The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination 2026, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), is a prestigious national-level exam for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force as commissioned officers.
Before applying, every aspirant must carefully understand the CDS 2026 eligibility criteria, as failure to meet even a single condition can lead to disqualification at any stage of the selection process.
This article provides a complete and detailed explanation of CDS 2026 eligibility criteria, covering age limit, educational qualifications, nationality requirements, and other important eligibility conditions.
CDS 2026 Eligibility Criteria – Overview
To be eligible for CDS 2026, a candidate must fulfill the following three major conditions:
Nationality
Age Limit
Educational Qualification
Eligibility criteria vary slightly depending on the academy applied for, so candidates must check the requirements carefully.
CDS 2026 Nationality Criteria
A candidate applying for CDS 2026 must be:
A citizen of India, or
A subject of Nepal, or
A subject of Bhutan, or
A Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1st January 1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India, or
A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, or Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.
Important Note:
Candidates belonging to categories (2) to (5) must possess a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India.
Indian citizens do not require any eligibility certificate.
CDS 2026 Age Limit (Academy-Wise)
The age limit for CDS 2026 depends on the academy for which the candidate is applying. The age is calculated as per the date of birth mentioned in the matriculation certificate.
1. Indian Military Academy (IMA)
Age Limit: 19 to 24 years
Candidate must be unmarried
2. Indian Naval Academy (INA)
Age Limit: 19 to 24 years
Candidate must be unmarried
3. Air Force Academy (AFA)
Age Limit: 20 to 24 years
Upper age limit of 26 years is applicable for candidates holding a valid and current Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL)
Candidate must be unmarried
4. Officers’ Training Academy (OTA – Men)
Age Limit: 19 to 25 years
Both married and unmarried male candidates are eligible
5. Officers’ Training Academy (OTA – Women)
Age Limit: 19 to 25 years
Both married and unmarried female candidates are eligible
Key Age-Related Points:
Date of birth once entered in the application cannot be changed later.
Candidates must fall strictly within the prescribed age range on the specified date.
Age relaxation is not applicable except for CPL holders in AFA.
CDS 2026 Educational Qualification
Educational qualifications vary depending on the academy applied for. Candidates must possess the required qualification on or before the date specified in the notification.
1. Indian Military Academy (IMA)
A Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or equivalent.
2. Officers’ Training Academy (OTA – Men & Women)
A Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or equivalent.
3. Indian Naval Academy (INA)
A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from a recognized university or institution.
4. Air Force Academy (AFA)
Candidates must have:
A Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level,
ORA Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.
Important Educational Notes:
Final-year students are eligible to apply, provided they can submit proof of passing before the specified date.
Candidates with backlogs at the time of SSB are generally not considered eligible.
Degrees obtained through distance education must be recognized by the appropriate authority.
CDS 2026 Marital Status Criteria
IMA, INA, and AFA: Only unmarried candidates are eligible.
OTA (Men & Women): Both married and unmarried candidates are eligible.
Marriage during training at IMA, INA, or AFA is not permitted.
CDS 2026 Physical & Medical Standards (Brief Overview)
Although medical standards are evaluated later during the SSB stage, candidates must be:
Physically fit according to UPSC and Armed Forces medical standards
Free from any permanent medical condition that may hinder military service
A detailed medical examination is conducted at designated military hospitals.
Common Reasons for CDS Eligibility Rejection
Incorrect date of birth
Not meeting educational qualification criteria
Applying for the wrong academy
Lack of required eligibility certificate
Medical unfitness during SSB
Why Understanding CDS 2026 Eligibility is Important
Understanding the CDS eligibility criteria ensures:
Correct academy selection
Avoidance of application rejection
Better preparation strategy aligned with eligibility
Smooth progression through written exam and SSB stages
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – CDS 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Q1. Can final-year graduation students apply for CDS 2026?
Yes, final-year students can apply, provided they submit proof of passing before the date specified by UPSC.
Q2. Is there any age relaxation for reserved categories in CDS?
No, there is no age relaxation for SC, ST, OBC, or other categories in CDS examination.
Q3. Can married candidates apply for CDS 2026?
Married candidates can apply only for OTA (Men & Women). IMA, INA, and AFA accept unmarried candidates only.
Q4. Is Mathematics compulsory for CDS?
Mathematics is compulsory only for INA and AFA. It is not required for IMA and OTA.
Q5. Can women apply for CDS 2026?
Yes, women candidates can apply for OTA (Officers’ Training Academy) through CDS.
Q6. Is a diploma holder eligible for CDS 2026?
No, a Bachelor’s degree is mandatory. Diploma holders without a degree are not eligible.
Q7. Does CDS have nationality restrictions?
Yes, candidates must meet the nationality conditions as specified by UPSC.
Conclusion
The CDS 2026 eligibility criteria play a crucial role in determining a candidate’s suitability for the examination. Aspirants should carefully verify age limits, educational qualifications, and nationality requirements before applying. Meeting the eligibility criteria is the first and most important step towards achieving the dream of becoming an officer in the Indian Armed Forces.
