Final Result Declared ✅ — 30 March 2026
UPSC CDS II Final Result 2025 — Out Now
302 Candidates Selected for IMA, INA & AFA | 161st DE Course | Merit List PDF at upsc.gov.in | 30 March 2026
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially declared the Final Result of the Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2025 on 30 March 2026 at upsc.gov.in. A total of 302 candidates have been finally recommended for admission to three of India's most prestigious defence training academies — 190 candidates for the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun (161st Direct Entry Course); 85 candidates for the Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala, Kerala; and 27 candidates for the Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad (Pre-Flying Training Course No. 220 F(P)) — all commencing in July 2026. The final merit list has been prepared after the written examination held on 14 September 2025 and subsequent SSB interviews conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB) of the Ministry of Defence. Samar Islam Laskar has topped the IMA merit list, while Jasnoor Singh (Roll No. 3503411) achieved the remarkable distinction of simultaneously ranking 7th in IMA, 1st in INA, and 1st in AFA. The result PDF is publicly downloadable at upsc.gov.in — use Ctrl+F to search your roll number. The OTA final result will be declared separately, and candidate marks will be published within 15 days of the OTA result.
🏛️ UPSC — Union Public Service Commission
📅 Final Result: 30 March 2026
✅ Total Selected: 302 Candidates
🎖️ IMA (Dehradun): 190
⚓ INA (Ezhimala): 85
✈️ AFA (Hyderabad): 27
📋 Course: 161st DE Course — July 2026
📝 Written Exam: 14 September 2025
💼 Total Vacancies: 453 (IMA+INA+AFA+OTA)
🌐 Official: upsc.gov.in
✅
302
Finally
Selected
Selected
🎖️
190
IMA
Dehradun
Dehradun
⚓
85
INA
Ezhimala
Ezhimala
✈️
27
AFA
Hyderabad
Hyderabad
💼
9,085
SSB-Qualified
Written Stage
Written Stage
📅
Jul 2026
Course
Commences
Commences
01
Complete Overview — UPSC CDS II 2025 Final Result
| Conducting Authority | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) — Dholpur House, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi — 110069 |
| Examination Name | Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2025 |
| Written Exam Date | 14 September 2025 — across designated centres nationwide |
| Written Result (SSB Shortlist) | 9 October 2025 — 9,085 candidates shortlisted for SSB interviews |
| SSB Interviews | Conducted by Services Selection Board (SSB), Ministry of Defence — over multiple weeks post written result |
| Final Result Declared | 30 March 2026 at upsc.gov.in |
| Total Finally Selected | 302 candidates — IMA: 190 | INA: 85 | AFA: 27 |
| Course Name (IMA & INA) | 161st Direct Entry (DE) Course |
| Course Name (AFA) | 220 F(P) Pre-Flying Training Course |
| Course Commencement | July 2026 — IMA, INA, and AFA |
| Total Vacancies (All Academies) | 453 — IMA + INA + AFA + OTA (OTA result pending) |
| IMA Topper | Samar Islam Laskar — Rank 1 in IMA merit list |
| Outstanding Performer | Jasnoor Singh (Roll No. 3503411) — Rank 7 IMA | Rank 1 INA | Rank 1 AFA |
| Result Format | PDF — publicly downloadable, no login required. Ctrl+F to search roll number. |
| Marks Availability | After OTA final result declaration — available on upsc.gov.in for 30 days |
| Result PDF | upsc.gov.in/sites/default/files/FR-CDSE-II-2025-Engl-300326.pdf |
| OTA Final Result | To be declared separately on upsc.gov.in (Officers Training Academy, Chennai) |
02
Complete Timeline — UPSC CDS II 2025 Recruitment Journey
| Event / Milestone | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| CDS II 2025 Notification Released | May 2025 | |
| Online Application Window | May 2025 – 20 June 2025 | |
| CDS II Written Examination Conducted | 14 September 2025 | |
| Written Result Declared — SSB Shortlist | 9 October 2025 — 9,085 candidates | |
| SSB Interviews Conducted (Services Selection Board) | November 2025 – March 2026 | |
| IMA, INA & AFA Final Result Declared ✅ | 30 March 2026 — 302 Candidates Selected | |
| OTA Final Result (Chennai — Men & Women) | To be declared separately | |
| Marks Available on UPSC Website | Within 15 days of OTA result — for 30 days | |
| Document Submission Deadline — IMA & INA | 1 July 2026 — to respective Service HQ | |
| Document Submission Deadline — AFA | 13 May 2026 — to Air Force HQ | |
| Medical Examination | At designated military hospitals — dates notified by Service HQ | |
| 161st DE Course Commences — IMA, INA, AFA | July 2026 |
⚠️ Document Deadline for AFA is Earlier: Candidates selected for Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad must submit their original certificates to Air Force HQ by 13 May 2026 — significantly earlier than the IMA/INA deadline of 1 July 2026. AFA candidates must act immediately to avoid missing this earlier deadline.
03
Academy-Wise Final Result — IMA, INA & AFA Breakup
| Academy | Location | Selected | Course | Commencement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | Dehradun, Uttarakhand | 190 | 161st Direct Entry (DE) Course | July 2026 |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | Ezhimala, Kerala | 85 | 161st DE Course | July 2026 |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | Dundigal, Hyderabad | 27 | No. 220 F(P) Pre-Flying Training Course | July 2026 |
| Total — IMA + INA + AFA | 302 | |||
| OTA — Men (Chennai) | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | TBA | 124th SSC (NT) Men Course | October 2026 |
| OTA — Women (Chennai) | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | TBA | 124th SSC (NT) Women Course | October 2026 |
| Grand Total — All Vacancies Notified | 453 | IMA + INA + AFA + OTA |
IMA Dehradun
190
161st DE Course
July 2026
July 2026
INA Ezhimala
85
161st DE Course
July 2026
July 2026
AFA Hyderabad
27
220 F(P) Course
July 2026
July 2026
Total Selected
302
IMA+INA+AFA
Final Result
Final Result
SSB Qualified
9,085
Written result
9 Oct 2025
9 Oct 2025
OTA Result
TBA
124th SSC Course
Oct 2026
Oct 2026
04
UPSC CDS II 2025 Toppers & Outstanding Performers
The final merit list released on 30 March 2026 has produced remarkable individual performances. The competitive nature of CDS ensures that each person in the merit list has demonstrated exceptional written ability, leadership qualities, mental aptitude, and physical fitness through multiple rigorous selection stages.
| Rank / Achievement | Candidate | Academy / Rank |
|---|---|---|
| IMA Rank 1 (Topper) | Samar Islam Laskar | Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun — Rank 1 in final merit list |
| INA Rank 1 & AFA Rank 1 — Dual Academy Topper | Jasnoor Singh Roll No. 3503411 | Rank 7 in IMA · Rank 1 in INA · Rank 1 in AFA simultaneously — one of the most exceptional performances in CDS history |
🌟 What Makes Jasnoor Singh's Performance Exceptional
- Securing Rank 1 in two different academies simultaneously (INA and AFA) while also ranking 7th in IMA means Jasnoor Singh scored at the top across all three service branches — Army, Navy, and Air Force
- Each academy has a different preference pool, evaluation criteria emphasis, and competition from different candidate backgrounds — topping more than one simultaneously is extraordinarily rare in CDS history
- This reflects both exceptional written examination performance and outstanding SSB interview rating from the Services Selection Board
05
How to Download & Check UPSC CDS II Final Result 2025 — Step-by-Step
The UPSC CDS II 2025 Final Merit List is a publicly accessible PDF — no UPSC portal login is required. The PDF contains three sections — one each for IMA, INA, and AFA — listing selected candidates in order of merit with their roll numbers and names.
🔗 Official Result Links
- Direct Final Result PDF: https://upsc.gov.in/sites/default/files/FR-CDSE-II-2025-Engl-300326.pdf
- UPSC Official Website: https://upsc.gov.in → Examinations → Written Results / Final Results → CDS (II) 2025
- UPSC Results Page: https://upsc.gov.in/examinations/final-results
1
Open upsc.gov.in and Navigate to Results
Visit https://upsc.gov.in in Google Chrome or Firefox. On the homepage, look for the "What's New" section (top right or scrolling banner) or navigate to Examinations → Final Results from the menu. You can also directly use the PDF link above to open the final merit list without navigating through the site.
2
Click the CDS (II) 2025 Final Result Link
On the results page, look for: "Final Result: Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2025". Click the PDF icon or text link. The official merit list PDF opens — file name FR-CDSE-II-2025-Engl-300326.pdf. The PDF is in English and contains three separate merit lists: one for IMA, one for INA, and one for AFA, each arranged in order of merit.
3
Use Ctrl+F to Search Your Roll Number
Once the PDF is open in your browser, press Ctrl+F (Windows/Linux) or Cmd+F (Mac) to open the search function. Type your Roll Number exactly as on your CDS II 2025 admit card. Search within the specific section of the PDF corresponding to the academy you applied for (IMA, INA, or AFA). If your roll number appears, you are in the final merit list and have been recommended for that academy. You can also search by name — but roll number is more reliable.
4
Note Your Merit Rank and Academy Allocation
The merit list shows candidates in order of merit (highest scorer first) within each academy. Note your position — this merit order determines your priority during the joining process if there are any changes to course seats. Also note the academy header — it confirms which academy you are recommended for. If you had applied for multiple academies as preferences, the final allocation is based on merit and vacancy availability at each academy.
5
Download and Save the Merit List PDF
Save the official PDF to your device and a cloud backup (Google Drive, email). Print a copy for your records. This PDF will be referenced throughout: (1) when you submit documents to Service HQ, (2) during medical examination, (3) at academy joining, and (4) at any future verification. Keep it safe alongside your CDS admit card, SSB interview documentation, and other recruitment records.
6
Submit Original Documents to Service HQ — Immediately
Do not wait — begin document submission immediately after confirming your selection. AFA candidates: deadline is 13 May 2026 (Air Force HQ, Kasturba Gandhi Marg, New Delhi). IMA and INA candidates: deadline is 1 July 2026 (Army HQ West Block III, R.K. Puram; or Navy HQ Sena Bhawan). Documents must be sent directly to Service HQ — NOT to UPSC. Failure to submit originals by the deadline cancels provisional candidature.
06
Next Steps for Selected Candidates — Complete Roadmap to Commissioning
Being in the final merit list is the culmination of months of preparation — but it is not the end. Several critical steps remain before you can report to your academy in July 2026. Each step has a hard deadline and must be completed without delay.
| Step | Action Required | Deadline / Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Document Submission to Service HQ | Submit original certificates — Date of Birth (Class 10), Educational Qualification, NCC 'C' Certificate (if applicable). Send directly to respective Service HQ, NOT to UPSC. Keep self-attested photocopies. | AFA: 13 May 2026 IMA & INA: 1 July 2026 |
| 2. Register on joinindianarmy.nic.in | IMA and OTA (Army first preference) candidates must register on the Indian Army's official portal to receive SSB call-up details, joining instructions, and academy communication. Do not register again if already registered from the SSB stage. | Immediately after result confirmation |
| 3. Navy Candidates — Contact Naval HQ | Candidates with Navy as first preference should contact IHQ of MoD (Navy) "DMPR" (OI & R), Room 204, 'C' Wing, Sena Bhawan, New Delhi — 110011. Helpline: 011-23010097 | Email: officer-navy@nic.in | Website: joinindiannavy.gov.in | Immediately — update address if changed |
| 4. Air Force Candidates — Contact Air Force HQ | AFA candidates contact Directorate of Personnel (Officers), Kasturba Gandhi Marg, New Delhi — 110001. Helpline: 011-23010231 (Ext. 7645/7646/7610) | Website: careerindianairforce.cdac.in. AFA document deadline is the earliest — act now. | Document deadline: 13 May 2026 |
| 5. Medical Examination | Selected candidates must pass a Medical Examination conducted by military medical boards (AFMSF/INMC/IAF medical teams) at designated hospitals. The medical examination assesses physical fitness, eyesight, hearing, and overall health to the standards prescribed for commissioned officers. Medical results are NOT included in merit preparation — they are an independent clearance step. | As notified by Service HQ |
| 6. Pre-Academy Physical Fitness Preparation | Selected candidates should intensify physical fitness training — running, pull-ups, push-ups, swimming (for INA), endurance. Academy training from Day 1 is demanding. Report at peak physical fitness to avoid early failures or medical downgrading. | July 2026 onward |
| 7. Report to Academy — July 2026 | Receive joining letter from academy with reporting date, dress code, items to bring, and course schedule. Report at IMA Dehradun / INA Ezhimala / AFA Dundigal Hyderabad on the specified date. Begin the transformational journey from civilian to commissioned officer. | July 2026 (exact date in joining letter) |
07
Service HQ Contact Details — Submit Documents Here (NOT to UPSC)
🪖 Army (IMA / OTA) — First Preference Candidates
- Address: IHQ of MoD (Army), West Block III, R.K. Puram, New Delhi — 110066
- Helpline: 011-26175473
- Online Registration: joinindianarmy.nic.in (register for SSB call-up and academy updates)
- Document Deadline: 1 July 2026 (IMA) | 1 October 2026 (OTA SSC courses)
⚓ Navy (INA) — First Preference Candidates
- Address: IHQ of MoD (Navy) "DMPR" (OI & R), Room 204, 'C' Wing, Sena Bhawan, New Delhi — 110011
- Helpline: 011-23010097
- Email: officer-navy@nic.in
- Website: joinindiannavy.gov.in
- Document Deadline: 1 July 2026
✈️ Air Force (AFA) — First Preference Candidates
- Address: Directorate of Personnel (Officers), Kasturba Gandhi Marg, New Delhi — 110001
- Helpline: 011-23010231 (Extension: 7645 / 7646 / 7610)
- Website: careerindianairforce.cdac.in
- Document Deadline: 13 May 2026 — Earliest of all three. Act immediately.
📞 UPSC Facilitation Counter: 011-23385271 | 011-23381125 | 011-23098543
🕐 Working hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Mon–Fri)
🏛️ UPSC Address: Dholpur House, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi — 110069
08
Selection Statistics & Competitive Analysis — CDS II 2025
Understanding the scale of competition in CDS II 2025 helps contextualise how challenging the selection process is — and how significant it is to secure a place in the final merit list of 302 out of the hundreds of thousands who aspired.
| Stage | Candidates | Remark |
|---|---|---|
| Total Notified Vacancies (IMA + INA + AFA + OTA) | 453 | For IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA combined |
| Candidates Qualified in Written Exam (SSB Shortlist) | 9,085 | Declared 9 October 2025 — for IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA |
| IMA Shortlisted for SSB (Written Stage) | Included in 9,085 | 15× vacancy ratio typically applied |
| Finally Selected — IMA | 190 | Out of SSB-qualified IMA applicants |
| Finally Selected — INA | 85 | Out of SSB-qualified INA applicants |
| Finally Selected — AFA | 27 | Most competitive — 27 seats out of all AFA aspirants |
| Total Finally Selected (IMA + INA + AFA) | 302 | Final result declared 30 March 2026 |
| OTA Selection (Men + Women) | TBA | Pending — 124th SSC Course, Oct 2026 |
| SSB Clearance Rate (Approximate) | ~3.3% of SSB-qualified | 302 selected from 9,085 SSB-eligible (IMA+INA+AFA) |
📊 What Makes AFA the Most Selective
- Only 27 seats in AFA versus 190 in IMA and 85 in INA makes the Air Force the most selective academy in CDS
- AFA requires additional aptitude — PABT (Pilot Aptitude Battery Test) passed candidates are only eligible. This further restricts the pool
- The 220 F(P) course trains flying officers — physical standards (vision: 6/6 in both eyes uncorrected; hearing; physical fitness) are the strictest among all three academies
- Despite applying for all three academies, only the rarest performers like Jasnoor Singh achieve top ranks across more than one simultaneously
09
CDS II Exam Pattern — Written Examination (14 September 2025)
| Paper | Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration | For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | English — Reading Comprehension, Grammar, Vocabulary, Usage | 120 | 100 | 2 hrs | IMA, INA, AFA, OTA |
| Paper II | General Knowledge — History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science, Current Affairs, Defence | 120 | 100 | 2 hrs | IMA, INA, AFA, OTA |
| Paper III | Elementary Mathematics — Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Mensuration, Statistics | 100 | 100 | 2 hrs | IMA, INA, AFA only (NOT OTA) |
| Total (IMA/INA/AFA) | 340 | 300 | 6 hrs | ||
| Total (OTA) | 240 | 200 | 4 hrs | ||
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Mode | Offline — Pen-and-Paper based (OMR / written answer sheets) |
| Question Type | Objective Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) |
| Negative Marking | 1/3 mark deducted per wrong answer (same as UPSC Civil Services Prelims) |
| Minimum Qualifying per Paper | 20% of marks in each individual paper is mandatory — failing any one paper = disqualification |
| Medium | English (all papers) — General Knowledge also available in Hindi |
| Eligibility — IMA/INA/AFA | Graduate (any discipline) for INA; Engineering graduate for specific INA branches; Graduation for IMA; Physics + Mathematics at 12th for AFA |
| Age Limit | IMA: 19.5–25 years | INA: 19.5–25 years | AFA: 20–24 years | OTA (Men): 19–25 years | OTA (Women): 19–25 years — as on notification date |
| Marital Status | IMA/INA/AFA: Must be unmarried (male candidates) | OTA: Unmarried and widowed/divorcees (women) |
10
Career After Commissioning — Salary, Rank Progression & Service Life
Completing training at IMA, INA, or AFA and receiving a commission as an officer is the beginning of one of the most professionally fulfilling, personally challenging, and socially respected careers in India. Here is what selected candidates can expect after commissioning.
| Rank (Entry) | Service | Pay Level (7th CPC) | Starting Basic Pay + MSP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lieutenant | Indian Army (IMA graduates) | Level 10 | ₹56,100/month basic + ₹15,500 Military Service Pay = ₹71,600/month |
| Sub-Lieutenant | Indian Navy (INA graduates) | Level 10 | ₹56,100/month basic + ₹15,500 MSP = ₹71,600/month |
| Flying Officer | Indian Air Force (AFA graduates) | Level 10 | ₹56,100/month basic + ₹15,500 MSP = ₹71,600/month |
💼 Total Compensation & Service Benefits
- Gross in-hand (entry level): Approximately ₹1,00,000 – ₹1,40,000/month including Basic + MSP + DA + HRA/accommodation + Transport Allowance + Kit Maintenance Allowance (KMA) + Field Area Allowances (where applicable)
- Free accommodation in military cantonments or HRA at market rates — officers never pay commercial rent in career postings
- Military medical care (ECHS / service hospital) for self, spouse, and dependent children — completely free at military hospitals and subsidised at empanelled civilian hospitals
- Canteen Services (CSD) — subsidised purchase of consumer goods, fuel, and electronics at CSD outlets nationwide
- Leave Travel Concession (LTC) — subsidised travel across India for self and family during annual leave
- Pension: After completing 20 years of service, officers are entitled to a pension for life. Disability pension and family pension in case of service-related disability or death in line of duty
- Rank Progression: Lieutenant → Captain (2 years) → Major (6 years) → Lieutenant Colonel (13 years) → Colonel/Brigadier/Major General based on merit and selection boards
🎖️ The Intangible Values of Service
- National pride and purpose: Each officer serves as a guardian of India's sovereignty and security — a responsibility that transcends any salary figure
- Leadership at scale: Within 2–3 years of commissioning, an officer leads 30–100 soldiers/sailors/airmen — a leadership scale unmatched in any other graduate-entry career in India
- Adventure and diversity: Postings in high altitudes, deserts, jungle, coasts, and seas; para-jumping, mountaineering, sailing, flying — the armed forces offer experiences unavailable in any civilian profession
- Post-service transition: Armed forces alumni are highly valued in private sector, government PSUs, security consulting, and policy — the skills, discipline, and leadership background command strong civilian career options
11
Official Links — UPSC CDS II 2025 Final Result
📎 Official Links — UPSC CDS II 2025 Final Merit List
Direct Final Result PDF — FR-CDSE-II-2025-Engl-300326.pdf (upsc.gov.in)
UPSC Final Results Page — upsc.gov.in/examinations/final-results
UPSC Official Website — upsc.gov.in
Indian Army Official Portal — joinindianarmy.nic.in (IMA/OTA candidates)
Indian Navy Official Portal — joinindiannavy.gov.in (INA candidates)
Indian Air Force Career Portal — careerindianairforce.cdac.in (AFA candidates)
12
Frequently Asked Questions — UPSC CDS II Final Result 2025
1
When was the UPSC CDS II 2025 Final Result declared?
+
The UPSC CDS II 2025 Final Result (IMA, INA, and AFA merit list) was officially declared on 30 March 2026 at upsc.gov.in. This is the final merit list prepared after the written examination held on 14 September 2025 and SSB interviews conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB) of the Ministry of Defence. The OTA (Officers Training Academy) final result will be declared separately.
2
How many candidates were selected in UPSC CDS II 2025?
+
A total of 302 candidates have been finally selected across three academies: Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun — 190 candidates for the 161st Direct Entry Course; Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala — 85 candidates; Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad — 27 candidates for the 220 F(P) Pre-Flying Training Course. All three courses commence in July 2026. The OTA final result with additional selections is pending.
3
Who topped UPSC CDS II 2025 final merit list?
+
Samar Islam Laskar topped the IMA final merit list. The most extraordinary performer is Jasnoor Singh (Roll No. 3503411) who achieved Rank 1 in INA, Rank 1 in AFA, and Rank 7 in IMA simultaneously — a rare feat that reflects exceptional written examination performance and outstanding SSB interview evaluation across all three armed forces.
4
Where do I submit documents after selection — IMA, INA, or AFA?
+
Documents must be sent to the respective Service HQ — NOT to UPSC. Army (IMA): IHQ of MoD (Army), West Block III, R.K. Puram, New Delhi — 110066 | Deadline: 1 July 2026. Navy (INA): IHQ of MoD (Navy) "DMPR", Room 204, 'C' Wing, Sena Bhawan, New Delhi — 110011 | Deadline: 1 July 2026. Air Force (AFA): Dte of Personnel (Officers), Kasturba Gandhi Marg, New Delhi — 110001 | Deadline: 13 May 2026. AFA candidates must act immediately as their deadline is the earliest.
5
When will marks be available for CDS II 2025?
+
Marks for CDS II 2025 — both written and interview — will be made available on the UPSC website (upsc.gov.in) within 15 days of the declaration of the OTA final result for CDS (II), 2025. The marks will remain accessible for 30 days from publication. Non-qualified candidates may also opt for score disclosure during the marks download window. The OTA final result is still pending as of 30 March 2026.
6
Is the CDS II 2025 selection provisional?
+
Yes. The candidature of all selected candidates is provisional. Final admission to the respective academy is subject to: (1) Medical fitness — assessed by military medical boards (results not considered in merit preparation); (2) Verification of Date of Birth and Educational Qualification — conducted by the respective Service HQ (not UPSC). Any discrepancy found during document verification or medical examination can result in cancellation of provisional candidature.
7
What is the salary after commissioning from IMA, INA, AFA?
+
Entry-level commissioned officers (Lieutenant / Sub-Lieutenant / Flying Officer) are placed at Pay Level 10 (7th CPC) — basic pay ₹56,100/month plus Military Service Pay (MSP): ₹15,500/month = ₹71,600/month minimum. Total gross (including DA, HRA or accommodation, transport allowance, field area allowances, and other allowances) is approximately ₹1,00,000 – ₹1,40,000/month at the entry level. Rank progression: Lieutenant → Captain (2 years) → Major (6 years) — with each promotion carrying significant pay increases.
8
What was the written examination date for CDS II 2025?
+
The CDS II 2025 written examination was held on 14 September 2025 at designated centres across India. The written result (shortlist for SSB interviews) was declared on 9 October 2025 — a total of 9,085 candidates qualified for the SSB stage across IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA. The application window closed on 20 June 2025.
9
What is the OTA result and when will it be declared?
+
The OTA (Officers Training Academy), Chennai final result for CDS II 2025 is separate from the IMA/INA/AFA result. The 30 March 2026 result covers only IMA, INA, and AFA. The OTA result — for the 124th Short Service Commission (Non-Technical) (Men) Course and 124th SSC Women (NT) Course, both commencing October 2026 — will be declared separately on upsc.gov.in. Once the OTA result is declared, marks for all CDS II 2025 candidates become available within 15 days.
10
What happens if I don't register on joinindianarmy.nic.in?
+
Candidates who opted for IMA or OTA (Army) as their first preference must register on joinindianarmy.nic.in to receive SSB interview call-up details, joining instructions, and academy correspondence. Failure to register means you will not receive official communication about your SSB schedule or joining date. If you are already registered from the SSB stage, do NOT register again — this creates duplicate records. If you have changed your address, update it directly with Army HQ.
11
What is the UPSC CDS eligibility — who can apply?
+
Eligibility varies by academy: IMA (Army): Male, unmarried, degree graduate in any discipline, age 19.5–25 years. INA (Navy): Male, unmarried, engineering graduate (for specific branches) or graduate in any discipline, age 19.5–25 years. AFA (Air Force): Male, unmarried, must have passed 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics, age 20–24 years, PABT (Pilot Aptitude Battery Test) eligible. OTA (SSC): Male and female graduates, age 19–25 years; women: unmarried + widows/divorcees without children. All age limits are as on the notification date.
12
How competitive is UPSC CDS — what is the selection rate?
+
CDS is among the most competitive examinations in India. For CDS II 2025: 9,085 candidates qualified the written test (out of hundreds of thousands who appeared). Of these, only 302 are in the IMA/INA/AFA final merit list — approximately 3.3% of SSB-eligible candidates. The AFA is the most selective at 27 seats. The overall selection rate from all CDS applicants to final commission is well under 1%. This makes each position in the final merit list a remarkable individual achievement built on years of disciplined preparation.
Founder at Jobtheta
Chandan Kumar is the founder of Jobtheta.com, a platform focused on providing the latest government job updates, results, admit cards, and career guidance for aspirants across India.
With a strong interest in recruitment trends and exam processes, he regularly publishes well-structured articles covering railway, SSC, banking, and apprenticeship opportunities. His content focuses on delivering accurate information along with practical guidance such as document verification tips, selection process breakdowns, and application support.
Through Jobtheta, his goal is to simplify complex job notifications and help candidates make better decisions during their preparation and application journey.
With a strong interest in recruitment trends and exam processes, he regularly publishes well-structured articles covering railway, SSC, banking, and apprenticeship opportunities. His content focuses on delivering accurate information along with practical guidance such as document verification tips, selection process breakdowns, and application support.
Through Jobtheta, his goal is to simplify complex job notifications and help candidates make better decisions during their preparation and application journey.
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