The official notification for CDS II 2025 was released on May 28, 2025, and the last date to apply is June 17, 2025. Candidates can submit their applications through the UPSC online portal.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | May 28, 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | June 17, 2025 |
| Exam Date | September 14, 2025 |
Exam Time Duration & Shifts
The CDS II 2025 exam will be conducted in multiple shifts to accommodate all candidates efficiently. Each paper is allotted a duration of 2 hours.
| Shift | Paper | Time Slot | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | English | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM | 2 hours |
| II | General Knowledge (GK) | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM | 2 hours |
| III | Elementary Mathematics | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM | 2 hours |
Candidates applying for the Officers Training Academy (OTA) are required to appear only for the first two papers (English and General Knowledge).
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
- IMA/OTA: A degree from a recognized university or equivalent.
- INA: A degree in Engineering from a recognized university.
- AFA: A degree from a recognized university with Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level or a Bachelor of Engineering.
Age Limit
- IMA: 19 to 24 years
- INA: 19 to 22 years
- AFA: 20 to 24 years
- OTA: 19 to 25 years
Candidates must be unmarried and meet the physical standards as specified in the official notification.
Exam Pattern
The CDS II 2025 exam comprises three papers:
- English: Objective type questions assessing English language proficiency.
- General Knowledge (GK): Questions covering current events, general science, history, geography, and economics.
- Elementary Mathematics: Questions based on arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and statistics.
Each paper is of 2 hours duration and carries 100 marks. The total marks for the written examination are 300. Candidates applying for OTA are required to appear only for the first two papers.
Application Fees
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General/OBC | ₹200 |
| SC/ST/Female | Exempt |
Payment can be made online through the UPSC portal using various modes such as credit/debit cards, UPI, or net banking.
How to Apply
- Visit the official UPSC application portal: upsconline.nic.in
- Register for One-Time Registration (OTR) if not already done.
- Fill in the detailed application form for CDS II 2025.
- Upload scanned copies of required documents.
- Pay the application fee.
- Submit the application and take a printout for future reference.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ans: The age limits vary for different academies:Wikipedia
1. IMA: 19 to 24 years
2. INA: 19 to 22 years
3. AFA: 20 to 24 years
4. OTA: 19 to 25 years
Ans: Yes, candidates who are in the final year of their degree course can apply, provided they do not have any backlogs and can submit proof of passing their degree at the time of the interview.
Ans: Three papers: English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics (Math is not required for OTA).
Ans: The exam will be held on September 14, 2025.
Ans: Yes, one-third of a mark is deducted for each wrong answer.