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CDS Eligibility Details: A Complete Guide for Aspirants

The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), serves as the gateway for aspiring candidates to join prestigious Indian Armed Forces institutions like the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA). If you’re planning to appear for the CDS exam, it is crucial to understand the eligibility criteria thoroughly. This ensures that you meet the necessary requirements to apply and be considered for selection. Below, we will go through the detailed eligibility information, including nationality, age limits, educational qualifications, and physical standards.

1. Nationality Requirements

One of the primary eligibility conditions for applying to the CDS examination is nationality. To be eligible, a candidate must meet the following criteria:

• Indian Citizens: A candidate must be an unmarried Indian citizen.
• Subjects of Nepal: If the candidate is a subject of Nepal, they are also eligible to apply for the examination.
• Persons of Indian Origin (PIO): Individuals who have migrated from countries such as Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, or Vietnam are eligible, provided they intend to permanently settle in India. However, to apply under this category, such candidates need to have a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India.
  • For candidates from Nepal and certain countries, a certificate of eligibility is required. The Government of India will issue this certificate for candidates in these categories.
  • Exemptions: Gorkha candidates from Nepal do not need this certificate.

Candidates who fall under categories (ii) or (iii) may be allowed to appear for the examination provisionally, but they must submit the necessary certificate before the UPSC announces the results.

2. Age Limit

The age requirements for candidates applying for the CDS examination vary based on the academy they wish to join. The age limits for the various academies are as follows:

2.1 Indian Military Academy (IMA)

• Eligibility: Unmarried male candidates.
• Age Range: Candidates must be born between 2nd January 2002 and 1st January 2007.

2.2 Indian Naval Academy (INA)

• Eligibility: Unmarried male candidates.
• Age Range: Candidates must be born between 2nd January 2002 and 1st January 2007.

2.3 Air Force Academy (AFA)

• Eligibility: Candidates must be unmarried males or females.
• Age Range: The candidate should be between 20 to 24 years as of 1st January 2026. This means candidates should be born between 2nd January 2002 and 1st January 2006.
• Relaxation for Commercial Pilot Licence Holders: Candidates with a valid commercial pilot licence issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India, are eligible for a relaxation in the upper age limit up to 26 years. These candidates must have been born between 2nd January 2000 and 1st January 2006.

Note: Candidates under 25 years of age must be unmarried. They will not be allowed to marry during training. Candidates above 25 years of age are eligible to apply; however, they will not receive married accommodation during their training and cannot live with their families on campus.

2.4 Officers Training Academy (OTA) for Men

• Eligibility: Unmarried male candidates.
• Age Range: Candidates must be born between 2nd January 2001 and 1st January 2007.

2.5 Officers Training Academy (OTA) for Women (Non-Technical Course)

• Eligibility: Unmarried women, as well as widows who have not remarried and divorcees who have not remarried, are eligible to apply. The age limit for women is the same as for men.
• Age Range: Candidates must be born between 2nd January 2001 and 1st January 2007.

Note: Male candidates who are divorced or widowed cannot apply for the CDS exam, as they are not considered “unmarried male” candidates for the purposes of the IMA, INA, AFA, or OTA courses.

3. Educational Qualifications

The educational requirements for each academy differ based on the nature of the program and the role the candidate will take on once selected. Below are the qualifications required for each academy:

3.1 Indian Military Academy (IMA) and Officers Training Academy (OTA)

• Qualification: Candidates must hold a degree from a recognized university or an equivalent institution. This could be any undergraduate degree such as BA, BSc, BCom, etc.

3.2 Indian Naval Academy (INA)

• Qualification: Candidates must have a degree in engineering from a recognized university or institution. This could be in fields such as mechanical, electrical, civil, or any other engineering discipline.

3.3 Air Force Academy (AFA)

• Qualification: Candidates must hold a degree from a recognized university with Physics and Mathematics as subjects at the 10+2 level, or they must have a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) degree.

Note: Candidates who are still in the final year of their degree course and have not yet completed their examinations are eligible to apply. However, they must provide proof of passing the degree course when they attend the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview.

4. Physical Standards

To ensure that candidates meet the physical requirements for service in the Indian Armed Forces, there are specific physical standards that need to be met. These standards vary slightly based on the academy and the role. Candidates must be physically fit according to the physical standards prescribed for the Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2025.

While the full list of physical standards is extensive, some of the key requirements include:

• Height: Minimum height for male candidates is generally 157.5 cm, with relaxation for certain categories. Female candidates must have a minimum height of 152 cm.
• Chest: Chest measurement must be at least 81 cm with a minimum expansion of 5 cm.
• Vision: Candidates must have normal vision. Any significant visual impairment may disqualify candidates from selection.
• Fitness: Candidates must be free of any physical or mental health conditions that would prevent them from fulfilling the duties of a defence officer.

It is essential for candidates to be in good physical condition, as the physical tests are an integral part of the selection process.

5. Conclusion

The CDS exam offers a promising career path for young individuals wishing to serve in the Indian Armed Forces. By understanding the eligibility criteria, candidates can determine whether they qualify to apply for the various academies under the CDS examination. Age limits, educational qualifications, and physical standards must be met for a candidate to be eligible for consideration.

Whether you’re aiming for the Indian Military Academy, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, or Officers Training Academy, make sure you thoroughly review the eligibility requirements and prepare accordingly. If you meet all the criteria, you can proceed with confidence, knowing that you are on the right track for a career in India’s prestigious defence forces.

FAQs

Q1: Can I apply for the CDS exam if I am still in my final year of college?
Ans. Yes, candidates who are in their final year of college and have not yet completed their degree can apply, but they must provide proof of their degree when attending the SSB interview.

Q2: Is there any relaxation in age for reserved category candidates?
Ans. No, the age limits are the same for all candidates, regardless of category. However, specific relaxations may apply in other areas, such as physical standards.

Q3: Can I apply for the CDS exam if I am a divorcee?
Ans. Divorcees are eligible to apply for the Officers Training Academy (OTA) for women if they have not remarried. However, male divorcees are not eligible for any of the courses under the CDS examination.

Q4: What are the physical standards for the CDS exam?
Ans. Candidates must meet specific height, chest, and vision requirements. The exact physical standards can be found in the official CDS exam notification issued by UPSC.

Q5: Is there any relaxation in educational qualification for candidates from specific backgrounds?
Ans. No, the educational qualifications are consistent for all candidates. However, candidates must have the relevant degree for the academy they are applying to, such as engineering for the Indian Naval Academy.

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