CDS 2 2025 Big Changes in the Application Process

The Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam is an important step for anyone expecting to be admitted to the Indian Army. Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has changed the application process in many ways as the CDS 2 2025 cycle comes close.

Key Dates to Remember

• Notification Release: May 28, 2025
• Application Start Date: May 28, 2025
• Application End Date: June 17, 2025
• Admit Card Release: September 2025
• Examination Date: September 14, 2025

Being aware of these dates ensures for timely application and examination.

Introduction to a One-Time Registration (OTR)

CDS 2 2025 is a significant change in the application process, a compulsory-time registration (OTR) system. The candidates must now complete OTR before continuing with the application. The purpose of this system is to collect the candidate’s information for future surveys, reduce errors, and streamline the application process by reducing errors.

Enhanced Application Correction Window

UPSC has introduced an application correction window for CDS 2 2025, allowing candidates to correct errors in their applications submitted. The window is expected to open immediately after the application deadline in June 2025. The candidates may change specific fields such as address, telephone number, and e-mail ID. However, changes to exam centers, gender, and category may not be permitted.

Updated Photograph Requirements

Candidates must adhere to the new photograph specifications for the CDS 2 2025 application:

• Background: White or light-colored
• Format: JPG
• Size: 20 KB – 300 KB

Revised Eligibility Criteria

While the core eligibility parameters, such as educational qualifications and age limit,s remain largely the same, a few refinements have been introduced:

• IMA: Unmarried male candidates not until July 2, 2001, and not from July 1, 2006.
• OTA: Male and female candidates (unmarried) were born between July 2, 2000, and July 1, 2006.
• For AFA: A degree with Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level or a Bachelor of Engineering is essential.

Additionally, candidates must ensure they meet age limits as defined:

• IMA: single male applicants who were born between July 2, 2001, and July 1, 2006.
• OTA: Unmarried male and female applicants were born between July 2, 2000, and July 1, 2006.
• INA & AFA: Follow similar respective age brackets.

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• CDS 2025 Notification (PDF)
• CDS Eligibility 2025 – Age Limit, Height and Weight
• How to Crack the CDS Exam in the First Attempt

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Change in Fee Payment Modes

Candidates can now use multiple payment gateways with enhanced security protocols:

• Debit/Credit Card
• UPI
• Net Banking
• Bank Challan (for offline payments)

A nominal application fee of ₹200 is required for general category male candidates applying for IMA, INA, or AFA. Female and SC/ST candidates are exempt from payment.

Preference Selection Enhanced

The UPSC has now enabled a more user-friendly way to prioritize academies during the application. Candidates can select and rank their preferred academies more transparently during registration, ensuring clarity in the selection process post-merit declaration.

Auto-generated Acknowledgement Slip

When the candidates have presented the form, they will now receive an automatic recognition of their registered e-mail. This official evidence helps to track the status of the application and resolve the deviations, if any.

Increased Emphasis on Accurate Information

UPSC has warned the candidates that any discrepancy between the data submitted in the application and the documents presented under SSB or Verification can cause incompatibility. Candidates must ensure:

• Names match their matriculation certificate.
• DOB is as per official academic records.
• Email and mobile number remain active till the exam cycle ends.

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Conclusion

CDS 2 2025 has been remarkable in processing to improve transparency, accuracy, and user experience in the application process. From the introduction of the revised photography rules and a time at once for a flexible window, these changes are designed to streamline the trip for the candidates.

In order to stay ahead in this competitive exam, the candidates must become acquainted with these changes, follow the guidelines carefully, and start their preparations without delay.

FAQs for CDS 2 2025: Big Changes in the Application Process