CDS Eligibility 2023: Educational Qualification for Male & Female, Age & More

Candidates who want to apply for the posts of IMA, INA, OTA, and AFA CDS 2023 exam must meet the CDS eligibility criteria.

Overview

UPSC conducts the CDS Exam (Combined Defence Services) two times a year. Candidates must meet a variety of eligibility criteria, including nationality, educational attainment, age, marital status, and physical fitness. It will be held on April 2023, and the official recruitment notification was released on December 2022. Both men and women are now eligible to take the CDS exam. We’ll go over CDS eligibility for both female and male candidates.

However, their exam results will not allow them to join the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force. CDS is only for female candidates interested in joining the OTA (Officers Training Program). This post discusses important CDS requirements for both female and male candidates. To learn about the UPSC CDS eligibility criteria, interested candidates should read the entire post.

341 CDS vacancies are open to both men and women. Before applying for the CDS Exam, aspirants should take note of the following important points.

• Candidates must be permanently based in India.
• The minimum age requirement is 19.
• Candidates must meet certain physical requirements.
• Candidates must have completed their studies or be in their final year/semester.
• Divorced women must be problem-free.
• B.Tech graduates are also eligible to apply for IMA and INA AFA.
• Only women are eligible to apply for the OTA.

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Criteria for CDS Eligibility: Nationality

To be considered for the positions, applicants must meet the nationality requirements listed below. The following are the UPSC CDS eligibility requirements:

The following are the UPSC CDS eligibility requirements:
(i) an Indian citizen, or

(ii) a subject of Nepal, or

(iii) a subject of Bhutan, or

(iv) a Tibetan refugee who arrived in India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanently settling in India, or

(v) a person of Indian origin who has permanently relocated to India from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, and the East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, and Ethiopia or Vietnam.

Note: Candidates in sections ii, iii, iv, & v should present a valid eligibility certificate issued by the Indian government to the hiring authority. Gorkhas subjected to Nepal do not require an eligibility certificate.

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Eligibility Criteria for CDS: Maximum Age and Marital Status

Female applicants could only apply for OTA, according to CDS guidelines, whereas male candidates can apply for any CDS Evaluation post as long as it satisfies the other eligibility requirements. The age restriction and required marital status are listed below.

Academy	Marital Status	CDS Age Limit
Indian Military Academy (IMA)	Unmarried	19 – 24 Years
Officers’ Training Academy (SSC Course for Men)	Unmarried	19 – 25 Years
Indian Naval Academy (INA)	Unmarried	19 – 22 Years
Officers’ Training Academy (SSC Women Non-Technical Course)	Women who have never married, issueless widows who have not remarried, and issueless divorcees who have not remarried are all eligible.	19 – 25 Years
Air Force Academy	<25 years unmarried/>25 years both married and unmarried.	19 – 23 Years

CDS Age Limit Criteria

It is critical for candidates to meet the UPSC CDS eligibility criteria in order to sit for the exam. Before completing the application form, candidates must focus on meeting all of the criteria. For the exam, we’ve included the CDS age limit of 2023. So, before you begin your preparations, make sure you meet the CDS age requirement for both female and male aspirants.

CDS IMA & INA Age Limit

For IMA and INA, only male applicants are qualified to apply. Keep a look on the CDS eligibility requirements, such as the minimum age and marital status.

Age for CDS ICDS IMA & INA Age Limit	Marital Status
The candidate must have been born between July 1, 2003, and July 2, 1998.	Unmarried

IAFA Age Limit for CDS

IAFA is only open to male applicants. Get in contact with the CDS age limit criteria that have been established by the appropriate government agencies. Check the required marriage status to be able to qualify.

Age for CDS IAFA

Marital Status

The candidate’s age should be between 20 and 24 years old on July 1, 2023. (That is, the candidate must have been born no afterward than July 2, 2003, and no previously than July 2, 1998) Applicants who hold a justified and existing commercial pilot licence issued by the DGCA (India) are eligible for a 26-year age relaxation. (That is, the candidate must have been born between July 1, 2002, and July 2, 1996.)

Candidates who are younger than 25 years old must be single. Additionally, candidates will not be expected to marry during the training phase. Candidates over the age of 25 who are married may apply, but no accommodation for a partner will be offered during training, and candidates will not be permitted to live with family outside the venue.

CDS Age Limit for OTA

The following are the CDS age restriction criteria for OTA positions. Females who meet the eligibility requirements and want to pursue a career in this field could apply for non-technical positions. Before preparing for the exam, go over the illustrated CDS qualifications for females and males and make sure you meet the requirements.

SSC Course for Men

The table below depicts the relevant information of the UPSC CDS eligibility criteria for male applicants interested in pursuing careers in this position.

CDS OTA Age for Male	Marital Status
The candidate must have been born between the 1st of July 2003 and the 2nd of July 1997.	Unmarried

For SSC Women Non-Technical Course

This is a non-technical domain where interested females who meet the following criteria can begin making plans to realise their dreams. Take a look at the table below for the CDS eligibility for females.

CDS OTA Age for Female	Marital Status
The candidate must have been born between the 1st of January 2003 and the 2nd of January 1997.	Widows who have not remarried Unmarried Divorced people who haven’t remarried and have divorce papers

Points to Remember

• Male Candidates who are divorced or widowed will not be considered unmarried. As a result, they will never be taken into account for the CDS Exam.
• UPSC will accept the date of birth on the Matriculation/Secondary School Examination Certificate, or a certificate recognised by an Indian University as equivalent to Matriculation or any equivalent examination certificate.
• Horoscopes, affidavits, birth extracts from the Municipal Corporation, service records, and other documents relating to age will not be accepted.
• Afterwards, no change in date of birth will be permitted for any reason.
• If the date of birth entered in the application form does not match a valid certificate during the verification process and at any stage of the exam, the Commission will take disciplinary action against the candidate in accordance with the rules.

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Educational Qualifications: CDS Eligibility Criteria

As previously stated, candidates taking the CDS 2023 test must have finished their graduation or at the very least be taking the degree’s final exam. It’s important to keep in mind that CDS admit cards are only given out to candidates who meet all of the requirements.

The following are some important guidelines for applicants to follow: they must have the degrees listed below.

• Candidates who choose the Army, Navy, or Air Force as their first option must bring their diploma to the SSB interview.
• Applicants in their final year of school may apply if they have no outstanding debts; however, they must present a valid university degree at the start of the course.

The CDS educational eligibility requirements are listed in the table below. Take a look at the table to get a better understanding of the CDS educational requirements for various positions.

Institute	CDS Qualification
IMA (Indian Military Academy) & OTA (Officers’ Training Academy)	A degree from a reputable university or an equivalent qualification
IAFA (Indian Air Force Academy)	Bachelor of Engineering or a recognised university degree (with 10+2 math and physics)
INA (Indian Naval Academy)	Degree in Engineering from a recognized university/ institute

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Eligibility Criteria for CDS: Male and Female Physical Standards

According to the UPCS guidelines, applicants must be physically and mentally strong. On medical grounds, a large number of qualified applicants are disqualified. Candidates are strongly advised to have a medical examination before applying for the CDS Exam. The following are the most common reasons for disqualification.

1. Deviated Nasal Septum
2. Gynaecomastia
3. Piles
4. Hydrocele/Varicocele/Phimosis
5. Overweight/Underweight
6. Wax (ears)

Note: Permanent body tattoos are explicitly forbidden on all body parts with the exception of the inner face of the forearm (from the inside of the elbow to the wrist) and the back (dorsal) side of the hand. Candidates with tribal tattoos on their faces or bodies, as per their existing traditions and customs, will be allowed in some cases.

CDS Heights and Weight Standards 

• Male applicants must be at least 157.5 cm tall to be considered. (157 cms for the Navy, 162.5 cms for the Air Force), and 152 cms for female applicants.
• The standard minimum height for Gorkhas and people from the hills of India’s north-eastern region, such as Garhwali and Kumaon, will be 5 cm lower. The standard minimum height for candidates from Lakshadweep can be reduced by 2 cm.
• The BMI should be less than 25.
• Males should have a waist-to-hip ratio of less than 0.9, while females should have a ratio of less than 0.8.
• Males’ waist circumference should be less than 90 cm, while females’ should be less than 80 cm.
• All biochemical and metabolic parameters should be normal.

Army and Navy Height and Weight by Age (Male Candidates)

The standards listed below apply to male applicants interested in serving in The army or Navy.

Height in Centimetres (Without Shoes)	weight
Age	22 years	20 years	18 years	24 years
152	47	46	44*	48
155	49	48**	46	50
157	50	49	47	51
160	51	50	48	52
162	51	52	50	54
165	55	53	52	56
168	57	55	53	58
170	58	57	55	59
173	60	59	57	61
175	62	61	59	62
178	63	62	61	64
180	65	64	63	66
183	67	67	65	68
185	70	69	67	71
188	72	71	70	74
190	74	73	72	76
193	77	76	74	78
195	79	78	77	81

(*45 for Navy ** 47 for Navy )

• A deviation of 10% (for Navy) from the average weight given in the table above is considered normal. This may be relaxed to some extent in individuals with heavy bones and a broad build, as well as individuals who are thin but otherwise healthy.

Air Force Height and Weights by Age (Male Candidates)

For Air Force candidates, a weight of ±10% of the average will be acceptable. (For the FAT percent (<20) of Normal People.)

Height (mm)	Weight (Kgs)
Age	15- 17 years	28-32 years	18-22 years	43-47 years	33-37 years	38-42 years	23-27 years	>48 years
1520	46	54	47	55	54	54	50	54
1530	47	55	47	56	55	54	51	54
1540	47	56	48	57	55	55	51	55
1550	48	56	49	57	56	56	52	56
1560	48	57	49	58	57	56	53	56
1570	49	58	50	58	58	57	54	57
1580	49	58	50	59	58	58	54	58
1590	50	59	51	60	59	59	55	58
1600	51	59	52	60	60	59	56	59
1610	51	60	52	61	60	60	56	60
1620	52	61	53	62	61	61	57	60
1630	52	61	54	62	62	61	58	61
1640	53	62	54	63	63	62	59	62
1650	53	63	55	64	63	63	59	62
1660	54	63	56	64	64	64	60	63
1670	54	64	56	65	65	64	61	64
1680	55	65	57	65	65	65	61	65
1690	55	65	57	66	66	66	62	65
1700	56	66	58	67	67	67	63	66
1710	56	66	59	67	68	67	64	67
1720	57	67	59	68	68	66	64	67
1730	58	68	60	69	69	69	65	68
1740	58	68	61	69	70	69	66	69
1750	59	69	61	70	71	70	66	69
1760	59	70	62	71	71	71	67	70
1770	60	70	62	71	72	72	68	71
1780	60	71	63	72	73	72	69	71
1790	61	72	64	73	73	73	69	72
1800	61	72	64	73	74	74	70	73
1810	62	73	65	74	75	75	71	73
1820	62	74	66	74	76	75	72	74
1830	63	74	66	75	76	76	72	75
1840	64	75	67	76	77	77	73	75
1850	64	75	68	76	78	77	74	76
1860	65	76	68	77	78	78	74	77
1870	65	77	69	78	79	79	75	77
1880	66	77	69	78	80	80	76	78
1890	66	78	70	79	81	80	77	79
1900	67	79	71	80	81	81	77	79
1910	67	79	71	80	82	82	78	80
1920	68	80	72	81	83	82	79	81
1930	68	81	73	81	83	83	79	82

Female Candidates’ CDS Height and Weight Standards

The following are the age-specific height and weight qualifications for female OTA candidates.

Height in Centimetres (Without shoes)	Weights (Kgs)
age	20 years	18 years	30 years
148	41	39	43
150	42	40	43.5
153	43.5	42	45
155	44	43	46
158	46	45	48
160	47	46	49
163	48	47	51
165	51	49	53
168	52	50	54

Other Physical Standards for CDS Eligibility

Candidates must meet several physical criteria in addition to their heights and weight ratios to demonstrate their physical fitness:

Visual Standards

For all academies, UPSC has established three types of visual standards:

For IMA and OTA

1. Myopia – < -3.50 D Sph ( including max astigmatism ≤ +/- 2.0 D Cyl)
2. Hypermetropia – <+3.50 dSph ( including max astigmatism ≤ +/- 2.0 D Cyl)
3. BCVA – Rt 6/6 & Lt 6/6
4. Uncorrected vision(max allowed) – 6/60 &6/60
5. Colour perception: CP II
6. Lasik/equivalent surgery – Permitted

Male	Female
Myopia of not more than minus 3.5 D	Myopia of not more than minus 5.5 D
Vision (corrected) better eye 6/6 and worse eye 6/12	Vision(corrected) better eye 6/6, worse eye 6/12
Manifest hypermetropia, including astigmatism, should be less than plus 3.5 D.	Manifest hypermetropia, including astigmatism, should be less than plus 3.5 D.

For Naval Candidates

1. Limits of Myopia: -1.5D
2. Limits of Hypermetropia : +1.5D
3. Corrected with glasses: 6/6, 6/6
4. Uncorrected without glasses: 6/12, 6/12
5. Binocular Vision: III
6. Limits of Colour Perception: I

For Air Force 

Candidates who wear glasses on a regular basis are not eligible for the Air Force. Minimum distant vision is 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in the other, both of which can be corrected to 6/6 only.

Hypermetropia Colour Vision CP-1 

1. Manifest Myopia: Nil
2. Retinoscopic Myopia- 0.5 in any meridian
3. Hypermetropia: +2.0 d Sph
4. Astigmatism : +0.75 D Cyl (with + 2.0 D- Max)

Maddox Rod Test

• at 6 meters:
  • Hyper-1 prism D
  • Exo-6 prism D
  • Eso-6 prism D
  • Hypo-1prism D

• at 33 cms:
  • Hyper-1 prism D
  • Exo-16 prism D
  • Hypo-1 prism D
  • Eso-6 prism D

* Lasik/equivalent surgery

Candidates who have had kerato-refractive procedures must present a certificate or operative notes from the medical centre detailing the date, type of surgery, and procedure. To be considered fit, candidates must also meet the following criteria.

• At the time of surgery, the patient was over the age of 20.
• Minimum of 12 months after LASIK surgery
• corneal thickness in the centre equal to or greater than 450
• IOL Master’s axial length is equal to or less than 26 mm.
• incl. cylinder, residual refraction of less than or equal to +/-1.0 D (provided acceptable in the category applied for).
• A retina in good health.
• Additional criteria such as corneal topography and ectasia markers can be added.

Hearing Standards for Air Force

1. Speech test: Free Field hearing loss is a reason for refusal in the speech test. Any CV/FW reduction of less than 600 cm is unacceptable.
2. Audiometric Loss: In frequencies between 250 and 8000 Hz, audiometric loss should not exceed 20 dB. An isolated unilateral hearing loss of up to 30 decibels may be tolerated on the advice of an ENT specialist if the ENT examination is otherwise normal.
3. Even if the mastoid is completely epithelialized and good hearing is preserved, a radical/modified radical mastoidectomy results in rejection. Previously performed cortical mastoidectomy with the tympanic membrane intact, normal hearing, and no signs of disease may be accepted.
4. Chronic otitis externa with exostoses or excessively narrow meat will be rejected. Exaggerated canal tortuosity that obscures the tympanic membrane’s anterior view will result in rejection.
5. Twelve weeks after surgery, tympanoplasty Type I is acceptable if the ear clearance test in the altitude chamber is normal. The following conditions in the middle ear will result in rejection:-
6. Perforation in the attic, central, or peripheral.
7. Scar on the tympanic membrane with significant retraction.
8. Type II and later tympanoplasty, but not type I.
9. If calcareous plaques occupy more than 1/3 of the pars tensa, it is called tympanosclerosis.
10. Infected middle ear.
11. In the external auditory canal, there is granulation or a polyp.
12. Stapedectomy surgery.
13. Vestibular dysfunction, including vestibular nystagmus.
14. Meniere’s syndrome
15. Otosclerosis
16. Following an ear infection, Bell’s palsy develops.

Spinal Conditions for Air Force 

Past medical background of diseases or injuries to the spine or sacroiliac joints, with or without objective signs, that have prevented the candidate from leading a physically active life is a reason for rejection for commissioning in the IAF. Rejection is likely if you have a history of spinal fractures or a prolapsed intervertebral disc, as well as surgical treatment for these conditions. A applicant for Air Force service will be disqualified if the following conditions are discovered during the medical examination.

1. The granulomatous disease of the spine
2. Arthritis/Spondylosis:
   • Miscellaneous disorders including SLE, dermatomyositis, polymyositis, vasculitis.
   •  Spondylolisthesis/ spondylolysis/ spondylosis
   • Osteoarthrosis, spondylosis, and degenerative joint diseases
   • Ankylosing spondylitis
   • Rheumatoid arthritis and allied disorders
   • Non-articular rheumatism (e.g. lesions of the rotator cuff, tennis elbow, recurrent lumbago, etc.)
3. Compression fracture of vertebrae
4. Scheuermann’s disease (Adolescent Kyphosis)
5. When there is a loss of cervical lordosis, there are clinically limited cervical spine movements.
6. Cervical ribs on  Unilateral/bilateral sides of the neck with a demonstrable neurological or circulatory deficit.

Physical Conditioning

Prospective candidates are expected to keep good physical health by following the routine outlined below.

1. Running: 2 to 4 km in 15 minutes
2. Skipping
3. Chin-ups: Min. 8
4. Rope Climbing: 3 to 4 meters
5. Pushups & Sit-ups: Minimum 20 each

Dental Conditions

Dental standards and difficulties for CDS candidates include the following:

• Jaw pathology that is in the early stages and is known to be progressive or recurrent.
• Significant jaw discrepancies between the upper and lower jaws may obstruct effective mastication and/or speech, resulting in rejection.
• The clicking and tenderness of a symptomatic Temporo-Mandibular Joint are subject to rejection.
• Dislocation of the TMJ when the mouth opens wider than 30 mm measured at the incisal edges.
• All cancerous conditions are possible.
• Clinical diagnosis of submucous fibrosis with or without mouth opening restriction.
• Gross visible calculus, periodontal pockets, and/or gum bleeding are all signs of poor oral health.
• loose Tooth: If the candidate has more than two loose teeth, they will be deemed unfit.
• For at least 24 weeks after cosmetic or post-traumatic maxillofacial surgery/trauma, whichever comes first, you will be unfit.
• If malocclusion of teeth is interfering with efficient mastication, oral hygiene, general nutrition, or the efficient performance of duties.

Chest Conditions

Candidates who have any of the following medical conditions will be rejected despite meeting all other eligibility requirements.

Tuberculosis, or evidence of tuberculosis, lungs, heart, and chest wall musculoskeletal lesions

Abdomen and Genitor-urinary System: Problems such as

1. lymphadenitis/pathy
2. hernia
3. sinuses
4. Gall bladder stones
5. piles
6. renal and ureteric stones
7. solitary kidney
8. organomegaly
9. urogenital organ lesions/deformities
10. varicocele
11. undescended testis
12. horseshoe kidney, and cysts in the kidney/liver

Nervous System 

• Tremors, speech impediments, and imbalance are all prohibited.
• Vitiligo, haemangiomas, warts, corns, dermatitis, and skin infections are examples of skin problems.
• Hyperhidrosis and growths are not permitted.

Other Important Facts

The following conditions discovered during an X-ray examination will disqualify you from joining the Army or Navy.

1. Any other abnormality, if so considered by specialist
2. Spina Bifida is other than SV 1 and LV 5.
3. Scoliosis more than 100 degrees as measured by Cobb’s method.
4. More than mild Kyphosis/Lordosis.
5. Incomplete Sacralisation Unilateral or Bilateral.
6. Herniated nucleus pulposus.
7. Presence of Schmorl’s node at more than one level.
8. Cervical ribs with demonstrable neurological or Circulatory deficit.
9. The granulomatous disease of the spine.
10. Atlanto-occipital and atlantoaxial anomalies.
11. Compression fracture of Vertebra.
12. Arthritis – Rheumatoid arthritis & allied disorders and ankylosing spondylitis
13. Spondylolisthesis/Spondylosis/Spondylolysis.
14. Sacralisation Disease.

The following ocular diseases will make a candidate unfit :

1. Night blindness.
2. Ptosis.
3. Pterygium.
4. Corneal Opacity.
5. Lenticular opacity.
6. Uveitis.
7. Nystagmus.
8. Entropion/Ectropion.
9. Naso-Lacrimal occlusion.
10. Squint.
11. Retinal lesions.

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General Guidelines of Medical Standards

Candidates must be physically and mentally healthy to be considered “Medically Fit.” They must also be disease-free. Medical standards for IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA are outlined in the following paragraphs:

• The candidate should also be free of any medical conditions that would require them to visit a doctor or use any kind of aid or drug.
• There should be no evidence of a weak constitution, a system’s incomplete development, congenital deformities/ diseases/ syndromes, or malformation.
• There will be no swelling anywhere on the body, including tumours, cysts, or swollen lymph nodes.
• Good health will be defined as having no sinuses or fistulas anywhere on the body.
• There is no hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation, nor is there any other skin disease, syndrome, or disability.
• There are no hernias in any part of the body.
• There are no scars that can cause significant disfigurement and impair functioning.
• There are no arteriovenous malformations in or on the body.
• No asymmetry, deformity from fracture or depression of the bones of the skull; or scars indicating old operative interference and malformation such as sinuses and fistulae, etc. No malformation of the head and face, including asymmetry, deformity from fracture or depression of the bones of the skull; or scar
• Color perception and field of vision are both unaffected.
• In-ears vestibule-cochlear system deformities/disabilities
• There is no etiology-related speech impediment.
• There is no disease, disability, congenital anomaly, or syndrome affecting the bones or cartilages of the nose or palate, nasal polyps, or disease affecting the nasopharynx, uvula, or accessory sinuses. No nasal deformity or chronic tonsillitis symptoms should be present.
• There is no disease, syndrome, or disability affecting the throat, palate, tonsils, or gums, nor is there any disease or injury affecting the normal function of either mandibular joint.
• There are no diseases/syndromes/disabilities of the heart and blood vessels, including congenital, genetic, organic (including hypertension and conduction disorders), or conduction disorders.
• There is no evidence of pulmonary tuberculosis or any other chronic disease of the lungs and chest, including allergies/immunological conditions, connective tissue disorders, or musculoskeletal deformities of the chest.
• Endocrine, congenital, hereditary, or genetic diseases/syndromes and disabilities are not included.
• There are no endocrine or reticuloendothelial diseases, syndromes, or disabilities.
• There are no genito-urinary system diseases, syndromes, or disabilities, such as malformations, atrophy/hypertrophy of any organ or gland.
• There are no active, latent, or congenital venereal diseases present.
• No mental illness, epilepsy, urinary incontinence, or enuresis in the past or present.
• The musculoskeletal system and joints, including the skull, spine, and limbs, are free of disease, deformity, or syndrome.
• There are no diseases, syndromes, or disabilities that are congenital or hereditary.

Before applying for any of the positions under the CDS 2023 Examination, it is recommended that all candidates have themselves inspected by a professional physician in accordance with CDS physical and medical standards.

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CDS Eligibility Criteria 2023: FAQs