The Combined Defense Services (CDS) Exam is one of the most prestigious and competitive exams in India. It is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice a year to recruit officers into the Indian Armed Forces. If you are interested in serving the nation and have a passion for a career in the military, then the CDS exam can be your gateway to achieving your dreams.
But before you start preparing for the exam, it is important to know whether you meet the eligibility criteria. The eligibility criteria for the CDS exam are different for each branch of the Indian Armed Forces, and they are as follows:
Age Limit:
For Indian Military Academy (IMA): Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd January 1999 and not later than 1st January 2004 are eligible.
For Indian Naval Academy (INA): Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd January 2000 and not later than 1st January 2004 are eligible.
For Air Force Academy (AFA): 20 to 24 years as on 1st January 2024 i.e. born not earlier than 2nd January 2000 and not later than 1st January 2004 (Upper age limit for candidates holding valid and current Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA (India) is relaxable upto 26 yrs. i.e. born not earlier than 2nd January 1998 and not later than 1st January 2004 only are eligible.
For Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) (Men): Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd January 1998 and not later than 1st January 2004 are eligible.
For Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) (Women – Non-Technical): Unmarried women, issueless widows who have not remarried, and issueless divorcees (in possession of divorce documents) who have not remarried are eligible. They should have been born not earlier than 2nd January 1998 and not later than 1st January 2004.
Note: The date of birth entered in the Matriculation/ Secondary School Examination Certificate or an equivalent certificate available on the date of submission of the application will be accepted by the Commission.
Nationality:
Candidates must be:
(i) A citizen of India, or
(ii) A subject of Bhutan, or
(iii) A subject of Nepal, or
(iv) A Tibetan refugee who came over to India before the 1st of January 1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India, or
(v) A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia and Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.
Educational Qualification:
For Indian Military Academy (IMA): Candidates should possess a degree from a recognized university or equivalent.
For Indian Naval Academy (INA): Candidates should possess a degree in Engineering from a recognized university or institution.
For Air Force Academy (AFA): Candidates should possess a degree from a recognized university or equivalent, with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level or Bachelor of Engineering.
For Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) (Men): Candidates should possess a degree from a recognized university or equivalent.
For Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) (Women – Non-Technical): Candidates should possess a degree from a recognized university or equivalent.
Note: Candidates who are studying in the final year of their degree course and have yet to pass the final year degree examination can also apply, but they will be required to submit proof of passing the degree examination before commencement of the course.
Physical Standards:
Candidates must be physically fit and meet the required physical standards as specified by the respective branches of the Indian Armed Forces. Candidates should also not have any disabilities that could interfere with their performance as military officers.
Marital Status:
For Indian Military Academy (IMA): Candidates should be unmarried.
For Indian Naval Academy (INA): Candidates should be unmarried.
For Air Force Academy (AFA): Candidates below 25 years of age should be unmarried. Marriage is not permitted during training. Married candidates above 25 years of age are also eligible to apply but during training period they will not be provided married accommodation.
For Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) (Men): Candidates should be unmarried.
For Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) (Women – Non-Technical): Candidates can be unmarried, issueless widows who have not remarried, and issueless divorcees (in possession of divorce documents) who have not remarried.
Other Criteria:
Candidates must also meet certain other criteria, such as being medically fit, having no criminal record, and possessing the necessary documents as specified by the UPSC.
In addition to the above criteria, candidates must also satisfy the UPSC with regards to their character and conduct. Any misrepresentation or concealment of information may result in the disqualification of the candidate.
Conclusion:
The CDS exam is a highly competitive and prestigious exam that requires candidates to meet certain eligibility criteria. It is important for candidates to carefully read and understand the eligibility criteria before applying for the exam. Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria and are selected for the exam must undergo rigorous training before becoming officers in the Indian Armed Forces. A career in the military can be extremely rewarding, and the CDS exam is a great opportunity for young men and women who are passionate about serving the nation to realize their dreams.
