The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has just opened the gates to your dream career in the Indian Armed Forces! The application forms for NDA & NA II 2025 and CDS II 2025 are now live on the brand-new online portal at upsconline.nic.in, launched on May 28, 2025. With the exams scheduled for September 14, 2025, this is your chance to join prestigious institutions like the National Defence Academy (NDA), Indian Military Academy (IMA), Air Force Academy, and more. Whether you’re aiming for a role in the Army, Navy, or Air Force, this guide breaks down everything you need to know to ace the UPSC NDA & CDS II 2025 application process and kickstart your defence career!
Why NDA & CDS II 2025 Are Your Big Break
- Prestigious Career Path: Join elite institutions like NDA, IMA, or the Indian Naval Academy.
- Massive Opportunities: 406 vacancies for NDA II and 453 for CDS II in 2025.
- New Portal Advantage: Streamlined application process with Aadhaar verification.
- Nationwide Exam: Conducted on September 14, 2025, across multiple centers.
The UPSC NDA & CDS II 2025 exams are your ticket to a rewarding career serving the nation. With 406 vacancies for NDA & NA II and 453 vacancies for CDS II, these exams offer a golden opportunity to secure a spot in the Indian Armed Forces. The new online portal makes applying easier than ever, so you can focus on your UPSC exam preparation instead of paperwork hassles.
What’s New with the UPSC Application Portal?
- Four-Part System: Includes Account Creation, Universal Registration, Common Application Form, and Examination Section.
- Aadhaar Verification: Fast-track your identity check with Aadhaar for a smoother process.
- Time-Saving Design: Pre-fill details once and reuse them for all UPSC exams.
- Real-Time Tracking: Monitor your application status instantly.
Launched on May 28, 2025, the UPSC online application portal at upsconline.nic.in is a game-changer. It replaces the old One-Time Registration (OTR) system, offering a user-friendly interface that simplifies the process. The portal’s Aadhaar-based verification ensures quick authentication, and its four-section structure lets you complete most steps well before deadlines. Say goodbye to repetitive data entry and hello to a stress-free application experience!
Who Can Apply for NDA & CDS II 2025?
- NDA & NA II Eligibility:
- Age: Born between January 2, 2006, and January 1, 2009 (16.5–19.5 years).
- Education: Passed or appearing in Class 12 for NDA; 10+2 with Physics and Maths for Naval Academy.
- Marital Status: Unmarried male and female candidates.
- Vacancies: 406 posts (Army: 208, Navy: 42, Air Force: 120, Naval Academy: 36).
- CDS II Eligibility:
- Age: 19–25 years, depending on the academy (e.g., IMA: born between July 2, 2000, and July 1, 2006).
- Education: Degree from a recognized university for IMA and Officers’ Training Academy; degree in Engineering for Naval Academy; degree with Physics and Maths for Air Force Academy.
- Vacancies: 453 posts across IMA, Air Force Academy, Naval Academy, and Officers’ Training Academy.
- Fee: ₹100 for General/OBC (NDA) and ₹200 (CDS); SC/ST and female candidates exempt.
Both exams are open to Indian citizens, with specific physical and medical standards. Check the official notifications on upsc.gov.in for detailed eligibility criteria, including physical requirements and syllabus.
How to Apply on the New UPSC Portal
- Step 1: Visit upsconline.nic.in and click “New Registration.”
- Step 2: Create an account with your name, date of birth, and contact details.
- Step 3: Complete Universal Registration by uploading your Aadhaar card or other valid photo ID (e.g., Voter ID, PAN, Passport).
- Step 4: Fill the Common Application Form with educational and personal details.
- Step 5: Select NDA II or CDS II in the Examination Section, upload documents (photo, signature, certificates), and pay the fee.
- Step 6: Submit by June 17, 2025, and download the confirmation page.
Pro Tip: Clear your browser’s cache (Ctrl+Shift+Delete) before starting to avoid technical glitches.
Keep your Aadhaar card, Class 10/12 certificates, scanned photo, and signature ready in the specified formats. Double-check all details to avoid rejection. The portal’s real-time status updates make it easy to track your application.
Why You Should Apply Early
- Beat the Rush: Avoid last-minute server crashes by registering now.
- Fix Errors: The correction window opens post-deadline, but early submission gives you time to review.
- Focus on Prep: Complete your application early to dive into NDA syllabus or CDS syllabus prep.
- Aadhaar Advantage: Use Aadhaar for quick verification and fewer exam-day hassles.
With the deadline set for June 17, 2025, don’t wait until the last minute. Early registration lets you focus on mastering UPSC exam strategies, like tackling the NDA written exam or preparing for the SSB interview.
What to Expect in NDA & CDS II 2025
- NDA II Exam:
- Date: September 14, 2025.
- Structure: Written exam (Maths, General Ability Test) followed by SSB interview.
- Purpose: Admission to Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of NDA and Naval Academy.
- CDS II Exam:
- Date: September 14, 2025.
- Structure: Written exam (English, General Knowledge, Elementary Maths for IMA/AFA/INA; English and GK for OTA) followed by SSB interview.
- Purpose: Admission to IMA, Air Force Academy, Naval Academy, and Officers’ Training Academy.
- Selection Process: Written exam + SSB interview; final merit based on combined performance.
Both exams test your knowledge, aptitude, and physical fitness. Start your UPSC exam preparation with the official syllabus, practice papers, and mock tests to boost your chances.
Insider Tips for a Winning Application
- Use Aadhaar: Speeds up verification and ensures accuracy at exam centers.
- Check Document Specs: Upload photos and signatures in UPSC’s required size and format.
- Stay Updated: Enable notifications on upsconline.nic.in for exam alerts.
- Verify Details: Errors in name, DOB, or ID can lead to disqualification.
- Prep Smart: Pair your application with a study plan for the NDA written exam or CDS syllabus.
A clean application is your first step toward success. Keep a hard copy of your confirmation page and check your admit card details when released (expected in August 2025).
Your Journey to a Defence Career Starts Here
The UPSC NDA & CDS II 2025 exams are more than just tests—they’re your gateway to serving the nation with pride. With 406 NDA vacancies and 453 CDS vacancies, the opportunities are vast, and the new UPSC online application portal makes applying easier than ever. Head to upsconline.nic.in, complete your registration by June 17, 2025, and start preparing for the September 14, 2025, exams. Your dream of joining the Indian Armed Forces is just a few clicks away!
