IBPS CDS (I) and (II) Exam 2025

What is IBPS CDS (I) and (II) Exam?

The "Combined Defence Services" (CDS) Examination is conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for the recruitment of candidates into the Indian Military Academy, Officers Training Academy, Indian Naval Academy and Indian Air Force Academy. The UPSC will conduct the CDS exam twice a year in the month of February and September. 

Candidates who aim to serve the nation by joining the defence forces can start applying for the CDS examination. In order to apply online for the CDS examination, candidates should meet all the eligibility requirements set by the Commission. The selection of the candidates will be based on the written examination followed by an interview for intelligence and personality test. The shortlisted candidates will be placed at the respective academies based on the preference and merit. Explore more details regarding the CDS (I) & (II) examination below. 

CDS 2025 Exam Details  

UPSC Combined Defence Services (CDS) (I) & (II) Notification 2025

The UPSC has released the CDS notification twice a year in the months of April and September.

UPSC has released the Combined Defence Service (CDS) (I) Notification 2025 on 13 December, 2024. Candidates who are interested and eligible can start register online from 13 to 31 December, 2024. The CDS Examination is conducted in two phases annually by the Union Public Service Commission. The UPSC CDS (I) 2025 exam will be held on 13 April, 2025 & CDS (II) 2025 exam will be conducted on 14 September, 2025. The recruitment notification of CDS will be released for around 457 vacancies each time. Aspirants should note that the number of vacancies in the notification is tentative and may be changed at any stage by Services.

UPSC CDS (I) & (II) 2025 Exam Dates

UPSC CDS (I) 2025

The UPSC has released the official notification of CDS (I) 2025 examination on 13 December, 2025 and CDS (II) 2025 the online applications can be filled up from 28 May to 17 June, 2025, till 6:00 PM. Aspirants are required to apply online using the official link www.upsconline.nic.in

The candidates applying for the examination must fulfil all the eligibility criteria for admission to the examination. The Union Public Service Commission, UPSC will be conducting the CDS (I) examinations on 14 April, 2025. The candidates who will be appearing for the examinations are supposed to keep an eye on the official website of the Commission.

The official website; upsc.gov.in will be updating the aspirants with important information and updates. So, the candidates are expected to visit the website at regular intervals. The CDS (I) 2025 examination will be held on 14 April, 2025 for admissions to the below-mentioned courses in the notification.

UPSC CDS (II) 2025 Timetable Released - Important Dates

The Union Public Service Commission has released the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) II Timetable 2025. Candidates who have registered for the CDS examination can now check the schedule on the official website - upsc.gov.in. The UPSC CDS (II) Exam will be conducted on 14 Seotember, 2025 (Sunday). The exam will be held in three shifts, each exam of two hours with different subjects.

UPSC CDS (II) 2025 Schedule:

A total of 453 vacancies across various defences academies including, Indian Naval Academy (INA), Indian Military Academy (IMA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA).

CDS (II) 2025

The UPSC will release the CDS (II) 2025 exam recruitment notification on 28 May, 2025.

The name of the notification is ''Combined Defence Service Examination (II), 2025 (Including SSC Women (Non-Technical Course).'' The online applications will be accepted until 17 June, 2025. A Combined Defence Services Exam will be conducted by the Union Public Service Commission on 14 September, 2025.

CDS 2025 Registration

Interested candidates are advised to check whether they meet all the eligibility requirements set by the Commission prior to CDS registration. For CDS exam registration, candidates need to visit the official website of UPSC (http://upsconline.nic.in). 

Candidates should have details of one photo identity card such as the Aadhaar Card/ Voter Card/ PAN Card/ Passport/ Driving Licence/ any other ID card issued by the State/Central Government. The details in the ID card are required to filling up the CDS online application form. 

Aspirants are also advised to keep the scanned copy of the photo ID ready for uploading. The same photo ID card is required until the final selection. Explore the step by step CDS registration form 2025 here. 

• If you are selected in one of the branches of armed forces then you are set for your rest of the life
• Apart from getting pay, perks and pension you also get many benefits that are missing from a private job
• Your job can be challenging depending upon which type of armed force you join
• Your job can be very tough and disciplined so you have to prepare yourself for it
• After successful completion of Combined Defence Services training, the candidates pass out in the rank of a designated officer will be entitled to the pay and allowance of the rank