UPSC has released the UPSC CDS 2 Notification at upsconline.gov.in on 28th May 2025. A total of 453 vacancies have been released. Candidates can apply online from 28th May to 17th June 2025. The written examination will be conducted on 14th September 2025. This exam, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), aims to select candidates for the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers' Training Academy (OTA). Key points to note about UPSC CDS 2 2025 are. Candidates will be selected based on a written test followed by an interview. Selected candidates will be hired in their respective departments after undergoing a period of training. The selected candidates will receive a stipend of Rs.56,100.

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UPSC CDS 2 2025 Exam: Overview

The UPSC CDS 2 Exam 2025 Notification has been officially released on the UPSC website. It provides key details such as application dates, eligibility, and selection process. Refer to the table below for a concise overview of the UPSC CDS 2025 exam.

Download UPSC CDS 2 2025 Notification PDF

CDS Exam Date 2025

The following table lists important dates for CDS Exam Date 2025. These dates help candidates plan their preparation and application process effectively.

CDS Exam Date 2026

The CDS Exam Date 2026 has been officially announced. The Combined Defence Services Examination (I) will be conducted on 24th May 2026, allowing candidates sufficient time to gear up for the exam. CDS Examination (II) is scheduled for 13th September 2026, offering another opportunity for aspirants to secure a position in the Indian Armed Forces through this prestigious examination.

Download CDS Exam 2026 PDF

What is CDS Exam?

The CDS (Combined Defense Services) Exam is a national-level exam conducted by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to select candidates for admission into the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers' Training Academy (OTA).

The exam is aimed at assessing the candidates' knowledge, aptitude, and potential to join the Indian Armed Forces as commissioned officers. It consists of a written test, followed by the SSB interview. It is the gateway for defence job aspirants to join the Indian Armed Forces. 

UPSC CDS Exam Vacancy 2025

A total number of 453 vacancies have been released for the CDS 2 2025. The detailed CDS vacancy distribution has been mentioned below. Candidates can check the vacancy of CDS 2.

CDS 2 Registration Form

Completing the CDS 2 Application process for CDS 2025 is the first step to applying for recruitment by the Combined Defence Services. Go through the step-by-step procedure given below to be able to apply it smoothly. 

Step 1: Visit UPSC Official Website

Begin by visiting the official website of UPSC to initiate your application process for the CDS Exam 2 2025.

Step 2: Complete "Part II" of Application

Enter your credentials in the designated fields under the section labeled "Part II" of the application form.

Step 3: Check Eligibility and Choose Academy

Prior to proceeding, carefully review the eligibility criteria and select the desired academy (Indian Naval Academy, Indian Air Force Academy, etc.) for which you wish to apply.

Step 4: Generate Registration ID

Upon completion of "Part A," a unique registration ID will be generated. Proceed to "Part B" of the CDS 2 application form.

Step 4: Upload Required Documents

Upload all necessary documents and signatures in the prescribed format (PDF, JPEG, etc.). Utilize tools like the Testbook Resize Tool to ensure compliance with specified dimensions.

Step 5: Pay the Application Fee and Select Exam Center

Make the payment of the application fee through the designated payment gateway and select your preferred examination center.

Step 6: Review and Submit

Thoroughly review all details entered in the application form and ensure accuracy. Once verified, click on the "Submit" button to finalize your application.

Step 7: Save Application Number

Safely store the application number generated upon successful submission for future reference and correspondence.

Step 8: Print Application Form

Take a printout of the completed application form for your records and future reference purposes.

CDS Application Fees 2025

The CDS 2 Exam Application Form will only be completed if you pay the application fee along with the application forms. Remember the following pointers for clarity.

• The application fee is Rs.200/- for all categories.
• The SC/ST/females do not have to pay any fees as they are exempted.
• You can pay via depositing money in SBI Bank by cash, Visa/Master/Rupay Credit/Debit Card/UPI Payment or by using the internet banking facility of any Bank.
• You can pay offline at any branch of the State Bank Of India.

CDS 2 2025 Eligibility

The CDS Eligibility Criteria including the age limit and educational qualifications, varies for posts under the IMA, AFA, Navy, INA, SSC(M) and SSC(W).

• For I.M.A. and Officers’ Training Academy, a degree of a recognized University or equivalent.
• For Indian Naval Academy, a degree in Engineering from a recognized University/Institution
• For Air Force Academy, a degree of a recognized University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or Bachelor of Engineering.
• Candidates applying for IMA and INA must be aged between 19 to 24 years, i.e., born from 2nd July 2002 to 1st July 2007. For AFA, the age limit is 20 to 24 years, extendable up to 26 years for those holding a valid CPL. OTA (men) applicants should be born between 2nd July 2001 and 1st July 2007.

CDS 2 2025 Selection Process

The CDS selection process involves a few stages that the candidates have to clear with flying colors to go a step closer to obtaining their desired post in their desired academy like AFA, IMA, etc. The various selection stages include

Written Examination

The first phase in the CDS selection procedure is the written exam. It comprises 2 hour papers. Candidates will just have to attempt the English and General Knowledge sections of the examination for admission to the officer training academy. Candidates for the Indian Naval Academy, Indian Maritime Academy, and Indian Air Force Academy must pass all three papers: English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. 

SSB Interview or Personality Test

The personality exam or SSB interview is the second phase in the CDS selection process. Stage I and Stage II of the SSB technique are two-stage selection processes. Only those applicants who have passed Stage I are eligible to take Stage II.

Document Verification

During the Document Verification stage, candidates must present all necessary documents to validate their eligibility. This includes educational certificates, proof of age, identity, and other relevant documents as per the notification. The verification ensures that the candidate meets all eligibility criteria for the CDS 1 exam. Failure to provide the required documents may lead to disqualification.

Medical Examination

All of the shortlisted candidates will undergo a medical examination to determine whether or not they are medically fit. A Board of Service Medical Officers conducts a medical examination of the applicants nominated by the Services Selection Board. Women applicants are examined by a Medical Board made up of male and female doctors, specialists, and gynecologists. A Lady Medical Officer will also be a member of the Board. Only those candidates who have been deemed fit by the Medical Board will be allowed into the Academy.

Note: A final merit list will be prepared for the shortlisted candidates who clear all these stages successfully.

CDS 2 Syllabus

The CDS 2 Syllabus is designed to evaluate candidates' aptitude in key areas essential for military training. It includes three main subjects: English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. The English section tests grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension skills, while the General Knowledge paper covers current affairs, history, geography, and general science. The Elementary Mathematics section is based on topics up to the 10th standard, such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and mensuration. Understanding the detailed syllabus helps candidates prepare effectively for the written examination stage of the selection process.

CDS 2025 Exam Pattern

The candidates who are applying to these respectable academies as mentioned above should be well aware of the latest examination pattern to have a well-informed idea about the important topics and sub-topics from an examination point of view. The table below shows the CDS exam pattern for Indian Naval Academy, Indian Military Academy & Indian Airforce Academy.

CDS Exam Pattern For INA, IMA, Indian Airforce Academy

CDS Exam Pattern For Officers Training Academy

The written exam pattern for the CDS Examination varies in the case of the OTA or Officer Training Academy. Let us look at the tabulated forms below for a better idea.

CDS Exam Salary

Those who pass the CDS exam will be paid a stipend during their training days. They will be paid a stipend of Rs 21,000 per month. The candidates who qualify for this prestigious UPSC CDS examination will receive a handsome salary as per the 7th pay Commission. It is quite sought after by the commissioned officers recruited via CDS. The CDS salary range varies rank-wise and also with the years of service rendered by the officers. Let us look at the table below for a better understanding:

CDS Exam Books

The UPSC CDS 2 Books are important resources for the aspirants. These books provide thorough coverage of the exam syllabus, aiding in effective preparation and proficiency enhancement. Additionally, practice sets and sample papers provided in these books allow candidates to gauge their progress and identify areas for improvement. Therefore the books help develop concept clarity and provide tips, and strategies for the exam. 

CDS Exam Preparation Tips

Given below are some UPSC CDS 2 Preparation Tips which can help you prepare for the written test.

• Start by thoroughly understanding the exam pattern and syllabus. Familiarize yourself with the sections, topics, and marking scheme. This will help you create a structured study plan.
• Solve Previous Year Question Papers. This will not only familiarize you with the exam pattern but also help you identify your strengths and weaknesses. Focus more on areas where you face difficulty and work on improving them.
• Take regular mock tests to simulate the exam environment and assess your preparation level. Analyze your performance in these tests and identify areas that need improvement. Additionally, mock tests will help you manage your time effectively during the exam.
• Allocate dedicated time for revision in your study schedule. Make concise notes of important points, formulas, and concepts to aid in quick revision.

CDS Exam 2025 Cut Off

The UPSC CDS 2 Cut Off is announced online in a few days after the exam. The cut off marks determine the selection of candidates for the further selection process. The cut off marks are influenced by various factors such as the difficulty level of the exam, number of vacancies available, and overall performance of the candidates.

CDS Exam 2025 Hall Ticket

The UPSC is expected to release the CDS admit card 2025 on the last working day of the preceding week of the date of examination, To download the CDS 2 Admit Card, candidates need to login to their account on the UPSC portal using their registration ID/roll number and date of birth. Along with the admit card, UPSC might also release the exam city details of the candidates. 

CDS Exam 2025 Answer Key

The UPSC CDS 2 Answer Key serves as a tool for candidates to assess their performance in the examination. It provides transparency in the evaluation process and allows candidates to compare their responses with the officially released key. Candidates are also allowed to raise objections against the provisional answer key for the written exam. 

CDS Exam 2025 Result

The UPSC is expected to release the CDS 2 Result 2025 by April 2026 on the official website. The result contains details like the roll numbers of recommended candidates, their all India ranks and qualifying marks. Separate merit lists are prepared for IMA, AFA, Navy, INA, SSC(M) and SSC(W).

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