The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) invites online applications for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination (II) 2025 for admission to the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) courses, including SSC Women (Non-Technical) Course, commencing in July/ October 2026. This article provides comprehensive details about UPSC CDS (II) 2025, including vacancies, eligibility criteria, age limit, educational qualifications, application fee, selection process, important dates, detailed notification PDF, and online application form link.
UPSC CDS (II) 2025 – Notification Overview
|
Name of the Exam |
Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2025 |
|---|---|
|
Total Vacancies |
453 |
|
Age Limit |
Born between 02/07/2001 and 01/07/2007 (varies by course) |
|
Stipend |
₹ 56,100/- per month during training |
|
Educational Qualification |
Degree or equivalent (varies by course) |
|
Selection Process |
Written Exam, SSB Interview, Medical Exam |
|
Closing Date |
17/06/2025 (23:59 hrs) |
|
Exam Date |
14/09/2025 |
✅ UPSC CDS (II) 2025 Vacancy List
| Course | Vacancies |
|---|---|
|
Indian Military Academy, Dehradun (161st DE Course, Jul 2026) |
100 (incl. 13 for NCC ‘C’ Army Wing) |
|
Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala (Executive Branch/Hydro, Jul 2026) |
26 (incl. 6 for NCC ‘C’ Naval Wing, 2 for Hydro) |
|
Air Force Academy, Hyderabad (Pre-Flying, 220 F(P) Course, Jul 2026) |
32 (incl. 3 for NCC ‘C’ Air Wing) |
|
Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai (124th SSC Men NT, Oct 2026) |
276 |
|
Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai (124th SSC Women NT, Oct 2026) |
19 |
✅ Eligibility Criteria:
✔️ Nationality: Indian citizen, subject of Nepal, or person of Indian origin migrated from specified countries (Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries, Vietnam) with intent to settle permanently. Certificate of eligibility required for non-Indian citizens (except Gorkha subjects of Nepal).
✔️ Age Limit & Marital Status:
IMA/INA: Unmarried males, born 02/07/2002–01/07/2007.
AFA: 20–24 years as on 01/07/2026 (born 02/07/2002–01/07/2006); up to 26 years for valid CPL holders (born 02/07/2000–01/07/2006). Unmarried if below 25; married candidates ≥25 not provided married accommodation.
OTA (Men): Unmarried males, born 02/07/2001–01/07/2007.
OTA (Women): Unmarried women, issueless widows/divorcees (with divorce documents), born 02/07/2001–01/07/2007. Male divorcees/widowers not treated as unmarried.
✔️ Educational Qualification:
IMA/OTA: Degree from recognized university or equivalent.
INA: Engineering degree from recognized university/institution.
AFA: Degree (with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2) or Bachelor of Engineering.
✅ Selection Process:
✔️ Written Examination.
✔️ SSB Interview.
✔️ Medical Examination.
✅ Application Fee:
✔️ ₹ 200/- for General/OBC/EWS category candidates.
✔️ No fee for SC/ST or female candidates.
✔️ The fee should be made through online payment mode (Credit / Debit Card, UPI, or Net Banking).
✅ How to Apply for UPSC CDS (II) 2025:
➢ Eligible Candidates should apply online through UPSC Online Application Portal from 28/05/2025 to 17/06/2025 (23:59 hrs).
➢ The candidates should fill basic / personal / educational details and upload scanned copy of all relevant documents.
➢ The final step to pay examination fee (if required) and submit your online application form.
➢ Take print out for completed application form for future reference.
➢ Contact helpline: 011-24041001 (10:00 AM–5:30 PM, working days) or email upscsoap@nic.in for queries.
✅ Important Links:
✅ Important Dates:
|
Opening Date for Online Registration |
28/05/2025 |
|
Closing Date for Online Registration |
17/06/2025 (23:59 hrs) |
|
Written Examination Date |
14/09/2025 |
|
SSB Interview (IMA/INA/AFA) |
February – March 2026 |
|
SSB Interview (OTA) |
April – June 2026 |