The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) II 2025 notification (Examination Notice No. 11/2025.CDS-II) on May 28, 2025. This recruitment drive offers 453 vacancies for unmarried graduates to join India’s elite defence academies: Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). With the application window open until June 17, 2025, and the exam scheduled for September 14, 2025, this is your call to serve the nation.
CDS II 2025 Notification
| Total Vacancies | 453 posts |
| Application Period | May 28 – June 17, 2025 |
| Exam Date | September 14, 2025 |
| Official Website | https://upsconline.nic.in. |
Eligibility Criteria
Age Limit (as of July 1, 2026)
- IMA & INA: 20–24 years (Born between July 2, 2002 – July 1, 2007)
- AFA: 20–24 years
- OTA: 20–25 years (Women candidates eligible)
Note: All candidates below 25 must be unmarried.
Educational Qualifications
| Academy | Requirement |
|---|---|
| IMA & OTA | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline |
| Indian Naval Academy | Engineering degree (B.E./B.Tech) |
| Air Force Academy | Bachelor’s degree with Physics & Math at 10+2 level OR Engineering degree |
Application Process
UPSC has launched a new online portal, requiring all candidates to register afresh. The old One-Time Registration (OTR) is invalid.
Steps to Apply:
- Portal: Visit https://upsconline.nic.in.
- Registration: Click “New Registration” and provide basic details (name, DOB, mobile, email). Verify via OTP.
- Form Filling:
- Part I: Personal details, academy preferences, exam center choice.
- Part II: Upload documents (photo, signature, ID proof) and pay fees.
- Fee Payment:
- ₹200: General/OBC male candidates
- Exempted: SC/ST, female candidates, sons of JCOs/NCOs/ORs.
Payment modes: Debit/Credit card, net banking, UPI.
Exam Pattern & Selection Process
Written Exam (September 14, 2025)
| Subject | Marks | Duration | Academies |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 100 | 2 hrs | All |
| General Knowledge | 100 | 2 hrs | All |
| Elementary Mathematics | 100 | 2 hrs | IMA/INA/AFA only |
Important Dates
| Application Start | May 28, 2025 |
| Application Deadline | June 17, 2025 |
| Exam Date | September 14, 2025 |
| Admit Card | September 2025 |
| Result | October 2025 |
Important Links
| Notification | Check Here |
| Apply Link | Check Here |
FAQs
Q1: Can female candidates apply?
Yes! OTA Chennai offers 19 vacancies for women.
Q2: Is Physics/Math compulsory for Air Force?
Yes. You need a degree with Physics & Math at 10+2 or an engineering degree.
Q3: How is age calculated?
As of July 1, 2026. For IMA, you must be born between July 2, 2002–July 1, 2007.
