CDS 2 Exam 2025 - Notification (Out), Application form (Released), Eligibility, Syllabus, Exam Dates

CDS 2 Exam 2025 - Notification (Out), Application form (Released), Eligibility, Syllabus, Exam Dates

Edited By Meghana Mohana Krishnan | Updated on May 28, 2025 06:10 PM IST | #CDS
Ongoing Event
CDS  Application Date : 28 May' 2025 - 17 Jun' 2025

CDS 2 2025 - Union Public Service Commission has released the UPSC CDS 2 notification 2025 today, May 28, 2025 on the official website, upsconline.nic.in/upsc.gov.in. Along with the notification, the UPSC CDS 2 2025 application form has also been released. The UPSC CDS application last date is June 17, 2025. UPSC has not provided the UPSC CDS application correction facility to make corrections in the application form later on.

This Story also Contains
  1. UPSC CDS 2 2025 Overview
  2. UPSC CDS 2 2025 Important Dates
  3. UPSC CDS 2 Eligibility Criteria 2025
  4. UPSC CDS 2 Application Form 2025
  5. UPSC CDS 2 Vacancy 2025
  6. UPSC CDS 2 Exam Pattern 2025
  7. UPSC CDS 2 Syllabus 2025
  8. UPSC CDS 2 Exam Centres 2025
  9. UPSC CDS 2 Admit Card 2025
  10. UPSC CDS 2 Exam Analysis 2025
  11. UPSC CDS 2 Answer Key
  12. UPSC CDS 2 Result 2025
  13. UPSC CDS 2 Cut Off 2025
CDS 2 Exam 2025 - Notification (Out), Application form (Released), Eligibility, Syllabus, Exam Dates
CDS 2 Exam 2025 - Notification (Out), Application form (Released), Eligibility, Syllabus, Exam Dates

The UPSC CDS 2 exam 2025 is scheduled to be conducted on September 14, 2025. As per the eligibility criteria, graduates between 20 to 24 years of age are eligible to apply for UPSC CDS exam. Before filling up the application form, candidates must check CDS 2 eligibility criteria 2025 carefully. Those who submit the CDS 2025 application form will be issued the admit card. Check the below table to know more about the CDS 2 2025 exam.

UPSC CDS 2 2025 Overview

Aspirants can check the CDS 2 2025 highlights from the below table.

Particulars

Details

Full Exam Name

Combined Defence Services Examination

Short Exam Name

CDS

Frequency of Conduct

Twice a year

Exam Conducting Body

Union Public Service Commission

Languages

English, Hindi

Mode of Application

Online

Application Fee

Rs 200 for Offline and Online

Exam Mode

Offline

Counselling Mode

Offline

Duration of the Exam

6 Hours

UPSC CDS 2 2025 Important Dates

The CDS exam date 2025 and other crucial dates are announced by the Commission. Candidates can check the UPSC Calendar 2025 to know all the important dates of CDS 2025. They can also check CDS 2 2025 exam dates along with other crucial dates given in the table below.

Events

CDS 2 2025 Dates

CDS 2 notification date 2025

May 28, 2025

CDS 2 application form release date

May 28, 2025

CDS 2 application form last date to apply

June 17, 2025

CDS 2 2025 admit card date

To be notified

CDS 2 2025 exam date

September 14, 2025

CDS 2 question papers 2025 release date

To be notified

CDS 2 2025 result date

To be notified

CDS 2 SSB Interview date

To be notified

CDS 2 cut-off date

To be notified

UPSC CDS 2 final result

To be notified

UPSC CDS 2 Eligibility Criteria 2025

Union Public Service Commission has prescribed the CDS 2025 eligibility criteria in the official notification at upsc.gov.in. There are three sections to check in the CDS eligibility criteria 2025 which are age limit, nationality and educational qualification. A candidate must be an Indian citizen between 20 to 24 years of age to be eligible to apply for UPSC CDS 2 2025 recruitment.

As per the educational qualification, candidates having a bachelor’s degree can apply for CDS 2 2025 exam for IMA (Indian Military Academy), INA (Indian Naval Academy), AFA (Air Force Academy) and OTA (Officer Training Academy). To apply for CDS 2 2025 recruitment, candidates must be physically fit and their eyesight too as per the prescribed format.

UPSC CDS 2 Application Form 2025

Candidates can now fill the UPSC CDS application form from May 28 to June 17, 2025. The CDS 2025 application form apply link has been activated at upsconline.nic.in/ upsc.gov.in. Those meeting the eligibility criteria can fill the CDS 2 application form 2025. Candidates must check the eligibility criteria carefully before applying for CDS 2 2025 exam.

How to Fill CDS 2 Registration Form 2025?

  • First, go to the official website of UPSC - upsc.gov.in.

  • Click on Examination>Active Examination>Online Application for CDS 2 2025 given on the Homepage.

  • Click on “CDS 2 2025 Part 1”.

  • Now, you will be directed to a new page and then, enter your details correctly.

  • Select your preferences carefully and move on to Part 2 of the CDS 2 application form.

  • Pay the required application fee through online/offline mode as detailed below.

  • Check all details and click on the Submit button.

  • Save, download and take two or three prints out for future reference.

UPSC CDS 2 Vacancy 2025

The exam conducting authority has announced the CDS 2 vacancy 2025 in the official notification. a total of 453 CDS vacancies have been announced this time. The CDS 2025 vacancies have been announced for Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA) and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA for Men and Women).

UPSC CDS 2 Exam Pattern 2025

The Union Public Service Commission has prescribed the CDS 2 2025 exam pattern in the official notification. UPSC CDS exam will be conducted in two stages - Written Examination and Interview. For IMA, INA and AFA, the questions will be asked from General Knowledge, English, and Elementary Mathematics while for OTA, questions will be coming from English and General Knowledge.

The maximum marks according to the CDS paper pattern 2025 is 300 marks for IMA, INA and AFA while for OTA is 200 marks. A deduction of ⅓ mark will be applicable for the written exam of CDS 2 2025. The questions will be in two languages i.e., English and Hindi with MCQs type.

UPSC CDS 2 Syllabus 2025

The Union Public Service Commission has specified the CDS 2 2025 syllabus in the official notification. The exam authority will take two papers in the written exam for OTA and three papers in the written examination for IMA, INA and AFA. The questions are asked from important topics of General Knowledge, English and Elementary Mathematics. The level of questions are from classes 10th and 12th in the CDS 2 written exam 2025. To know more about CDS 2 syllabus 2025, candidates must go through the table given below.

CDS 2 2025 Syllabus

Subjects

Topics

Mathematics

  • Geometry

  • Statistics

  • Intelligence and Personality Test

  • Mensuration

  • Trigonometry

  • Algebra

  • Elementary Number Theory

  • Number System

  • Algebra

English

  • Synonyms

  • Antonyms

  • English Passages

  • Sentence

  • Parts of Speech

General Knowledge

  • Defence Knowledge

  • Geography

  • Politics

  • History

  • Current Events

  • Economics

UPSC CDS 2 Exam Centres 2025

Union Public Service Commission has shared the CDS 2 2025 exam centres in the official notification. Candidates have to choose their choice of exam centre while filling the CDS 2 application form. Aspirants can go through the details of CDS exam centres 2025 in the table below.

CDS 2 2025 Exam Centres

AGARTALAGHAZIABADNAVI MUMBAI
AGRAGORAKHPURPANAJI (GOA)
AJMERGURGAONPATNA
AHMEDABADGWALIORPORT BLAIR
AIZAWLHYDERABADPRAYAGRAJ (ALLAHABAD)
ALIGARHIMPHALPUDUCHERRY
ALMORA (UTTARAKHAND)INDOREPUNE
ANANTPUR (ANDHRA PRADESH)ITANAGARRAIPUR
CHHATRAPATI SAMBHAJINAGAR
[AURANGABAD (MAHARASHTRA)]
JABALPURRAJKOT
BENGALURUJAIPURRANCHI
BAREILLYJAMMUSAMBALPUR
BHOPALJODHPURSHILLONG
BILASPUR (CHHATISGARH)JORHATSHIMLA
CHANDIGARHKARGILSILIGUDI
CHENNAIKOCHISRINAGAR
COIMBATOREKOHIMASRINAGAR (UTTARAKHAND)
CUTTACKKOLKATATHANE
DEHRADUNKOZHIKODE (CALICUT)THIRUVANANTHAPURAM
DELHILEHTIRUCHIRAPALLI
DHARAMSHALALUCKNOWTIRUPATI
DHARWADLUDHIANAUDAIPUR
DISPURMADURAIVARANASI
FARIDABADMANDIVELLORE
GANGTOKMUMBAIVIJAYAVADA
GAYAMYSOREVISHAKHAPATNAM
GAUTAM BUDDH NAGARNAGPURHANUMAKONDA (WARANGAL URBAN)

UPSC CDS 2 Admit Card 2025

Union Public Service Commission will release the UPSC CDS 2 2025 admit card for the written exam on the official website. Candidates appearing in the exam can download the CDS 2 admit card 2025 by using their login credentials - registration number and date of birth. The CDS 2 2025 admit card consists of the exact exam date, exam venue, candidate’s name, roll number, etc. It is mandatory to carry the CDS 2 hall ticket 2025 to the exam centre with a valid and original identity proof on exam day.

UPSC CDS 2 Exam Analysis 2025

Various institutes will release the CDS 2 2025 exam analysis for candidates after the conclusion of the exam. Candidates will be able to check difficulty level, good attempts, types of questions asked, etc. here. With the help of the CDS 2 exam analysis 2025, candidates can measure their performance in the exam and expected cut-off.

UPSC CDS 2 Answer Key

The exam conducting authority will release the official CDS 2 2025 answer key on the official website after the written exam. Various coaching institutes will also release the unofficial answer key after the conclusion of the written exam. Candidates will be able to calculate their expected scores in the exam with the help of the unofficial CDS 2 answer key 2025. The answer key will be released set wise at upsc.gov.in.

UPSC CDS 2 Result 2025

The Commission will release the CDS result 2025. The UPSC CDS 2 2025 result will be released in PDF format at upsc.gov.in. Candidates who appeared in the exam can check their qualifying status on the official website. The authority releases the written exam result and the final result separately.

UPSC CDS 2 result 2025 consists of candidates’ roll numbers, subjects, scores, etc. Aspirants who qualify for the written exam are eligible to appear in the SSB Interview round. Those who clear both stages of CDS 2 2025 will be provided admission to the opted defence academy out of IMA, INA, AFA and OTA.

UPSC CDS 2 Cut Off 2025

Union Public Service Commission will release CDS 2025 cut off for the written examination at upsc.gov.in. Those who score equal to or more than the CDS 2 cut off 2025 will be called for SSB Interview round. The cut off is the minimum mark that a candidate will have to score equal to or more than to qualify for the CDS 2 exam 2025. Candidates can check the CDS cut off previous years to know the probable cut off in the upcoming exam.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the eligibility criteria for CDS 2 2025?

The CDS 2 eligibility criteria for candidates is to pass a Bachelor’s degree.

2. When will CDS 2 registration form 2025 be commenced?

Candidates can fill the CDS 2 2025 application form from May 28 to June 17, 2025.

3. When will CDS 2 exam 2025 be held?

CDS 2 exam will be held on September 14, 2025.

4. Is 3 months enough for cracking the CDS exam 2025?

Candidates need at least 3 to 6 months to crack CDS 2025 exam on the first attempt. A daily routine is required to be followed to cover the complete syllabus of the exam.

5. Can I clear the CDS exam without coaching?

The Combined Defense Services exam is one of the toughest exams to clear in India. But with proper dedication and extra effort, candidates can clear the CDS exam without coaching.

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Questions related to CDS

Have a question related to CDS ?

Hello Aditya,

As a PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) student after your 12th board exam, you cannot directly appear for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam because it requires a bachelor’s degree. However, here’s a clear and concise guide on how you can prepare for and give the CDS exam after completing further studies, tailored to your background:

  1. Understand CDS Eligibility : The CDS exam, conducted by UPSC twice a year, recruits for the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA).

    • Educational Requirement :

      • IMA and OTA: Any bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
      • INA: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.
      • AFA: Bachelor’s degree with Physics and Mathematics at 12th level or Bachelor of Engineering.

    • For PCB Students : Since you don’t have Mathematics in 12th, you’re eligible for IMA and OTA after completing a bachelor’s degree (e.g., B.Sc., B.A.). INA and AFA are not an option unless you pursue an engineering degree or have Mathematics at the graduation level.

    • Age Limit : 19–25 years (varies by academy; check upsc.gov.in for 2025 details).

  2. Steps to Prepare After 12th :

    • Pursue a Bachelor’s Degree : Enroll in a degree program (e.g., B.Sc. in Biology, Chemistry, or related fields, or even B.A.) to meet CDS eligibility. This takes 3–4 years.

    • Apply for CDS During Final Year : You can apply for CDS in the final year of your degree, provided you complete graduation before the training starts.

    • Application Process :

      • Visit upsconline.nic.in when notifications are released (typically December 2024 for CDS I 2025 and May 2025 for CDS II 2025).

      • Fill out the form, pay the fee (Rs. 200; exemptions for SC/ST/females), and select IMA/OTA as your preference.

  3. CDS Exam Structure :

    • For IMA/OTA : Written exam includes English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics (Maths is optional for OTA).

    • PCB Advantage : Your Biology and Chemistry background helps with General Knowledge (science sections). English preparation is manageable with practice.

    • Challenge : If you’re weak in Mathematics, focus on OTA, where Maths is not required, or practice basic 10th-level Maths for IMA.

    • Next Steps : Clear the written exam, then pass the SSB interview and medical test.



I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries, feel free to share your questions with us, and we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you, and I wish you all the best in your bright future.

To prepare for CDS, CGL, and CAT during graduation, create a clear study schedule focusing on basics, reasoning, and aptitude. Practice daily mocks, improve time management, and stay consistent. Balance college and preparation with discipline and regular revision.

Your date of birth is 24th February 2006, and you will complete graduation in July 2028. For the CDS exam, the maximum number of attempts depends on your age limit and category, but generally, candidates have around 4 to 6 attempts before reaching the age limit.

For CDS 2 2025, with a date of birth of 6th October 2001, you are eligible for both IMA and OTA. The age limits for IMA are 19-24 years and for OTA are 19-25 years as of 1st January 2025, making you eligible for both academies.

Hello Gunal,

As a student born on 05-11-2001 you will have many opportunities to take the Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam conducted by UPSC. Age Limits will vary depending on the courses:

  • Indian Military Academy - 19-24 years
  • Indian Naval Academy - 19-24 years
  • Air Force Academy - 20-24 years
  • Officers' Training Academy - 19-25 years

You are eligible, based on your DOB for:

  • IMA/INA/AFA until 2025 (final attempts depending on month of notification and course start) and OTA until 2026.

Best Books for CDS Preparation:

  1. English: Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi (Arihant) and Previous year question papers (UPSC website)
  2. General Knowledge: Lucent's General Knowledge, Manorama Yearbook and follow the daily The Hindu or Indian Express regularly
  3. Mathematics: Pathfinder for CDS by Arihant, NCERT Maths (Class 6-10) and Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal

Required Documents for CDS SSB/Verification:

  • CDS Admit Card
  • 10th & 12th mark sheets and certificates (original & photocopy)
  • Graduation mark sheets and degree certificate (or provisional degree if final year)
  • Proof of identity (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, etc. )
  • Passport size photos
  • NCC 'C' Certificate (if applicable)
  • Domicile/Category Certificate (if applicable)
  • Declaration/affidavit for final year candidates( if results are awaited)



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