The CDS (Combined Defence Services) Eligibility 2025 will be released by the UPSC alongside the official CDS Notification 2025 on its website.
Key dates for the exams have been announced, with the CDS 1 2025 notification set for December 11, 2024, and the last date to apply for CDS 1 2025 on December 31, 2024. The exam will be conducted on April 13, 2025. For CDS 2 2025, the notification will be announced on May 28, 2025, with the last date to apply being June 17, 2025, and the exam scheduled for September 14, 2025. Candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria, including nationality, educational qualifications, age, marital status, and physical fitness, with only unmarried candidates aged between 19 to 25 years eligible to apply. The CDS exam is conducted twice a year to recruit officers for the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA), involving a written exam followed by an SSB interview.
CDS 1 2025 Eligibility
The CDS 1 2025 (Combined Defence Services) Examination has specific eligibility criteria for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces. Here are the key eligibility requirements:
- Candidates must be permanently settled in India.
- Candidates must be graduates or in their final year of graduation.
- The minimum age limit for the exam is 19 years.
- Women candidates are eligible for OTA (Officers Training Academy).
- Divorced and issueless women can apply for the exam.
- BTech graduates can apply for IMA (Indian Military Academy), INA (Indian Naval Academy), and AFA (Indian Air Force Academy).
- Candidates need to meet the prescribed physical standards.
The eligibility criteria are categorized as follows:
- CDS Age Limit, Gender, and Marital Status
- CDS Educational Qualification
- CDS Nationality
- CDS Physical Standards
CDS Eligibility Criteria 2025: Nationality
The CDS Eligibility Criteria 2025 for Nationality requires candidates to meet one of the following conditions:
- Citizen of India.
- Subject of Nepal.
- Subject of Bhutan.
- Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1st January 1962, intending to permanently settle in India.
- A person of Indian origin who has migrated from the following countries with the intention of permanently settling in India:
- Pakistan
- Burma (Myanmar)
- Sri Lanka
- East African countries: Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, or Vietnam
Note:
Candidates belonging to categories (2), (3), (4), and (5) must have a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India. However, candidates who are Gorkha subjects of Nepal do not require this certificate.
CDS Qualification 2025
|
Academy |
Age Limit (In years) |
Marital Status |
|
Indian Military Academy (IMA) |
19-24 |
Unmarried |
|
Indian Naval Academy (INA) |
19-22 |
Unmarried |
|
Air Force Academy |
19-23 |
Candidates below 25 years of age must be unmarried Married candidates above 25 years of age are eligible to apply, but during the training period they will neither be provided married accommodation nor can they live with a family outside of the premises |
|
Officers’ Training Academy (SSC Women Non- Technical Course) |
19-25 |
Unmarried Women, issueless widows who have not remarried, and issueless divorcees (in possession of divorce documents) who have not remarried are eligible. |
|
Officers’ Training Academy (SSC Course for Men) |
19-25 |
Unmarried |
This table outlines the qualification needed for each academy under the CDS 2025 recruitment process.
Have any query?
Can 12th Pass Apply for CDS?
No, 12th pass candidates cannot apply for the CDS (Combined Defence Services) exam.The minimum educational qualification required to apply for CDS 2025 is a bachelor’s degree. Here are the requirements:
- Indian Military Academy (IMA) and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA): A degree from a recognized university or equivalent.
- Indian Naval Academy (INA): A degree in Engineering from a recognized university or institution.
- Air Force Academy (AFA): A degree from a recognized university (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or a Bachelor of Engineering.
If you’re a 12th pass candidate and interested in joining the armed forces, you may consider applying for the National Defence Academy (NDA) exam, which is meant for 12th pass candidates.
Which Graduation is required for CDS?
The candidates must go through the points given below to know about the streams and subjects required to apply for the IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA:
-
- For AFB, candidates must have graduated with Physics and Mathematics in Class 12th or a Bachelor of Engineering.
- For Indian Military Academy (IMA) and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA), candidates must have passed a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university.
- For Indian Naval Academy (INA), candidates must have passed a Bachelor in Engineering from a recognised University
CDS 1 2025 Age Limit & Marital Status
1. Indian Military Academy (IMA):
- Age Limit: Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than January 2, 2001, and not later than January 1, 2006 (19-24 years).
- Marital Status: Must be unmarried.
- Indian Naval Academy (INA):
- Age Limit: Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than January 2, 2001, and not later than January 1, 2006 (19-24 years).
- Marital Status: Must be unmarried.
3. Air Force Academy (AFA):
-
- Age Limit: Candidates should be between 20 to 24 years as of January 1, 2025. They must have been born not earlier than January 2, 2001, and not later than January 1, 2005.
- Marital Status: Must be unmarried.
– Note: Upper age limit is relaxable up to 26 years for candidates holding a valid and current Commercial Pilot License issued by DGCA (India).
- Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) – SSC Course for Men:
- Age Limit: Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than January 2, 2000, and not later than January 1, 2006 (19-25 years).
- Marital Status: Must be unmarried.
- Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) – SSC Women (Non-Technical) Course:
- Age Limit: Unmarried women, and issueless widows or divorcees, born not earlier than January 2, 2000, and not later than January 1, 2006 (19-25 years).
- Marital Status: Must be unmarried or issueless widows/divorcees who have not remarried.
These age limits and marital status requirements are essential for candidates planning to apply for the CDS 1 2025 exam.
|
Academy |
Age Limit (In years) |
Marital Status |
|
Indian Military Academy (IMA) |
19-24 |
Unmarried |
|
Indian Naval Academy (INA) |
19-22 |
Unmarried |
|
Air Force Academy |
19-23 |
Candidates below 25 years of age must be unmarried Married candidates above 25 years of age are eligible to apply, but during the training period they will neither be provided married accommodation nor can they live with a family outside of the premises |
|
Officers’ Training Academy (SSC Women Non- Technical Course) |
19-25 |
Unmarried Women, issueless widows who have not remarried, and issueless divorcees (in possession of divorce documents) who have not remarried are eligible. |
|
Officers’ Training Academy (SSC Course for Men) |
19-25 |
Unmarried |
CDS 2 2025 Age Limit criteria
- Indian Military Academy (IMA):
- Age Limit: Born not earlier than January 2, 2002, and not later than January 1, 2007 (19-24 years).
- Marital Status: Unmarried male candidates only.
Indian Naval Academy (INA):
- Age Limit: Born not earlier than January 2, 2002, and not later than January 1, 2007 (19-24 years).
- Marital Status: Unmarried male candidates only.
Air Force Academy (AFA):
- Age Limit:
- 20 to 24 years as of January 1, 2026.
- Born not earlier than January 2, 2002, and not later than January 1, 2006.
- Upper age limit relaxed to 26 years for candidates with a valid Commercial Pilot License (born not earlier than January 2, 2000, and not later than January 1, 2006).
- Marital Status: Unmarried male candidates only.
Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) – SSC Course for Men:
– Age Limit: Born not earlier than January 2, 2001, and not later than January 1, 2007 (19-25 years).
– Marital Status: Unmarried male candidates only.
Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) – SSC Women (Non-Technical Course):
- Age Limit: Born not earlier than January 2, 2001, and not later than January 1, 2007 (19-25 years).
- Marital Status: Unmarried women, issueless widows, or divorcees who have not remarried are eligible.
Additional Notes:
- Male divorcee or widower candidates are not considered unmarried and are not eligible for IMA, INA, AFA, or OTA.
- Women candidates can apply for the OTA course with an age limit of 19 to 25 years.
- OBC candidates can apply with the same age limit as others, which is 19 to 25 years.
CDS Age Limit for Females
Women candidates are now eligible to apply for the CDS OTA exam. The CDS age limit for Females should be 19 to 25 years.
CDS Age Limit for OBC
OBC candidates can also apply for the CDS 2 2025 exam. As we know, there is no caste-based reservation in the CDS exam. So, the CDS Age Limit for OBC is also the same as per the other castes, i.e., 19 to 25 years.
CDS 2025 Physical Standards:
For male candidates, the minimum height is 157.5 cm, with specific requirements of 157 cm for the Navy and 162.5 cm for the Air Force. Candidates from Gorkha and North-Eastern regions, as well as Garhwali and Kumaon candidates, have a height requirement that is 5 cm less, while candidates from Lakshadweep can have a height that is 2 cm less.
For female candidates, the minimum height is 152 cm for all branches, with the same reductions applied as for male candidates based on region.
Weight must be proportionate to height, following the medical guidelines.
Candidates are strongly advised to undergo a medical examination before applying to prevent rejection on health grounds.
|
Height in Centimetres (Without shoes) |
Weight in Kgs. |
|||
|
18 years |
20 years |
22 years |
24 years |
|
|
152 |
44* |
46 |
47 |
48 |
|
155 |
46 |
48 |
49 |
50 |
|
157 |
47 |
49 |
50 |
51 |
|
160 |
48 |
50 |
51 |
52 |
|
162 |
50 |
52 |
53 |
54 |
|
165 |
52 |
53 |
55 |
56 |
|
168 |
53 |
55 |
57 |
58 |
|
170 |
55 |
57 |
58 |
59 |
|
173 |
57 |
59 |
60 |
61 |
|
175 |
59 |
61 |
62 |
62 |
|
178 |
61 |
62 |
63 |
64 |
|
180 |
63 |
64 |
65 |
66 |
|
183 |
65 |
67 |
67 |
68 |
|
185 |
67 |
69 |
70 |
71 |
|
188 |
70 |
71 |
72 |
74 |
|
190 |
72 |
73 |
74 |
76 |
|
193 |
74 |
76 |
77 |
78 |
|
195 |
77 |
78 |
79 |
81 |
CDS Height & Weight Parameters for Females
For women candidates, the minimum height is 152 cm.
The height and weight parameters for females are given below.
|
Height in Centimetres (Without shoes) |
Weight in Kgs. |
||
|
20 years |
25 years |
30 years |
|
|
148 |
39 |
41 |
43 |
|
150 |
40 |
42 |
43.5 |
|
153 |
42 |
43.5 |
45 |
|
155 |
43 |
44 |
46 |
|
158 |
45 |
46 |
48 |
|
160 |
46 |
47 |
49 |
|
163 |
47 |
49 |
51 |
|
165 |
49 |
51 |
53 |
|
168 |
50 |
52 |
54 |
Visual Parameters
Vision Standards for Naval Candidates
|
Uncorrected without glasses |
6/12, 6/12 |
|
Corrected with glasses |
6/6, 6/6 |
|
Limits of Myopia |
-1.5D |
|
Limits of Hypermetropia |
1.5D |
|
Binocular Vision |
III |
|
Limits of Colour Perception |
I |
Other Visual Standards
|
Vision |
Uncorrected VA 6/60 & 6/60 BCVA 6/6 & 6/6 Myopia -3.50 D Sph including astigmatism, Hypermetropia 3.50 D Sph including Astigmatism |
|
Colour perception |
CP-II |
General guidelines related to CDS medical standards for IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA:
- Candidates must be free from any medical conditions.
- No evidence of weak constitution, imperfect development of any body system, congenital deformities, diseases, syndromes, or malformations.
- There should be no swellings, including tumors, cysts, or swollen lymph nodes, anywhere on the body.
- Candidates must not have sinus or fistula anywhere on the body.
- No hyper or hypopigmentation, or other skin diseases, syndromes, or disabilities.
- No hernias present anywhere on the body.
- No scars that could impair functioning or cause significant disfigurement.
- No arteriovenous malformations anywhere on or in the body.
- No malformations of the head and face, including asymmetry, deformities from fractures, or scars indicating previous operations.
- No impairment of vision, including issues with color perception and field of vision.
- No hearing impairments or deformities in the ear vestibule-cochlear system.
- No impediments to speed due to any medical condition.
- No diseases or disabilities of the nasal area, including deformities, polyps, or chronic tonsillitis.
- No diseases or disabilities affecting the throat, palate, tonsils, gums, or mandibular joint function.
- No cardiovascular diseases or conditions, including hypertension and congenital issues.
- No history or evidence of pulmonary tuberculosis, chronic lung conditions, or allergies.
- No abnormalities of the digestive system, liver, or pancreas, including congenital or genetic diseases.
- No diseases or disabilities related to the endocrine or reticuloendothelial systems.
- No issues with the genitourinary system, including malformations or any venereal diseases.
- No history of mental illness, epilepsy, urinary incontinence, or enuresis.
- No diseases, deformities, or syndromes affecting the musculoskeletal system, skull, spine, or limbs.
- No congenital or hereditary diseases or disabilities.
Candidates should ensure they meet these medical standards before applying to avoid rejection during the selection process.
Disqualification or debarment for CDS 2025 eligibility:
- Previous Dismissal: Candidates dismissed from any government service or the Armed Forces are ineligible to apply.
- False Information: Providing false or misleading information in the application form will lead to disqualification.
- Criminal Record: Candidates with a criminal history or those under investigation for criminal offenses will be disqualified.
- Medical Unfitness: Individuals declared medically unfit by a military medical board or previous assessments cannot apply.
- Eligibility Non-compliance: Failure to meet age, educational, or physical fitness standards will result in disqualification.
Important Points
- The UPSC can reject any applicant’s candidature at any stage of the recruitment process if they do not fulfill the eligibility criteria.
- The issuance of the admission certificate does not guarantee acceptance of the candidature; compliance with all eligibility requirements is mandatory.
- A thorough document verification process will occur at the end of the recruitment, and candidates who do not meet the eligibility criteria during this phase will be disqualified.
Here are some **frequently asked questions (FAQs)** regarding the CDS exam eligibility criteria for 2025:
FAQs
- What is the age limit for CDS 2025?
- The age limit varies depending on the academy. For instance, candidates applying for the Indian Military Academy (IMA) must be born between January 2, 2001, and January 1, 2006. For other academies, the age requirements may differ, so it is important to check the specific criteria for each.
- Can I apply for CDS if I am in my final year of graduation?
- Yes, candidates who are in their final year of graduation can apply for the CDS exam. However, they must present their provisional certificate of graduation at the time of the SSB interview.
- What are the educational qualifications required for CDS?
- Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university for IMA and OTA. For the Indian Naval Academy (INA), a Bachelor of Engineering degree is required, and for the Air Force Academy (AFA), candidates must have studied Physics and Mathematics in Class 12 or hold a Bachelor of Engineering degree.
- Is there a marital status requirement for CDS applicants?
- Yes, only unmarried candidates are eligible to apply for the CDS exam. This applies to both male and female candidates.
- What happens if I do not meet the eligibility criteria?
- If candidates fail to meet the eligibility criteria at any stage of the recruitment process, including during document verification, they will be disqualified from the selection process.
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