UPSC CDS 2 Notification 2025 OUT, 453 Vacancies, Exam on September 14

UPSC CDS Notification for CDS 2 2025 has been released on May 28, 2025. UPSC CDS 2 notification details vacancies, eligibility, syllabus, application schedule, and other exam details.

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May 28, 2025

UPSC CDS 2 Notification 2025 OUT, 453 Vacancies, Exam on September 14

UPSC CDS 2 Notification 2025 has been released on the official website, upsc.gov.in, for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination. The CDS 2 exam 2025 will be conducted on September 14, 2025. The online application process has started from 28 May 2025, and the last date to submit applications is 17 June 2025. 

CDS 2 2025 registration process will be conducted online at ‘https://upsconline.nic.in‘ according to the latest notification for 453 vacancies. Download UPSC CDS 2 Notification 2025 from here and get complete information on this exam!

Also Read: CDS 2 2025 Application Form

UPSC CDS 2 2025 Notification Overview

The UPSC CDS 2 2025 notification has been released, announcing the examination for selecting candidates for the Indian Military Academy, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers’ Training Academy. The online application process opens on 28 May 2025 and closes on 17 June 2025, with the exam scheduled for 14 September 2025.

CDS 2 notification provides details on eligibility criteria, vacancies, exam pattern, and important deadlines, inviting aspiring candidates to apply and pursue a career in India’s defense services. Candidates should prepare well in advance and stay updated with the official website for updates related to admit cards, exam centres, and other details.

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UPSC CDS 2025 Overview

Organization Union Public Service Commission
Exam Name Combined Defence Service Examination 2025
Frequency of CDS Exam Biannual
Mode of Application Online
Language of Written Exam Bilingual
Mode of Examination Offline
CDS Application Fees INR 200
Type of Questions Multiple-choice questions
Eligibility
  • 20 to 24 years
  • Unmarried Males & Females
  • Passed Graduation or appearing for the final year of Graduation
CDS Exam Duration 2 hours (each paper)
Marking Scheme 1/3 for each incorrect answer
Purpose of the CDS Exam Admission of candidates for the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers Training Academy
Vacancies 453 across IMA, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and OTA
Official Website upsc.gov.in

Also Read: CDS Selection Process 2025

UPSC CDS 2 Notification 2025 PDF Download Link

The UPSC CDS Notification 2025 has been released on May 28, 2025, along with the application form. The CDS 2 Notification PDF contains important details such as exam dates, eligibility criteria, application procedure, and the syllabus. Candidates are advised to thoroughly review the PDF to ensure they meet all the requirements before applying. Here is the direct link to access the CDS 2 Notification 2025:

CDS 2 Notification 2025 PDF

UPSC CDS 2 Vacancy 2025 

The UPSC CDS 2 Vacancy 2025 details have been officially released in the notification on the UPSC website. Candidates aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces through the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) should check the notification carefully for academy-wise vacancies, including IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA.

The UPSC CDS 2 2025 notification announces a total of 453 vacancies for both male and female candidates to join the Indian Armed Forces. The vacancies are distributed across various branches and courses, with specific reservations for NCC candidates and other categories:

Name of the Course No. of Vacancies
Indian Military Academy, Dehradun – 161st (DE) Course (July 2026) (Includes 13 for NCC ‘C’ – Army) 100
Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala – Executive Branch/ Hydro (July 2026) (Includes 6 for NCC ‘C’ – Naval, 2 for Hydro) 26
Air Force Academy, Hyderabad – 220 F(P) Course (Pre-Flying, July 2026) (Includes 3 for NCC ‘C’ – Air) 32
Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai – 124th SSC (Men) (NT) (October 2026) 276
Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai – 124th SSC Women (NT) (October 2026) 19
Total 453

Note: The number of vacancies may vary each year based on training academy requirements.

Also Read: UPSC CDS Previous Year Question Papers Download

Important CDS 2 Notification 2025 Dates

The CDS 2 2025 notification has been finally released on May 28th on the UPSC official website. Below is the schedule for the CDS 2025 Exam as per the latest notification:

UPSC CDS Important Dates 2025
Event CDS 1 (2025) CDS 2 (2025)
Notification Release Date December 11, 2024 May 28, 2025
Application Start Date December 11, 2024 May 28, 2025
Last Date to Apply December 31, 2024 June 17, 2025
Admit Card Release Date 3rd April, 2025 Aug-September 2025
CDS Exam Date April 13, 2025 September 14, 2025
CDS Exam Result April 28, 2025 September – Oct 2025

Eligibility Criteria for CDS 2025

Candidates applying for UPSC CDS 2025 must fulfill the required criteria. The eligibility criteria for CDS are divided into nationality, age limit, educational qualification, and physical standards.

  • Nationality: Candidate must be a citizen of India, a subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or a Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanently settling in India.
  • Age Limit: 20 to 24 years. The detailed age limit is:
    • Indian Military Academy (IMA): Born between 2nd July 2002 and 1st July 2007
    • Indian Naval Academy (INA): Born between 2nd July 2002 and 1st July 2007
    • Air Force Academy (AFA):
      • Regular: Born between 2nd July 2002 and 1st July 2006 (20 to 24 years)
      • With Commercial Pilot Licence: Born between 2nd July 2000 and 1st July 2006 (up to 26 years)
    • Officers’ Training Academy (SSC Men): Born between 2nd July 2001 and 1st July 2007
    • Officers’ Training Academy (SSC Women – Non-Tech): Born between 2nd July 2001 and 1st July 2007
  • Educational Qualification:
    • IMA and OTA: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
    • INA: Engineering degree from a recognized university.
    • AFA: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level or a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.
  • Physical Standards: Candidates must meet certain physical standards set by the commission to qualify for service in the Armed Forces.
Also Read: UPSC CDS Syllabus 2025 PDF

UPSC CDS 2 Exam Pattern 2025

The CDS Exam consists of three sections IMA, INA, and AFA. Candidates must familiarize themselves with the exam pattern in order to perform well in the exam. Each paper is conducted for 2 hours and includes objective-type questions. Negative marking is applicable, with 1/3rd marks deducted for each wrong answer.

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1. For Admission to the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, and Air Force Academy:

Subject Duration Maximum Marks
English 2 Hours 100
General Knowledge 2 Hours 100
Mathematics 2 Hours 100
SSB Test/Interview 5 Days 300

2. For Admission to the Officers’ Training Academy:

Subject Duration Maximum Marks
English 2 Hours 100
General Knowledge 2 Hours 100
SSB Test/Interview 5 Days 300

UPSC CDS 2025 Selection Process

The CDS 2025 Selection Process is a multi-stage procedure conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to evaluate candidates’ aptitude, intelligence, and physical fitness for a career in the defense services. Here’s a breakdown of each stage:

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  1. Written Examination:
    The first stage is a written examination consisting of multiple-choice questions. The subjects tested include English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. This exam is held separately for each academy (IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA). Candidates must score above the cut-off in each subject to qualify for the next round.
  2. SSB Interview/Personality Test:
    Candidates who pass the written exam are invited to the Services Selection Board (SSB) for the interview and personality test. This stage assesses officer-like qualities, leadership skills, and overall suitability for a defense role. The SSB process includes group discussions, individual tasks, and personal interviews to evaluate candidates’ mental agility, teamwork, and communication skills.
  3. Document Verification:
    Shortlisted candidates must provide their original documents for verification, which include educational certificates, age proof, and any other relevant credentials. Document verification ensures that candidates meet all eligibility requirements set by UPSC.
  4. Medical Examination:
    Following the SSB interview, candidates undergo a comprehensive medical examination conducted by a Military Hospital. This examination checks if the candidate meets the required physical and medical standards for defense service. The medical fitness criteria vary depending on the academy but generally assess height, weight, vision, and overall health.
  5. Final Merit List:
    The final stage of selection is the preparation of a merit list based on candidates’ performance in the written exam, SSB interview, and medical examination. Candidates are then allotted seats in their preferred academies (IMA, INA, AFA, OTA) according to their ranks and preferences.

Ready to boost your UPSC CDS 2025 preparation? Join PW’s UPSC CDS online course today!

 

CDS Notification 2025 FAQs

Yes, the CDS 2 2025 notification has been released on 28 May 2025.

Candidates must be graduates (or in final year) and meet age, nationality, and physical fitness criteria. Eligibility varies slightly for IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA.

You can apply online through the official UPSC website (upsc.gov.in) once the notification is released.

The age limit varies between 19 and 25 years depending on the academy. For example, for IMA, the age should be between 19–24 years as of January 1, 2026 (for CDS 1 2025).

The CDS exam is conducted twice a year — CDS 1 (usually in April) and CDS 2 (usually in September).

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