The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the notification for the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination II (NDA/NA II) and Combined Defence Services Examination II (CDS II) for the year 2025. The notification, made public on May 28, marks the beginning of the application process for aspiring candidates aiming to join prestigious defence institutions in India. Eligible and interested candidates can visit the official website of the UPSC — upsc.gov.in — to read the complete notification and begin the application process. The last date to submit applications is June 17, 2025, up to 6:00 PM.

The NDA/NA II exam facilitates admission to the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy as well as to the Naval Academy. Simultaneously, the CDS II exam opens pathways to the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). The examinations are a crucial gateway for candidates who dream of serving the nation through a career in defence.

According to the schedule, both the NDA/NA II and CDS II written examinations are slated to take place on September 14, 2025. Conducted in offline mode using Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) sheets, the exams follow a multi-stage selection process. This includes a written examination, followed by the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview, a medical examination, and finally, a consolidated merit list which determines the final selection of candidates.

For those aiming to appear for either or both exams, the application process is entirely online. Candidates must first visit the official UPSC website and locate the appropriate notification link on the homepage, titled “NDA/NA & CDS II Exam 2025.” The first step is to complete the online registration process, which generates a unique registration ID and password. These credentials will then be used to log in and access the full application form. Applicants are required to fill in personal and educational details accurately, upload scanned copies of essential documents including a passport-size photograph, signature, and educational certificates, and pay the application fee through net banking, credit/debit cards, or UPI. Once the application is successfully submitted, candidates are advised to download and print the confirmation page for future reference.

The examination pattern for both exams is structured to assess candidates on multiple competencies. For NDA/NA II, the exam consists of two papers: Mathematics, which carries 300 marks, and the General Ability Test, which carries 600 marks. The General Ability Test includes sections on English, General Knowledge, and other aptitude-based questions. For CDS II, the exam pattern varies slightly based on the choice of academy. Those applying for the IMA, INA, and AFA will appear for three papers: English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics. However, candidates applying to the OTA will only be required to take the English and General Knowledge papers.

Effective preparation strategies are essential for success in these competitive exams. Aspirants are advised to strictly adhere to the official syllabus provided in the notification and consistently practice using previous years’ question papers. This not only familiarizes them with the pattern and difficulty level of the questions but also helps improve time management during the exam. Sectional mock tests and simulated exams can help candidates gauge their preparation levels and identify areas that need improvement. Moreover, staying updated with current affairs and strengthening foundational knowledge in subjects like mathematics, English, and general science will provide a solid base for tackling the questions confidently.

As the application window has now opened, candidates are urged not to delay their submission, ensuring that all documents are uploaded correctly and application fees are paid without error. This notification offers a significant opportunity for young individuals aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces and serve with honor, discipline, and dedication. The road ahead involves rigorous preparation and commitment, but for many, it is the first step towards a fulfilling and honorable career in the service of the nation.