UPSC CDS (II) 2025: Notification, Eligibility, Vacancies & How to Apply

UPSC Combined Defence Services (CDS) (II) Examination 2025

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will conduct the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) (II), 2025 on 14th September 2025. This examination serves as a gateway for admission to esteemed institutions such as the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun; Naval Academy, Ezihimala; Air Force Academy, Hyderabad; and Officers Training Academy, Chennai. Through this exam, candidates (both men and women) can pursue courses leading to Group-A Officer positions in the Navy, Army, and Indian Air Force. (UPSC Advt. No. 11/2025.CDS-II )

UPSC CDS (II) 2025: Overview of Vacancies

A total of 453 vacancies are available through the UPSC CDS (II) 2025 Examination across various academies:

1. Indian Military Academy, Dehradun: 100 vacancies for the 161st (DE) Course commencing in July 2026 (including 13 vacancies reserved for NCC `C’ Certificate (Army Wing) holders).
2. Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala: 26 vacancies for the Executive (General Service)/Hydro Course commencing in July 2026 (including 03 vacancies for NCC ‘C’ Certificate (Naval Wing through NCC Special entry) holders).
3. Air Force Academy, Hyderabad: 32 vacancies for the (Pre-Flying) 220 F(P) Training Course commencing in July 2026. (including 03 vacancies are reserved for NCC `C’ Certificate (Air Wing) holders through NCC Spl. Entry).
4. Officers Training Academy, Chennai: 276 vacancies for the 124th SSC (Men) (NT) (UPSC) Course commencing in October 2026.
5. Officers Training Academy, Chennai (Women): 19 vacancies for the 124th SSC Women (NT) (UPSC) Course commencing in October 2026.

Eligibility Criteria for CDS-(II) Exam 2025

Age Limits, Sex, and Marital Status

1. For Indian Military Academy: Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd July 2002 and not later than 1st July 2007 are eligible.
2. For Naval Academy: Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd July 2002 and not later than 1st July 2007 are eligible.
3. For Air Force Academy: 20-24 years of age. Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd July 2002 and not later than 1st July 2006 are eligible.
4. For Officers' Training Academy - (SSC Course for Men): Male candidates (Unmarried or Married) born not earlier than 2nd July 2001 and not later than 1st July 2007 are eligible.
5. For Officers Training Academy - SSC (Women Non-Technical) Course: (a) Unmarried Women, issueless widows who have not remarried, and issueless divorcees (in possession of divorce documents) who have not remarried are eligible. They should have been born not earlier than 2nd July 2001 and not later than 1st July 2007.

Educational Qualifications

1. For Indian Military Academy and Officers' Training Academy: A degree from a recognized university or equivalent.
2. For Naval Academy: A degree in Engineering from a recognized University/Institution.
3. For Air Force Academy: A degree from a recognized university (with Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level) or a Degree in Engineering from a recognized University/Institution.
4. Candidates studying in the final year of their degree course and yet to pass the final year degree examination or equivalent examination can also apply. They will be required to submit proof of passing the Degree Examination or equivalent examination by the specified dates.

Physical Standards

Candidates must be physically fit according to the physical standards for admission to the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) (II), 2025, as prescribed in the detailed advertisement on the UPSC website.

Application Fee

Candidates (excepting Female/SC/ST candidates who are exempted from payment of fee) are required to pay a fee of ₹200/-. This can be done either by depositing the money in any Branch of SBI by cash or by using the Net Banking facility of SBI or by using Visa/ Master Credit/ Debit Card.

How to Apply for UPSC CDS Exam-II 2025?

Candidates must apply online at the UPSC website from 28/05/2025 to 17/06/2025 for the UPSC Combined Defence Service Exam (II) 2025.

Detailed Information for UPSC CDS Exam (II) 2025

Complete details and other information are available on the commission website, including Guidelines to the Candidates for the UPSC Defence Services Examination-II 2025.