India: The Combined Defence services (CDS) Examination 2026, conducted by the Union Public service Commission (UPSC), is a prestigious gateway for candidates aspiring to become officers in the Indian Armed Forces. The exam is held twice a year to recruit candidates for the Indian Military Academy (IMA), indian Naval Academy (INA), air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA).
1. Educational Qualifications
Academy
Qualification Required
IMA
Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university
INA
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent from a recognized university
AFA
Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level
OTA (Men & Women)
Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university
2. Age Limits
Academy
Age Limit (As on Dec 31, 2026)
Notes
IMA
19–24 years
Male candidates only
INA
19–24 years
Male candidates only
AFA
19–23 years
Male candidates only
OTA
19–25 years
Both male & female candidates
Relaxation in age is applicable for SC/ST, OBC, and certain government-served candidates as per UPSC rules.
3. Physical Standards
Candidates must be medically and physically fit.
Height, weight, vision, and overall fitness standards vary slightly for male and female candidates and across different academies.
Common requirements:
Height: Minimum 157 cm for men (OTA), 162.5 cm for men (IMA), and 152 cm for women (OTA)
Vision: Distant vision 6/6 or 6/9, with permissible limits for certain minor refractive errors
Physical Fitness Tests: Include running, push-ups, sit-ups, and endurance tests
4. Nationality
Candidate must be a citizen of India or meet eligibility conditions for subjects of Bhutan, Nepal, or Tibet under UPSC rules.
5. Other Requirements
Unmarried status for most academies.
Character certificate from a competent authority.
No criminal record or pending legal issues.
Conclusion
Candidates aspiring for the CDS 2026 exam should ensure they meet all eligibility criteria before applying. Adhering to the age limits, educational qualifications, and physical standards is crucial to avoid rejection during application scrutiny or at the Service Selection Board (SSB) stage.
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