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Home/Blogs/UPSC CDS 2 Exam 2025: Notification, Eligibility, Dates, Syllabus & Pattern

UPSC CDS 2 Exam 2025: Notification, Eligibility, Dates, Syllabus & Pattern

UPSC CDS Exam 2025 will be held on 14th September for entry into IMA, INA, AFA & OTA. Conducted twice a year, the exam includes a written test & SSB. Check eligibility, vacancies, syllabus, exam pattern & selection process.

UPSC CDS 2 Exam 2025: Notification, Eligibility, Dates, Syllabus & Pattern

The UPSC CDS Exam 2025 for entry into Combined Defence Services will be conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on September 14th, 2025. It provides an opportunity for candidates to join the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and Officers’ Training Academies (OTA). 

The exam is conducted twice a year and includes two crucial stages: a written exam and an SSB. Here is a comprehensive guide on the exam notification, eligibility, application process, and selection procedure. 

UPSC CDS Exam 2025 Overview

The Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2 Exam 2025 will be conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), is scheduled to take place on 14th September 2025. The official notification has been released on 28th May 2025, along with the application form.

The application window was open from 28th May to 17th June 2025 at ‘https://upsconline.nic.in/’. The CDS 2 2025 Admit Card has been issued on 04 September 2025. The number of vacancies for CDS 2 are 453.

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UPSC CDS 2 Exam 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 Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers Training Academy
Job Location All Over India
Official Website upsc.gov.in

Important Dates for UPSC CDS Exam 2025

The UPSC CDS Exam 2025 has two cycles: CDS 1 and CDS 2. Below are the important dates for both exams:

CDS 2025 Events CDS 1 2025 Dates CDS 2 2025 Dates
CDS 2025 Notification 11 Dec 2024 28 May 2025
CDS 2025 Vacancies 457 453
CDS 2025 Application Form 11 Dec 2024 28 May 2025
Last date to apply for CDS 2025 31 Dec 2024 17 Jun 2025
CDS 2025 Application Form Correction 1 Jan 2025 9 July 2025
CDS 2025 Admit Card 03 April 2025 04 September 2025
CDS Exam Date 2025 13 Apr 2025 14 Sep 2025

Also Read: UPSC CDS Exam Date 2025

CDS 2 Exam Notification PDF Download

The CDS 2 Exam 2025 Notification PDF has been officially released by UPSC on 28th May 2025 on its website www.upsc.gov.in. This detailed notification includes vital information such as the number of vacancies, eligibility criteria, exam pattern, syllabus, selection process, and important dates related to the exam. Candidates preparing for the CDS 2 2025 exam must download and thoroughly read the notification to ensure they meet all requirements.

Direct Link to Download CDS 2 Notification 2025 PDF

Eligibility Criteria for UPSC CDS Exam 2025

Candidates must meet the following criteria to be eligible for the CDS Exam 2025:

Nationality:

  • Must be a citizen of India.
  • Subjects of Nepal/Bhutan or Tibetan refugees settling in India are also eligible.

Age Limit:

  • IMA (Indian Military Academy): 19–24 years
  • INA (Indian Naval Academy): 19–24 years
  • AFA (Air Force Academy): 20–24 years
  • OTA (Officers Training Academy): 19–25 years

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Educational Qualification:

  • IMA & OTA: Graduate degree in any discipline.
  • INA: Degree in Engineering.
  • AFA: Degree in Engineering or Graduate (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level).

Physical Standards:

  • Candidates must be physically fit as per the prescribed physical standards set by UPSC.
Also Read: UPSC CDS Eligibility Criteria

UPSC CDS Vacancy 2025

The UPSC CDS 2 Vacancy 2025 is around 453, offering a significant opportunity for aspirants aiming to join the Indian Armed Forces through prestigious institutions. These vacancies are distributed across five key training academies:

Name of the Course Approximate No. of Vacancies
Indian Military Academy, Dehradun 100
Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala 26
Air Force Academy, Hyderabad 32
Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai (Madras) 276 (Men)
Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai (Madras) 19 (Women)
Total 453

UPSC CDS 2 Admit Card 2025

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the admit card for CDS 2 Exam 2025 on 4th September 2025. Candidates who will appear for the exam on 14th September can download their admit card from the official UPSC website. The admit card contains important details like exam date, timing, and center. Without the admit card, no candidate will be allowed to enter the exam hall. Below is the direct link to download the UPSC CDS 2 Admit Card 2025 for easy access.

UPSC CDS 2 Admit Card 2025 Download Link

UPSC CDS Exam Pattern 2025

The CDS Exam Pattern varies based on the academy applied for. The exam consists of objective-type questions. Here we have provided the UPSC CDS Exam Pattern 2025:

  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

  1. 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

Also Read: UPSC CDS Exam Pattern

UPSC CDS Syllabus 2025 Overview

The UPSC CDS Syllabus 2025 is designed to test a candidate’s proficiency in English, General Knowledge, and Mathematics. The syllabus differs slightly depending on the academy applied for (IMA, INA, AFA, or OTA). Here’s a detailed overview:

English

  • Vocabulary, Grammar, Spotting Errors, Sentence Improvement, Comprehension.

General Knowledge

  • History, Geography, Current Affairs, Science, and Indian Constitution.

Mathematics

  • Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Mensuration, Statistics, and Probability.
Also Read: UPSC CDS Syllabus 2025

UPSC CDS Application Process

The application process for the CDS Exam 2025 is conducted online on the UPSC official website.

Steps to Apply

  1. Registration: Visit upsc.gov.in and complete the registration process.
  2. Fill out the Form: Enter personal, educational, and other required details.
  3. Upload Documents: Provide scanned copies of the photograph, signature, and ID proof.
  4. Pay the Fee: ₹200 for General/OBC; exempted for SC/ST/Female candidates.
  5. Submit Form: Review details and submit the application form.

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UPSC CDS Selection Process

By preparing thoroughly for each stage of the UPSC CDS Exam 2025, candidates can enhance their chances of securing a position in the armed forces. The selection process consists of the following stages:

  1. Written Examination: Candidates must qualify in the written test to proceed further.
  2. SSB Interview: A five-day interview process assessing personality, intelligence, and physical fitness.
  3. Medical Examination: Candidates are tested for physical and mental fitness.
  4. Final Merit List: Prepared based on scores in the written exam and SSB interview.

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

UPSC CDS Exam Related Articles
UPSC CDS Application Form 2025 UPSC CDS Preparation Strategy
UPSC CDS Exam Pattern UPSC CDS Syllabus
UPSC CDS Preparation Strategy UPSC CDS Eligibility Criteria

Also Read
UPSC Daily Editorials UPSC Daily Current Affairs
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CDS 2 Exam Date 2025?

The CDS 2 Exam 2025 is scheduled to be held on 14th September 2025.

What is the last date to apply for CDS 2 2025?

The last date to submit the CDS 2 2025 application form is 17th June 2025.

When was the CDS 2 Admit Card 2025 released?

The CDS 2 Admit Card 2025 was released on 4th September 2025. Candidates can download their admit card from the official UPSC website to appear in the exam scheduled for 14th September 2025.

What is the official CDS 2 2025 Notification Date?

The CDS 2 2025 notification was officially released on 28th May 2025.

What are the total CDS 2 2025 vacancies?

The total CDS 2 2025 vacancies are approximately 453 across all academies.

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