Defence Exams 2025: NDA, CDS, and AFCAT Latest Notifications

Defence Exams 2025: NDA, CDS, and AFCAT Latest Notifications

Choosing a career in defence is both noble and challenging. As 2025 advances, aspirants must stay updated about the key defence exams in India. This blog post covers the very latest on defence exams 2025 including the NDA 2025 notification, fresh CDS exam updates, and the latest on AFCAT application along with <>Indian army exams

schedule and eligibility. Read on to ensure you do not miss any opportunity.

NDA 2025 Notification: What’s New?

The National Defence Academy (NDA) exam remains one of the most sought after entry points into the Indian armed forces. Here are the crucial updates for NDA 2025 notification:

Notification Out Date: The UPSC released NDA/NA II 2025 notification on May 28 2025. ([economictimes.indiatimes.com](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/new-updates/upsc-nda-2-2025-notification-how-to-apply-registation-process-last-date-eligibility-and-exam-details/articleshow/121458271.cms?utm_source=openai))
Application Window: Candidates can apply online from May 28 to June 17 2025. ([indiatimes.com](https://indiatimes.com/news/education/nda-2-notification-2025-out-today-check-out-upsc-ndana-ii-2025-dates-eligibility-application-process-fees-documents-required-659817.html?utm_source=openai))
Exam Date: Written exam scheduled for September 14 2025. ([indiatimes.com](https://indiatimes.com/news/education/nda-2-notification-2025-out-today-check-out-upsc-ndana-ii-2025-dates-eligibility-application-process-fees-documents-required-659817.html?utm_source=openai))
Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must be between 16.5 and 19.5 years old, Indian citizens, and have completed or be appearing in Class 12. ([indiatimes.com](https://indiatimes.com/news/education/nda-2-notification-2025-out-today-check-out-upsc-ndana-ii-2025-dates-eligibility-application-process-fees-documents-required-659817.html?utm_source=openai))
Exam Pattern & Subjects: Mathematics paper (300 marks) and General Ability Test (600 marks) covering topics from Classes 11 and 12. ([indiatimes.com](https://indiatimes.com/news/education/nda-2-notification-2025-out-today-check-out-upsc-ndana-ii-2025-dates-eligibility-application-process-fees-documents-required-659817.html?utm_source=openai))

CDS Exam Updates for 2025

The Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam allows graduates to join IMA, INA, AFA or OTA. Below are the latest updates for CDS exam updates in 2025:

Recent Results: The written exam for CDS II 2025 held on September 14 resulted in 9 085 candidates being shortlisted. ([timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/education/news/upsc-cds-ii-2025-written-exam-results-declared-at-upsc-gov-in-9085-candidates-shortlisted-direct-link-here/articleshow/124429299.cms?utm_source=openai))
Selection Process: Written test followed by SSB interview and medical examination. Certificate based on merit and vacancy allocation. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Combined_Defence_Services_Examination?utm_source=openai))
Exam Schedule: CDS exams are normally held twice a year with earlier notifications published in December and May. ([prepp.in](https://prepp.in/defence-exam?utm_source=openai))

AFCAT Application and Exam Details

The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is the gateway to opportunities in the Indian Air Force for various branches. Key information on AFCAT application for 2025:

Notification Release: AFCAT 2 2025 detailed notification released on June 2 2025, earlier short notice on May 27 2025. ([competition.careers360.com](https://competition.careers360.com/articles/afcat-2-2025-notification-released?utm_source=openai))
Application Dates: Online registration open from June 2 to July 1 2025. Correction window available July 14 to July 15 2025. ([competition.careers360.com](https://competition.careers360.com/articles/afcat-2-2025-notification-released?utm_source=openai))
Exam Dates: Main examination on August 23 and August 24 2025, with reserve day on August 25 2025. Admit cards released on August 7 2025. ([competition.careers360.com](https://competition.careers360.com/articles/afcat-2-2025-notification-released?utm_source=openai))
Branches and Vacancies: Recruitment in Flying Branch, Ground Duty Technical and Non-Technical, plus NCC special entry options. Total vacancies are about 284 posts through AFCAT 2 2025. ([defenceguru.co.in](https://www.defenceguru.co.in/notifications/afcat-2-2025-notification-out/?utm_source=openai))
Eligibility: Indian citizenship; age limits differ by branch. Flying branch age 20-24 years, ground duty younger range and technical roles have specific age windows. ([defencedirecteducation.com](https://defencedirecteducation.com/2025/05/04/afcat-2-2025-notification-exam-date-syllabus-and-eligibility/?utm_source=openai))

Indian Army Exams & Other Key Defence Exams

Besides NDA, CDS and AFCAT, there are other exams for joining the Indian Army and forces. Things to know under the umbrella of Indian army exams:

NCC Special Entry – allows NCC qualified candidates to join Indian Army as officers via direct entry schemes. ([competition.careers360.com](https://competition.careers360.com/articles/afcat-2-notification-2025?utm_source=openai))
Technical Entry Schemes (TES) for engineering graduates and diploma holders. Notifications are announced separately. ([avision.co.in](https://avision.co.in/defence-exams-calendar?utm_source=openai))
Age Criteria Generally for Army entries vary depending on branch, technical or non-technical, and also on special entries. Common age ranges are from late teens to mid-twenties. ([avision.co.in](https://avision.co.in/defence-exams-calendar?utm_source=openai))

Tips to Stay Updated and Apply Successfully

Follow official websites like UPSC and Indian Air Force for authentic notifications.
Keep documents ready: educational certificates, Aadhaar or national ID, photo, signature etc.
Check eligibility well before applying: age, qualifications, and physical standards.
Mark important dates in calendar to avoid missing deadlines.
Prepare for written exam, physical tests, and interview in parallel.

Conclusion

Defence exams 2025 present unprecedented opportunity for youth with dedication and a strong goal. Whether you are preparing for NDA 2025 notification, waiting on CDS exam updates, or targeting the AFCAT application cycle, staying informed is half the battle. Begin your preparation early, follow official updates, and make sure you do not miss any deadline.

Call to Action: Bookmark this post, subscribe for instant alerts, and check official UPSC, Indian Air Force, and Army sources today so you never miss an important defence exam update. Good luck!