The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for the selection of the candidates for the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA). The eligibility criteria for Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2025 include requirements related to nationality, age, educational qualifications, marital status, and physical standards.
1. Nationality
Candidates is required to be:
- A citizen of India, or
- A subject of Nepal or Bhutan, or
- A Tibetan refugee who migrated to India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of settling permanently in India, or
- A person of Indian origin who migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, or East African countries (Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, and Ethiopia) or Vietnam with the intention of settling permanently in India.
- Candidates other than Indian citizens must present a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India.
2. Age Limits
The age limit requirements vary by academy as written below:
| Academy | Age Limit | Gender |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | Born between Jan 2, 2001, and Jan 1, 2006 | Male |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | Born between Jan 2, 2001, and Jan 1, 2006 | Male |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | 20–24 years as of Jan 1, 2025 (Born between Jan 2, 2001, and Jan 1, 2005). Upper age limit for CPL holders: 26 years | Male |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA – SSC Men) | Born between Jan 2, 2000, and Jan 1, 2006 | Male |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA – SSC Women) | Born between Jan 2, 2000, and Jan 1, 2006 | Female (Unmarried, widows, or divorcees without remarriage) |
3. Educational Qualifications
The minimum educational qualifications for each academy are as follows:
| Academy | Qualification |
|---|---|
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | Bachelor’s degree in engineering from a recognized university |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | Bachelor’s degree with physics and mathematics at 10+2 level, or a bachelor’s degree in engineering |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA) | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university |
Note: Candidates appearing in their final year/semester are also eligible, provided they submit proof of passing the qualifying examination by a specified date.
4. Physical Standards
Candidates must meet the prescribed physical and medical standards as specified in the official notification. Key criteria include:
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Height and Weight | Minimum height of 157.5 cm for men (152 cm for women for OTA). Specific height standards for AFA. |
| Vision | Specific vision standards apply depending on the academy. |
| General Fitness | Candidates must be free from physical defects and chronic diseases hindering active service. |
5. Additional Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| NCC ‘C’ Certificate Holders | Preference given for OTA if all other criteria are met. |
| Ex-Servicemen | Eligible for OTA provided they meet age and educational qualifications. |