The “Combined Defence Services” (CDS) Examination is conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for the recruitment of candidates into the Indian Military Academy, Officers Training Academy, Indian Naval Academy and Indian Air Force Academy. The UPSC will conduct the CDS exam twice a year in the month of February and September. 

CDS Eligibility Highlights

AgeVaries from 20 to 25 years for different ForcesEducational QualificationGraduation DegreeNationality

• A Citizen of India, or
• A subject of Bhutan, or Tibetan refugee, or Nepal, or India origins migrated from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Burma, and East African Countries of Kenya, the United Republic of Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zaire, Malawi, and Ethiopia or Vietnam to settle in India permanently.

Number of AttemptsTill Age PermitsMarital StatusUnmarriedExperienceNot RequiredImportant Points

• Women Candidates (Unmarried) are eligible only for Short Service Commission at OTA (Officers Training Academy).
• Candidates holding valid and current Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA (India) is relaxable for up to 26 yrs. (Married candidates above 25 years of age are eligible to apply but during their training period they neither have married accommodation nor will they live with their family outside the premises)

CDS 2 Eligibility

• Candidates must be permanently settled in India.
• Candidates must be a graduate or in their final year of graduation.
• The minimum age limit for the exam is 19 years.
• Candidates must be between 20-24 years old as of 1st January 2024.
• The maximum age limit for the exam varies based on the academy: 25 years for the Air Force Academy, 24 years for the Indian Military Academy, and 25 years for the Naval Academy.
• Female candidates are eligible for OTA.
• Candidates must be medically fit and meet certain physical standards, such as minimum height requirements.
• Candidates must be Indian citizens or meet certain nationality/citizenship criteria, which are listed in detail in the official notification.

It’s important to note that meeting the eligibility criteria is necessary to apply for the CDS exam. Candidates who do not meet the eligibility criteria will not be allowed to appear for the exam

CDS Eligibility – Educational Qualification

CDS Physical Eligibility

CDS 2 Eligibility

Before applying for CDS recruitment, you must check the detailed CDS 2 eligibility criteria. The UPSC conducts the CDS exam twice annually to choose candidates for the position of Commissioned Officers in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Both male and female candidates are eligible to apply for the CDS vacancy in 2024. To qualify for the exam, candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Candidates must be permanently settled in India.
• Candidates must be a graduate or in their final year of graduation.
• The minimum age limit for the exam is 19 years.
• Candidates must be between 20-24 years old as of 1st January 2024.
• The maximum age limit for the exam varies based on the academy: 25 years for the Air Force Academy, 24 years for the Indian Military Academy, and 25 years for the Naval Academy.
• Female candidates are eligible for OTA.
• Candidates must be medically fit and meet certain physical standards, such as minimum height requirements.
• Candidates must be Indian citizens or meet certain nationality/citizenship criteria, which are listed in detail in the official notification.

CDS Eligibility for Female

CDS Height and Weight Requirements for Army & Navy

CDS Eligibility – Medical Standards

According to the UPCS rules, candidates must be physically and mentally fit. On medical grounds, a large number of qualified candidates are disqualified. As a result, candidates are highly urged to have a medical examination before applying for the CDS exam. Check out the table summarizing the medical eligibility criteria for CDS exam: