CDS Eligibility Criteria 2025, Educational Requirements, Age Limit

The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination 2025, conducted by UPSC, opens up prestigious opportunities for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force,  and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA). Before applying, it is crucial to thoroughly understand the CDS Eligibility Criteria 2025 to ensure you meet all the necessary conditions and avoid disqualification at any stage of the recruitment process.

CDS Eligibility Criteria 2025 

The eligibility conditions for CDS 2025 are clearly outlined by UPSC. Candidates must satisfy multiple factors, including nationality, age limits, educational qualifications, marital status,  and physical fitness standards. Failing to meet even a single criterion can lead to  disqualification at any stage of the recruitment process. 

CDS Eligibility Criteria 2025 Nationality 

To be eligible for CDS 2025, a candidate must meet one of the following nationality CDS Eligibility Criteria: 

• Citizen of India 
• Subject of Nepal or Bhutan 
• A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, Kenya,  Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, or Ethiopia, intending to permanently  settle in India 

Candidates falling under the third category must produce a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India, except for Indian citizens. 

CDS Qualification Requirements 

The academic qualifications required for the CDS Examination vary depending on the branch  a candidate wishes to join:

Branch/Academy	Educational Qualification Required
Indian Military Academy  (IMA)	Degree from a recognized university or equivalent institution

 

Officers’ Training   Academy (OTA)	Degree from a recognized university or equivalent institution
Indian Naval Academy  (INA)	Engineering degree from a recognized university or institution
Air Force Academy (AFA)	Degree from a recognized university with Physics and Mathematics  at 10+2 level, or a Bachelor of Engineering degree

Final-year students are also eligible to apply, provided they can submit proof of passing their  degree course by the date specified in the official notification. 

CDS Age Limit 

The age limits for different academies under CDS 2025 are as follows: 

Academy	Age Limit as of January 1, 2025
Indian Military Academy (IMA)	19 to 24 years
Indian Naval Academy (INA)	19 to 24 years
Air Force Academy (AFA)	20 to 24 years (up to 26 years for CPL holders)
Officers’ Training Academy (OTA)	19 to 25 years

Candidates applying for IMA, INA, and AFA must be unmarried. Candidates applying for OTA can be either unmarried or married, but marriage during the training period is strictly not permitted. 

CDS Physical Standards 

Meeting the prescribed physical standards is a crucial requirement for CDS Eligibility Criteria.  Candidates must be both physically and mentally fit according to the guidelines issued by  UPSC. Good physical health, a robust constitution, and the absence of bodily defects are necessary prerequisites. 

In terms of vision, candidates must not suffer from myopia greater than -3.5 D or hypermetropia exceeding +3.5 D, and they must not have color blindness. Hearing ability should also be normal, and candidates must be able to hear a forced whisper at a distance of  610 cm with each ear. Dental health is equally important, with a minimum of 14 dental points considered necessary. 

Regarding height and weight standards:

Category	Minimum Height Required
Male candidates (Army)	157.5 cm

 

Male candidates (Air Force)	162.5 cm
Female candidates (OTA)	152 cm

Certain relaxations in height standards are available for candidates belonging to regions such as the Gorkhas, Garhwalis, and the northeastern states. Weight must be proportionate to height, and candidates who are grossly overweight or underweight may be rejected during  the medical examination. 

Key Guidelines Related to CDS Medical Standards 

The following are some key guidelines related to CDS Medical Standards:

• Medical fitness plays a crucial role in the final selection process for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination. Candidates must ensure they meet all prescribed medical standards to avoid disqualification at later stages.

• Certain medical conditions can lead to direct disqualification from the selection process. These include hernia, hydrocele, varicocele, flat foot, knock knees, chronic skin diseases, and uncorrectable vision defects. Candidates should be aware of these conditions and take corrective measures wherever possible.

• Candidates are strongly advised to maintain a healthy body weight well before the medical examination. Being underweight or overweight can negatively impact medical results and potentially lead to rejection.

• It is important for candidates to address any minor ailments in advance, well before appearing for the medical examination. Small health issues, if left unattended, can escalate or be viewed unfavorably during the rigorous medical assessment.

• Candidates must avoid extreme diets and heavy gymming immediately before the examination. Sudden changes in body metabolism, muscle strain, or rapid weight fluctuations can adversely affect their medical fitness results.

• Undergoing a basic medical check-up beforehand is highly beneficial for all aspirants. A preliminary health screening can help identify any minor, correctable issues early, allowing sufficient time for treatment or necessary lifestyle adjustments.

• Taking proactive steps towards medical preparedness not only boosts the chances of clearing the medical examination but also helps candidates maintain peak physical and mental health throughout the rigorous selection process.

Additional CDS Eligibility Criteria 2025 

Gender-Wise Eligibility 

Male candidates are eligible to apply for all branches, including IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA.  Female candidates are eligible only for OTA and must be unmarried. Widows and divorcees  (who have not remarried) are also eligible under specific conditions set by UPSC. 

Marital Status Guidelines 

For admission to IMA, INA, and AFA, only unmarried male candidates are eligible. Candidates applying for OTA (both male and female) can be either married or unmarried. However,  married candidates must note that no accommodation for family is provided during training,  and they are not allowed to live with their spouse during the training period. 

Final Year Students 

Candidates who are in the final year or final semester of their degree course are eligible to apply for CDS 2025. However, they must ensure that they can submit proof of passing their degree examination by the date mentioned in the official notification. 

CDS Eligibility Criteria 2025 FAQs

Q.1. Can final year students apply for CDS 2025? 
Ans. Yes, candidates who are in their final year or final semester can apply for CDS 2025. However, they must submit proof of passing their degree by the date mentioned in the official notification.

Q.2. What is the minimum height requirement for CDS 2025?
Ans. The minimum acceptable height is 157.5 cm for the Army and 162.5 cm for the Air Force for male candidates. For female candidates applying to OTA, the minimum height requirement is  152 cm. Certain height relaxations are applicable for candidates from specific regions.

Q.3. Is there any relaxation in the age limit for candidates holding a Commercial Pilot Licence?
Ans. Yes, candidates holding a valid Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA (India) are allowed an age relaxation up to 26 years for Air Force Academy applications.

Q.4. Can female candidates apply for all CDS academies?
Ans. No, female candidates are eligible only for Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) through CDS and must meet the eligibility conditions prescribed for OTA. 

Q.5. Are candidates with minor medical issues allowed to appear for CDS?
Ans. Minor medical issues must be resolved before the medical examination. Candidates found  medically unfit during the final medical check-up will not be allowed to proceed, even if they  have cleared the written exam and SSB interview