The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the Combined Defence Services (CDS) II Examination 2025 notification for the recruitment of 453 vacancies across the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers’ Training Academy. Interested and eligible candidates can apply online through the official UPSC website at upsconline.nic.in. The application window opened on 28 May 2025 and will remain open until 20 June 2025 (11:59 PM).
This recruitment offers a golden opportunity for aspirants aiming to serve in the Indian Armed Forces through prestigious training academies. Check out the complete details below regarding eligibility, age limit, selection process, application steps, and salary structure.
📢 UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2025 – Key Highlights
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) II, 2025 |
| Total Vacancies | 453 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Online Application Start Date | 28 May 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 20 June 2025 (Till 11:59 PM) |
| Official Website | upsconline.nic.in |
| Notification PDF | Download Here |
📌 Vacancy Details (Total: 453 Posts)
| Name of the Course | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun – 161st Course | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala – July 2026 Course | 26 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad – 220 F(P) Course | 32 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai – 124th SSC (Men) | 276 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai – 124th SSC (Women) | 19 |
🧾 Educational Qualification
| Academy | Qualification |
|---|---|
| IMA & OTA | Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university or equivalent |
| INA | Degree in Engineering from a recognized university/institution |
| AFA | Degree from a recognized university (with Physics and Math at 10+2 level) or a Bachelor's in Engineering |
Note: Candidates must submit proof of graduation at the time of SSB Interview.
🎯 Age Limit (As on 01 July 2026)
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Indian Military Academy: Unmarried male candidates born between 2nd July 2002 and 1st July 2007.
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Indian Naval Academy: Unmarried male candidates born between 2nd July 2002 and 1st July 2007.
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Air Force Academy: 20 to 24 years old as on 1st July 2026. Candidates must be born between 2nd July 2002 and 1st July 2006 (both inclusive).
Note: Candidates under 25 must be unmarried.
💰 Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General/OBC Candidates | ₹200/- |
| SC/ST/Female Candidates | Exempted (No Fee) |
-
Payment Mode: Debit/Credit Card, Net Banking, or Cash at SBI branches.
🏆 Salary & Pay Structure
Selected candidates will undergo training and, upon commissioning, will receive salaries according to military ranks:
Training Stipend:
-
₹56,100/- per month (Stipend during training at IMA/OTA)
Pay Scales (Post Commissioning):
| Rank | Pay Level | Salary (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Lieutenant | Level 10 | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 |
| Captain | Level 10B | ₹61,300 – ₹1,93,900 |
| Major | Level 11 | ₹69,400 – ₹2,07,200 |
| Lieutenant Colonel | Level 12A | ₹1,21,200 – ₹2,12,400 |
| Colonel | Level 13 | ₹1,30,600 – ₹2,15,900 |
| Brigadier | Level 13A | ₹1,39,600 – ₹2,17,600 |
| Major General | Level 14 | ₹1,44,200 – ₹2,18,200 |
| Lieutenant General (HAG Scale) | Level 15 | ₹1,82,200 – ₹2,24,100 |
| HAG+ Scale | Level 16 | ₹2,05,400 – ₹2,24,400 |
| VCOAS / Army Commander / Lieutenant General (NFSG) | Level 17 | ₹2,25,000 (fixed) |
| COAS | Level 18 | ₹2,50,000 (fixed) |
Military Service Pay (MSP): ₹15,500/- per month (Lt. to Brigadier)
🧪 Selection Process
- Written Examination (for IMA, INA, AFA, OTA)
- SSB Interview (Two-stage selection process)
- Medical Examination
- Final Merit List
Exam Pattern:
For IMA, INA & AFA:
| Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| English | 100 | 2 Hours |
| General Knowledge | 100 | 2 Hours |
| Elementary Mathematics | 100 | 2 Hours |
For OTA (Men & Women):
| Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| English | 100 | 2 Hours |
| General Knowledge | 100 | 2 Hours |
Note: There is a negative marking for wrong answers.
📝 How to Apply Online?
Follow the steps below to successfully apply:
- Visit the UPSC Online website: upsconline.nic.in
- Click on "Online Application for Various Examinations of UPSC"
- Select CDS II Examination 2025 and click on "Apply Now"
- Register using your basic details and generate a Registration ID
- Fill in the complete application form
- Upload the required documents and photograph
- Pay the application fee as applicable
- Submit and take a printout of the application form for future reference
📄 Important Links
❗ Important Instructions
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Candidates must ensure that they meet all eligibility criteria before applying.
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No change in exam centre or preferences will be entertained after form submission.
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Use a valid and active email ID and mobile number for communication.
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Candidates must carry a printed e-Admit Card to the examination centre.
📅 Mark These Dates
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Application Start Date: 28 May 2025
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Application Last Date: 20 June 2025 (Till 11:59 PM)
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Admit Card Release: Expected in August 2025
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Written Exam Date: Expected in September 2025
👩🎓 Who Should Apply?
This is an ideal opportunity for graduates (including engineering students and final-year students) who are driven by a passion for uniformed service, national security, and a career that offers both pride and prestige.
For more government job updates, stay tuned and let me know if you'd like to get a preparation guide for CDS exam or receive a sample study plan for the written test.
