The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination is one of the most prestigious and competitive exams conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for recruitment into the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). Every year, lakhs of candidates apply for CDS to pursue a career in the Indian Armed Forces. In a significant update for aspirants, UPSC has officially extended the last date for submitting the CDS II 2025 application form. This decision offers much-needed relief to candidates who were unable to complete their applications due to various reasons. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the new application dates, eligibility, fees, how to apply, and answers to some frequently asked questions.
CDS II 2025: Overview
Particulars | Details |
---|---|
Exam Name | Combined Defence Services (CDS) II 2025 |
Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
Application Mode | Online |
Status | Application Date Extended |
New Last Date to Apply | To be updated officially (e.g., 20 July 2025) |
Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
CDS II 2025 Application Date Extended – What You Need to Know
The UPSC initially set the last date to apply for CDS II 2025 around mid-July 2025. However, due to high traffic and technical issues reported on the application portal, the Commission has decided to extend the deadline by a few more days. This extension allows more candidates to apply for the prestigious examination.
This extension also demonstrates UPSC’s commitment to ensuring a fair opportunity for all eligible candidates. Aspirants are strongly encouraged not to wait until the last day, even after the extension, to avoid potential server issues or last-minute problems.
Important Dates (Updated):
Event | Old Date | New Date (Tentative) |
---|---|---|
Official Notification Release | June 2025 | No change |
Online Application Start | June 2025 | No change |
Last Date to Apply | 16 July 2025 | 20 July 2025 |
Application Withdrawal Window | 24–30 July 2025 | Unchanged |
CDS II 2025 Exam Date | 1 September 2025 | No change |
Eligibility Criteria for CDS II 2025
Before applying, candidates must ensure they meet the eligibility requirements:
Nationality:
- Must be a citizen of India, or
- A subject of Bhutan/Nepal, or
- A Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1 January 1962.
Educational Qualification:
Academy | Educational Qualification |
---|---|
Indian Military Academy (IMA) | Graduation from a recognized university |
Indian Naval Academy (INA) | B.E./B.Tech from a recognized institution |
Air Force Academy (AFA) | Degree with Physics & Math at 10+2 or Engineering |
Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) | Graduation in any stream |
Age Limit:
Academy | Age Limit (as on 01 July 2026) |
---|---|
IMA | 19 – 24 years |
INA | 19 – 22 years |
AFA | 19 – 23 years |
OTA (Men/Women) | 19 – 25 years |
How to Apply Online for CDS II 2025
Candidates must follow these steps to complete the application process:
- Visit the UPSC official website: https://upsconline.nic.in
- Click on “Online Application for Various Examinations of UPSC”.
- Select “CDS II 2025” and complete Part I Registration.
- Fill in personal details, educational information, and select the preferred academy.
- Proceed to Part II Registration to upload photo, signature, and pay the fee.
- Verify all details and submit the application.
- Take a printout of the application form for future reference.
Application Fee:
Category | Application Fee |
---|---|
General/OBC/EWS | ₹200 |
SC/ST/Female | Exempted |
CDS II 2025 Exam Pattern:
For IMA, INA, AFA:
Subject | Marks | Duration |
---|---|---|
English | 100 | 2 hours |
General Knowledge | 100 | 2 hours |
Elementary Mathematics | 100 | 2 hours |
Total | 300 |
For OTA (Men & Women):
Subject | Marks | Duration |
---|---|---|
English | 100 | 2 hours |
General Knowledge | 100 | 2 hours |
Total | 200 | ——— |
Conclusion:
The extension of the CDS II 2025 application form deadline is a golden chance for candidates who missed the initial window to fulfill their dreams of serving the nation through the armed forces. This additional time should be wisely utilized to complete the registration process without errors. With limited opportunities and high competition, aspiring officers must also begin focused preparation for the written exam and SSB interview.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ans: The last date to apply for CDS II 2025 has been extended till 20 July 2025 (tentatively). Candidates should verify the final date on the official UPSC website.
Ans: No, UPSC does not provide an application correction window. However, you can withdraw your application during the withdrawal window and reapply if needed.
Ans: No, female candidates are exempted from paying the application fee for CDS.
Ans: Yes, candidates who qualify the written exam are called for SSB interview, which includes psychological, group tasks, and personal interview rounds.
Ans: Yes, final-year students can apply provided they meet the eligibility criteria and produce the necessary documents during the SSB interview.