Complete CDS II 2025 guide for IMA, INA, AFA—syllabus, prep tips, and deadlines. Prepare for your defence officer career.
Introduction: Your Gateway to IMA, INA, and AFA – CDS II 2025 Awaits
The Combined Defence Services (CDS) II 2025 exam, conducted on September 14, 2025, is your ticket to prestigious academies like the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Air Force Academy (AFA). With the application window closed on June 17, 2025, and results expected soon, this post-exam guide helps you prepare for the next steps, including SSB interviews and merit lists. Building on our earlier insights into SSB interviews, this comprehensive resource covers eligibility, syllabus, prep tips, and more to secure your spot as a defence officer.
Eligibility and Syllabus: Know the Basics
To qualify for CDS II 2025, candidates must be aged 19-24 (unmarried males for IMA/INA/AFA), hold a bachelor’s degree, and meet physical standards as per UPSC guidelines. For IMA/INA/AFA, a written exam in English, General Knowledge (GK), and Elementary Mathematics is required; OTA (if applicable) omits Maths. The syllabus is at a graduate level for English/GK and matriculation for Maths, focusing on current affairs, history, polity, and quantitative aptitude.
| Academy | Eligibility | Key Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| IMA | Bachelor’s degree, 19-24 years, unmarried | English, GK, Maths |
| INA | Bachelor’s degree (Engineering preferred), 19-22 years | English, GK, Maths |
| AFA | Bachelor’s degree, 20-24 years, Physics/Chemistry in 12th | English, GK, Maths |
Key syllabus highlights: English (comprehension, grammar); GK (current events, history, geography, polity, economy, defence); Maths (algebra, trigonometry, geometry, mensuration, statistics). Practice with previous papers to master these.
Preparation Tips and Mock Questions
Even post-exam, honing skills for SSB and interviews is crucial. Dedicate time to mock tests: 2 hours per paper (100 questions each). Focus on accuracy to clear cut-offs (around 100-120 total for IMA/INA/AFA). Here are 5 mock GK questions inspired by recent defence events:
- Which indigenous missile was tested successfully in 2025? (A) Agni-V (B) Astra Mk-2 (C) BrahMos-NG (D) Prithvi-II
- Who is the current Chief of Defence Staff? (A) Gen Anil Chauhan (B) Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari (C) Gen Manoj Pande (D) Adm R Hari Kumar
- What is the squadron strength target for IAF by 2030? (A) 42 (B) 35 (C) 50 (D) 29
- In which war did MiG-21 play a pivotal role? (A) 1965 (B) 1971 (C) Both (D) Kargil 1999
- What does Aatmanirbhar Bharat emphasize in defence? (A) Imports (B) Self-reliance (C) Alliances (D) Exports only
Answers: B, A, A, C, B. Review current affairs from the last 6-12 months, especially defence reforms and Tejas inductions.
Next Steps: From Results to SSB
Results for CDS II 2025 are expected in late October 2025 on upsc.gov.in. Qualified candidates proceed to SSB (5 days: screening, psychological tests, GTO tasks, interview). Prepare documents: degree certificates, ID proofs. Explore defence career paths for post-selection roles in procurement or R&D. The total vacancies for CDS II 2025: 453 across IMA (100), INA (32), AFA (32), OTA (170 men + 19 women).
Conclusion: Your Defence Dream Starts Here
CDS II 2025 opens doors to leadership in India’s armed forces. With focused prep on syllabus and SSB, you can join the ranks of elite officers. Stay tuned for our upcoming “NDA vs. CDS” comparison – check our 10 Fun Facts About India’s Elite Special Forces in the meantime. Sign up for Weekly Exam Alerts!
Quiz: Are You CDS-Ready?
Test your GK with these 5 questions (answers below):
1. CDS II 2025 exam date? (Sept 14)
2. Minimum age for IMA? (19 years)
3. Full form of AFA? (Air Force Academy)
4. CDS Maths level? (Matriculation)
5. 2025 CDS vacancies? (~453)
Join the Discussion: Which CDS entry is your dream—IMA, INA, or AFA? Comment below. Follow @DefenceNiti on X! #CDSExam #UPSC #DefenceJobs
