UPSC CDS I 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Official eligibility conditions for Combined Defence Services Examination (I) 2026 including nationality, age limits, marital status, educational qualifications and medical standards.
CDS I 2026 Eligibility Calculator
- A citizen of India, OR
- A subject of Nepal, OR
- A person of Indian origin who migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia or Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.
Candidates belonging to the above categories (except Indian citizens) must possess a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India. Gorkha subjects of Nepal are exempted from this requirement.
Age Limit, Sex & Marital Status (CDS I 2026)
Indian Military Academy (IMA)
Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2 January 2003 and not later than 1 January 2008.
Indian Naval Academy (INA)
Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2 January 2003 and not later than 1 January 2008.
Air Force Academy (AFA)
Age 20–24 years as on 1 January 2027 (born between 2 January 2003 and 1 January 2007). Upper age limit relaxable up to 26 years for candidates holding valid Commercial Pilot Licence (born between 2 January 2001 and 1 January 2007).
Officers' Training Academy (OTA – Men)
Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2 January 2002 and not later than 1 January 2008.
Officers' Training Academy (OTA – Women)
Unmarried women, issueless widows who have not remarried and issueless divorcees who have not remarried. Born not earlier than 2 January 2002 and not later than 1 January 2008.
Male divorcee/widower candidates are not eligible for IMA, INA, AFA or OTA entries.
Date of birth recorded in the Matriculation/Secondary School Examination Certificate will be treated as final by UPSC. No request for change will be entertained.
IMA & OTA: Degree of a recognised University or equivalent.
Indian Naval Academy: Degree in Engineering from a recognised University/Institution.
Air Force Academy: Degree of a recognised University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or Bachelor of Engineering.
Candidates studying in the final year/semester of degree examination may apply provisionally but must produce proof of passing the degree examination by the prescribed date before commencement of training.
Physical & Medical Standards
Candidates recommended by the Services Selection Board (SSB) must be physically and medically fit according to the standards prescribed in Appendix-III of the official notification.
- Minimum height and weight standards as per service branch
- Acceptable visual and hearing standards
- No permanent medical disabilities