UPSC CDS (I) Exam 2026

[Defence Officer] Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2026. | Highlights: Apply Online Now

Candidates must be a graduate from a recognized university. Specific educational qualifications vary for Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers' Training Academy (OTA). For IMA/OTA: Bachelor's Degree in any stream. For INA: B.E./B.Tech. For AFA: Degree with Physics & Maths at 10+2 level or B.E./B.Tech. Candidates in their final year of graduation can also apply provisionally, provided they do not have any backlog and will submit proof of passing the degree at the time of joining. Nationality: Citizen of India or subject of Bhutan/Nepal, or Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962. Age Limit varies by academy: IMA/INA: Born between July 2, 2003, and July 1, 2008. AFA: Born between July 2, 2003, and July 1, 2007 (age 20-24 years). OTA: Born between July 2, 2002, and July 1, 2008 (age 19-26 years). Unmarried male candidates are eligible for IMA, INA, and AFA. Women candidates are eligible for OTA. Divorced and issueless women who have not remarried are also eligible for OTA. Candidates must meet physical and medical standards.