CDS 2 2025 Merit List Released: Check Your Result Now

UPSC CDS 2 2025 Final Merit List Declared: Key Highlights

The declaration of the CDS 2 2025 merit list marks the final stage for candidates vying for admission to the 161st (DE) Course at the Indian Military Academy, the Indian Naval Academy, and the Air Force Academy.

Overview of the Selection Process and Final Recommendations

The selection process is notoriously stringent, designed to identify candidates with the “Officer Like Qualities” (OLQs) necessary for command. Based on the combined scores of the written examination and the SSB interviews, the Commission has recommended a total of 302 candidates. It is important to note that this list does not include the results for the Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), which are typically released at a later date. The selection is strictly provisional, pending the final verification of educational qualifications and date of birth.

Academy-wise Distribution: IMA, INA, and AFA Qualifiers

The distribution of recommended candidates across the three primary academies shows a strong turnout for the Army wing. The following table provides the specific number of candidates who successfully cleared the final hurdle for each academy:

CDS 2 2025 Merit List Toppers

Every recruitment cycle produces exceptional individuals who demonstrate extraordinary proficiency across both academic and psychological testing. The CDS 2 2025 merit list features several standout performers who have secured the top ranks in their respective categories.

Top Rankers for Indian Military Academy (IMA)

For the Indian Military Academy, Samar Islam Laskar has secured the All India Rank (AIR) 1. His achievement places him at the forefront of the 190 candidates recommended for the Dehradun-based academy. Following closely behind are other high-achieving candidates who have displayed the grit and determination required for the infantry and other arms of the Indian Army.

Success Stories: Top Performers for INA and AFA

In a rare and impressive feat, Jasnoor Singh has topped the merit lists for both the Indian Naval Academy (INA) and the Air Force Academy (AFA). Achieving AIR 1 across two different wings highlights a versatile skill set and exceptional performance in the specialized testing required for the Navy and Air Force. These toppers serve as an inspiration to thousands of future aspirants aiming to secure a place in the CDS 2 2025 merit list.

How to Check and Download the CDS 2 2025 Final Result PDF?

Candidates who appeared for the SSB interviews following the September 2025 written exam are advised to verify their status immediately through the official channels.

Step-by-Step Guide to Accessing the Merit List on upsc.gov.in

1. Navigate to the official UPSC website: upsc.gov.in.

2. Locate the “What’s New” section on the homepage.

3. Click on the link titled “Final Result: Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2025.”

4. A PDF document will open in a new tab, containing the names and roll numbers of all recommended candidates.

5. Download and save the PDF for future reference.

Understanding the Order of Merit and Roll Number Search

The PDF document lists candidates in the Order of Merit. This means the names are arranged based on their total scores (Written + SSB). To find a specific result quickly, candidates can use the “Find” function (Ctrl + F on Windows or Command + F on Mac) and enter their roll number or name. If the roll number appears in the document, the candidate has been recommended for the respective academy.

Vacancy vs. Selection: A Statistical Breakdown of CDS 2 2025

The UPSC initially notified a specific number of seats for the CDS 2 2025 cycle. Interestingly, the number of recommended candidates often exceeds the number of vacancies to account for those who might be declared medically unfit or who choose not to join.

Impact of NCC ‘C’ Certificate Reservations on the Final List

The CDS 2 2025 merit list also accounts for reservations made for NCC ‘C’ certificate holders. Specifically:

• IMA: 13 vacancies reserved for the Army Wing.

• INA: 06 vacancies reserved for the Naval Wing (including Hydro).

• AFA: 03 vacancies reserved for the Air Wing.

  These reservations ensure that candidates with prior paramilitary training in the National Cadet Corps are given a dedicated path into the armed forces.

Next Steps for Recommended Candidates: Post-Result Formalities

Appearing on the CDS 2 2025 merit list is a massive achievement, but it is not the final step. Successful candidates must now complete several administrative and medical formalities.

Document Verification and Submission of Original Certificates

Candidates must submit their original certificates in support of their date of birth and educational qualifications (along with attested photocopies) to the respective Service Headquarters:

• Army: Army Headquarters, AG’s Branch/RTG-6, West Block-III, R.K. Puram, New Delhi.

• Navy: Naval Headquarters, DMPR (OI & R Section), Room No. 204, ‘C’ Wing, Sena Bhawan, New Delhi.

• Air Force: Air Headquarters, Directorate of Personnel (Officers), PO 3 (A), Room No. 10, ‘J’ Block, Opp. Vayu Bhawan, New Delhi.

Medical Examination Status and Joining Instructions

It is crucial to remember that the current CDS 2 2025 merit list does not take medical results into account. Candidates must be declared “Medically Fit” by a Medical Board before they receive their Joining Instructions (JI). Joining Instructions are typically sent via post or email to the candidate’s registered address as the date of course commencement approaches.

Important Instructions for Non-Qualified Candidates and OTA Aspirants

For candidates who did not find their names on the merit list or are awaiting the Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) results, the process is still ongoing. The Union Public Service Commission typically releases OTA results separately, as SSB interviews for OTA entries conclude later than those for IMA, INA, and AFA.

Update on CDS 2 2025 Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) Results

The final results for the OTA (Men and Women) are generally declared a few weeks after the IMA, INA, and AFA results. Candidates who opted for the Short Service Commission (SSC) through the OTA should remain patient and monitor the UPSC website for the secondary CDS 2 2025 merit list dedicated to the Chennai-based academy.

Timeline for the Release of Individual Marks and Answer Keys

UPSC maintains transparency by releasing the individual marks of all candidates—both recommended and non-recommended. These scores are usually uploaded on the official portal within 15 days of the declaration of the final OTA results. They remain available for download for a period of 30 days, allowing aspirants to analyze their performance and prepare for future attempts if necessary.

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Key Takeaways: CDS 2 2025 Merit List

The release of the final merit list is the penultimate step in becoming a commissioned officer. Here are the essential points to remember:

• Official Release: The UPSC declared the CDS 2 2025 merit list on March 30, 2026.

• Recommendation Volume: A total of 302 candidates have been recommended for the IMA, INA, and AFA, excluding the OTA results.

• Top Performers: Samar Islam Laskar topped the IMA list, while Jasnoor Singh secured AIR 1 for both the INA and AFA.

• Provisional Status: Selection is strictly provisional until original documents (DOB and educational certificates) are verified and medical fitness is confirmed.

• Medical & Background Checks: Being on the merit list does not guarantee induction; candidates must clear a stringent medical examination and background verification.

• OTA Results Pending: The merit list for the Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) is released separately and is expected in the coming weeks.

• Transparency: Individual marks for all candidates will be available on the UPSC website within 15 days of the final OTA result declaration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)?

1. When was the CDS 2 2025 merit list officially released?

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) released the final merit list for the IMA, INA, and AFA branches on March 30, 2026, following the completion of the SSB interview rounds.

2. Does the CDS 2 2025 merit list include OTA candidates?

No, the list released on March 30 only covers the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Air Force Academy (AFA). The merit list for the Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) for both men and women is usually published a few weeks later.

3. Where should I submit my original documents for verification?

Candidates must submit their original certificates to their respective Service Headquarters in New Delhi (Army, Navy, or Air Force) as specified in the result notification. Do not send original documents to the UPSC office.

4. How can I check my individual marks if I didn’t make the list?

UPSC will upload the marks of all candidates (both recommended and non-recommended) on its official website (upsc.gov.in). This typically happens within 15 days after the final OTA merit list is declared.

5. What is the difference between being ‘Recommended’ and ‘Joined’?

“Recommended” means you have cleared the written exam and the SSB interview. “Joined” means you have cleared the medical and background checks, your rank was high enough to secure a vacancy, and you have officially reported to the academy for training.