UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2025: Notification, Eligibility, Exam Date, Application and Syllabus

The UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2025 offers aspiring candidates a prestigious opportunity to join the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). Conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), the notification will be released on May 28, 2025, with the exam scheduled for September 14, 2025.

Eligible graduates and final-year students can apply online until June 17, 2025. The selection process includes a written exam and a rigorous SSB interview. This recruitment serves as a gateway to an esteemed career in the Indian Armed Forces, offering excellent pay, benefits, and long-term growth.

UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2025: Your Gateway to a Distinguished Defence Career

Are you passionate about serving the nation through the armed forces? Then the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination II, 2025 conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) could be your golden opportunity. At AUBSP, we understand how important this moment is in your life. That’s why we’re here to guide you through every detail of this prestigious recruitment.

CDS II 2025 Vacancy Details

The exact number of vacancies will be announced in the official notification. Typically, vacancies are distributed across:

• Indian Military Academy (IMA)
• Indian Naval Academy (INA)
• Air Force Academy (AFA)
• Officers’ Training Academy (OTA – Men & Women)

Stay tuned with AUBSP.com for an immediate update once the official figures are released.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Nationality

A candidate must be:

• A citizen of India,
• A subject of Bhutan/Nepal, or
• A Tibetan refugee (entered India before January 1, 1962) with permanent settlement intent.

2. Age Limit and Marital Status (as on July 1, 2025)

📝 Note from AUBSP: Marriage is not permitted during training. Candidates under 25 must remain unmarried.

3. Educational Qualification

📌 Final-year candidates may apply but must produce proof of qualification during the SSB interview.

4. Physical Standards

Candidates must meet specified physical standards (height, weight, vision, etc.). Minimum height for women is 152 cm. Consult the detailed notification for specific medical criteria.

Application Process

Follow a two-step online process:

Part I: One-Time Registration (OTR)

1. Visit upsconline.nic.in
2. Click on “New Registration”
3. Fill basic details
4. Verify OTR account

Part II: Application Form

1. Login and complete the form
2. Upload:
   • Recent photo & signature (20–300 KB in JPG/JPEG)
   • Valid ID proof (20–300 KB in PDF)
3. Pay fee:
   • ₹200 for General/OBC males
   • Free for SC/ST/females
4. Submit and download confirmation

💡 Pro Tip from AUBSP: Always double-check your form before final submission.

Exam Pattern

✍️ Written Examination

• Mode: Offline
• Type: MCQs
• Language: Hindi & English
• Negative Marking: 1/3rd for incorrect answers
• Minimum Qualifying Marks: 20% per subject

🧭 SSB Interview Process

Divided into two stages:

• Stage I: OIR test + Picture Perception & Discussion
• Stage II: Personal Interview, GTO Tasks, Psychology Tests, Conference

Syllabus Overview

English

Comprehension, Grammar, Sentence Arrangement, Idioms, Synonyms, etc.

General Knowledge

Current Affairs, Defence News, History, Geography, Science, Economics

Mathematics (IMA/INA/AFA)

Arithmetic, Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Mensuration, Statistics

Previous Year Cut-Offs (Indicative)

Cut-offs vary each year based on difficulty and performance.

Career Prospects and Salary

Starting Rank: Lieutenant

• Stipend During Training: ₹56,100/month
• Pay Level: 10 (₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500)

Allowances:

MSP, HRA, DA, TPTA, Risk/Hardship, Technical/Flying Pay, etc.

Promotion Timeline

FAQs on UPSC CDS II 2025

What is the UPSC CDS II 2025 exam?
The UPSC CDS II 2025 exam is a national-level recruitment test conducted by the Union Public Service Commission for entry into the Indian Armed Forces through the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA).

When will the UPSC CDS II 2025 notification be released?
The official notification for CDS II 2025 will be released on May 28, 2025.

What is the last date to apply for UPSC CDS II 2025?
The last date to submit the application form is June 17, 2025, by 11:59 PM.

What is the exam date for UPSC CDS II 2025?
The written exam for CDS II 2025 will be conducted on September 14, 2025.

Who can apply for CDS II 2025?
Indian citizens, including certain eligible categories from Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibetan refugees, who meet the age, educational, and physical criteria can apply.

What is the age limit for applying to CDS II 2025?
The age limit varies by academy, typically ranging from 20 to 24 years as on July 1, 2025. Certain relaxations apply, especially for AFA candidates with a commercial pilot license.

Can women apply for CDS II 2025?
Yes, women can apply for the Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) Non-Technical Course, subject to eligibility criteria.

What educational qualifications are required for CDS II 2025?
A Bachelor’s degree is required for IMA and OTA, a B.E./B.Tech. degree for INA, and a degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level or B.E./B.Tech. for AFA.

Can final-year students apply for CDS II 2025?
Yes, final-year students can apply, provided they do not have any backlogs and can produce proof of graduation before SSB interview.

Is there any application fee for CDS II 2025?
Yes, male candidates from General and OBC categories must pay ₹200/-. SC/ST candidates and all female applicants are exempt from paying the fee.

How can I pay the application fee?
The fee can be paid online via net banking, credit/debit cards, or offline through SBI e-challan.

How do I apply for CDS II 2025?
Applications must be submitted online in two parts: One-Time Registration (OTR) and completing the application form via the UPSC portal at upsconline.nic.in.

What is the exam pattern for CDS II 2025?
The written exam includes three subjects (English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics) for IMA, INA, and AFA; and two subjects (English and GK) for OTA.

Is there negative marking in the CDS exam?
Yes, 1/3rd of the marks assigned to a question will be deducted for every wrong answer. There is no penalty for unanswered questions.

How many marks are required to qualify the CDS written exam?
Candidates must score at least 20% in each subject. The final cut-off varies annually depending on multiple factors.

What happens after the written exam?
Qualified candidates are called for the SSB Interview, a multi-stage process assessing personality, intelligence, and leadership qualities.

What is the SSB interview process like?
It is a five-day assessment consisting of intelligence tests, group tasks, psychological tests, personal interviews, and a final conference.

What is the physical standard required for CDS II 2025?
Candidates must meet UPSC-prescribed physical standards related to height, weight, vision, and overall health. For women, the minimum height is 152 cm.

What is the stipend during training after selection?
Selected candidates receive a stipend of ₹56,100/- per month during training.

What rank is given after training?
Candidates are commissioned as Lieutenants (or equivalent ranks in Navy/Air Force) upon successful completion of training.

What is the salary of a Lieutenant in the Indian Armed Forces?
The pay scale is ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 per month under Pay Level 10, excluding additional allowances and perks.

Are there any additional benefits apart from the salary?
Yes, officers receive various allowances like Military Service Pay, HRA, Transport Allowance, Risk and Hardship Allowance, Children’s Education Allowance, and more.

How can I download the admit card for CDS II 2025?
Admit cards will be available on the UPSC website approximately 10–15 days before the exam. You can download it using your registration ID or roll number.

When will the CDS II 2025 result be announced?
The written exam result is usually declared within a few months of the exam. Final results for OTA courses may be released around May of the following year.

Is there a limit on the number of attempts for CDS?
There is no restriction on the number of attempts, as long as the candidate meets all eligibility criteria for each attempt.

What is the career progression after joining through CDS?
Career growth includes promotions through various ranks like Captain, Major, Lt. Colonel, Colonel, Brigadier, and up to General, based on performance and service duration.

Where can I get official information and updates on CDS II 2025?
Official updates and the application form will be available on the UPSC website: www.upsc.gov.in.

A career in the defence forces is more than just a job—it’s a way of life defined by honor, duty, and leadership. If you’re ready to wear the uniform and serve the nation, CDS II 2025 is your launchpad.

We strongly advise you to keep an eye on the official UPSC Notification releasing on May 28, 2025, for the most accurate and updated information.

Let your journey to becoming an officer begin with preparation, discipline, and confidence. Trust AUBSP.com to be your reliable guide every step of the way.