UPSC CDS 2 Examination 2025 : If you aspire to join the Indian Armed Forces as a commissioned officer, the UPSC CDS 2 Examination 2025 Online Form is your gateway to realizing that dream. Conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Exam is a prestigious national-level examination that selects candidates for the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA).
UPSC CDS 2 Examination 2025
This comprehensive blog explores every crucial detail—from the application process, eligibility criteria, and exam dates, to syllabus, important instructions, and FAQs. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about the UPSC CDS 2 Examination 2025 Online Form.
Overview of UPSC CDS 2 Examination 2025
The Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) is conducted twice a year—CDS 1 and CDS 2. CDS 2 is usually conducted in the latter half of the year. The UPSC CDS 2 Examination 2025 Online Form marks the beginning of your journey to join the Indian Armed Forces.
| Feature | Details |
| Exam Name | Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) 2 |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen and Paper based) |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
| Exam Level | National |
| Posts | IMA, INA, AFA, OTA |
Important Dates for UPSC CDS 2 Examination 2025
Keeping track of important dates ensures you don’t miss any deadlines related to the UPSC CDS 2 Examination 2025 Online Form.
| Event | Date (Tentative) |
| Notification Release | May 15, 2025 |
| Online Form Start Date | May 15, 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | June 4, 2025 |
| Application Withdrawal | June 10–16, 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | August 2025 |
| CDS 2 Exam Date | September 14, 2025 |
| Result Announcement | November 2025 |
How to Fill the UPSC CDS 2 Examination 2025 Online Form?
The application process for CDS 2 is completely online and involves two parts. Follow these steps carefully:
Step-by-Step Process:
- Visit the Official Website
- Go to https://upsconline.nic.in.
- Click on ‘Online Application for CDS 2’
- Complete Part-I Registration
- Fill in basic details like name, DOB, email ID, contact number.
- Choose preferred academies and exam centers.
- Complete Part-II Registration
- Pay the application fee (via online/offline mode).
- Upload scanned documents (photo, signature, ID proof).
- Preview and Submit
- Verify all details and click on “Submit”.
- Download the confirmation page for future reference.
Application Fee for UPSC CDS 2
| Category | Fee |
| General/OBC | ₹200 |
| SC/ST/Female | Exempted (No Fee) |
Payment Modes: Net Banking, Credit/Debit Card, or SBI Challan
Eligibility Criteria for UPSC CDS 2 Examination 2025
Before filling the UPSC CDS 2 Examination 2025 Online Form, candidates must meet the following criteria:
Nationality:
- Citizen of India or a subject of Bhutan/Nepal.
- Tibetan refugees settled in India before January 1, 1962.
Age Limit:
| Academy | Age (As on Jan 1, 2026) |
| IMA | 19–24 years |
| INA | 19–24 years |
| AFA | 20–24 years |
| OTA (Men) | 19–25 years |
| OTA (Women) | 19–25 years |
Educational Qualification:
| Academy | Qualification |
| IMA & OTA | Graduate from a recognized university |
| INA | Degree in Engineering |
| AFA | Degree with Physics and Math at 10+2 or B.E/B.Tech |
Syllabus and Exam Pattern
Understanding the exam pattern helps in strategic preparation for CDS 2.
Exam Pattern:
For IMA, INA & AFA:
| Subject | Duration | Marks |
| English | 2 Hours | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 2 Hours | 100 |
| Elementary Mathematics | 2 Hours | 100 |
For OTA:
| Subject | Duration | Marks |
| English | 2 Hours | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 2 Hours | 100 |
Syllabus Highlights:
- English: Grammar, comprehension, vocabulary
- GK: Current affairs, history, polity, science
- Math: Arithmetic, Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Mensuration
Preparation Tips for CDS 2 2025
- Understand the Syllabus Deeply
- Follow NCERT Books for Basics
- Solve Previous Year Papers
- Take Mock Tests Regularly
- Work on Time Management
- Stay Updated with Current Affairs
Burstiness in preparation means mixing subjects and question types to avoid monotony. Make your study sessions dynamic.
Documents Required for Online Form
Ensure you have the following ready before filling the UPSC CDS 2 Examination 2025 Online Form:
- Scanned passport-size photograph (20–300 KB)
- Scanned signature (20–300 KB)
- Valid Photo ID (Aadhaar, Voter ID, PAN)
- Degree Certificates/Mark Sheets
- Category Certificate (if applicable)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Mismatch in Documents and Application Details
- Uploading Blurry Images
- Ignoring OTP Verification
- Late Fee Payment
- Not Reading Instructions Carefully
Remember, UPSC disqualifies incomplete or incorrect forms without leniency.
Admit Card Download
Admit cards will be released around three weeks before the exam. Steps:
- Visit upsc.gov.in
- Click on “E-Admit Cards for Various Exams”
- Login using your Registration ID or Roll Number
- Download and print your CDS 2 2025 admit card
No hard copy will be sent. Carry it to the exam center with a valid ID proof.
CDS 2 2025 Result & Selection Process
Result:
- Declared on UPSC’s official website.
- PDF with roll numbers of qualified candidates.
Selection Process:
- Written Exam
- SSB Interview (Intelligence + Personality Test)
- Medical Examination
- Final Merit List
Merit list depends on performance in both written exam and interview.
Why Apply for CDS 2 2025?
- Opportunity to serve the nation
- Prestigious and adventurous career
- Perks: Pay, pensions, allowances
- Chance to lead and make a difference
The UPSC CDS 2 Examination 2025 Online Form opens the door to one of India’s most respected careers.
Final Checklist Before You Apply
- ✔ Check eligibility criteria
- ✔ Keep documents ready
- ✔ Read notification carefully
- ✔ Choose preferred academies wisely
- ✔ Ensure fee payment is successful
- ✔ Save confirmation and receipt
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can I apply for multiple academies in the UPSC CDS 2 Examination 2025 Online Form?
Yes, you can select preferences during registration.
Q2. Is there negative marking in the CDS exam?
Yes, 1/3rd mark is deducted for each wrong answer.
Q3. How many times can I appear for CDS?
There is no limit, as long as you meet the age and qualification criteria.
Q4. When will the SSB interviews be conducted?
Shortlisted candidates will receive call letters within 2–3 months after the written result.
Q5. Can women apply for the CDS 2 2025 exam?
Yes, women can apply, but only for OTA (Officers Training Academy).
The UPSC CDS 2 Examination 2025 Online Form is more than just an application—it’s a ticket to a life of honor, courage, and leadership. With the right preparation, discipline, and commitment, you can secure your place in the armed forces and contribute meaningfully to the nation.
Make sure to stay ahead of deadlines, prepare systematically, and approach the exam with confidence. Good luck, future officers!
