The UPSC is conducting the Combined Defence Services Exam II for recruitment in 2024. If you’re interested, you can apply online from May 15th to June 4th, 2024. Before applying, make sure to check out the notification for details on who can apply, what positions are available, how candidates are selected, age limits, pay, and anything else you need to know.
Check out the overview of the UPSC CDS 2 Exam in the table below to understand all its details. Unmarried male and female candidates aspiring to join the esteemed Defence Academy can find valuable information in this table.
| Overview | |
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | CDS 2 Exam 2024 |
| Vacancy | 459 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Registration Period | May 15th – June 4th, 2024 |
| Selection Process | l Written Test
l Interview l Medical Check-up |
| Mode of Examination | Paper-based |
| Eligibility | Unmarried individuals |
| Job Location | All Over India |
| Official Website | www.upsc.gov.in |
UPSC Combined Defence Service Exam II Recruitment 2024: Notification
The UPSC has released the official notification for the CDS (II) 2024 Exam, which will take place in July 2025. You can find all the necessary details about the exam, like vacancies and important dates, on their website since May 15, 2024. We’ve also provided a direct link to download the notification.
Download Official Notification
UPSC Combined Defence Service Exam II Recruitment 2024: Important Dates
UPSC has just put out the CDS 2 Notification 2024 PDF, along with the important dates. If you’re interested, you can apply for the CDS 2 2024 exam online between May 15th and June 4th, 2024. The exam is scheduled for September 1st, 2024. Make sure to jot down these dates so you don’t miss out!
| Event | Date |
| Application Begin | 15/05/2024 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 04/06/2024 |
| Last Date for Part II | 04/06/2024 |
| Complete Form Last Date | 04/06/2024 |
| Correction Date | 05-11 June 2024 |
| Exam Date | 01/09/2024 |
| Admit Card Available | Before Exam |
UPSC Combined Defence Service Exam II Recruitment 2024: Vacancy
The UPSC just posted openings for 459 positions across different branches of the armed forces like the Indian Air Force and Military Academy. Check out the table below for details on these vacancies as per the CDS 2 Notification.
| Course | Approximate Vacancies |
| Indian Military Academy, Dehradun – 159th (DE) Course | 100 |
| Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala – Course commencing in July, 2025 Executive Branch | 32 |
| Air Force Academy, Hyderabad – (Pre-Flying) Training Course commencing in July, 2025 | 32 |
| Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai (Men) | 276 |
| Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai (Women) | 19 |
| Total | 459 |
UPSC Combined Defence Service Exam II Recruitment 2024: Eligibility
To apply for the CDS 2 2024 exam for defense jobs, candidates must meet specific requirements set by the Union Public Service Commission. These include nationality, education, age, marital status, and gender. See the details below to ensure you qualify.
Education Qualification
For Indian Military Academy (IMA) and Officers‘ Training Academy (OTA), you need a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or its equivalent.
For Indian Naval Academy (INA), you must have completed an engineering degree from a recognized university or institution.
For Air Force Academy (AFA), you should have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university, with Physics and Mathematics studied at the 10+2 level, or hold a Bachelor of Engineering degre
Age Limit
The age limits for different academies are specified in the official CDS notification are listed in below table
| Academy | Eligibility |
| IMA & Indian Naval Academy | Unmarried males born between July 2, 2001, and July 1, 2006, are eligible. |
| Air Force Academy | Age between 20 and 24 as of July 1, 2025 (born between July 2, 2001, and July 1, 2005). |
UPSC Combined Defence Service Exam II Recruitment 2024: Selection process
The selection process for recruitment in the Air Force Academy (AFA), Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Officers Training Academy follows these stages
- Written Exam
- SSB Interview/Personality Test
- Document Verification
- Medical Examination
UPSC Combined Defence Service Exam II Recruitment 2024: Application Fees
To apply for the UPSC CDS exam, candidates need to pay the application fee. You can do this by either going to an SBI branch and paying cash, using a Visa/Master/Rupay Credit/Debit Card or UPI, or using internet banking from any bank. The fee amount depends on your category.
| Category | Fee |
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹200 |
| SC / ST / Female | ₹0 |
UPSC Combined Defence Service Exam II Recruitment 2024: Salary
Candidates chosen for service roles through the Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam will get a good monthly salary set by the authority. On top of that, they’ll also receive extra payments like Dearness Allowance, Kit Maintenance Allowance, Uniform Allowance, and Transport Allowance. Here’s the pay scale for Army Officers and equivalent ranks in the Air Force and Navy.
| Rank | Level | Pay Range (₹) |
| Lieutenant | Level 10 | ₹ 56,100 – 1,77,500 |
| Captain | Level 10B | ₹ 61,300 – 1,93,900 |
| Major | Level 11 | ₹ 69,400 – 2,07,200 |
| Lieutenant Colonel | Level 12A | ₹ 1,21,200 – 2,12,400 |
| Colonel | Level 13 | ₹ 1,30,600 – 2,15,900 |
| Brigadier | Level 13A | ₹ 1,39,600 – 2,17,600 |
| Major General | Level 14 | ₹ 1,44,200 – 2,18,200 |
| Lieutenant General HAG Scale | Level 15 | ₹ 1,82,200 – 2,24,100 |
| HAG+Scale | Level 16 | ₹ 2,05,400 – 2,24,400 |
| VCOAS/Army Cdr/Lieutenant General (NFSG) | Level 17 | ₹ 2,25,000 (fixed) |
| COAS | Level 18 | ₹ 2,50,000 (fixed) |
UPSC Combined Defence Service Exam II Recruitment 2024: Apply Link
The application process for CDS 2 2024 started online after the official notice was out on May 15, 2024, at www.upsc.gov.in. If you’re keen on the vacancies, make sure to apply well before the deadline on June 4, 2024 (6:00 pm) to avoid any last-minute stress. You can find the direct registration link for CDS 2 2024 right here.
How To Apply For UPSC Combined Defence Service Exam II Recruitment 2024?
- Visit the official UPSC website: https://upsc.gov.in/
- Click on “Examination Notifications” in the top-right corner.
- Look for the notice about the CDS (II) 2024 Exam and click the application link.
- If it’s your first time, sign up on the Online Recruitment Application (OTR) platform.
- Access the CDS II exam application link.
- Fill in your details, like your education and preferred exam centers.
- Upload scanned copies of your signature and photo.
- If needed, pay the application fee.
- Complete the payment to finish applying for the CDS 2 2024 Exams.
