One of the most prominent exams administered by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to recruit commissioned officers for the Indian Armed Forces (Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force) is the Combined Defense Services (CDS) Examination. Comprehending the eligibility requirements is crucial if you intend to take the CDS 1 2025 exam. You can determine whether you fit the essential prerequisites to pursue your desire to serve the country by using this guide, which offers a thorough summary of the eligibility requirements for the CDS 1 2025 exam.

Before jumping straight into the CDS exam preparation, it is crucial to get familiar with the eligibility criteria for the CDS 1 2025 exam. This comprehensive guide aims to provide you with authentic insights including age limits, academic qualifications, educational requirements, physical standards, and other mandatory details. Let’s explore:

CDS 1 2025: Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the CDS 1 2025 exam, candidates should meet the following requirements:

1. Nationality:

• The candidate must be one of the following:
  • A citizen of India.
  • A subject of Bhutan or Nepal.
  • Before January 1, 1962, a Tibetan refugee arrived in India with the intention of settling there permanently.
  • A person of Indian descent who came to India with the goal of settling there permanently from East African nations including Kenya and Uganda, as well as Pakistan, Burma, and Sri Lanka.
• Except for subjects of Bhutan and Nepal, candidates who are not Indian citizens must present an eligibility certificate issued by the Indian government.

2. Age Limit and Marital Status: The age limit and marital status vary depending on the academy:

a. Indian Military Academy (IMA):

• Age: 19 to 24 years (Born between January 2, 2001, and January 1, 2006).
• Marital Status: Unmarried males.

b. Indian Naval Academy (INA):

• Age: 19 to 24 years (Born between January 2, 2001, and January 1, 2006).
• Marital Status: Unmarried males.

c. Air Force Academy (AFA):

• Should be 20 to 24 years (Born between January 2, 2001, and January 1, 2005).
• For applicants with a valid and current Commercial Pilot Licence (issued by DGCA), the upper age limit has been loosened to 26 years.
• Marital Status: Unmarried males. Marriage is allowed after training.

d. Officers Training Academy (OTA) – Men:

• Should be 19 to 25 years (Born between January 2, 2000, and January 1, 2006).
• Marital Status: Unmarried males.

e. Officers Training Academy (OTA) – Women:

• Should be between 19 to 25 years (Born between January 2, 2000, and January 1, 2006).
• Unmarried women, widows who have not remarried, and divorcees with no legal obligations.

3. Educational Qualification:

 a. Indian Military Academy (IMA) and Officers Training Academy (OTA)

• A bachelor's degree from any recognized university.

b. Indian Naval Academy (INA)

• A bachelor's degree in Engineering from a recognized university/institution.

c. Air Force Academy (AFA)

• a bachelor's degree in engineering or a degree from an accredited university with a 10+2 in math and physics.

Note: Candidates may apply if they are in their last year of graduation and can offer documentation of completing the degree exam by a certain deadline.

4. Physical Standards: Individuals should meet the medical and physical standards advised by the Armed Forces. These requirements vary according to academies, but some common requirements include:

1. Height and Weight

• Minimum height for males: 157.5 cm (Army, Navy); 162.5 cm (Air Force).
• Minimum height for females: 152 cm.
• Proportionate weight as per age and height.

2. Vision Standards

• For Air Force Academy:
  • Distant Vision: 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in the other.
  • Myopia is not more than -3.5 D, and Hypermetropia is not more than +3.5 D.
• For Other Academies:
  • Distant Vision: 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in the other (correctable with glasses).
  • Colour blindness or night blindness is a disqualifier.

3. Hearing: Excellent binaural hearing and the capacity to detect 610 cm forced whispers.
4. Other Medical Criteria:

• Applicants must be free of long-term conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart problems.
• no prior history of epilepsy or mental illness.
• a healthy and completely operational skeletal system. 

5. Gender and Special Requirements

• Men: Eligible for IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA (Men).
• Women: Eligible only for OTA (Women).

Why Eligibility Criteria Matters?

It is essential to fulfil the eligibility requirements in order to guarantee equity and fit for positions in the Armed Forces. Those who don't fit the qualifications won't be able to continue with the selection procedure.

People with the proper qualifications, mental toughness, and physical fitness are required for the Armed Forces. Because the CDS exam is so competitive, meeting the eligibility requirements is only the beginning of the difficult selection process.