UPSC CDS II 2025: Apply for 453 Defense Jobs by June 17
UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2025 – The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the Combined Defence Services (CDS) II Recruitment Notification for 2025, opening applications for 453 officer positions across the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA) for both men and women. Announced on May 28, 2025, this recruitment drive is a golden opportunity for young Indians to serve the nation with honor. Applications are accepted online until June 17, 2025, via the UPSC Online portal. This article provides a detailed overview to help job seekers navigate the application process, eligibility criteria, selection process, important dates and seize this prestigious career opportunity.
Why Pursue UPSC CDS II 2025?
Becoming part of the Indian Armed Forces via CDS II is a golden opportunity to serve with honour and taste a fulfilling Lill career. Key benefits include:
- Prestigious Career: Serve as an officer in elite defense academies like IMA, INA, AFA, or OTA.
- Competitive Pay: Earn a training stipend of ₹56,100 per month, with post-commissioning salaries starting at ₹56,100 and additional benefits like Military Service Pay (MSP) of ₹15,500.
- Comprehensive Benefits: Access housing, medical facilities, and professional development opportunities.
- National Pride: Contribute to India’s security and defense, a role of immense honor.
Key Recruitment Details
Key Points | Details |
Notification Release Date | May 28, 2025 |
Total Vacancies | 453 |
Application Start Date | May 28, 2025 |
Application End Date | June 17, 2025 (up to 11:59 PM) |
Application Fee | ₹200 for General/EWS/OBC; NIL for Female/SC/ST candidates |
Age Limit | – Air Force Academy: 20–24 years as of July 1, 2026 (born between July 2, 2002, and July 1, 2006; unmarried if below 25) – IMA & INA: Born between July 2, 2002, and July 1, 2007, unmarried males – OTA: Similar age criteria, open to men and women (unmarried) |
Qualifications | – IMA & OTA: Degree from a recognized university – INA: Engineering degree – AFA: Degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 or B.E. |
Salary | – Stipend during training: ₹56,100 p.m. – Lieutenant: ₹56,100–₹1,77,500 – Captain: ₹61,300–₹1,93,900 – Major: ₹69,400–₹2,07,200 – MSP: ₹15,500 p.m. fixed |
Vacancy Details | – IMA: 100 (including 13 for NCC ‘C’ Army Wing) – INA: 26 (including 6 for NCC ‘C’ Naval Wing, 2 for Hydro) – AFA: 32 (including 3 for NCC ‘C’ Air Wing) – OTA Men: 276 – OTA Women: 19 |
Official Website | UPSC Online |
Eligibility Criteria for UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2025
Educational Qualifications
- IMA & OTA: A degree from a recognized university or equivalent.
- INA: A degree in Engineering from a recognized institution.
- AFA: A degree with Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level or a Bachelor of Engineering.
Age and Marital Status
- Air Force Academy: 20–24 years as of July 1, 2026; unmarried if under 25.
- IMA & INA: Born between July 2, 2002, and July 1, 2007; unmarried males only.
- OTA: Similar age criteria; open to unmarried men and women.
Note: Candidates must provide proof of qualifications during the SSB interview. Check the official notification for any age relaxations for reserved categories.
UPSC CDS II Recruitment 2025 Application Process
To apply for UPSC CDS II 2025, follow these steps:
- Visit the UPSC Online portal.
- Select the CDS II 2025 application link and register or log in.
- Fill out the application form with accurate personal and educational details.
- Upload required documents, including certificates and photographs, as per guidelines.
- Pay the application fee (₹200 for General/EWS/OBC; free for Female/SC/ST) online.
- Submit the form and keep a copy for reference.
Important Dates
- Start Date: May 28, 2025
- End Date: June 17, 2025 (11:59 PM)
Selection Process
The selection process typically includes:
- Written Examination: Tests English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics (Mathematics not required for OTA).
- SSB Interview: Assesses personality, leadership and suitability for a defense career.
Candidates should refer to the official notification for detailed exam patterns and syllabus.
Salary and Benefits
During training, candidates receive a stipend of ₹56,100 per month. Post-commissioning, the salary structure is as follows:
Rank | Pay Scale (₹) |
Lieutenant | 56,100–1,77,500 |
Captain | 61,300–1,93,900 |
Major | 69,400–2,07,200 |
Other benefits include a fixed Military Service Pay (MSP) of ₹15,500 per month, plus applicable Dress Allowance, free accommodation, comprehensive medical facilities, in addition to Work Related Travel (WRT) and subsidized study leave.
How to Prepare
- Study the Syllabus: Focus on English, General Knowledge and Mathematics (if applicable).
- Practice Past Papers: Familiarize yourself with the exam format.
- Physical Fitness: Prepare for SSB physical tests.
- Stay Updated: Regularly check the UPSC website for updates.
FAQs
Question: What is the application deadline for UPSC CDS II 2025?
Answer: The deadline is June 17, 2025, by 11:59 PM.
Question: Who is exempt from the application fee?
Answer: Female, SC, and ST candidates are exempt from the ₹200 fee.
Question: What are the age requirements for the Air Force Academy?
Answer: Candidates must be 20–24 years as of July 1, 2026, and unmarried if under 25.
Question: Can women apply for UPSC CDS II 2025?
Answer: Yes, women can apply for the Officers Training Academy (OTA), with 19 vacancies available.
Question: What qualifications are needed for the Indian Naval Academy?
Answer: A degree in Engineering from a recognized institution is required.
Question: What is the salary during training?
Answer: Candidates receive a stipend of ₹56,100 per month during training.
Apply Now!
Seize this opportunity to join the Indian Armed Forces through UPSC CDS II 2025. With 453 vacancies across prestigious academies, apply online before June 17, 2025, via the UPSC Online portal. Start your journey toward a rewarding career in defense today!
Disclaimer: The information provided is based on the official UPSC CDS II Recruitment Notification 2025 PDF. Candidates should verify details on the UPSC website for accuracy. Yosearch.net is not responsible for any errors or omissions in this article.