CDS Eligibility Criteria 2024: Age Limit, Education Qualification, Physical Standard
CDS Eligibility Criteria 2024 – The CDS eligibility criteria are a set of requirements outlined in the official CDS notification for candidates applying for the Combined Defence Service examination. The qualifying standards must be met by both male and female candidates. Additionally, candidates must fulfil the physical standards established by the authorities.
The Combined Defence Service (CDS) examination is administered by the Union Public Service Commission to select applicants for the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, and Indian Air Force Academy. The CDS exam is conducted twice a year. Candidates must meet the eligibility requirements in order to take the CDS test in 2024 and join the Indian Armed Forces.
Below is an overview of the CDS eligibility criteria for the candidates:
| Particulars | Details |
| Age | Between 19 to 25 years, depending on the respective Forces |
| Educational Qualification | Graduation Degree |
| Nationality |
|
| Number of Attempts | Multiple attempts are allowed until the candidate’s age permits |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Experience | No prior experience required |
| Important Points |
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| Physical Fitness |
|
CDS Eligibility Criteria 2024: Nationality
To be eligible for the CDS 2024 examination, candidates must satisfy specific criteria set by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). One of the primary criteria is nationality. Candidates must possess the necessary documentation to support their nationality status as and when required during the selection process. This section outlines the nationality requirements for candidates aspiring to appear in the CDS 2024 exam.
- Indian Citizens: Candidates who are Indian citizens are eligible to apply for the CDS 2024 examination.
- Bhutanese/Nepalese/Tibetan Origin Candidates: Individuals of Bhutanese, Nepalese, or Tibetan origin who came to India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanently settling in India are also eligible for the CDS 2024 exam.
- Migrated Indian Origin Candidates: Candidates of Indian origin who have migrated from certain specified countries, including Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, and Vietnam, with the intention of permanently settling in India, are eligible to apply for the CDS 2024 examination.
CDS Eligibility Criteria 2024: Educational Qualification
In order to appear for the CDS 2024 exam, candidates must fulfill certain eligibility criteria set by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). One of the important aspects of eligibility is the educational qualification required for each academy.
| Academy | Educational Qualification |
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | A bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or equivalent |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | A bachelor’s degree in Engineering from a recognized university or equivalent |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | A bachelor’s degree in Engineering from a recognized university or equivalent, or a bachelor’s degree in any discipline with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) (Men) | A bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or equivalent |
| Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) (Women) | A bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or equivalent |
CDS Eligibility: Physical & Medical Standards
The physical fitness of candidates is a crucial aspect of the eligibility criteria for the CDS 2024 exam. Candidates must meet the prescribed physical standards, ensuring good physical and mental health, and the absence of any disease or disability that may hinder the effective performance of duties in both peace and war conditions worldwide. It is important to possess a strong constitution, free from bodily defects, underweight, overweight, or obese. The following are the primary reasons for disqualification commonly encountered:
- Deviated nasal septum
- Conditions like Hydrocele, Varicocele, or Phimosis
- Being overweight or underweight
- Piles (hemorrhoids)
- Gynecomastia (enlarged breasts in males)
- Ear wax buildup
CDS Eligibility 2024: Spinal Conditions
In addition to hearing standards, the CDS exam also considers the eligibility criteria for spinal conditions. Candidates with certain spinal diseases or injuries may be deemed ineligible for commission in the Indian Air Force. Below are the specific diseases of spinal conditions that are not eligible:
- A Granulomatous disease of the spine
- Arthritis/Spondylosis, including Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, and Osteoarthrosis
- Non-Articular Rheumatism (e.g. Rotator Cuff Lesions, Tennis Elbow, Recurrent Lumbago)
- Miscellaneous disorders such as SLE, Dermatomyositis, Polymyositis, and Vasculitis
- Spondylolisthesis, Spondylolysis, and Spondylosis
- Compression fracture of vertebrae
- Scheuermann’s disease (Adolescent Kyphosis)
- Loss of Cervical Lordosis with restricted movements of the cervical spine
- Unilateral/bilateral cervical ribs with neurological or circulatory deficits.
CDS Eligibility 2024: Dental Conditions
Conditions relating to dental standards and problems can affect a candidate’s eligibility for the CDS exam. The following are the conditions which make the candidates ineligible to appear for the exam:
- Conditions of the jaws in the early stages are known to progress or reoccur.
- Significant discrepancies between the upper and lower jaw that hinder proper chewing or speech will result in rejection.
- If the Temporo-Mandibular Joint (TMJ) is symptomatic with clicking and tenderness, it will lead to rejection.
- Candidates with a mouth opening of less than 30 mm, measured at the front teeth, or TMJ dislocation during the wide opening.
- All potentially cancerous conditions.
- Diagnosis of submucous fibrosis, with or without restricted mouth opening.
- Poor oral health is indicated by visible calculus, periodontal pockets, and bleeding gums.
- More than two loose teeth will make the candidate unfit.
- Cosmetic or post-traumatic maxillofacial surgery/trauma will result in being unfit for a minimum of 24 weeks from the surgery or injury, whichever is later.
- Malocclusion of teeth that hampers chewing, oral hygiene, nutrition, or overall performance of duties.
CDS Eligibility 2024: Chest Conditions
Candidates must meet specific criteria related to chest conditions to be eligible for the CDS exam. The following conditions are considered:
- Tuberculosis, or evidence of tuberculosis, lesions of lungs and heart.
- Musculoskeletal lesions of the chest wall.
- Abdominal and Genitor-urinary System : Various problems related to the abdominal and Genitor-urinary System can affect a candidate’s eligibility. The conditions include
- Hernia
- Varicocele
- Organomegaly
- Solitary kidney
- Horseshoe kidney & Cysts
- Undescended testis
- Stones in the Gall-bladder
- Renal and Ureteric stones
- Lesions/Deformities of Urogenital organs
- Sinuses
- Lymphadenitis/Pathy
- Piles
CDS Eligibility 2024: Nervous System and Skin Problems
Certain conditions related to the nervous system and skin can result in rejection. The criteria include
- Tremors, speech impediments, and imbalance.
- Skin Problems: Vitiligo, Warts, Dermatitis, Corns, skin infections, Haemangiomas.
- Growths and Hyperhidrosis of the nervous system.
CDS Eligibility 2024: Other Facts
The following conditions found on X-ray examination are considered disqualifying for entry into the Army and Navy:
- The granulomatous disease of the spine.
- Rheumatoid arthritis and related disorders, as well as Ankylosing Spondylitis.
- Scoliosis exceeds 100 degrees as measured by Cobb’s method.
- Kyphosis or lordosis beyond mild levels.
- Spondylolisthesis, Spondylosis, or Spondylolysis.
- Herniated Nucleus Pulposus.
- Compression fracture of a vertebra.
- Sacralization disease.
- Cervical ribs with evident Neurological or Circulatory deficits.
- Presence of Schmorl’s node at multiple levels.
- Abnormalities in the Atlantooccipital and Atlantoaxial regions.
- Incomplete Sacralization, whether unilateral or bilateral.
- Spina Bifida, except for SV 1 and LV 5.
- Any other abnormality, as determined by a specialist.
CDS Eligibility: Height & Weight Standards
The CDS height parameters vary for different categories and are outlined below:
| Gender | Minimum Height | Height Relaxation for Certain Groups |
| Male | 157 cm |
|
| Female | 152 cm |
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| All | 148 cm | After all kinds of waivers/dispensations, the minimum for all entries is 148 cm. If not met, the candidate will be classified as a dwarf. |
The physical eligibility requirements for Male candidates aiming to join the Officer Training Academy (OTA) in the CDS exam include meeting specific height and weight standards. The table below outlines the height and weight criteria for Male applicants in different age groups (18 years, 20 years, 22 years, and 24 years) for OTA selection.
| Height in Cms. (Without shoes) | Weights (Kgs) | |||
| 18 years | 20 years | 22 years | 24 Years | |
| 152 | 44* | 46 | 47 | 48 |
| 155 | 46 | 48 | 49 | 50 |
| 157 | 47 | 49 | 50 | 51 |
| 160 | 48 | 50 | 51 | 52 |
| 162 | 50 | 52 | 53 | 54 |
| 165 | 52 | 53 | 55 | 56 |
| 168 | 53 | 55 | 57 | 58 |
| 170 | 55 | 57 | 58 | 59 |
| 173 | 57 | 59 | 60 | 61 |
| 178 | 61 | 62 | 63 | 64 |
| 180 | 63 | 64 | 65 | 66 |
| 183 | 65 | 67 | 67 | 68 |
| 185 | 67 | 69 | 70 | 71 |
| 188 | 70 | 71 | 72 | 74 |
| 190 | 72 | 73 | 74 | 76 |
| 193 | 74 | 76 | 77 | 78 |
| 195 | 77 | 78 | 79 | 81 |
CDS Eligibility: Visual Standards
Below are the visual parameters for candidates aspiring to join these branches and provide an overview of the eligibility criteria.
CDS 2024 Visual Eligibility for IMA and OTA
In order to enroll in the Indian Army through various entries, candidates must meet specific visual standards. The following table outlines the visual parameters for male and female candidates applying to the IMA and OTA.
| Visual Parameters | Male | Female |
| Vision (corrected) | Better eye: 6/6 | Better eye: 6/6 |
| Worse eye: 6/12 | Worse eye: 6/12 | – |
| Manifest Hypermetropia | < +3.5 D, including Astig | < +3.5 D, including Astig |
| Myopia | < -3.5 D | < -5.5 D |
| BCVA | Right: 6/6 | Right: 6/6 |
| Left: 6/6 | Left: 6/6 | – |
| Lasik/equivalent surgery | Permitted | Permitted |
| Color perception | CP II | CP II |
CDS 2024 Visual Eligibility for Navy
The Navy has its own set of visual standards for candidates. The table below lists the visual requirements for naval aspirants.
| Visual Parameters | Standards |
| Uncorrected without glasses | -6/12, 6/12 |
| Corrected with glasses | 6/6, 6/6 |
| Binocular Vision | III |
| Limits of Myopia | -1.5 D Sph |
| Limits of Hypermetropia | +1.5 D Cyl |
| Limits of Colour Perception | I |
| Astigmatism (within limits of myopia and hypermetropia) | +0.75 D Sph / Cyl |
CDS 2024 Visual Eligibility for Air Force
Candidates aspiring to join the Air Force must adhere to specific visual eligibility criteria, as outlined in the table below.
| Visual Parameters | Details |
| Spectacles | Candidates who habitually wear spectacles are not eligible for Air Force. |
| Minimum Distant Vision | Minimum distant vision 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in the other, correctable to 6/6 only. |
| Hypermetropia | +2.0 D Sph |
| Color Vision | Color Vision CP-1 |
| Manifest Myopia | Nil |
| Retinoscopic Myopia | -0.5 in any meridian |
| Astigmatism | +0.75 D Cyl (with +2.0 D max) |
| Maddox Rod Test |
|
CDS Eligibility for Female
| Particulars | Details |
| Age | Female candidates born later than January 01, 2005, and not earlier than January 02, 1999. |
| Educational Qualification | Minimum Bachelor’s degree from a recognized institute or university in India. |
| Nationality | Must be a citizen of India or a subject of Bhutan or Nepal or a Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 01, 1962. |
| Marital Status | Only unmarried females, widows who have not remarried, and divorcees who have not remarried and possess divorce documents are eligible for OTA. |
| Physical Standards | The minimum acceptable height for female candidates is 152 cm. |
The physical eligibility requirements for female candidates aiming to join the Officer Training Academy (OTA) in the CDS exam include meeting specific height and weight standards. The table below outlines the height and weight criteria for female applicants in different age groups (18 years, 20 years, and 30 years) for OTA selection.
| Height in Cms. (Without shoes) | Weights (Kgs) | ||
| 18 years | 20 years | 30 years | |
| 148 | 39 | 41 | 43 |
| 150 | 40 | 42 | 43.5 |
| 153 | 42 | 43.5 | 45 |
| 155 | 43 | 44 | 46 |
| 158 | 45 | 46 | 48 |
| 160 | 46 | 47 | 49 |
| 163 | 47 | 48 | 51 |
| 165 | 49 | 51 | 53 |
| 168 | 50 | 52 | 54 |
CDS Eligibility: Marital Status
To be eligible for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam, candidates must meet specific age criteria. The age limits and marital status requirements vary for each department. Please refer to the following table for detailed information.
| Department | Age Limit | Marital Status |
| Indian Military Academy (Male) | 19 to 24 years | Unmarried |
| Indian Naval Academy (Male) | 19 to 22 years | Unmarried |
| Air Force Academy (Male) | 20 to 24 years |
|
| Officers’ Training Academy (Male) | 19 to 25 years | Unmarried |
| Officers’ Training Academy (SSC Women Non-Tech) (Female) | 19 to 25 years |
|
Points to Remember for CDS Eligibility Criteria 2024: Age Limit and Marital Status
- Married male candidates above 25 years of age can apply; however, they will not be provided accommodation for their partner during the training period. They are also not allowed to live outside the Academy premises with their family.
- The Commission accepts the date of birth as recorded in the Matriculation/Secondary School Certificate or an equivalent certificate.
CDS Eligibility Criteria 2024 FAQs
Q. Is there any percentage requirement for eligibility in the CDS exam?
A. No, there is no specific percentage or marks requirement for eligibility in the CDS exam. As long as candidates possess the required educational qualifications, they can apply irrespective of their academic percentage.
Q. What are the physical fitness requirements for the CDS exam?
A. The CDS exam has specific physical fitness requirements, including parameters such as height, weight, visual acuity, and overall physical health. Candidates need to meet these standards to be considered eligible.
Q. What is the required level of medical fitness for the CDS exam?
A. The required level of medical fitness for the CDS exam is high, as candidates need to be in good overall health with no significant physical or medical conditions that could hinder their performance in defence duties.
Q. Can final-year students apply for the CDS exam?
A. Yes, final-year students who are expected to complete their degree before the commencement of the respective academy’s training can apply for the CDS exam.
Q. Can individuals take the CDS exam after completing their 12th grade?
A. No, a minimum educational qualification of a bachelor’s degree is required to be eligible for the CDS exam. Therefore, individuals who have completed only their 12th grade may not be eligible.
Conclusion
CDS is a defence examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in India. Candidates need to meet specific eligibility criteria to be able to qualify for the CDS exam. A candidate must ensure strict adherence to all the given criterions like educational qualifications, nationality, age, marital status, medical standards and physical standards as any discrepancy found may lead to disqualification of the candidature.
Also See :
- CDS 2024
- CDS Application form 2024
- CDS Exam pattern 2024
- CDS Syllabus 2024
- CDS Result 2024
- CDS Eligibility 2024