The UPSC CDS II Examination 2025 is a national-level test for recruiting officers into the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Open to graduates, it includes a written exam and SSB interview. This exam offers a prestigious opportunity to serve the nation in the armed forces.
Important Dates
- Notification Release: May 28, 2025
- Application Window: May 28, 2025, to June 17, 2025
- Exam Date: September 14, 2025
- Admit Card Release: September 4, 2025 (expected)
These dates are crucial for candidates planning to apply, as missing any deadlines can result in ineligibility for this cycle.
Eligibility Criteria
Nationality:
Applicants must be citizens of India or meet the nationality conditions specified by UPSC.
Age Limit:
- IMA: Unmarried male candidates aged 19–24 years
- INA: Unmarried male candidates aged 19–24 years
- AFA: 20–24 years as of January 1, 2026
- OTA (Men): Unmarried male candidates aged 19–25 years
- OTA (Women): Unmarried women, widows, and divorcees aged 19–25 years
Educational Qualification:
- IMA and OTA: Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university
- INA: Degree in Engineering from a recognized university/institution
- AFA: Degree from a recognized university (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or Bachelor of Engineering
Application Process
The application process is entirely online via the official UPSC website (upsc.gov.in). Candidates must:
- Register on the UPSC portal (One-Time Registration, if not already done)
- Fill out the CDS II application form with accurate personal and educational details
- Upload scanned copies of a recent photograph, signature, and valid photo ID
- Pay the application fee (₹200 for General/OBC male candidates; exempted for SC/ST/female candidates)
- Choose preferred exam centers
- Submit the form and keep a printout of the confirmation for reference
Exam Pattern
The CDS II exam consists of objective-type questions in the following subjects:
| Academy | English | General Knowledge | Elementary Mathematics | Total Marks | Duration (Each Paper) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IMA, INA, AFA | 100 | 100 | 100 | 300 | 2 hours |
| OTA (Men & Women) | 100 | 100 | – | 200 | 2 hours |
- Negative marking: 1/3rd mark deducted for each wrong answer
- Medium: English and Hindi (except for the English paper)
- Mode: Offline (pen and paper based)
Syllabus
- English:
Questions test understanding of grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and usage. - General Knowledge:
Covers current events, history, geography, Indian polity, economics, and general science. - Elementary Mathematics:
Includes arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, mensuration, and statistics (up to class 10 level).
Selection Process
-
Written Examination: Candidates must qualify in the written test for their respective academies.
-
SSB Interview: Shortlisted candidates are called for the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview, which assesses intelligence, personality, and suitability for a career in the armed forces.
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Document Verification and Medical Examination: Final selection is subject to verification of documents and meeting required medical standards
