CDS 2 Application 2025: The Central Defence Service (CDS) is conducted twice every year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to recruit officers for the Defence Services. The Central Defence Service exam 2 will be conducted on September 14, 2025. Application for CDS 2 2025 exam has started from today, 28 May 2025. Interested candidates can apply for the CDS 2025 exam 2 starting today. The application form is available on the official site of UPSC – upsc.gov.in. The last to apply is 17 June 2025. The Central Defence Service (CDS) 2 is scheduled for 14 September 2025.
UPSC CDS Registration 2025: Important Dates
Check the important dates related to the UPSC CDS exam in the table below;
| Events | Dates |
| CDS 2 registration 2025 open | 28 May 2025 |
| CDS 2 registration 2025 ends | 17 June 2025 |
| CDS 2 Admit Card 2025 | 1 Week before the Exam |
| UPSC CDS 2 Exam date | 14 September 2025 |
CDS Eligibility 2025
The eligibility for CDS exams is determined by the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission), based on criteria set by the Ministry of Defence, Government of India.
| Criteria | Eligibility |
| Nationality | A Citizen of Indian,Subject of Nepal/BhutanTibetan Refugees migrated before 1962 with the intention of permanent settlement |
| Age Limits | IMA: 19–24 yearsINA: 19–24 yearsAFA: 20–24 yearsOTA: 19–25 years |
| Educational Qualification | IMA & OTA: Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university.INA: Degree in Engineering from a recognised university.AFA: Bachelor’s degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level or Bachelor of Engineering. |
| Marital Status | Unmarried candidates are eligible |
| Gender | IMA, INA, AFA: Male candidates only.OTA: Both male and female candidates |
UPSC CDS 2025 – How to Apply
The CDS application consists of 4 parts: Part 1 is the registration part, 2&3 are form filling, and Part 4 is fee payment. All the stages of the application are explained in detail below.
- Registration
- Go to the upsc.gov.in and click on the “Apply Online” link.
- Click on CDS 2025 Exam, you will find this under the “Online Application for Various Examinations” section.
- Part 1 Application Form:
- Enter personal details like: Name, Date of Birth, Address, and educational Qualifications.
- Part 2 Application form: after completing part 1, you will receive a Registration ID, using which complete part.
- Fill in complete personal details. (Name, DOB, Mother’s name, Father’s name, Nationality, etc.)
- Enter your educational details
- Select exam centre preferences from the list given.
- Upload the required documents.
- Sign the declaration.
- Fee Payment for Application:
- Online – Pay using any UPI, Net Banking facilities.
- Offline – Generate e-challan and pay at any SBI Branch
| General/OBC Male Candidates | INR 200 |
| Female/SC/ST Candidates | Exempted |
UPSC CDS 2025 – Vacancies
The CDS exams are conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to recruit officers for vacancies in the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA).
| Academy | Vacancies |
| Indian Military Academy (IMA), | |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) – Men | |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA)– Women | |
| Total |
