CDS 2 2025 Notification Out: Complete Exam Dates, Eligibility & Application Guide
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“Only 1-2% of all applicants actually make it to the final merit list.” Surprising, right? That stat alone says a lot about how tough and prestigious the Combined Defence Services Exam (CDS) is. It’s not just another test—it’s a gateway to one of the most disciplined and respected careers in the nation. And if you missed out on the first one this year, don’t worry it because the CDS 2 2025 Notification gives you a second chance.
CDS 2 2025 Notification Out
Alright, let’s dive in. The CDS 2 2025 Notification is Out and it came as expected, bringing with it the excitement (and panic) that usually surrounds this big day:
- Notification Release Date: Likely around August 2025
- Application Window: Expected from August to early September 2025
- CDS 2 2025 Exam Date: Tentatively set for November 2025.
CDS 2 Exam Dates & Schedule Breakdown
Mark your calendars—because as soon as you see CDS 2 2025 Notification is Out you’ll want to note these:
- Application Window: 15 May 2025 – 4 June 2025 (6 PM) (tentative)
- Correction Window: 5 June – 11 June 2025 (tentative)
- Exam Date: 1 September 2025 (tentative)
- Admit Card: Available last working day before exam
- SSB Interviews: Feb–May 2026 (tentative)
A side note: these SSB dates can shift slightly—so keep checking upsconline.nic.in every few days.
CDS 2 Exam Pattern 2025
| CDS 2 2025 Exam Pattern at a Glance | |||
| Academy | Subject | Marks | Duration |
| IMA/INA/AFA | English | 100 | 2 Hours |
| IMA/INA/AFA | General Knowledge | 100 | 2 Hours |
| IMA/INA/AFA | Elementary Mathematics | 100 | 2 Hours |
| OTA | English | 100 | 2 Hours |
| OTA | General Knowledge | 100 | 2 Hours |
Alright, if you’re willing to wear that uniform, you need to know what you’re up against. The CDS 2 2025 Notification lays down a clear structure for the exam pattern. Here’s how it breaks down:
For IMA, INA, and AFA Candidates
- Three Subjects: English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics
- Duration: Each paper is 2 hours long
- Marks: Each carries 100 marks
- Total: 300 marks in total
- Negative Marking: Yep, 1/3rd mark is cut for each wrong answer. So don’t play the guessing game here.
For OTA Candidates (Men & Women)
- Two Subjects: English and General Knowledge
- Duration: 2 hours each
- Marks: 100 marks each
- Total: 200 marks
- No Maths: Yep, OTA candidates don’t need give maths exam Lucky.
Mode of Examination
- Objective-type questions (MCQs)
- Test papers are bilingual—English & Hindi (except for the English paper, obviously)
- Calculators? Big no. only pen and paper.
Difficulty Level
- English: Tests grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and your overall grasp of the language
- General Knowledge: Current affairs, history, geography, and general science. Stay updated
- Elementary Mathematics: arithmetic, algebra, geometry, mensuration, and statistics
Quick tip: Time management is key. You’ve only got 120 minutes per paper. Practice mock tests with a timer and get used to the speed.
CDS 2 Syllabus 2025
If you’re serious about cracking this exam, then knowing the CDS 2 2025 Syllabus inside-out is a really important. The CDS 2 2025 Notification everything is mentioned so you don’t do the guesswork here—everything’s laid out crystal clear:
- English
- Spotting Errors
- Sentence Improvement
- Reading Comprehension
- Synonyms/Antonyms
- Ordering of Sentences and Parts
- Fill in the Blanks
- Focus here is on your understanding of grammar, vocabulary, and ability to structure ideas logically. Clear your basics.
- General Knowledge
- Current Affairs (national & international)
- History of India (Ancient, Medieval, Modern)
- Geography (Physical, Political, Economic)
- Indian Polity
- Economy and Budgeting
- Science and Technology
- Defence-related Updates
- Don’t skip newspapers, monthly magazines like Pratiyogita Darpan, and static GK—this section’s a mixed bag.
- Elementary Mathematics (Only for IMA, INA, AFA aspirants)
- Arithmetic: Number system, averages, percentage, profit & loss, time & distance, time & work
- Algebra: Simple equations, quadratic equations, linear equations
- Geometry: Lines, angles, triangles, circles, polygons
- Mensuration: Areas and volumes of simple figures (cube, cylinder, sphere, etc.)
- Statistics: Mean, median, mode, pie charts, bar graphs
- Basically, it’s 10th standard math—nothing too scary, but defenitely needs practice
Don’t try to memorize the entire book. Focus on building clarity with concepts. Practicing previous year papers and mock tests? That’s your secret sauce.
How to Apply Online for CDS 2 2025
You need to head over to upsconline.nic.in. Once you’re there:
- Hit the CDS 2 2025 link under active exams.
- Register if you’re a newbie, or just log in if you’ve been here before.
- Fill up Part I & Part II of the form.
- Upload that fresh photo (clicked in the last 10 days) with your name and date on it.
- Fill you details—Aadhar, Voter ID, PAN, whatever works.
Some things that you must keep in mind don’t rush. That’s where most people mess up. Typos, missed uploads, or selecting the wrong academy preference—it happens more than you’d think.
Payment: You can pay using SBI Challan, Debit/Credit Cards, UPI, or Net Banking. Just remember that cash mode closes a day before the deadline.
CDS 2 Application Fees 2025
Now let’s talk about the exam fees. The cost to apply for CDS 2 2025 exam is Just Rs. 200. Yeah, that’s it.
- No fees for women and SC/ST candidates
- Can pay online or at an SBI branch.
- Want go old school and pay in cash? Do it before the last day—don’t wait for last minute here.
CDS 2 Eligibility Criteria 2025
Let’s get this straight. Not everyone can apply for CDS 2 2025 exam. Here’s what you need to know:
You must be a citizen of India, or fall under Nepalese/Bhutanese/Tibetan refugee categories.
Educationally, you’ll need a degree. But it depends:
- For IMA & OTA: Just a bachelor’s degree.
- For INA: An engineering degree is a must.
- For AFA: You need Physics & Math at 10+2 and a graduate degree (or be an engineer).
Age-wise:
- IMA/INA: Born between 2nd Jan 2002 – 1st Jan 2007
- AFA: Born between 2nd Jan 2002 – 1st Jan 2006 (extendable if you’ve got a CPL)
- OTA: 2nd Jan 2001 – 1st Jan 2007
Also, you need to be physically fit. There’s a whole rulebook on this, but long story short: eat right, train right, and don’t skip leg day.
CDS 2 Selection Process 2025
The CDS 2 2025 Notification is Out so now let us look into CDS 2 Selection Process 2025. Here’s how the exam process is:
- Written Examination
- First step: crack the written test.
- For IMA, INA, AFA: You face three papers (English, GK, Maths)
- For OTA: Only English and GK
- Each paper is for 100 marks, 2 hours long
- Negative marking exists, so guess wisely
- SSB Interview
- Only those who clear the written test get a call from Service Selection Board (SSB)
- SSB Interview is a 2-stage process:
- Stage I: Screening Test (includes OIR test + PPDT)
- Stage II: Psychology Tests, Group Testing Officer Tasks, Personal Interview, and Conference
- Entire thing spans 5 days, intense but super insightful
- Document Verification
- You need to show up with your originals—degree, 10th certificate (for DOB), and ID
- Provisional certificates work, but only till a deadline
- If you lie, you’re out. They’re strict here
- Medical Examination
- Even if you top the SSB, you still need to clear the medicals
- It checks everything from eyesight to fitness to internal health
- Each academy has specific medical standards, especially AFA
- Final Merit List
- It’s not just about marks; it’s about your combined score from written + SSB
- Higher your total, better your chance at the academy you prefer
- Oh, and vacancies matters too—you might clear the exam but still miss out if seats are filled
The selection process? Yes, it’s long. But it’s also fair. If you prepare smart and give your best, you got a solid chance.
Best CDS Coaching in Dehradun – NDDA
If you’re serious about clearing the CDS 2 2025 exam, you need the right guidance. And there’s no better place to start your journey than Noval Doon Defence Academy (NDDA)—the go-to destination for defence aspirants in Dehradun.
Why NDDA?
- Experienced faculty with defence backgrounds
- Complete syllabus coverage, focused on CDS-specific strategies
- Daily mock tests, doubt sessions & personalized mentorship
- SSB interview training with ex-armed forces officers
Join our Best CDS coaching in Dehradun and let us help you reach your goal. Whether it’s brushing up your math basics, cracking those English passages, or tackling the SSB like a pro—we’ve got your back.
CDS dreams? Let’s make it real, together, Contact us for free Consultation or any details you want.
Conclusion
Alright, if you’ve made it this far—give yourself a pat on the back. We’ve unpacked everything from the CDS 2 2025 Notification from eligibility, exam pattern, syllabus, selection stages. This isn’t just another exam—it’s your first step into the world of defence forces.
Whether you’re preparing for the Indian Military Academy, the Naval front, flying with the Air Force, or taking charge at OTA—each path is prestigious and powerful. But only if you show up prepared.
So, take this info seriously. Bookmark it. Re-read it. Build your prep strategy around it. And most importantly—start. Don’t wait for the “perfect time.” Let this be your sign. Go register, suit up (mentally, for now), and step into your mission with everything you’ve got. Your future uniform is waiting.
Looking for guidance? Join NDDA — Dehradun’s best CDS coaching institute. Let’s make your CDS dream real.
FAQs About CDS 2 2025 Exam
It varies by academy:
- IMA/INA: 19–24 years
- AFA: 19–24 years (extendable for CPL holders)
- OTA: 19–25 years
Yes, 1/3rd mark is deducted for every wrong answer.
Absolutely, Women can apply for the Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) only.
Only if you’re applying for IMA, INA, or AFA. OTA candidates do not need to attempt the Maths paper.
₹200 for general/OBC candidates. No fee for SC/ST and female candidates.
Yes, but final allocation depends on your merit rank, choice, and vacancy availability.
There’s no limit on attempts as long as you meet the age and eligibility criteria.
It’s challenging, yes—but with the right preparation, you can definitely crack it.
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