UPSC Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2025

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released Examination Notice No. 11/2025.CDS-II for the Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2025. This examination is a gateway for unmarried male and female candidates to join the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers' Training Academy (OTA) for Short Service Commission (Non-Technical) courses.

This notification includes details for the SSC Women (Non-Technical) Course as well. UPSC has introduced a new Online Application Portal for registration and application submission, making the process streamlined for applicants.

This comprehensive guide provides all essential details including important dates, vacancy breakdown, eligibility criteria, application process, examination scheme, syllabus, physical standards, and more. Candidates are strongly advised to read the official notification thoroughly and apply online well before the last date to ensure a smooth application process.

UNION PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION

COMBINED DEFENCE SERVICES EXAMINATION (II), 2025

UPSC CDS (II) 2025

Important Dates
Notification Release Date28/05/2025
Online Application Start Date28/05/2025
Last Date for Submission of Applications17/06/2025 (Till 11:59 PM)
e-Admit Card AvailabilityAbout a week before the exam date
Examination Date14th September, 2025
Written Exam Result (Tentative)October 2025
SSB Interview (Likely)IMA/INA/AFA: Feb-March 2026, OTA: April-June 2026
Application Fee
Category Application Fee
General / OBC₹200/-
SC / ST / Female CandidatesNil (Exempted)
  • Payment Mode: Visa/Master/RuPay Credit/Debit Card/UPI Payment or Internet Banking.
  • Fee once paid shall not be refunded under any circumstances.
  • Applications submitted without the prescribed fee (unless exempted) will be summarily rejected.
Age Limits, Sex and Marital Status (as on 01/07/2026 for IMA/INA/AFA, 01/10/2026 for OTA)
Educational Qualifications
Approximate Number of Vacancies
S. No. Name of the Course Approximate No. of Vacancies
1. Indian Military Academy, Dehradun - 161st (DE) Course commencing in July 2026 [including 13 vacancies reserved for NCC 'C' Certificate (Army Wing) holders] 100
2. Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala Course commencing in July, 2026 Executive Branch (General Service)/Hydro [including 06 vacancies for NCC 'C' Certificate (Naval Wing) holders and 02 for Hydro] 26
3. Air Force Academy, Hyderabad (Pre-Flying) Training Course commencing in July, 2026 i.e. 220 F(P) Course. [including 03 vacancies reserved for NCC 'C' Certificate (Air Wing) holders through NCC Special Entry] 32
4. Officers' Training Academy, Chennai (Madras) 124th SSC (Men) (NT) (UPSC) Course Commencing in October, 2026. 276
5. Officers' Training Academy, Chennai (Madras) 124th SSC Women (NT) (UPSC) Course commencing in, October, 2026. 19
Total 453

Note: Vacancies are tentative and may be changed. Separate selection for SSC(NT) Men and SSC(NT) Women categories.

Scheme and Syllabus of Examination
Selection Procedure (SSB Test/Interview)
Physical Standards

Candidates must be physically and mentally fit according to the prescribed physical standards. It is advised to get medically examined before applying to avoid disappointment.

Training and Promotional Avenues
How to Apply
Some Important Links