NDA 2 & CDS 2 Exam Details 2025 – Syllabus, Date & More
UPSC conducts NDA and CDS exams twice a year to select candidates for Indian defence services. As NDA 2 and CDS 2 is approaching, aspirants are preparing for NDA 2 and CDS 2 Exam, which are golden opportunities to join Indian Armed Forces. In this blog we are providing latest updates on exam dates, syllabus, eligibility and preparation strategy for NDA 2 and CDS 2. Whether you are targeting National Defence Academy (NDA) or Combined Defence Services (CDS), this is the complete guide for you.
NDA 2 & CDS 2 Exam 2025
NDA 2 and CDS 2 exams are conducted in second half of the year. These exams are your ticket to join Army, Navy and Air Force wings of Indian Defence Forces. Exams test not only your academic knowledge but also your decision making, communication and leadership skills—essential qualities for future officers.
Important Dates For NDA 2 & CDS 2 (2025)
Below are the expected key dates for the 2025 NDA 2 and CDS 2 exams:
| Event | NDA 2 Date | CDS 2 Date |
| Notification Release | 15 May 2025 | 15 May 2025 |
| Online Application Deadline | 4 June 2025 | 4 June 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | August 2025 | August 2025 |
| Examination Date | 1 September 2025 | 1 September 2025 |
| Result Declaration | October 2025 | October 2025 |
Note: These dates are tentative and subject to confirmation by UPSC.
Eligibility Criteria
| NDA 2: | CDS 2: |
| Age: 16.5 to 19.5 years (Unmarried male and female candidates born between 2 Jan 2007 and 1 Jan 2010). | Age: 19 to 25 years (varies by academy). |
| Educational Qualification: Army Wing: 12th pass from a recognized board. Navy and Air Force: 12th pass with Physics and Mathematics. | Educational Qualification: IMA/OTA: Graduation from a recognized university. INA: Degree in Engineering. AFA: Degree with Physics and Math in 10+2 or B.E./B.Tech. |
| Nationality: Indian or subjects of Bhutan, Nepal. | Marital Status: Only unmarried candidates for IMA, INA, AFA; OTA allows married/unmarried males and unmarried females. |
Exam Pattern
NDA 2:
| Mathematics | 120 questions – 300 marks – 2.5 hours |
| GAT (General Ability Test): | 150 questions – 600 marks – 2.5 hours |
| Mode: Offline (pen and paper) | |
| Type: Objective (MCQ) | |
CDS 2:
| For IMA, INA, AFA: | For OTA: |
| English: 100 marks General Knowledge: 100 marks Elementary Mathematics: 100 marks | English: 100 marks General Knowledge: 100 marks |
| Duration: 2 hours per paper | |
| Mode: Offline | |
Syllabus Breakdown
NDA 2
| Mathematics: | Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, Statistics, Matrices & Determinants |
| General Ability Test (GAT): | English: Grammar, Vocabulary, Comprehension General Knowledge: Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, Current Affairs |
CDS 2:
| English | Grammar, Synonyms/Antonyms, Error Spotting, Reading Comprehension |
| General Knowledge | Indian History, Current Affairs, Geography, Economics, Polity |
| Elementary Mathematics (for IMA, INA, AFA only) | Arithmetic, Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Mensuration, Statistics |
Preparation Tips For NDA 2 & CDS 2
- Understand the Exam Pattern & Syllabus: Focus your efforts based on subject weightage.
- Time Management: Practice mock tests regularly to improve speed and accuracy.
- Strengthen Basics: Concepts from Class 10 to 12 are important.
- Read Newspapers Daily: Stay updated with current affairs and defence-related news.
- Join a Coaching Institute: Consider institutions like Invicta Academy in Jaipur for expert guidance.
- Practice Previous Year Papers: Familiarity with question types improves confidence.
What Happens After the Written Exam?
Qualified candidates in NDA and CDS written exams are called for the SSB Interview (Services Selection Board), a five-day process that includes:
- Screening Test
- Psychological Testing
- GTO (Group Testing Officer) Tasks
- Personal Interview
- Conference Round
Success in the SSB leads to medical tests and eventual merit list selection.
Conclusion
NDA 2 and CDS 2 are the starting point for every defence aspirant to enter the Armed Forces. With the syllabus, exam pattern and preparation strategy clear, you can face these exams with confidence. Stay updated with official UPSC notifications and dedicate time to both written and personality development. Your hard work today will shape your future as a proud officer of Indian Defence Forces.
FAQ’s
NDA 2 and CDS 2 2025 exams will be conducted by UPSC on 14th September 2025. Keep checking the official UPSC website for notification and admit card release.
NDA syllabus has Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT). CDS syllabus has English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics (for IMA, INA, and AFA only). Prepare current affairs, science, history, geography and mathematics basics.
NDA 2 and CDS 2 2025 notification is expected to be released by UPSC in May 2025 including eligibility criteria, exam pattern and application dates.
Yes, if you are eligible for both, you can apply for both exams separately. NDA is for 16.5 to 19.5 years and CDS is for 19 to 25 years.
Invicta Defence Academy is the best coaching institute in Jaipur for NDA and CDS preparation. With experienced faculty, updated study material and SSB training, it provides complete guidance from written exams to final selection.