload scanned copies of required documents.
- Pay the application fee (if applicable).
- Submit the online application form.
- Take a printout of the submitted application for future reference.
Important:
- The online application window is open from 28/05/2025 to 17/06/2025 (23:59 hrs).
- For any assistance, candidates may contact the UPSC Helpline at 011-24041001 (from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM on working days) or email upscsoap@nic.in.
Important Dates for UPSC CDS (II) 2025
| Event | Date |
| Opening Date for Online Registration | 28/05/2025 |
| Closing Date for Online Registration | 17/06/2025 (23:59 hrs) |
| Written Examination Date | 14/09/2025 |
| SSB Interview (IMA/INA/AFA) | February – March 2026 |
| SSB Interview (OTA) | April – June 2026 |
Why Apply for UPSC CDS (II) 2025?
The Combined Defence Services Examination provides an excellent opportunity for individuals who aspire to serve in the Indian Armed Forces. Successful candidates receive rigorous training, leadership development, and the honor of serving the nation. The training institutes offer a prestigious platform to develop discipline, dedication, and commitment, paving the way for a fulfilling career.
Aspiring candidates are advised to read the detailed notification carefully and apply within the stipulated time frame to avoid last-minute hassle.
Important Links
- Download UPSC CDS (II) 2025 Notification PDF
- Apply Online for UPSC CDS (II) 2025
- Visit UPSC Official Website
- Join Our Free Govt Jobs WhatsApp Channel
- Join Our Free Govt Jobs Telegram Channel
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Applicants are strongly advised to review the official notification thoroughly for full details prior to submitting their application.