Chart Your Course: UPSC Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) (II) 2025

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is inviting applications for the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) (II), 2025, a significant opportunity for individuals aspiring to join the prestigious Indian Armed Forces as officers. This examination, scheduled for September 14, 2025, aims to fill 453 Group-A Government Job Vacancies across the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Naval Academy (NA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai.

Vacancy Details for CDS (II) 2025

The 453 vacancies are distributed among various academies and courses, each with specific requirements:

Indian Military Academy, Dehradun: There are 100 vacancies for the 161st (DE) Courses, commencing in July 2026. This includes 13 vacancies specifically reserved for NCC ‘C’ Certificate (Army Wing) holders.
Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala: A total of 26 vacancies are available for Executive (General Service)/Hydro courses, also commencing in July 2026. Three of these vacancies are reserved for NCC ‘C’ Certificate (Naval Wing) holders through the NCC Special Entry scheme.
Air Force Academy, Hyderabad: This academy has 32 vacancies for the (Pre-Flying) 220 F(P) Training Course, which will begin in July 2026. Within this, 3 vacancies are reserved for NCC ‘C’ Certificate (Air Wing) holders via the NCC Special Entry.
Officers Training Academy, Chennai (SSC Men): The 124th SSC (Men) (NT) (UPSC) Course, starting in October 2026, has the largest share with 276 vacancies.
Officers Training Academy, Chennai (SSC Women): For the 124th SSC Women (NT) (UPSC) Course, also commencing in October 2026, there are 19 vacancies.

Eligibility Criteria for CDS-(II) Exam 2025

Prospective candidates must meet specific criteria related to age, sex, marital status, and educational qualifications.

Age Limits, Sex, and Marital Status

The age and marital status requirements vary by academy:

For Indian Military Academy and Naval Academy: Only unmarried male candidates are eligible. They must have been born not earlier than July 2, 2002, and not later than July 1, 2007.
For Air Force Academy: Unmarried male candidates aged 20-24 years are eligible. Their birth dates must fall between July 2, 2002, and July 1, 2006 (inclusive of both dates).
For Officers’ Training Academy – (SSC Course for Men): Both unmarried and married male candidates can apply. Their birth dates should not be earlier than July 2, 2001, and not later than July 1, 2007.
For Officers Training Academy – SSC (Women Non-Technical) Course: Eligibility extends to unmarried women, issueless widows who have not remarried, and issueless divorcees (with divorce documents)¹ who have not remarried. Their birth dates must be between July 2, 2001, and July 1, 2007.

Educational Qualifications

Educational prerequisites also differ based on the chosen academy:

For Indian Military Academy and Officers’ Training Academy: Candidates must possess a Degree from a recognized university or an equivalent qualification.
For Naval Academy: Applicants need an Engineering Degree from a recognized University/Institution.
For Air Force Academy: A Degree from a recognized university with Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level is required, or an Engineering Degree from a recognized University/Institution.

It’s important to note that candidates in their final year of a Degree Course or equivalent examination are also eligible to apply. However, they will be required to submit proof of passing their degree examination by the specified dates, which will be detailed in the full advertisement.

Physical Standards

All applicants must meet the prescribed physical fitness standards for admission to the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) (II), 2025. These detailed physical standards are outlined in the comprehensive advertisement available on the UPSC website.

Application Fee

An application fee of ₹200/- is required from all candidates, except for Female, SC, and ST candidates, who are exempted from payment. The fee can be paid by depositing cash at any SBI Branch, using SBI’s Net Banking facility, or via Visa/Master Credit/Debit Card.

How to Apply for UPSC CDS Exam-II 2025

Interested and eligible candidates must apply online through the UPSC’s official application portal, [suspicious link removed]. The online application window is from May 28, 2025, to June 17, 2025.

Detailed Information

For comprehensive details regarding the UPSC CDS Exam (II) 2025, including guidelines for candidates and other crucial information, please visit the UPSC commission website at https://upsconline.nic.in This is an excellent opportunity for individuals aspiring to serve the nation as officers in the Indian Armed Forces.