The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the CDS-II 2025 notification. This article covers everything which is important for aspirants need to know about its eligibility criteria, age, educational qualifications, vacancies, selection process, and more. Whether you dream of joining the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force, this article will help you to understand the roadmap and inspire you to take action accordingly.
What is CDS Examination ?
The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination is conducted twice a year by UPSC to recruit suitable candidates to become officers into :
- Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun
- Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala
- Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad
- Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (Men and Women)
CDS-II 2025 is scheduled for 14th September 2025. This exam opens the route for graduates to get into prestigious military academies and become commissioned officers of Indian Armed Forces.
CDS-II 2025 Eligibility Criteria :-
Nationality
A candidate must be :
- A citizen of India, or
- A subject of Nepal, or
- A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries, or Vietnam with the intention of settling permanently in India.
Candidates from these categories must possess a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India.
Age Limit, Gender & Marital Status :-
| Course | Age Limit | Gender | Marital Status |
| IMA | 2nd July 2002 to 1st July 2007 | Male | Unmarried |
| INA | 2nd July 2002 to 1st July 2007 | Male | Unmarried |
| AFA | 2nd July 2002 to 1st July 2006 (upto 26 yrs for CPL holders) | Male | Unmarried below 25 yrs |
| OTA (Men) | 2nd July 2001 to 1st July 2007 | Male | Unmarried |
| OTA (Women) | 2nd July 2001 to 1st July 2007 | Female | Unmarried / Widows / Divorcees without children |
Note: Married candidates are not allowed during training even if eligible by age.
Educational Qualifications :-
- IMA & OTA : Graduate degree from a recognized university.
- INA : Engineering degree from a recognized institution.
- AFA : Graduate with Physics & Math at 10+2 level or BE/B.Tech degree.
Final year students can apply but must produce proof of passing before course commencement.
CDS-II 2025 Vacancies :-
| Academy | No. of Vacancies |
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | 26 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 32 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (Men) | 276 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (Women) | 19 |
| Total | 453 |
Vacancies are tentative and may be adjusted by respective service headquarters.
CDS-II 2025 Scheme of Examination :-
For IMA, INA & AFA :
- English – 100 Marks
- General Knowledge – 100 Marks
- Elementary Mathematics – 100 Marks
For OTA (Men & Women) :
- English – 100 Marks
- General Knowledge – 100 Marks
Key Exam Features :
- Duration : 2 hours per paper
- Objective-type questions
- Medium : English & Hindi (except English paper)
- Negative Marking : 0.33 marks deducted for wrong answers
You can download the CDS – II Notification from here : upsconline.nic.in
CDS Syllabus Overview :-
English
- Grammar, comprehension, vocabulary, synonyms-antonyms, sentence correction.
General Knowledge
- Indian History, Geography, Economy, Polity, General Science, Current Affairs.
Elementary Mathematics
- Class 10 level Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, Statistics, Trigonometry.
Physical and Medical Standards :-
Candidates must be physically fit as per standards specified by UPSC :
Basic Physical Criteria :
- Minimum height (Army) : 157.5 cm (Men), 152 cm (Women)
- AFA: 162.5 cm (Men)
- No permanent tattoos (except tribal customs)
- Vision : Correctable eyesight allowed under norms
Medical Tests Include :
- Hearing test
- Eye test
- X-rays & blood test
- Urinalysis
How to Apply for CDS-II 2025
- Visit https://upsconline.nic.in
- Register and fill Common Application Form (CAF)
- Upload documents
- Pay the fee (if applicable)
Application Fee :
- Rs. 200 for male General/OBC candidates
- Free for Female/SC/ST candidates
Last date to apply: 17th June 2025, 11:59 PM
No changes allowed after submission. Aadhaar Card is preferred for authentication.
Training Academies & Their Features
Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun
- Duration : 18 months
- Rank : Lieutenant
- Focus: Physical endurance, weapons training, leadership
Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala
- Duration : 4 years for B.Tech, less for DE course
- Executive Branch / Hydro Cadre
- Specialized in naval warfare, operations, and seamanship
Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad
- Duration : 74 weeks for flying branch
- Pilot Aptitude Battery Test (PABT) mandatory
- High physical and mental standards
Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai
- Duration : 49 weeks (Short Service Commission)
- Men & Women
- Focus on quick leadership training and administrative roles
Promotion Structure in Armed Forces
| Rank | Approx. Service Years |
| Lieutenant | 0 |
| Captain | 2 |
| Major | 6 |
| Lieutenant Colonel | 13 |
| Colonel | Selection-based |
| Brigadier and above | Based on merit and vacancies |
Pay Scale, Benefits & Lifestyle
Basic Pay :
- Lieutenant: Rs. 56,100/month + MSP Rs. 15,500
Allowances :
- Dearness allowance
- Travel allowance
- High altitude / field allowance
- Flying / diving / technical allowances (role-specific)
Benefits :
- Free medical for self & dependents
- Subsidized CSD items
- Pension & insurance benefits
- Furnished accommodation
Important Guidelines for Candidates
- Carry Photo ID & Admit Card to exam center
- Do not carry mobile phones, watches, or electronics
- Arrive at least 30 minutes early
- Use black ball pen only
During Training :
- No marriage allowed
- Candidates found married will be disqualified
CDS Selection Process : Written Exam + SSB Interview
Stage 1 : Written Exam
- Qualify based on cut-off marks
Stage 2: SSB Interview
Final Selection :
- Based on marks in Written + SSB
- Subject to Medical fitness and merit
Conclusion : Take Your First Step Towards Uniformed Glory
The CDS-II 2025 notification is your opportunity to turn your dream of serving the nation into reality. With 453 vacancies, this is your moment to act decisively. Start your preparation today, fill the form before 17th June 2025, and step forward into a life of discipline, honour, and leadership. Your nation needs you. Jai Hind
