UPSC CDS 2025 - Union Public Service Commission has released UPSC CDS 2 2025 results on October 9, 2025 at upsc.gov.in. The UPSC CDS 2 exam 2025 was successfully conducted on September 14, 2025 in offline mode. The UPSC CDS 2 2025 admit card was released on September 4, 2025. The commission activated the UPSC CDS application correction window from July 7 to 9, 2025.
This Story also Contains
UPSC CDS exam date 2025
UPSC CDS 2025 Application Form
UPSC CDS Eligibility criteria 2025
UPSC CDS 2025 Exam Pattern
UPSC CDS Syllabus 2025
UPSC CDS Admit Card 2025
UPSC CDS Sample Papers 2025
UPSC CDS Answer Keys 2025
UPSC CDS Preparation Tips 2025
UPSC CDS Results 2025
UPSC CDS Cut Off 2025
UPSC CDS 2025
The commission activated the CDS 2 application form from May 28 to June 20, 2025 (extended date). The UPSC CDS 2 notification 2025 was also released on May 28, 2025. Before filling the UPSC CDS 2025 application form, candidates must thoroughly review the eligibility criteria to ensure they meet the requirements. This time, UPSC has not provided the UPSC CDS application correction facility for the candidates to make corrections in their application form.
What is CDS Exam Full Form?
The CDS full form is Combined Defence Services Exam. The UPSC CDS exam is a national-level examination conducted by UPSC, assessing candidates for positions in the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and Indian Navy. It evaluates candidate's proficiency in subjects such as English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. Successful candidates may qualify for various officer ranks in these branches of the armed forces.
UPSC CDS exam date 2025
As per the CDS 2 2025 exam date, the exam is conducted on September 14, 2025. The highly anticipated UPSC CDS exam consists of two divisions, Paper I and Paper II, both administered on the same day but during separate sessions. Candidates aspiring to appear for the UPSC CDS exam 2025 must mark their calendars with these below listed crucial dates to ensure timely preparation and participation.
UPSC CDS Important Dates
Events
CDS 1 dates 2025
CDS 2 dates 2025
Release of UPSC CDS 2025 notification
December 11, 2024
May 28, 2025
Release of CDS application form 2025
December 11, 2024
May 28, 2025
CDS 2025 application form last date
January 1, 2025 (Revised date)
June 20, 2025 (extended date)
CDS admit card 2025 release date
April 3, 2025
September 4, 2025
CDS exam date 2025
April 13, 2025
September 14, 2025
CDS Exam Results 2025
April 28, 2025
October 9, 2025
UPSC CDS 2025 Application Form
The commission provided the UPSC CDS 2 2025 application correction facility from July 7 to 9, 2025 on the official website. UPSC activated the CDS 2 application form on May 28, 2025. The UPSC CDS application form 2025 last date was June 20, 2025 (extended date). Candidates are required to begin by registering for the UPSC CDS exam, utilising either their mobile numbers or emails.
After completing the UPSC CDS registration process successfully, candidates will receive their registration number and login credentials via the provided contact details. Using these credentials, applicants can log in to access the UPSC CDS 2025 application form, where they must provide all necessary information and remit the registration fee to complete the submission process successfully.
UPSC CDS 2025 application fees according to category
Category
Fees
General/OBC
Rs 200
SC/ST/PWD/Female Candidates
Exempted
UPSC CDS Eligibility criteria 2025
To be eligible to sit for the exam, candidates must meet the specified criteria outlined in the table below, detailing UPSC CDS eligibility criteria 2025. The UPSC exam eligibility criteria are as follows:
UPSC CDS eligibility criteria 2025:
Factors
UPSC CDS eligibility criteria
CDS age limit
20-24
Education
A graduation degree from a recognized university or equivalent.
Nationality
Applicant must be a citizen of India
A subject of Nepal.
A person of Indian origin migrating from a neighbouring country with the plan to settle in India permanently.
Marital Status
Unmarried for most candidates, except for women candidates who can apply for Short Service Commission at OTA (Officers Training Academy).
Experience
Not required
No of Attempts
Not specified
Additional points
Candidates with a valid Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA (India) can apply up to the age of 26, with some conditions for married candidates during training.
Preparing for this highly sought after exam requires a comprehensive understanding of both the UPSC CDS exam pattern 2025 and the eligibility criteria set by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Aspiring candidates aiming to become commissioned officers in the Indian Defence Forces must navigate through the intricacies of the exam pattern and syllabus. A brief overview on CDS exam pattern is given below.
1. Written Exam: The CDS exam is conducted in two stages, with the first stage being the written exam. This exam is further divided into different papers depending on the academy candidates are applying for, namely IMA (Indian Military Academy), AFA (Air Force Academy), INA (Indian Naval Academy), and OTA (Officers' Training Academy). The written exam is pen and paper-based, conducted offline.
2. SSB Interview: Candidates who qualify the written exam proceed to the second stage, which is the SSB (Service Selection Board) interview. This interview assesses candidate's personality, intelligence, and compatibility for a career as a commissioned officer in the Defence Forces.
For Written Test:
Exam mode
Offline
Subjects
English, General Knowledge and Mathematics
Total Marks
300
Duration
6 hrs
Nature of Exam
Objective type
Medium
English and Hindi
For IMA, INA, AFA:
Subjects
English, General knowledge and Mathematics
Duration
6 hrs(2hr/each subject)
Max. Marks
300 marks(100m/each subject)
For OTA:
Subjects
English and General Knowledge
Duration
4 hrs(2 hrs/each subject)
Max. Marks
200 marks( 100m/each subject)
UPSC CDS Syllabus 2025
The UPSC CDS 2025 syllabus covers a wide range of subjects to assess candidates' suitability for admission into the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers' Training Academy. The syllabus includes sections such as English, Mathematics, General Knowledge, and OTA-specific subjects. A topic wise brief on CDS exam syllabus is given below.
In the English section, candidates can expect topics like Reading Comprehension, Spotting the Error, Synonyms & Antonyms, and Sentence Improvement.
Mathematics encompasses Arithmetic, Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Mensuration, and Statistics.
The General Knowledge section covers various topics such as Indian History, Political Science, Economics, Geography, Environment, General Science, Current Affairs, and Defence Related Questions.
For OTA, the focus is on General Knowledge and English proficiency.
UPSC CDS Admit Card 2025
UPSC released the CDS 2 2025 admit card on September 4, 2025 on the official website. UPSC notifies candidates about the availability of the UPSC CDS admit card through the official website and the email address provided during registration.
To download UPSC CDS Admit Card, one must follow the below steps,
1. Go to the official UPSC website.
2. Navigate to the login section of the website. Log in using your registered account details.
3. Provide the application number and date of birth as per the information provided during registration.
4. Once logged in, locate the section for downloading the admit card and download the admit card.
UPSC CDS Sample Papers 2025
Regular practice with UPSC CDS sample papers is essential for refining speed and accuracy while honing exam-taking skills. UPSC CDS Sample Papers serve as the gateway to comprehensively understanding the exam pattern, facilitating familiarity with the number of questions, marking scheme, and duration of each section, including English, General Knowledge, or Elementary Mathematics (relevant for specific courses).
Acquiring recent and relevant UPSC CDS sample papers from credible sources such as official UPSC websites, reputable bookstores, or recognized online educational platforms is crucial. Integrating UPSC CDS sample papers into one's study schedule is paramount, ensuring allocation of specific time slots and gradual increase in the number of papers as one progresses.
UPSC CDS Answer Keys 2025
UPSC CDS 2025 answer keys are typically released a few days after the examination, allowing candidates to verify their answers and gain insights into their strengths and weaknesses. Candidates must approach the official website upsc.gov.in to check the UPSC CDS answer keys which with discernment, as occasional errors or discrepancies may occur.
For UPSC CDS 2025 preparation, start early and follow a structured study plan covering all sections: English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. Practice with UPSC CDS sample papers and mock tests regularly. Utilise reputable study materials and stay updated with current affairs. Engage in group discussions and seek guidance from mentors. Prioritise self-care and maintain motivation throughout your UPSC CDS preparation journey.
UPSC CDS Results 2025
The UPSC CDS 2 result 2025 has been released on October 9, 2025 on the official website. Candidates must regularly check the UPSC website for updates regarding UPSC CDS result announcements and related notifications.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to access UPSC CDS Results 2025:
1. Go to the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in.
2. Look for the "Examination" section on the homepage of the UPSC website.
3. Within the Examination section, locate the link related to the Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam results for the year 2025.
4. Click on the “CDS Results” link to proceed to the results page.
5. On the results page, you will be prompted to enter specific details such as your roll number or registration ID and your date of birth.
6. Enter the required information accurately and click on the submit or view result button.
7. Once you submit the details, your UPSC CDS Results for 2025 will be displayed on the screen.
8. Finally, UPSC may release a merit list of candidates who have qualified for further rounds of selection. Check if your name appears on the merit list if provided.
The UPSC CDS 2025 Cut off will be determined based on various factors such as the difficulty level of the exam, the number of vacancies, and the overall performance of candidates. The CDS cutoff marks are the minimum qualifying marks that candidates must score to be eligible for further rounds of the selection process.
Candidates must note that the UPSC CDS cutoff marks 2025 may differ from previous years, so it's essential to wait for the official announcement from UPSC. Additionally, meeting the UPSC CDS 2025 cut off does not guarantee selection; it qualifies candidates for further rounds of the selection process, such as the SSB interview for qualified candidates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: When will the CDS 2 notification release?
A:
The CDS 2 2025 notification was released on May 28, 2025.
Q: How many times can a candidate can appear for the UPSC CDS exam?
A:
There is no restriction on the number of attempts for the UPSC CDS 2025 exam, provided the candidate meets the eligibility criteria regarding age and educational qualifications.
Q: What is the Maximum age limit for UPSC CDS 2025 eligibility?
A:
The maximum CDS age limit varies depending on the academy/course:
For Indian Military Academy (IMA): 24 years
For Indian Naval Academy (INA): 24 years
For Air Force Academy (AFA): 23 years
For Officers' Training Academy (OTA): 25 years
Q: How many branches/courses offered through UPSC CDS 2025?
A:
The UPSC CDS exam offers entry into the following courses/academies:
- Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun
- Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala
- Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad
- Officers' Training Academy (OTA), Chennai (for both men and women)
Q: What are the educational qualifications required to apply for UPSC CDS 2025?
A:
Bachelor's degree from a recognized university or equivalent.
On August 23, 2024, the Union Public Service Commission made the NDA 2 2024 admit card available on its official website, upsc.gov.in/upsconline.nic.in. The timeframe for editing NDA 2 2024 application forms was open until June 11, 2024. On June 5, 2024, the NDA rectification window opened. On June
Yes, you can apply for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam for the Indian Military Academy (IMA) after completing your graduation in 2027, based on your date of birth, 29th November 2003. Here’s how your eligibility works out:
To determine your eligibility for the CDS (Combined Defence Services) exam in 2027, we need to consider the age criteria set by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), which conducts the exam.
For the CDS exam, the age criteria generally are as follows:
Hello aspirant,
The upper age limit for CDS IMA is 24 years. Since you are currently 21 years 3 months old, you have 2 years and 9 months left to appear for the CDS IMA exam. This means you can attempt the exam 3 more times before reaching the age
The eligibility criteria for CDS is that the candidate must be between the ages of 19 to 25 years. Since you were born in 2003, that will make you 24 years old, making you eligible for the exam.