Published on October 9, 2025
Delhi, India
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the results for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination II 2025 written test on October 9, 2025, marking a pivotal step for defence aspirants. A total of 9,085 candidates have been shortlisted based on their performance in the exam held on September 14, 2025.
- Key Highlights:
- The merit list includes roll numbers of qualified candidates, provisional pending document verification.
- Shortlisting is for the Services Selection Board (SSB) interviews, with final selection hinging on combined written and SSB scores.
- This year’s response underscores sustained interest in defence careers amid national security priorities.
How to Check Results
Accessing the results is straightforward via the UPSC portal, ensuring quick verification for anxious candidates.
- Step-by-Step Guide:
- Navigate to upsc.gov.in and select the “Examination” tab, then “Written Results.”
- Click on the “Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2025 – Written Result” link.
- Download the PDF merit list and use Ctrl+F to search your roll number.
- Direct Link: https://upsc.gov.in/whats-new/Combined%20Defence%20Services%20Examination%20%28II%29%2C%202025/Written%20Result%20%28with%20name%29
- Pro Tip: Keep your admit card handy for roll number reference; results are also emailed/SMS-ed to registered candidates.
Expected Cut-Off Marks
While official cut-offs will be published post-SSB, preliminary estimates based on exam difficulty and past trends provide a benchmark. Candidates needed at least 20% in each subject to qualify.
- Written Exam Cut-Offs (Expected):
- Indian Military Academy (IMA): 119–131 (out of 300)
- Indian Naval Academy (INA): 104–121 (out of 300)
- Air Force Academy (AFA): 146–151 (out of 300)
- Officers Training Academy (OTA) – Men: 73–84 (out of 200)
- Officers Training Academy (OTA) – Women: 75–85 (out of 200)
- Factors Influencing Cut-Offs: Moderate exam difficulty in English and GK, tougher Maths section; higher competition for AFA due to stringent physical/medical norms.
Vacancies and Branch Eligibility
The CDS II 2025 aims to fill 453 vacancies across premier defence academies, offering pathways to commissioned officer roles.
- Branch-Wise Vacancies (Tentative):
- IMA (Dehradun): For 161st DE Course commencing July 2026.
- INA (Ezhimala, Kerala): For 116th INSC Course starting July 2026.
- AFA (Hyderabad): For 220 F(P) Pre-Flying Training Course from July 2026.
- OTA (Chennai): 124th SSC (Men/Women) NT Courses beginning October 2026.
- Eligibility Note: Unmarried male/female graduates; specific age limits (19-24 for IMA/INA/AFA, 19-25 for OTA); medical fitness crucial for final allotment.
Next Steps: SSB Interviews and Selection Process
Shortlisted candidates must now focus on the SSB phase, a rigorous personality and intelligence assessment spanning 4-5 days.
- SSB Process Overview:
- Stage 1: Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test and Picture Perception & Description (PP&DT).
- Stage 2: Psychological Tests (TAT, WAT, SRT, SD), Group Tasks (GTO), Personal Interview.
- Army candidates (IMA/OTA preference): Register/update on joinindianarmy.nic.in for SSB centre allocation.
- Timeline: Call letters expected soon; interviews from November 2025 onwards at centres like Allahabad, Bangalore, Bhopal.
- Post-SSB: Medical examination, document verification (age, education, NCC ‘C’ certificate if applicable), and final merit list for academy allocation.
- Helpline: UPSC Facilitation Counter (011-23385271/23381125) on working days, 10 AM-5 PM.
