UPSC Announces CDS 2 Exam Date 2025: Mark Your Calendars for September 14

New Delhi, India – The path to serving in India’s elite defence forces just got clearer. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially confirmed the CDS 2 Exam Date 2025 will be September 14, 2025. This pivotal announcement sets the stage for thousands of aspirants aiming for officer roles in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. With the clock now ticking, candidates must intensify their preparation strategies immediately to conquer this highly competitive gateway. The exam remains a cornerstone for those seeking prestigious careers in national defence, and this date marks a non-negotiable deadline for dreams to take flight.

CDS 2 Exam 2025: Key Dates and Schedule

The UPSC’s official calendar leaves no room for ambiguity. The CDS 2 Exam 2025 will unfold in three distinct papers across a single day:

• English: 9:00 AM–11:00 AM
• General Knowledge: 12:30 PM–2:30 PM
• Elementary Mathematics: 4:00 PM–6:00 PM

Candidates applying for the Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) will only sit for English and General Knowledge. The exam will be conducted offline (pen-and-paper mode) at centers nationwide. Historically, admit cards release one week before the exam. Aspirants must vigilantly monitor the UPSC official website for updates, as late downloads risk disqualification.

Critical Timeline:

• Admit Card Availability: Early September 2025
• SSB Interviews & Medical Tests: November 2025–March 2026
• Final Merit List: April 2026

How to Prepare for CDS 2 Exam 2025

With under five months remaining, strategic preparation is non-negotiable. Veterans and top mentors emphasize three pillars: syllabus mastery, timed practice, and physical readiness.

Subject-Specific Tactics:

• English: Focus on comprehension, error spotting, and vocabulary. Use previous years’ papers (2020–2024) to identify patterns.
• General Knowledge: Prioritize current affairs (past 12 months), defence policies, and NCERT history/geography texts. Resources like Manorama Yearbook are invaluable.
• Mathematics: Algebra, trigonometry, and statistics dominate. Solve 30+ problems daily and take weekly mock tests.

“Consistency beats cramming,” says Colonel R.S. Rathore (Retd.), a former SSB evaluator. “Dedicate 6 hours daily—2 per subject—and simulate exam conditions weekly. Fitness is equally vital; SSB rejects 60% of written qualifiers due to poor medicals or leadership tasks.”

Proven Study Framework:

1. Weeks 1–4: Complete syllabus coverage using UPSC’s CDS blueprint.
2. Weeks 5–8: Solve past papers (2015–2024) and analyze errors.
3. Weeks 9–16: Full-length mocks under timed conditions.

Steps to Download CDS 2 Admit Card 2025

Your admit card is your exam passport. Follow this verified process:

1. Visit UPSC’s official portal.
2. Click “Admit Card” > “Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2025.”
3. Select login method: Registration ID or Roll Number.
4. Enter your DOB and captcha code.
5. Submit and download the admit card.
6. Print two copies and verify all details (venue, photo, signature).

Note: Discrepancies? Immediately contact UPSC via [email protected]. No physical copies are mailed—digital download is mandatory.

Non-Negotiables for Exam Day:

• Admit card + government photo ID (Aadhaar/Passport).
• Blue/black ballpoint pens.
• No watches or electronic devices.

Must Know

Q: What is the CDS 2 Exam 2025 age limit?
A: Candidates must be 20–24 years old for IMA/INA/AFA and 19–25 for OTA as of January 1, 2026. Age relaxations apply for SC/ST/OBC.

Q: Is the CDS 2 2025 exam offline or online?
A: It’s entirely offline (OMR sheet-based). No computer-based option exists.

Q: How many attempts are allowed?
A: Unlimited attempts until you reach the age limit. Civilians and active military personnel can apply.

Q: What’s the syllabus for OTA applicants?
A: OTA candidates only take English (100 marks) and General Knowledge (100 marks). Mathematics is excluded.

Q: When will UPSC release the CDS 2 2025 notification?
A: Expect it in May 2025 on upsconline.nic.in. Applications typically open for 3 weeks.

Q: How is the final merit list prepared?
A: Written exam scores (50%) + SSB interview (40%) + medical fitness (10%).

The CDS 2 Exam 2025 isn’t just a test—it’s the threshold to defending the nation. With September 14 confirmed, procrastination is your fiercest enemy. Start dissecting past papers today, fortify weaker subjects, and rehearse under exam pressure. Thousands vie for limited seats; victory favors the disciplined. Visit UPSC’s portal now, bookmark critical dates, and transform your aspiration into commission.