In a crucial update for countless defence aspirants across the nation, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has extended the application deadline for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination (II), 2025, and the National Defence Academy (NDA) & Naval Academy (NA) Examination (II), 2025. What was initially set to close today, June 19th, 2025, has now been extended to June 20th, 2025, until 11:59 PM. This extension provides a vital last-minute opportunity for eligible candidates to submit their applications via the official website, upsconline.nic.in.
The UPSC conducts these highly sought-after examinations twice a year, offering a gateway for young, dynamic individuals to join the prestigious Indian Armed Forces. The current recruitment drive aims to fill a substantial number of vacancies: 406 posts through the NDA & NA (II) Examination and 453 posts through the CDS (II) Examination, across various academies including the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA).
A Second Chance for Defence Aspirants
The extension of the deadline comes as a relief to many who might have faced technical glitches or required additional time to complete their applications. It underscores UPSC’s commitment to ensuring all eligible candidates have a fair chance to participate in these significant recruitment processes.
Candidates who are unmarried and meet the prescribed age and educational qualifications for their respective desired entry streams (Army, Navy, or Air Force) are strongly encouraged to utilize this extended window. For the NDA & NA (II) 2025, unmarried boys and girls born between January 1, 2007, and January 1, 2010, are generally eligible, with specific educational qualifications varying by wing. For the CDS (II) 2025, graduates (or those in their final year) within the age bracket of 20-24 years (with specific variations for certain academies) are typically eligible.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
For those who are yet to apply, or need to complete their applications, the process is streamlined and entirely online. Here’s a quick guide:
- Visit the official website: Navigate to upsconline.nic.in.
- One-Time Registration (OTR): If you haven’t already, complete your One-Time Registration (OTR) on the portal. This is a mandatory step for all UPSC examinations.
- Login: Once registered, log in to your account.
- Fill the Application Form: Proceed to fill the Common Application Form, providing all necessary personal, educational, and contact details accurately.
- Select Examination and Apply: Choose the specific examination you wish to apply for (NDA & NA (II) 2025 or CDS (II) 2025) and fill out the exam-specific details, including preferences for academies (for CDS) and exam centers.
- Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and a photo identity document as per the specifications provided by UPSC.
- Pay Application Fee: Pay the applicable application fee online. General and OBC male candidates are usually required to pay a nominal fee (typically Rs. 100), while SC/ST candidates and all female candidates are exempted from fee payment.
- Review and Submit: Thoroughly review all the information entered before final submission. Any discrepancies could lead to rejection.
- Download Confirmation Page: After successful submission, download and print the confirmation page for your records.
Important Reminders:
- Accuracy is Key: Ensure all details entered in the application form are accurate and match your official documents.
- Document Specifications: Pay close attention to the size and format requirements for uploading photographs, signatures, and identity proof.
- Last-Minute Rush: While the deadline has been extended, it is always advisable to submit your application well before the final closing time to avoid any potential server issues due to heavy traffic.
The written examinations for both UPSC NDA & NA (II) 2025 and CDS (II) 2025 are tentatively scheduled for September 14, 2025. Candidates are advised to start their preparation diligently and refer to the official notifications for detailed syllabus, eligibility criteria, and examination patterns.
This extended window is a golden opportunity for many. Don’t miss out on your chance to embark on a fulfilling career serving the nation! Apply now at upsconline.nic.in.