UPSC CDS II 2025 Notification – Apply for 453 Defence Vacancies
UPSC CDS II 2025 Notification – Apply for 453 Defence Vacancies
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official notification for the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) II, 2025. This exam offers a golden opportunity for candidates to join prestigious training institutions such as the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). A total of 453 vacancies have been announced. The application process has commenced on May 28, 2025, and the last date to apply online is June 17, 2025. The written examination will be conducted on September 14, 2025.
UPSC CDS II 2025 Notification – Apply for 453 Defence Vacancies in IMA, INA, AFA & OTA
Overview of UPSC CDS II 2025 Examination
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) II, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Total Vacancies | 453 |
| Application Period | May 28, 2025 to June 17, 2025 |
| Exam Date | September 14, 2025 |
| Official Website | www.upsc.gov.in |
UPSC CDS II 2025 Vacancy Details
The vacancies are distributed among different defence academies as follows:
| S. No. | Course | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indian Military Academy, Dehradun (161st DE Course) | 100 |
| 2 | Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala (Executive Branch) | 26 |
| 3 | Air Force Academy, Hyderabad (Pre-Flying Course) | 32 |
| 4 | Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai (SSC Men – 124th) | 276 |
| 5 | Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai (SSC Women – 124th) | 19 |
| Total | 453 | |
UPSC CDS II Eligibility Criteria
- Nationality: Indian citizens or eligible foreign nationals as specified by UPSC.
- Educational Qualification:
- IMA/OTA: Graduation from a recognized university.
- INA: Engineering degree.
- AFA: Graduation with Physics and Math at 10+2 level or Engineering degree.
- Age Limit:
- IMA/INA: 19 to 24 years (Unmarried males).
- AFA: 20 to 24 years (relaxable to 26 for CPL holders).
- OTA (Men): 19 to 25 years (Unmarried males).
- OTA (Women): 19 to 25 years (Unmarried/widows/divorcees).
UPSC CDS II Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | May 28, 2025 |
| Application Start Date | May 28, 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | June 17, 2025 (till 11:59 PM) |
| Exam Date | September 14, 2025 |
| Result Declaration (Tentative) | October 2025 |
UPSC CDS Salary and Perks
Defence officers receive a prestigious salary structure along with a wide range of benefits:
- Stipend during Training: ₹56,100 per month
- Lieutenant: ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500
- Captain: ₹61,300 – ₹1,93,900
- MSP: ₹15,500 per month (Lieutenant to Brigadier)
- Allowances: Dearness, Transport, Dress, Risk, and Hardship allowances
- Insurance: ₹1 Cr for Army cadets, ₹1.25 Cr for Air Force cadets (during training)
UPSC CDS II Selection Process
- Written Examination: Objective-type papers
- IMA/INA/AFA: English, GK, Mathematics
- OTA: English, GK only
- SSB Interview: Intelligence, Psychological, Group Testing, and Conference rounds
- Medical Test: Physical fitness and medical standards check
- Merit List: Based on performance in written test + SSB interview
Application Fees
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General/OBC | ₹200 |
| SC/ST/Female | Exempted |
How to Apply Online For UPSC CDS II
- Visit https://upsconline.nic.in
- Use the new OTR and Application Module (old OTR no longer valid)
- Register and fill the Common Application Form
- Upload photograph and valid photo ID (preferably Aadhaar)
- Select service preferences carefully
- Pay fees using debit/credit card, UPI, or net banking
- Submit and download confirmation page
Recommended Books For UPSC CDS II Exam
- Pathfinder for CDS – Arihant Publications
- Objective General English – S.P. Bakshi
- Manorama Yearbook or Lucent GK
- Quantitative Aptitude – R.S. Aggarwal
- CDS Solved Papers – Upkar / Arihant
UPSC CDS II Preparation Tips
- Start early and build conceptual clarity in English and Maths.
- Stay updated with current affairs for GK paper.
- Practice previous year question papers.
- Join mock SSB sessions or coaching to improve personality traits.
- Maintain physical fitness for medical and SSB tests.
Important Links For UPSC CDS II
FAQs – UPSC CDS II 2025
Q1: What is the last date to apply for CDS II 2025?
A: June 17, 2025.
Q2: How many vacancies are available in CDS II 2025?
A: A total of 453 vacancies.
Q3: Can women apply for all courses?
A: No, women can only apply for OTA (Non-Technical) entry.
Q4: What is the exam date for CDS II 2025?
A: September 14, 2025.
Q5: Is there negative marking in the CDS exam?
A: Yes, one-third marks are deducted for wrong answers.
Q6: Are final year students eligible to apply?
A: Yes, but they must submit proof of graduation before joining.
Q7: What is the selection process?
A: Written Exam → SSB Interview → Medical Exam → Merit List.
Q8: What is the stipend during training?
A: ₹56,100 per month.
Q9: Can I withdraw my application after submission?
A: No, applications once submitted cannot be withdrawn.
Q10: Which books are best for CDS preparation?
A: Pathfinder, Lucent GK, and R.S. Aggarwal’s Maths books.
