UPSC Combined Defence Services CDS (II) Recruitment 2025
Examination Notice No. 11/2025.CDS-II | Including SSC Women (Non-Technical) Course
Brief Description
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will be conducting the Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2025, for admission to various courses of the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers' Training Academy for both men and women. This national-level examination consists of a written test followed by an SSB interview for intelligence and personality assessment. A total of 453 vacancies are available across the different academies.
Important Dates
Application Fee
Payment Mode: Online via Credit/Debit Card, UPI, or Internet Banking.
Vacancy Details Total: 453 Posts
Eligibility Criteria by Academy
For IMA & OTA
- Age (IMA): Unmarried males born between 2nd July 2002 and 1st July 2007.
- Age (OTA): Unmarried males/females born between 2nd July 2001 and 1st July 2007.
- Qualification: A degree from a recognized university or equivalent.
For Indian Naval Academy (INA)
- Age: Unmarried males born between 2nd July 2002 and 1st July 2007.
- Qualification: A degree in Engineering from a recognized university or institution.
For Air Force Academy (AFA)
- Age: 20 to 24 years as of 1st July 2026 (born between 2nd July 2002 and 1st July 2006).
- Qualification: A degree from a recognized university with Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level, OR a Bachelor of Engineering.
Selection Process
Written Exam, SSB Interview & Medical
- Written Examination: Objective-type papers. For IMA/INA/AFA, subjects are English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. For OTA, subjects are English and General Knowledge.
- SSB Interview: Candidates who qualify the written exam will undergo a two-stage selection process at a Services Selection Board, which includes an intelligence and personality test.
- Medical Examination: Recommended candidates will undergo a medical examination to ensure they meet the physical standards for their chosen service.
How to Apply
- Candidates must apply online only through the new UPSC portal: https://upsconline.nic.in.
- You will need to complete account creation, universal registration, and the common application form on the new portal.
- Have a valid Photo ID card (Aadhaar is strongly advised) ready, as its details are required for registration.
- Carefully fill in the application, select your preferred service, and upload the required documents.
- Pay the application fee online (unless exempted) to complete the submission.
Important Links
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I modify my application after final submission?
No, the commission will not provide any facility for making corrections in any field of the application form after it has been submitted and the application window is closed.
2. Is there negative marking in the written exam?
Yes, there is a penalty (Negative Marking) for wrong answers in the Objective Type Question Papers. One-third (0.33) of the marks assigned to a question will be deducted for each incorrect answer.
3. I am in the final year of my degree. Can I apply?
Yes, candidates who are studying in the final year/semester of their degree course can also apply. However, they must submit proof of passing the degree by the specified dates for each academy.
4. I am a male divorcee. Am I considered unmarried for IMA/INA/AFA courses?
No, male divorcee or widower candidates cannot be treated as unmarried and are therefore not eligible for IMA, INA, AFA, or OTA courses.
5. How are exam centres allotted?
Allotment of centres is on a 'first-apply-first-allot' basis. Most centres have a limited capacity, so candidates are advised to apply early to get a centre of their choice.
6. How will I receive my admit card?
The e-Admit Card will be made available on the UPSC website for download approximately one week before the examination date. It will not be sent by post or any other means.