Conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), the Combined Defence Services (CDS) II 2025 test is a distinguished chance for young Indians hoping to be commissioned officers in the Indian Armed Forces. Candidates for the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) are sought for this test. With 453 openings declared for 2025, it gives an opportunity to attend prestigious defense academies and serve the country with pride.
Through a written test, Services Selection Board (SSB) interview, medical examination, and document validation, the exam examines academic knowledge, physical fitness, and leadership abilities. The application procedure began with the issuance of the CDS II 2025 alert on May 28, 2025. The test is slated for September 14, 2025, and applicants must study rigorously to succeed in this tough procedure. This examination is a road to demonstrate your commitment to serving the nation, not just a knowledge test. With adequate preparation and resources, applicants may transform their ambition of a defense career into reality.
UPSC CDS II: Important Dates and Application Process
The application procedure for CDS II 2025 started on May 28, 2025, and will conclude on June 17, 2025, at 11:59 pm. The latest day to pay the application fee is likewise June 17, 2025. The written test is slated for September 14, 2025, with admission cards available for download from September 4, 2025.
To apply, aspirants must visit the official UPSC website (www.upsc.gov.in) and complete these steps:
Register or log in to the One Time Registration (OTR) site.
Fill out the application form with personal and educational data.
Upload scanned copies of your photos and signature.
Pay the application cost of Rs. 200 (exempt for SC/ST/female applicants) via online options (debit/credit card, net banking) or offline e-Challan.
Submit the form and preserve a printout for future reference.
Candidates should double-check all information before submission since subsequent revisions are not permitted. The application procedure is fully online, and applicants must guarantee a solid internet connection to prevent problems. Missing the deadline or supplying erroneous information might lead to disqualification, so read the official announcement carefully before applying.
UPSC CDS II: Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for CDS II 2025, applicants must satisfy particular criteria:
Nationality: Candidates must be Indian nationals, subjects of Nepal or Bhutan, Tibetan refugees who fled to India before January 1, 1962, or individuals of Indian heritage from countries like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, or selected African states who have established in India permanently.
UPSC CDS II: Educational Qualifications:
- IMA and OTA: A bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution.
- INA: A degree in Engineering from a recognized university.
- AFA: A bachelor’s degree in Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level or a Bachelor of Engineering.
- Age Limit (as of July 1, 2025):
- IMA and INA: Born between January 2, 2002, and January 1, 2007.
- AFA: Born between January 2, 2002, and January 1, 2006.
- OTA (Men and Women): Born between January 2, 2001, and January 1, 2007.
Marital Status: Candidates must be unmarried throughout application and training, except for OTA (women), where married women are acceptable.
Physical Standards: The minimum height for males is 157.5 cm (162.5 cm for AFA) and 152 cm for women, with relaxations for specific groups (e.g., Gorkhas). Weight must be proportional, with a BMI below 25 and precise waist-hip ratio standards.
Eligibility is evaluated at every level, and applicants must assure compliance to prevent rejection.
Exam Pattern and Syllabus
The CDS II 2025 written exam comprises multiple-choice questions with a 1/3 negative marking for erroneous answers. It is conducted in Hindi and English, spanning 6 hours over two sessions. The exam pattern differs per academy:
- IMA, INA, AFA:
- English: 120 marks
- General Knowledge: 120 marks
- Elementary Mathematics: 100 marks
- Total: 340 marks
- OTA: English: 100 marks
- General Knowledge: 100 marks
- Total: 200 marks
Syllabus Overview:
- English: Grammar, vocabulary, understanding, sentence construction.
- General Knowledge: History, geography, government, economics, science, current events.
- Elementary Mathematics: Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, statistics.
Candidates should refer to the official UPSC syllabus for specific subjects. Each topic demands serious preparation, and studying past years’ papers may help them grasp the types of questions and difficulty levels.
Selection Process
The CDS II 2025 selection procedure includes the following:
Written Examination: Candidates must qualify in the written exam to progress. The exam examines English, General Knowledge, and Mathematics (except for OTA).
SSB Interview: A five-day procedure comprising psychological testing, group assignments, and personal interviews to evaluate leadership and personality attributes.
Medical Examination: Candidates must fulfill physical and medical criteria particular to each academy, including height, weight, and eyesight requirements.
Document Verification: Original documents (educational certificates, ID evidence, etc.) are checked before final selection.
Only applicants who pass all stages are accepted to the separate academies for training. The procedure is rigorous, ensuring only the most talented individuals are picked.
Preparation Tips
- Cracking CDS II 2025 demands a deliberate strategy and constant work. Here are essential tips:
- Understand the Syllabus: Study the test format and curriculum to prioritize relevant areas.
- Study Materials: Use dependable books like English: Wren & Martin (Grammar) and Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis.
- General Knowledge: NCERT textbooks (Class 6-12), Manorama Yearbook, current events periodicals.
- Mathematics: RS Aggarwal, RD Sharma.
- Practice Past Papers: Solve past years’ CDS exams to judge the exam’s complexity and improve time management.
- Take Mock exams: Platforms like Testbook (www.testbook.com) and Career Power (www.careerpower.in) provide mock exams to imitate exam settings.
- Stay Updated: Read newspapers (e.g., The Hindu) and follow current events for General Knowledge.
- Physical Fitness: Regular exercise is vital for SSB and medical testing.
- SSB Preparation: Practice group discussions and interviews using books like SSB Cracker.
- Coaching/Online Courses: Institutes like Career Power or Olive Greens give systematic advice.
- Time Management: Create a study calendar, balancing all topics and review.
- Consistency and discipline are important for success.
- Study Materials and Resources
- Gathering the correct study materials is crucial for CDS II 2025 preparation. Recommended resources include:
- Books: English: Wren & Martin, Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis.
- General Knowledge: NCERT texts (Class 6-12), Manorama Yearbook, Lucent’s General Knowledge.
- Mathematics: RS Aggarwal, RD Sharma for Elementary Mathematics.
- Online Resources: UPSC official website (www.upsc.gov.in) for curriculum and previous papers.
- YouTube channels like Olive Greens and SSB Crack for SSB advice.
- Test series from Testbook (www.testbook.com) and Career Power (www.careerpower.in).
- Coaching Institutes: Career Power, Olive Greens, or online platforms provide professional assistance.
- Previous Years’ Papers: Available on the UPSC website or coaching platforms.
- Mock Tests: Regular practice with mock tests helps increase speed and accuracy.
Joining online forums or study groups may also give encouragement and updates. These materials, paired with a focused study regimen, will increase your preparedness.
Conclusion
The UPSC CDS II 2025 test is a route to a coveted career in the Indian Armed Forces. With 453 openings throughout IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA, it gives an opportunity to serve the country with distinction. The application window (May 28 to June 17, 2025) is open, and applicants must act immediately to apply. Success demands comprehensive preparation, from learning the coursework to succeeding in the SSB interview and achieving physical criteria. Use reputable study resources, practice often, and remain motivated. This test is not only about academic understanding but also about displaying your passion and leadership. With hard effort and the correct tools, you may fulfill your ambition of becoming a defense officer.
All the best!
Also Read: UPESSC UPHESC Assistant Professor BEd Recruitment 2025
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