Basis: CDS (II) 2026 notification (Notice No. 11/2026-CDS-II). The CDS 2027 notices will move every date forward by one year.
- Nationality. Indian citizen. Subjects of Nepal or Bhutan, certain Tibetan refugees and some persons of Indian origin can also apply, but need a Certificate of Eligibility from the Government of India.
- IMA (Army) – age. 19 to 24 years. For CDS (II) 2026: born between 2 Jul 2003 and 1 Jul 2008. Unmarried men only.
- INA (Navy) – age. 19 to 24 years. For CDS (II) 2026: born between 2 Jul 2003 and 1 Jul 2008. Unmarried men only.
- AFA (Air Force) – age. 20 to 24 years. For CDS (II) 2026: born between 2 Jul 2003 and 1 Jul 2007. Holders of a valid DGCA Commercial Pilot Licence can be up to 26. Unmarried men only.
- OTA (Short Service Commission) – age. 19 to 25 years. For CDS (II) 2026: born between 2 Jul 2002 and 1 Jul 2008. Open to unmarried men and unmarried women; issueless widows and divorcees who have not remarried can apply for the women's course.
- IMA and OTA – education. A bachelor's degree in any stream from a recognised university, or equivalent.
- INA – education. An engineering degree (B.E./B.Tech) from a recognised university or institution.
- AFA – education. A degree with Physics and Mathematics at Class 12 level, or a B.E./B.Tech.
- Final-year students. You can apply in your final year, but you must show proof of passing the degree by the deadline in the notice (at SSB or before joining). A backlog makes you ineligible.
- No category relaxation. There is no age relaxation for SC, ST or OBC candidates in CDS.
- Age is counted on. 1 July (IMA, INA, AFA) or 1 October (OTA) of the year the course starts, for a CDS (II) cycle. For CDS (I) the reference dates are 1 January and 1 April.
Not yet confirmed on the official website. Check the official notice before you act on it.
Source: pw.live
Vacancies
| Academy | Course | Seats |
|---|---|---|
| IMA Dehradun | 163rd (DE) Course, July 2027 | 100 (13 for NCC 'C' Army Wing) |
| INA Ezhimala | Executive Branch (General Service/Hydro), July 2027 | 26 (6 + 1 for NCC 'C' Naval Wing) |
| AFA Hyderabad | 222 F(P) Pre-Flying Training Course, July 2027 | 32 (3 for NCC 'C' Air Wing) |
| OTA Chennai (Men) | 126th SSC Men (NT), October 2027 | 275 |
| OTA Chennai (Women) | 126th SSC Women (NT), October 2027 | 18 |
Notes
Total 451. CDS (I) 2026 had the same split (100/26/32/275/18).
Not yet confirmed on the official website. Check the official notice before you act on it.
Source: pw.live