The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has rolled out a fresh opportunity for aspiring defence personnel! With its Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination II, 2025, UPSC is inviting applications for 453 posts across the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Officers’ Training Academies. If you’re a graduate dreaming of serving the nation, this is your chance.
📢 Quick Overview of UPSC CDS II 2025
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducted By | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services (CDS) II 2025 |
| Vacancies | 453 |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Application Dates | 28 May 2025 to 17 June 2025 |
| Official Website | upsconline.nic.in |
🗓️ Important Dates
- Start Date to Apply Online: 28 May 2025
- Last Date for Submission: 17 June 2025 (up to 11:59 PM)
Make sure to apply before the deadline to avoid last-minute hassles.
💼 CDS II 2025 Vacancy Details
| Course Name | Total Posts |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun – 161st Course (July 2026) | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala – Executive Branch (July 2026) | 26 |
| Air Force Academy, Hyderabad – Pre-Flying Training Course (July 2026) | 32 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai – 124th SSC Men (NT) | 276 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai – 124th SSC Women (NT) | 19 |
| Total | 453 |
📚 Educational Qualifications
To be eligible for UPSC CDS II 2025, candidates must hold the following qualifications:
- IMA & OTA (Men/Women): Graduate degree from a recognized university.
- Indian Naval Academy: B.E./B.Tech degree from a recognized university.
- Air Force Academy: Graduate with Physics and Maths at 10+2 level OR B.E./B.Tech.
Note: Final-year students can apply, but they must provide their graduation proof during the SSB interview.
🎯 Age Limit & Marital Status
| Academy | Age Criteria | Marital Status |
|---|---|---|
| IMA | Born between 02 July 2002 to 01 July 2007 | Unmarried Male |
| Indian Naval Academy | Born between 02 July 2002 to 01 July 2007 | Unmarried Male |
| Air Force Academy | 20 to 24 years as on 01 July 2026 | Unmarried |
| OTA (Men & Women) | Born between 02 July 2001 to 01 July 2007 | Men – Unmarried; Women – Unmarried/Divorced/Widowed without remarrying |
💰 Application Fee
- General/OBC/EWS Candidates: ₹200
- SC/ST/Female Candidates: Exempted (No Fee)
Payment can be made online via Net Banking, Credit/Debit card, or UPI.
🏆 Selection Process
The CDS selection process includes:
- Written Examination
- SSB Interview (Intelligence and Personality Test)
- Document Verification
- Medical Examination
Each academy has its own exam paper format. For OTA, only two papers are conducted (English and General Knowledge), while IMA, INA, and AFA have an additional paper on Elementary Mathematics.
📖 Exam Pattern
For IMA, INA, and AFA:
| Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| English | 100 | 2 Hours |
| General Knowledge | 100 | 2 Hours |
| Elementary Mathematics | 100 | 2 Hours |
For OTA (Men & Women):
| Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| English | 100 | 2 Hours |
| General Knowledge | 100 | 2 Hours |
💸 Salary Structure
The defence services offer excellent pay along with various perks. Here’s an idea of the pay scale:
| Post | Salary (INR) |
|---|---|
| Lieutenant | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 |
| Captain | ₹61,300 – ₹1,93,900 |
| Major | ₹69,400 – ₹2,07,200 |
| Lieutenant Colonel | ₹1,21,200 – ₹2,12,400 |
| Colonel | ₹1,30,600 – ₹2,15,900 |
| Brigadier | ₹1,39,600 – ₹2,17,600 |
- Military Service Pay (MSP): ₹15,500 per month
- Training Stipend: ₹56,100 per month during training at IMA and OTA
📝 How to Apply Online for UPSC CDS II 2025?
Follow these steps to apply for CDS II Exam 2025:
- Visit the official UPSC portal: https://upsconline.nic.in
- Click on “CDS II 2025 Online Application”.
- Complete the registration process.
- Fill in all personal, academic, and contact details.
- Upload required documents and signature/photo.
- Pay the fee (if applicable).
- Submit and download your application for future use.
📎 Important Links
❓ FAQs – UPSC CDS II 2025
Q1. What is the last date to apply for UPSC CDS II 2025?
➡️ 17 June 2025 (till 11:59 PM)
Q2. How many vacancies are available?
➡️ A total of 453 vacancies are announced.
Q3. Can females apply for CDS II 2025?
➡️ Yes, female candidates can apply for OTA (Non-Technical) entry.
Q4. Is there any application fee exemption?
➡️ Yes, Female and SC/ST candidates are exempted from the fee.
Q5. What is the age limit for Air Force Academy entry?
➡️ 20 to 24 years as of 01 July 2026.
📢 Final Words
The UPSC CDS II 2025 exam offers a golden gateway to enter prestigious defence academies. If you aspire to serve the nation with pride and wear the uniform, don’t miss this opportunity. Start your preparation now and apply before the deadline!
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