UPSC CDS 2 2025 Online Apply Form Recruitment Check Eligibility, Dates & Steps to apply
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The UPSC CDS 2 2025 Online Apply Form has been officially released by UPSC, inviting candidates to apply for a total of 453 vacancies. These positions are available for the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA). The application process started on May 28, 2025, and the last date to apply is June 17, 2025. Candidates must apply only through the official UPSC website, upsconline.nic.in. While General and OBC candidates are required to pay a fee of ₹200, SC/ST and female candidates are exempt from the application fee.
Eligible candidates include graduates and B.Tech holders who can apply online. The selection process involves a written exam followed by the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview. Candidates who qualify will undergo training at their respective academies and, upon completion, will be commissioned as officers. During the training period, candidates receive a monthly stipend of ₹56,100. The CDS 2 exam serves as a vital gateway for those aspiring to join the defense forces as commissioned officers. The official notification provides detailed information about eligibility, age limits, salary, and the overall selection process.
This opportunity is a key step in selecting various roles at UPSC and a great chance for a career in UPSC.
UPSC CDS 2 2025 Online Apply Form : Overview
The UPSC CDS 2 2025 Online Apply Form is now open for candidates seeking a career as commissioned officers in India’s defense forces. The Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), recruits officers for the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA). This national-level exam is held twice a year, and CDS 2 2025 offers 453 vacancies. The selection process includes a written test, interview, and medical exam. Candidates must apply online between May 28 and June 17, 2025. The written exam is bilingual and offline, featuring multiple-choice questions with negative marking for wrong answers. Both unmarried males and females are eligible to apply.
| Exam Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services Examination 2 (CDS 2) 2025 |
| Total Vacancies | 453 |
| Application Mode | Online (upsconline.nic.in) |
| Application Dates | 28 May – 17 June 2025 |
| Selection Process | Written Exam → Interview → Medical Exam |
| Exam Language | English & Hindi (Bilingual) |
| Exam Mode | Offline |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Eligibility | Unmarried Male and Female Graduates |
| Exam Duration | 2 hours per paper |
| Negative Marking | 1/3rd mark deducted for each wrong answer |
| Job Location | All over India |
| Official Website | www.upsc.gov.in |
UPSC CDS 2 2025 Online Apply Form – Application Fee Details
| Category | Application Fee (Inclusive of GST) |
|---|---|
| Gen/ OBC/ EWS | Rs. 200/- |
| SC / ST/ PWD/Female | NIL (No Fees) |
Pay the Examination Fee Through Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking/ Pay Offline Through E-Challan.
Important Dates For UPSC CDS 2 2025 Online Apply Form
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| UPSC CDS 2 2025 Notification Date | 28/05/2025 |
| Opening Date of Online Registration | 28/05/2025 |
| Closing Date of Online Registration | 17/06/2025 11:59 PM |
| Last Date Fee Payment | 17/06/2025 11:59 PM |
| Exam Date | 14-09-2025 |
Important Links For UPSC CDS 2 2025 Online Apply Form
| Notification PDF | Download |
| General Instruction for Apply Online | Download |
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
| For More Job Updates | Click Here |
✅ Not sure about your age? Calculate Now: Click Here
UPSC CDS 2 2025 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates interested in applying through the UPSC CDS 2 2025 Online Apply Form must meet specific eligibility criteria set by UPSC. The exam is open to unmarried male and female candidates who are Indian nationals and fall within the prescribed age limits. Applicants must also have completed or be in the final year of their graduation. Each academy under CDS 2 2025 has different qualification requirements. It’s important to also meet the required physical and medical standards before applying.
UPSC CDS 2 2025 Eligibility Summary:
| Academy | Educational Qualification | Age Limit | Gender & Marital Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMA (Army) | Graduation in any stream from a recognized university | 20 – 24 years (as on 01/07/2026) | Unmarried Male |
| INA (Navy) | Engineering Degree | 20 – 24 years | Unmarried Male |
| AFA (Air Force) | Graduation with Physics & Math at 10+2 OR B.E./B.Tech | 20 – 24 years | Unmarried Male |
| OTA (Officers’ Training) | Graduation in any stream | 19 – 25 years | Unmarried Male & Female (including widows/divorcees with no children) |
- Nationality: Indian, or subjects of Nepal, Bhutan, or Tibetan refugees (as per official norms).
- Physical Standards: Must meet medical fitness criteria as per UPSC guidelines.
Apply only via upsconline.nic.in before 17th June 2025. Don’t miss this golden opportunity to become a commissioned officer through UPSC CDS 2 2025 Online Apply Form.
UPSC CDS 2 2025 : Vacancy Details
✅ How to Fill UPSC CDS 2 2025 Online Apply Form – Step-by-Step Guide
If you want to apply for the UPSC CDS 2 2025 Exam, follow these simple steps to complete your registration successfully. This guide will help you fill the UPSC CDS 2 2025 Online Apply Form without errors.
Step 1: One-Time Registration (OTR)
- Visit the official website – upsconline.nic.in.
- Click on One Time Registration (OTR) on the homepage.
- If you’re new, click on New Registration and fill in your basic details.
- After completing OTR, verify using your mobile, email, or OTR ID.
- Login with your OTR ID to start the CDS 2 2025 application form.
Step 2: Fill the Application Form
- Log in using your registered email or mobile number and password/OTP.
- Read all instructions and click “Yes” to continue.
- Fill out all personal, educational, and contact details.
- Upload your photo, signature, and ID proof in the correct format.
- Choose your post preferences and exam center.
- Review everything before moving to the next step.
Step 3: Pay Application Fee
- Pay the required fee – ₹200 for General/OBC; Free for SC/ST/Female candidates.
- Choose online or offline payment mode as per your preference.
- After payment, submit the form and download a copy for reference.
Required Documents for UPSC CDS 2 2025 Online Apply Form
| Document | Format | Size |
|---|---|---|
| Photograph | JPG/JPEG | 20–300 KB |
| Signature | JPG/JPEG | 20–300 KB |
| Photo ID (Aadhaar, etc.) | 20–300 KB |
Details You Must Keep Ready Before Applying
- Full Name, DOB, Gender, Nationality
- Father’s & Mother’s Name
- Mobile Number & Email ID (valid & active)
- 10th Class Roll Number
- Educational Qualifications
- Community / Category details
- Address details
- Scanned Photo, Signature & ID Proof
Important Tips Before Submission
- Check the CDS 2 Notification 2025 thoroughly.
- Preview your filled form carefully before final submission.
- Ensure all documents are uploaded in the correct format.
- Don’t forget to take a printout of your submitted form.
UPSC CDS 2 2025 Exam Pattern & Syllabus – Full Guide
To crack the CDS 2 exam, understanding the scheme of the exam is crucial. After submitting your UPSC CDS 2 2025 Online Apply Form, candidates will go through two main stages: a written test and an SSB interview. Here’s everything you need to know in simple terms.
CDS 2 2025 Exam Stages
- Written Examination – Objective-type questions based on English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics.
- SSB Interview – A personality and intelligence test conducted in two stages.
CDS 2 2025 Written Exam Pattern
| Academy | Subjects | Time | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMA, INA, AFA | English, GK, Maths | 2 hours each | 300 |
| OTA (Men & Women) | English, GK | 2 hours each | 200 |
Note:
- All papers are objective type.
- GK & Math papers are available in English and Hindi.
- No calculators allowed.
- UPSC may set qualifying marks for any subject.
CDS 2 2025 Syllabus Table – Subject-Wise Overview
| Subject | Code | Topics Covered |
|---|---|---|
| English | 11 | Grammar, Vocabulary, Sentence Structure Comprehension, Usage of Words, Synonyms-Antonyms |
| General Knowledge | 12 | Current Affairs, Indian History, Geography Science Basics, Everyday Awareness |
| Elementary Mathematics | 13 | |
| ➤ Arithmetic | – | Numbers, Percentages, Profit & Loss Time & Work, Simple & Compound Interest |
| ➤ Algebra | – | Quadratic Equations, Polynomials HCF, LCM, Basic Operations |
| ➤ Trigonometry | – | Basic Trigonometric Identities Heights and Distances |
| ➤ Geometry | – | Lines, Angles, Triangles, Circles Congruence, Similarity, Properties of Figures |
| ➤ Mensuration | – | Area & Volume of Square, Rectangle, Cone, Cylinder, Sphere |
| ➤ Statistics | – | Bar Graphs, Pie Charts, Mean, Median, Mode |
SSB Interview Process (Personality Test)
After qualifying the written exam, shortlisted candidates attend a 5-day SSB Interview, which includes:
| Stage | Tests Included |
|---|---|
| Stage I | Officer Intelligence Test + Picture Perception (PP&DT) |
| Stage II | Interview, Group Tasks, Psychology, Conference |
✔️ The personality is evaluated by an Interview Officer, Group Testing Officer, and a Psychologist. Candidates are judged based on Officer-Like Qualities (OLQs) such as leadership, communication, team spirit, etc.
Why This Matters After Submitting UPSC CDS 2 2025 Online Apply Form
Understanding the exam structure and syllabus helps you prepare the right way. Once your UPSC CDS 2 2025 Online Apply Form is submitted, focus on mastering English, GK, and Mathematics based on this pattern. Preparing smartly boosts your chances of clearing the exam and getting selected for IMA, INA, AFA, or OTA.
Tip for Aspirants: Use official books, past-year papers, and mock tests to prepare. Stay updated on current affairs and practice regularly for best results.
CDS 2 2025 Salary Structure Overview
Candidates applying through the UPSC CDS 2 2025 Online Apply Form can look forward to an impressive pay structure after successful selection and training. Officer Cadets receive a monthly stipend during training, and once commissioned, their salary increases with rank. Military Service Pay (MSP) is also provided in addition to basic pay. Below is a complete salary table from training level to senior-most positions in the armed forces.
UPSC CDS 2 2025 Salary After Training
| Rank/Stage | Pay Scale (₹) |
|---|---|
| Stipend During Training (IMA/OTA) | ₹56,100/- per month |
| Military Service Pay (MSP) | ₹15,500/- per month (Fixed) |
UPSC CDS 2 2025 Rank-wise Salary Structure
| Rank | Monthly Salary (₹) |
|---|---|
| Lieutenant | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 |
| Captain | ₹61,300 – ₹1,93,900 |
| Major | ₹69,400 – ₹2,07,200 |
| Lieutenant Colonel | ₹1,21,200 – ₹2,12,400 |
| Colonel | ₹1,30,600 – ₹2,15,900 |
| Brigadier | ₹1,39,600 – ₹2,17,600 |
| Major General | ₹1,44,200 – ₹2,18,200 |
| Lieutenant General (HAG Scale) | ₹1,82,200 – ₹2,24,100 |
| HAG+ Scale | ₹2,05,400 – ₹2,24,400 |
| VCOAS/Army Commander/Lt. Gen. | ₹2,25,000 (Fixed) |
| Chief of Army Staff (COAS) | ₹2,50,000 (Fixed) |
CDS 2 2025 Selection Process
Candidates who fill out the UPSC CDS 2 2025 Online Apply Form will have to clear a multi-stage selection process to join the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force. The process is designed to test the candidate’s academic knowledge, personality, and physical fitness. The selection is done in three main stages: a written exam, the SSB Interview, and document & medical verification.
UPSC CDS 2 2025 Selection Stages
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Written Examination | Objective-type paper testing English, GK & Maths (as per the academy chosen) |
| SSB Interview | 2-stage assessment (OIR, PPDT, GTO Tasks, Interview & Psychology Tests) |
| Document Verification & Medical Test | Final stage to verify eligibility and physical fitness requirements |
FAQ’s- UPSC CDS 2 2025 Online Apply Form
1. Is the UPSC CDS 2 2025 notification released?
Yes, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) released the CDS 2 2025 notification on May 28, 2025. The application process commenced on the same day.
2. How many vacancies are announced for CDS 2 2025?
A total of 457 vacancies have been announced for the CDS 2 2025 examination. These vacancies are distributed among the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA).
3. What is the last date to apply for CDS 2 2025?
The last date to submit the online application for CDS 2 2025 is June 17, 2025. Candidates are advised to complete their applications before this deadline.
4. When is the CDS 2 2025 examination scheduled?
The CDS 2 2025 examination is scheduled to be held on September 14, 2025. Admit cards will be released approximately 10 days prior to the exam date.
5. Where can I apply for the UPSC CDS 2 2025 exam?
Eligible candidates can apply online through the official UPSC website: https://upsconline.nic.in. Ensure you complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) before filling out the application form.
