UPSC CDS Eligibility Criteria 2026 – Complete Guide
UPSC CDS Eligibility Criteria 2026 – Complete Guide
By KYASC INSTITUTE
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination twice every year for admission into the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers' Training Academy (OTA).
Before applying, candidates must carefully check the eligibility criteria related to nationality, age limit, educational qualification, marital status, and physical standards.
1. Nationality
A candidate must be:
1. A citizen of India, OR
2. A subject of Nepal, OR
3. A subject of Bhutan, OR
4. A Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanently settling in India, OR
5. A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma (Myanmar), Sri Lanka, Kenya, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, or Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.
Note: Candidates (except Indian citizens) must produce a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India.
2. Age Limit (Academy-wise)
Indian Military Academy (IMA)
Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than January 2, 1999, and not later than January 1, 2004.
Indian Naval Academy (INA)
Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than January 2, 1999, and not later than January 1, 2004.
Air Force Academy (AFA)
Candidates must be between 20 to 24 years of age as on January 1, 2023.
(Born not earlier than January 2, 2000, and not later than January 1, 2004.)
Upper age limit for AFA may be relaxed up to 26 years for candidates holding a valid Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA (India).
Officers' Training Academy (OTA – Men)
Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than January 2, 1998, and not later than January 1, 2004.
Officers' Training Academy (OTA – Women)
Unmarried female candidates born not earlier than January 2, 1998, and not later than January 1, 2004.
3. Educational Qualification
For IMA and OTA
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's Degree from a recognized university or equivalent.
For INA
Candidates must have a Degree in Engineering from a recognized university or institution.
For AFA
Candidates must have:
1. A Bachelor's Degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level, OR
2. A Bachelor of Engineering degree.
4. Physical Standards
Candidates must be physically fit according to the standards prescribed by UPSC and the respective defence academies. Medical examination is conducted after clearing the SSB interview.
5. Marital Status
IMA, INA, and AFA: Only unmarried male candidates are eligible.
OTA: Both unmarried male and unmarried female candidates are eligible.
6. Final Year Students
Candidates studying in the final year or semester of their degree course can apply provisionally. However, they must submit proof of passing the degree examination within the prescribed time limit to the respective Army, Navy, or Air Force Headquarters.
Conclusion
The UPSC CDS examination provides a prestigious opportunity to join the Indian Armed Forces. Candidates must carefully verify their eligibility before applying and refer to the official notification for updated details.