UPSC CDS 2 Examination 2026 Notification Out - Apply Online for 451 Combined Defence Services Posts

Candidates must fulfill all eligibility conditions before the date of application. Their admission at all stages is purely provisional subject to satisfying eligibility conditions. Verification of eligibility with reference to original documents will be taken up only after the candidate qualifies for SSB/Personality Test. | Criteria Details Nationality Citizen of India / Subject of Nepal / Person of Indian origin migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East Africa (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia) or Vietnam - with eligibility certificate from Govt. of India where applicable. Gorkha subjects of Nepal do not need such certificate. Educational Qualification – IMA & OTA Degree of a recognised University or equivalent. Educational Qualification – Indian Naval Academy Degree in Engineering OR B.Sc. with Physics as core/elective subject from a recognised University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level). Educational Qualification – Air Force Academy Degree of a recognised University with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level, OR Bachelor of Engineering. Final Year Students Candidates in the final year/semester of their Degree course may apply but must submit proof of passing the degree examination by the prescribed date (IMA/INA by 01-07-2027; AFA by 13-05-2027; OTA by 01-10-2027). A bonafide certificate from College/University is required at the time of SSB interview. Physical Standards Candidates must be physically fit as per the "Joint Order Manual of Medical Standards for Entry into Armed Forces (1st Edition)" available at www.joinindianarmy.nic.in. Permanent body tattoos allowed only on inner forearm (inside elbow to wrist) and back of palm; not permitted on any other body part. Debarment Candidates debarred by the Ministry of Defence from holding any type of commission in the Defence Services are not eligible.

Age is calculated based on date of birth as recorded in the Matriculation/Secondary School Examination Certificate only. No other document (horoscope, affidavit, birth extract, etc.) will be accepted. Once a date of birth is submitted, no change will be allowed subsequently. | Course Age Limit Gender & Marital Status Date of Birth Range Indian Military Academy (IMA) 19 to 24 years Unmarried Male only Born between 02-07-2003 and 01-07-2008 (both inclusive) Indian Naval Academy (INA) 19 to 24 years Unmarried Male only Born between 02-07-2003 and 01-07-2008 (both inclusive) Air Force Academy (AFA) 20 to 24 years (as on 01-07-2027) Male; below 25 years must be unmarried; married candidates aged 25+ eligible but no married accommodation during training Born between 02-07-2003 and 01-07-2007; CPL holders: up to 26 years (born not earlier than 01-07-2001) OTA – SSC Men (NT) 19 to 25 years Unmarried Male only Born between 02-07-2002 and 01-07-2008 (both inclusive) OTA – SSC Women (NT) 19 to 25 years Unmarried women, issueless widows (not remarried), issueless divorcees with divorce documents (not remarried) Born between 02-07-2002 and 01-07-2008 (both inclusive) | Note: Male divorcees/widowers cannot be treated as unmarried male and are not eligible for IMA/INA/AFA/OTA courses. Marriage is not permitted during training at any academy; a candidate who marries after applying will not be selected and a candidate marrying during training shall be discharged and liable to refund all expenditure incurred by the Government.