The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the CDS 2 Notification 2025 PDF on 28th May 2025 along with the CDS 2 Application Form 2025. A total of 453 vacancies are announced for admission to the Indian Air Force, Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, and Officers’ Training Academy for courses commencing in October 2026. Interested candidates who hold the required eligibility for the CDS 2 exam can apply online for the UPSC CDS 2 Exam 2025 through the official website www.upsc.gov.in. As per the UPSC Calendar 2025, the CDS 2 2025 exam is scheduled for 14th September 2025.

CDS 2 Notification 2025 PDF

The detailed CDS 2 Notification 2025 PDF for Combined Defence Service Examination (II), 2025 (Including SSC Women (Non-Technical) Course) has been released by UPSC on 28th May 2025. The notification PDF contains all important details such as vacancy, eligibility criteria, application procedure, selection processetc. Candidates interested in applying for the CDS 2 exam are advised to thoroughly review the advirtisment PDF to ensure their eligibility and know other details regarding the exam. 

CDS 2 Notification 2025 PDF - Click to Download

CDS 2 Exam 2025- Summary

The Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) is a natonal level defence exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for recruitment of officer cadets in the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA). The CDS exam is held twice a year in April and September, and the selection process includes the written exam and interview. 

CDS 2 2025 Exam - Summary
OrganizationUnion Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Exam NameCombined Defence Service Examination (2) 2025
CDS 2 Vacancy453
Level of ExamNational
Mode of ApplicationOnline
Registration Dates28th May to 20th June 2025 
Selection ProcessWritten Test- Interview- Medical Examination
Language of Written ExamBilingual
Mode of ExaminationOffline
Type of QuestionsMultiple-choice questions
EligibilityUnmarried Males & Females
CDS Exam Duration2 hours (each paper)
Marking Scheme1/3 for each incorrect answer
Job LocationAll Over India
Official Websitewww.upsc.gov.in

CDS 2 2025- Important Dates

The CDS 2 2025 Notification PDF comprises important events for the Combined Defence Service Examination (2) 2025. As per schedule, the CDS 2 2025 online application process has started from 28th May 2025 onwards, and candidates can submit their application forms til 20th June 2025. As per the UPSC Calendar 2025, the CDS 2 Exam will be held on 14th September 2025 (Sunday).   

UPSC CDS 2 Exam 2025- Important Dates
EventsDates
CDS 2 Notification 2025 Release Date28th May 2025
CDS Application Form 202528th May 2025
Online Registration End Date20th June 2025 (11:59 pm)
Last Date to Pay Fee20th June 2025
CDS 2 Admit Card 20254th September 2025
UPSC CDS 2 Exam Date 202514th September 2025

CDS 2 Exam 2025 Vacancy

For the CDS 2 Exam, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released a total of 453 vacancies for the Indian Air Force, Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, and Officer’s Training Academy. 

CDS 2 2025 Vacancy
Name of the academyNumber of Vacancies
Indian Military Academy, Dehradun 160th (DE) 
Course commencing in July 2026
100
Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala Course 
Course commencing in July, 2026
26
Air Force Academy, Hyderabad Training Course 
Course commencing in July, 2026
32
Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai (Madras) SSC Men
124th SSC (Men) (NT) (UPSC)
Course Commencing in October, 2026
276
Officers Training Academy, Chennai SSC Women
124th SSC Women (NT) (UPSC) 
Course commencing in, October, 2026
19
Total Vacancies453

CDS 2 2025 Application Form

Along with the release of the CDS 2 Notification PDF, the CDS 2 2025 online application process has started on 28th May 2025 at the official website www.upsc.gov.in. The aspirants interested in the vacancies must apply well before the last date to avoid any last-minute hassle. The online application window will remain active till 20th June 2025. The direct link for CDS 2 2025 registration is also provided here, as activated by UPSC. 

CDS Application Form 2025 - Click Here to Check Details 

CDS 2 Exam 2025 Application Fee

The examination fee for the CDS 2 2025 Exam is Rs. 200/- for all categories except SC/ST/Females (exempted from fee payment). The payment can be done through online/offline mode (Net Banking, Mastercard/Debit Card or cash deposit in any branch of SBI Bank.

CategoryApplication Fee
All category except SC/ST/FemalesRs. 200/-
 SC/ST/FemalesExempted

CDS 2 Exam 2025 Eligibility Criteria

The candidates must meet the CDS 2025 Eligibility Criteria as set by the Union Public Service Commission for defence recruitment. Check detailed eligibility (nationality, education, age, marital status, sex) from below.

CDS Nationality

A candidate should hold The Citizenship of India, subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or a Tibetan refugee who had been migrated to India before January 01, 1962, with the intention of Permanent Settle, or An individual of Indian Origin who migrated from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Burma, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Malawi, Zambia, Zaire & Vietnam for permanent settle purpose in India.

CDS Education Qualification

For I.M.A. and Officers’ Training Academy - The candidate should have a graduation degree (any subject) from a recognized University or equivalent.

For Indian Naval Academy- The candidate should have completed their Graduation in Engineering from a recognized University/Institution.

For Air Force Academy- The candidate should hold a bachelor's degree from a recognized University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or a Bachelor of Engineering.

CDS Age Limit

The age limit for the candidates who will be applying for CDS 2 Exam will be as follows;

(i) For IMA- Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd January 2002 and not later than 1st January 2007 only are eligible

(ii) For Indian Naval Academy- Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd January 2002 and not later than 1st January 2007 only are eligible.

(iii) For Air Force Academy- 20 to 24 years, i.e., born not earlier than 2nd January 2002 and not later than 1st January 2006.

CDS Marital Status & Sex

• For the Indian Military Academy, and Indian Naval Academy, only Unmarried males are eligible to apply for the CDS 2 Exam

• For the Indian Air Force Academy, both married and unmarried males can apply, however, marriage during the training is not permitted

• For Officer Training Academy, unmarried males & females can apply for the CDS 2 Exam.

CDS Physical Standards 

Candidates must be physically fit according to physical standards for admission to the Combined Defence Services Examination (2), 2025 

  • The minimum acceptable height for male cadidates is 157 cm.
  • For the Navy candidates height is 157 cm, for the Air Force is 162.5 and for female candidates is 152 cm.
  • Gorkhas and candidates belonging to the Hills of the North Eastern region of India, Garhwal and Kumaon, required a minimum height is 152 cm.
  • Tribals from the Ladhakh Region and Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep and Minicoy Islands' and Extra talented sports candidates minimum required rights is 155 Cm
  • Body Mass Index (BMI) should be below 25.
  • The ratio of the waist and hip should be below 0.9 for males and 0.8 for females.
  • Waist Circumference should be less than 90 cm for males and 80 cm for females.

CDS Previous Year Question Paper PDFs- Click to Check

CDS 2 Exam 2025 Selection Procedure

The recruitment of AFA, IMA, INA & Officers Training Academy posts will be conducted based on:

Stage 1: Written Exam- The UPSC will conduct the CDS written exam to shortlist candidates for the interview exam. The written exam consists of objective-type questions only. Subjects asked in the exam from of General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics.

Stage 2: SSB Interview/Personality Test- Candidates who are declared successful in the written exam will be called to appear for an intelligence and personality test at the Service Selection Board based on their preferred service. This stage assesses candidates’ leadership qualities, officer-like attributes, and suitability for a career in the defense forces. The exam will be in two stages. Stage 1 includes tests such as officer intelligence rating, picture perception, and description. Stage 2 involves a psychological test, an interview, group testing tasks, and a conference.

Stage 3: Document Verification- Candidates will be called to provide original documents for verification, including educational certificates, age proof, and other relevant documents as submitted during the application process.

Stage 4: Medical Examination- Candidates who clear the interview/personality test undergo Medical examinations are carried out meticulously by the Armed Forces Medical Services. The medical examination ensures that the candidate is in good physical and mental health and free from any disease/syndrome/disability. 

CDS 2 Exam 2025 Exam Pattern

The candidates have to clear the CDS Written Examination to get selected for the interview round. Check the exam pattern for each position below.

• There will be Multiple-Choice Questions in each paper

• The question paper for General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics will be set in Hindi as well as in English.

• There will be a penalty of 1/3 marks for a wrong answer

• Duration of each exam is separate i.e. 2 hours.

For Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy and Air Force Academy
SNoSubjectMaximum MarksDuration
1English1202 hours
2General Knowledge1202 hours
3Elementary Mathematics1002 hours
For Officers’ Training Academy
SNoSubjectMaximum MarksDuration
1English1002 hours
2General Knowledge1002 hours

Note The maximum marks allotted to the written examination and to the interviews will be equal for each course i.e. the maximum marks allotted to the written examination and to the interviews will be 300, 300, 300 and 200 each for admission to the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy and Officers’ Training Academy respectively.

CDS 2025 Exam Syllabus

The aspirants preparing for the CDS Exam must be familiar with the detailed syllabus and must prepare according to that only. The standard of Elementary Mathematics in the CDS Exam will be of Matriculation level. However, for other subjects, the difficulty level will of graduation level. A syllabus is important so that candidates do not miss out on any important topic for the upcoming UPSC CDS Exam. To ace the exam, click on the below link and get the detailed syllabus for Combined Defence Services Examination.

Check Detailed CDS Syllabus 2025

CDS Salary 2025

Candidates appointed for various service posts under the Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination will be offered an attractive monthly salary as fixed by the author. Apart from the salary candidates will provided various allowances like Dearness Allowance, Kit maintenance allowance, Uniform allowance, Transport Allowance etc. The pay scale of Army Officers and equivalent ranks in the Air Force and Navy are as follows. 

RankLevel (Pay in Rs.)Lieutenant 
LieutenantLevel 10 Rs. 56,100 -1,77,500
CaptainLevel 10 BRs. 61,300- 1,93,900
Major Level 11Rs. 69,400 – 2,07,200
Lieutenant ColonelLevel 12A Rs. 1,21,200 – 2,12,400
ColonelLevel 13Rs. 1,30,600-2, 15,900
BrigadierLevel 13A Rs. 1,39,600-2,17,600
Major GeneralLevel 14Rs. 1,44,200-2,18,200
Lieutenant General HAG ScaleLevel 15 Rs. 1, 82, 200-2,24,100
HAG+ScaleLevel 16 Rs. 2,05,400 – 2,24,400
VCOAS/Army Cdr/ Lieutenant General (NFSG)Level 17Rs. 2,25,000/-(fixed)
COASLevel 18Rs. 2,50,000/-(fixed)

CDS 2 Exam 2025 Admit Card 

The admit card for the CDS 2 exam 2025 will be released 10 days before the exam date, i.e., 4th September 2025, for the written exam to be held on 14th September 2025. The candidates must download their call letter much before the exam date to avoid the last-minute rush. It is mandatory to carry the hard copy of the admit card to the exam hall.

CDS 2 Exam 2025 Result 

After the successful conduct of the written exam, UPSC will announce the results for the shortlisted candidates for the interview round. The results for each stage will be released separately. 

Steps to check CDS 2 Result 2025

  1. Visit the official website of UPSC @upsc.gov.in
  2. On the homepage, click on the "Written Result" tab
  3. A new page will open in your window with the result PDF
  4. Click "CTRL+F" and check your roll number in the pdf
  5. If the name exists in the PDF, the details for the interview round will be sent to you shortly.

CDS 2 2025 Cut-Off

UPSC releases cut-off marks for the CDS Exam on its official website. The candidates must score the minimum qualifying marks (i.e. 20 marks minimum in each subject) and for selection must score more than the cut-off marks. UPSC releases CDS written exam cut-off and final cut-off separately. Check the previous year's cut-off marks for your reference.

 CDS Cut Off 2023
AcademyWritten Exam (CDS I 2023)Final Exam (CDS II 2023)
IMA132257
INA122247
AFA142266
OTA (Men)101181
OTA (Women)101184

CDS 2 2025 Exam Centre

The Combined Defence Services Examination- 2 will be held at various centres. The candidate has to choose their preferred centre while filling out their CDS 2 application form. Below are the centres that were notified in the previous notification; any additions or subtractions to the centres will be notified here. 

CDS 2025 Exam Centre
AgartalaGhaziabadPanaji (Goa)
AgraGorakhpurPatna
AjmerGurgaonPort Blair
AhmedabadGwaliorPrayagraj (Allahabad)
AizawlHyderabadPuducherry
AligarhImphalPune
Almora (Uttarakhand)IndoreRaipur
Anantapur (Andhra Pradesh)ItanagarRajkot
AurangabadJabalpurRanchi
BengaluruJaipurSambalpur
BareillyJammuShillong
BhopalJodhpurShimla
BilaspurJorhatSiliguri
ChandigarhKochiSrinagar
ChennaiKohimaSrinagar (Uttarakhand)
CoimbatoreKolkataThane
CuttackKozhikodeThiruvananthapuram
DehradunLehTiruchirapalli
DelhiLucknowTirupati
DharwadLudhianaUdaipur
DispurMaduraiVaranasi
FaridabadMumbaiVellore
GangtokMysoreVijayawada
GayaNagpurVisakhapatnam
Gautam Buddh NagarNavi MumbaiWarangal
CDS 2 Notification 2025: FAQs

UPSC CDS 2 Notification 2025 has been released on 28th May 2025 on the official website of www.upsc.gov.in.

The vacancies for CDS 2 2025 Exam will be released by the UPSC along with the CDS 2 notification pdf.

Ans. As per the UPSC Calendar 2025, the CDS 2 Exam 2025 will be conducted on 14th September 2025.

Ans: Indian Candidates who have completed their graduate or in their final year of graduation, and meet specific age and physical standards are eligible to apply online for for CDS 2 2025.

Ans. CDS has two stages of the selection process – written exam and the SSB Interview.

Ans: No, particular physical test will be conducted, but the candidates have to undergo a medical examination.

Ans. Yes, girls are eligible to apply for CDS 2025 Exam.

Ans. Candidates must be between 20 and 24 years old to apply online for CDS Exam.