CDS Eligibility
Last verified 31 Jul 2026
UPSC CDS eligibility requires the following. A degree from a recognised university for the IMA and OTA. For the Indian Naval Academy, a degree in Engineering. For the Air Force Academy, a degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2, or a degree in Engineering. The age limit is Varies by academy — roughly 19 to 24 years for the IMA and INA, 20 to 24 for the Air Force Academy, and 19 to 25 for the OTA short service commission entries. Only unmarried candidates are eligible for the IMA, INA and AFA..
Educational qualification
A degree from a recognised university for the IMA and OTA. For the Indian Naval Academy, a degree in Engineering. For the Air Force Academy, a degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2, or a degree in Engineering.
Age limit
Varies by academy — roughly 19 to 24 years for the IMA and INA, 20 to 24 for the Air Force Academy, and 19 to 25 for the OTA short service commission entries. Only unmarried candidates are eligible for the IMA, INA and AFA..
Age relaxation
| Category | Relaxation in upper age limit |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| OBC | 3 years |
| Persons with Benchmark Disability | 10 years |
| Defence Services personnel disabled in operations | 3 years |
| Ex-servicemen (commissioned officers and ECOs/SSCOs) | 5 years |
A candidate who belongs to SC, ST or OBC and is also an Ex-serviceman or PwBD candidate is eligible for cumulative relaxation under both heads.
Number of attempts
No limit on attempts within the age window.
Nationality
A candidate must be a citizen of India, or fall within the other categories of nationality set out in the Examination Notice — which for most services include subjects of Nepal and Bhutan, Tibetan refugees who came to India before 1 January 1962, and persons of Indian origin who have migrated from certain countries with the intention of permanently settling in India.