UPSC CDS (II) 2025 Notification Released: Apply Online for 453 Vacancies

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially announced the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination (II) 2025, offering an incredible opportunity for aspirants aiming to serve the nation by joining the armed forces. The CDS (II) 2025 recruitment drive is inviting online applications for admission into the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), including the SSC Women (Non-Technical) Course. Courses are scheduled to commence in July/October 2026.

In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the key details regarding UPSC CDS (II) 2025, including vacancies, eligibility criteria, age requirements, educational qualifications, the selection process, application fee structure, important dates, and direct application links.

Overview: UPSC CDS (II) 2025 Recruitment

• Exam Name: Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2025

• Conducting Authority: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

• Total Vacancies: 453

• Mode of Application: Online

• Monthly Stipend During Training: ₹56,100

• Selection Process: Written Examination, SSB Interview, Medical Examination

• Official Website: upsc.gov.in

Important Dates to Remember

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Vacancy Details for CDS (II) 2025

The total number of vacancies has been distributed across different academies as follows:

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Detailed Eligibility Criteria for UPSC CDS (II) 2025

Nationality

Applicants must fall into one of the following categories:

• Citizen of India

• Subject of Nepal

• Person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia), or Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.

Note: Candidates other than Indian citizens (except Gorkhas from Nepal) must possess a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India.

Age Limit & Marital Status

Educational Qualifications

• Indian Military Academy (IMA) / Officers’ Training Academy (OTA): Must possess a Bachelor’s Degree (any discipline) from a recognized university or equivalent.

• Indian Naval Academy (INA): Should hold a Degree in Engineering from a recognized university or institution.

• Air Force Academy (AFA): Degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level or Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering.

Note: Final-year students are also eligible to apply, but they must produce proof of passing the degree examination at the time of SSB.

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UPSC CDS (II) 2025 Selection Process

The selection procedure involves multiple stages designed to evaluate the candidate’s academic prowess, aptitude, and fitness for a career in the defense services:

1. Written Examination: Objective type papers for IMA, INA, AFA include English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. OTA candidates will have to appear for English and General Knowledge papers only.

2. SSB Interview: Shortlisted candidates will undergo a two-stage selection procedure—Stage I (Officer Intelligence Rating Tests) and Stage II (Interview, Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests, and Conference).

3. Medical Examination: Candidates recommended by the SSB must undergo a rigorous medical fitness examination.

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Application Fee Structure

• General/OBC/EWS Candidates: ₹200/-

• SC/ST/Female Candidates: Exempted from fee payment.

Candidates can make the payment through any of the following modes:

• Debit/Credit Card

• UPI

• Net Banking

Important: Once the fee is paid, it is non-refundable.

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How to Apply for UPSC CDS (II) 2025

Eligible candidates must submit their applications online by following these steps:

1. Visit the UPSC Online Application Portal.

2. Register yourself by filling in basic personal details.

3. Complete the application form by providing academic and other necessary details.

4. Upload scanned copies of the required documents (photograph, signature, and ID proof).

5. Pay the application fee, if applicable.

6. Review the application form carefully before final submission.

7. Download and print the submitted application form for future reference.

For any application-related queries, candidates can contact the UPSC helpline at 011-24041001 (available from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM on working days) or email at upscsoap@nic.in.

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Why Choose a Career through CDS?

The Combined Defence Services Examination offers a golden opportunity for young aspirants to join the Indian Armed Forces and serve the nation with pride and honor. Not only does it offer job security and a prestigious lifestyle, but also leadership development, adventure, and excellent growth prospects.

Successful candidates will undergo rigorous training at prestigious institutions like the Indian Military Academy (Dehradun), Indian Naval Academy (Ezhimala), Air Force Academy (Hyderabad), and Officers’ Training Academy (Chennai). On successful completion of training, cadets are commissioned as officers in the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

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Key Highlights of UPSC CDS (II) 2025

• Attractive Stipend: ₹56,100 per month during the training period.

• Diverse Career Paths: Opportunity to join Army, Navy, Air Force, or OTA.

• Gender Inclusivity: Special vacancies for women candidates through OTA.

• Transparent Selection Process: A rigorous, merit-based selection through written exams, interviews, and medical tests.

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Direct Links for Application and Notification

• Download UPSC CDS (II) 2025 Notification PDF

• Apply Online for UPSC CDS (II) 2025

• Visit UPSC Official Website

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Conclusion

The UPSC CDS (II) 2025 notification has opened the gateway for ambitious candidates who aspire to build a prestigious career in India’s armed forces. With 453 vacancies across various esteemed academies, this is an unparalleled opportunity to serve the nation with