CDS Eligibility Criteria 2026

CDS Eligibility Criteria 2026: Qualification, Nationality & Academy-Wise Requirements

The CDS Eligibility Criteria 2026 are defined by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in the official notification. Every candidate who wishes to appear for the Combined Defence Services Examination must fulfil all eligibility parameters — nationality, age, educational qualification, gender, and marital status — before submitting the application form. Failure to meet any one criterion leads to rejection of candidature at any stage of the recruitment process, even after selection.

This page provides a comprehensive breakdown of the CDS eligibility criteria 2026 for all four academies: IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA.

CDS Eligibility Criteria 2026 – Summary Table

CDS Nationality Criteria 2026

To apply for CDS 2026, a candidate must be one of the following:

Important: Candidates under categories 2, 3, 4, and 5 must produce a Government of India eligibility certificate. Gorkha subjects of Nepal are exempt from this requirement.

CDS Educational Qualification 2026 – Academy-Wise

Educational qualifications differ significantly across the four academies. Aspirants must ensure they hold (or are completing) the right degree for their chosen academy.

Note for Final Year Students:

• Final year degree students may apply provisionally.

• They must not have any active backlog up to the last semester/year.

• They must submit proof of passing the degree at the time of commencement of the course/SSB interview.

• If they fail to produce the degree certificate, their candidature will be cancelled.

CDS Eligibility for OTA, IMA, INA & AFA – Gender & Marital Status

Note: Male divorcees are not considered unmarried and are therefore not eligible for the CDS examination.

CDS Physical Standards 2026

Physical fitness is a mandatory part of CDS eligibility. While detailed physical standards are set by the respective defence services, general requirements include:

Physical examination is conducted during the SSB (Services Selection Board) stage, not the written exam stage.

CDS Eligibility Criteria – Important Points

Steps to Verify Your CDS Eligibility 2026

1. Confirm your nationality and citizenship documentation.

2. Check the academy-specific age bracket against your date of birth.

3. Verify your educational qualification matches the academy requirements.

4. Confirm your gender and marital status align with the academy you are applying for.

5. Ensure no backlog exists if you are a final-year student.

6. Register through One Time Registration (OTR) on the UPSC portal before applying.

Carefully reading the official UPSC notification is essential before filling the application form. Any discrepancy discovered after selection can lead to termination from service. For complete and authoritative eligibility details, always refer to the official UPSC notification at upsc.gov.in.

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