CDS Eligibility Details

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination for recruitment into the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA).

Age Limit

• Indian Military Academy (IMA): Unmarried male candidates within the age limit prescribed by UPSC.
• Indian Naval Academy (INA): Unmarried male candidates within the prescribed age limit.
• Air Force Academy (AFA): Unmarried male candidates between 20–24 years.
• Officers Training Academy (OTA – Men): Married or unmarried male candidates within the prescribed age limit.
• Officers Training Academy (OTA – Women): Unmarried women, issueless widows and divorced women who have not remarried.

Educational Qualification

• IMA & OTA: Graduation from a recognized University.
• Indian Naval Academy: Degree in Engineering from a recognized University.
• Air Force Academy: Graduation with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level or Bachelor of Engineering.
• Final year graduation students are also eligible to apply provisionally.

Important Note

Male divorcees and widowers are not treated as unmarried candidates for admission to IMA, INA and Air Force Academy courses.