UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2025: Apply Online for 453 Defence Vacancies – Complete Notification, Eligibility, and Salary Structure
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially announced the CDS II Recruitment Notification 2025 for a total of 453 vacancies across the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (IN). This recruitment drive invites aspiring candidates from across the country who seek a career in the esteemed Indian Defence Services.
The application process for UPSC CDS II Exam 2025 has begun from 28th May 2025 and will remain active until 17th June 2025 (11:59 PM). Interested and eligible candidates can submit their applications through the official UPSC portal: https://upsconline.nic.in.
This detailed article provides all essential information regarding UPSC CDS 2 2025, including post-wise vacancies, eligibility criteria, application fee, salary package, selection process, and step-by-step application guidance.
📘 Overview of UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2025
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of Examination | Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2025 |
| Conducting Authority | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Total Vacancies | 453 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Notification Date | 28th May 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 17th June 2025 (up to 11:59 PM) |
| Official Website | upsconline.nic.in |
🪖 UPSC CDS 2 2025 Vacancy Distribution
The 453 vacancies are distributed across various defence academies as follows:
| Academy / 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 – SSC (Men) | 276 |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), Chennai – SSC (Women) | 19 |
Note: A few seats are reserved for candidates with NCC ‘C’ Certificates across different wings.
🎓 Educational Qualifications
To apply for UPSC CDS II 2025, candidates must possess the following qualifications based on the academy:
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IMA / OTA: A Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or equivalent.
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INA: A degree in Engineering from a recognized university/institution.
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AFA: A graduate degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level or a Bachelor of Engineering.
🎯 Age Limit & Marital Status
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Indian Military Academy (IMA): Unmarried male candidates born between 2nd July 2002 and 1st July 2007.
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Air Force Academy (AFA): Candidates aged between 20 and 24 years as of 1st July 2026 (i.e., born between 2nd July 2002 and 1st July 2006). Candidates under 25 must be unmarried.
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Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) – SSC (Men/Women): Male/Female candidates born between 2nd July 2000 and 1st July 2006. Female applicants must be unmarried, widowed, or legally divorced without encumbrances.
💸 Application Fee
The application fee for the CDS II exam varies based on the candidate’s category:
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General/OBC/EWS: ₹200
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SC/ST/Female: Exempted from payment (No fee)
The fee can be paid online using debit/credit card, net banking, UPI, or through SBI e-challan.
💼 Salary Structure & Pay Scale in Defence Services
The defence services offer a lucrative salary and benefits package. Below is a summary of the rank-wise pay scale and other financial perks:
📌 Training Stipend:
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₹56,100 per month (fixed) during the entire training period at IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA.
📌 Military Service Pay (MSP):
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₹15,500 per month for ranks from Lieutenant to Brigadier.
📌 Post-Commission Salary:
| Rank | Pay Scale (INR) |
|---|---|
| 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) | ₹1,82,200 – ₹2,24,100 |
| HAG+ Scale | ₹2,05,400 – ₹2,24,400 |
| VCOAS / Army Commander / Lt. General | ₹2,25,000 (Fixed) |
| Chief of Army Staff (COAS) | ₹2,50,000 (Fixed) |
🧭 CDS II 2025 Selection Process
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Written Examination
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SSB Interview (Service Selection Board)
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Medical Examination
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Final Merit List
📑 Written Exam Pattern
➤ For IMA, INA, AFA:
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English – 100 Marks
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General Knowledge – 100 Marks
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Elementary Mathematics – 100 Marks
➤ For OTA (Men/Women):
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English – 100 Marks
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General Knowledge – 100 Marks
Duration: Each paper is of 2 hours
Type: Objective (MCQs)
Medium: English and Hindi
📝 How to Apply Online for UPSC CDS 2 Exam 2025
Candidates can follow these step-by-step instructions to apply:
✔️ Step-by-Step Process:
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Visit the UPSC official website – https://upsconline.nic.in.
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Click on “ONLINE APPLICATION FOR VARIOUS EXAMINATIONS OF UPSC”.
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Select the link for “Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2025”.
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Complete Part-I Registration by entering personal, academic, and communication details.
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Proceed to Part-II Registration:
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Upload scanned photograph, signature, and ID proof.
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Pay the application fee.
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Select examination centre and submit the form.
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📌 Important Note: Do not submit multiple applications.
📅 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | 28th May 2025 |
| Start of Online Applications | 28th May 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 17th June 2025 (11:59 PM) |
| Admit Card Release | 3 weeks before the exam |
| CDS II 2025 Exam Date | To be notified |
🔗 Useful Links
✅ Conclusion
The UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2025 is a gateway to a prestigious career in the Indian Armed Forces. With excellent pay, career growth, training, and the honour of serving the nation, CDS offers unmatched opportunities for leadership and nation-building.
Candidates are advised to read the official notification thoroughly, ensure they meet all eligibility criteria, and apply well before the deadline. Preparation with dedication and strategy can help aspirants secure a place in India’s elite defence academies.