Examination Overview
Name: Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) II, 2025
Conducted by: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Exam Date: 14th September 2025
Last Date to Apply: 17th June 2025 (11:59 PM)
Application Mode: Online via https://upsconline.nic.in
New Portal: Fresh registration required (old OTR not applicable)
Total Vacancies: 453
| Course | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala | 26 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad | 32 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai – Men | 276 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai – Women | 19 |
Eligibility
Nationality: Indian, Nepali, or certain persons of Indian origin
Marital Status: Unmarried (specific relaxations for SSC Women)
Age Limits:
IMA/INA: Born between 2 July 2002 – 1 July 2007
AFA: Born between 2 July 2002 – 1 July 2006 (up to 26 yrs for CPL holders)
OTA (Men/Women): Born between 2 July 2001 – 1 July 2007
Educational Qualifications:
IMA/OTA: Graduate degree
INA: Engineering degree
AFA: Graduate with Physics & Math at 10+2 or Engineering
Application Fee
₹200 for general/OBC candidates
Exempted: Female / SC / ST candidates
Payment Mode: Online (Debit/Credit/UPI/Net Banking)
Exam Pattern
For IMA, INA, AFA:
English – 100 marks
General Knowledge – 100 marks
Elementary Mathematics – 100 marks
For OTA (Men & Women):
English – 100 marks
General Knowledge – 100 marks
Note: Negative marking for wrong answers
Selection Process
Written Exam
SSB Interview (Two Stages)
Medical Fitness
Final Merit List (based on marks in written + SSB)
Additional Highlights
Admit cards available ~1 week before the exam on UPSC website
Candidates applying for Army (IMA/OTA) must register at: www.joinindianarmy.nic.in
Separate preferences to be selected for IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA
No correction window after form submission
Mobile phones and electronic devices strictly prohibited in exam hall
