The Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination is conducted by UPSC twice a year, offering graduates a direct route to commissioned officer positions in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Before you apply, understanding the complete CDS eligibility 2026 criteria is essential. This guide covers branch-wise age limits, educational qualifications, physical standards, and everything else you need to know.
For the full exam overview, visit our CDS Exam 2026 Complete Guide.
CDS Eligibility 2026: Branch-Wise Summary
| Academy | Gender | Age Limit | Education | Marital Status |
| IMA (Indian Military Academy) | Male | 19–24 years | Any Graduation | Unmarried |
| INA (Indian Naval Academy) | Male | 19–22 years | B.E./B.Tech | Unmarried |
| AFA (Air Force Academy) | Male | 19–23 years | Graduation (Sci) or B.E./B.Tech | Unmarried |
| OTA (Officers Training Academy) | Male & Female | 19–25 years | Any Graduation | All eligible |
Nationality Requirements
- IMA, INA, AFA: Indian citizens only
- OTA: Indian citizens, or nationals of Nepal or Bhutan
- Valid proof of Indian citizenship is mandatory at the time of application
Age Limits for CDS 2026
Age is calculated as on the closing date of the UPSC application. Visit upsc.gov.in for official notification dates.
- IMA: 19–24 years (born between 02 Jan 2002 and 01 Jan 2007 for CDS II 2026)
- INA: 19–22 years (born between 02 Jan 2004 and 01 Jan 2007)
- AFA: 19–23 years (born between 02 Jan 2003 and 01 Jan 2007)
- OTA: 19–25 years (born between 02 Jan 2001 and 01 Jan 2007)
Educational Qualifications by Branch
IMA – Indian Military Academy
Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university. There is no specific subject requirement for IMA. Candidates in the final year of graduation may also apply provisionally.
INA – Indian Naval Academy
A B.E./B.Tech degree in any discipline is mandatory for INA. Candidates must also have studied Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level. The engineering degree must be from an AICTE-recognized institution.
AFA – Air Force Academy
Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2, OR a B.E./B.Tech degree from a recognized institution. Science stream graduates with Physics and Maths are preferred for flying training.
OTA – Officers Training Academy
OTA is the most flexible branch—candidates with a Bachelor’s degree in any stream (Arts, Science, Commerce, Engineering) are eligible. Both male and female candidates can apply, and there are no subject-specific requirements.
Marital Status Requirements
- IMA, INA, AFA: Candidates must be unmarried at the time of joining. Married candidates and those with children are not eligible.
- OTA: All female candidates (married or unmarried) are eligible. Male candidates must be unmarried. However, male SSC officers already in service can apply under special provisions.
Physical Standards for CDS 2026
Height and Weight
- Minimum Height (Men): 157.5 cm
- Minimum Height (Women): 152 cm (OTA)
- Weight: Proportionate to height and age. BMI should fall between 18.5 and 30.
Vision Standards
- IMA: 6/6 in better eye, 6/18 in worse eye (corrected vision acceptable with limits)
- INA & AFA: 6/6 in both eyes for flying roles (unaided)
- Colour blindness: CP-I for AFA flying, not more than B1 (Ishihara) for other branches
Female Eligibility for CDS 2026
Women can apply for the Officers Training Academy (OTA) through the general entry scheme. The Women Special Entry Scheme (WSES) is also available for female candidates with the requisite educational and experience criteria. Female candidates are evaluated on the same academic and physical standards, with height adjusted to a minimum of 152 cm.
CDS vs NDA: Which Path is Right for You?
CDS requires graduation while NDA is open to 10+2 students. NDA offers 3-year residential training at Pune, while CDS leads directly to service-specific academies. For a full comparison, read our NDA Eligibility 2026 guide.
How to Apply for CDS 2026
- Visit upsc.gov.in and register/log in
- Fill the online application form with accurate personal and academic details
- Upload scanned copies of required documents (10th, 12th, graduation certificates)
- Pay the application fee: ₹200 (General/OBC); SC/ST/Female candidates are exempt
- Submit before the official deadline and download acknowledgment
- Download the admit card 10 days before the exam from UPSC portal
For IMA information, also visit joinindianarmy.nic.in.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum age for CDS IMA 2026?
The minimum age for CDS IMA 2026 is 19 years. You must be born on or after 02 January 2002 (for CDS II 2026). The maximum age limit is 24 years, so you must be born on or before 01 January 2007.
Can female candidates apply for IMA in CDS 2026?
As of 2026, the IMA is open only to male candidates. Female candidates can apply for OTA (Officers Training Academy), which offers equivalent career growth and commission into the Indian Army as Short Service Commission officers.
Is B.Com graduation acceptable for CDS OTA?
Yes. OTA accepts graduates from any stream including B.Com, B.A., B.Sc., B.Tech and other professional degrees. There are no subject-specific requirements for OTA, making it the most accessible branch of the CDS examination.
What are the vision standards for CDS AFA (Air Force)?
For the Air Force Academy (AFA) flying training, the vision standard is 6/6 in both eyes (unaided). Refractive surgery candidates must meet specific AFME criteria. Ground Duty roles in AFA may have relaxed vision standards. Always verify with the official UPSC notification.
Can married candidates apply for CDS INA?
No. INA (Indian Naval Academy) requires candidates to be unmarried at the time of joining. Married candidates and those with children are not eligible for IMA, INA, or AFA. Only OTA permits married female candidates.
How is age calculated for CDS 2026 eligibility?
Age for CDS eligibility is calculated as on the closing date of the UPSC application form. Your date of birth must fall within the prescribed range for your chosen academy. Check the official UPSC notification for each cycle (CDS I and CDS II 2026) as closing dates differ.
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