Lesson 1.3: Eligibility Criteria & Age Limits

Overview

Before applying for NDA, CDS, or AFCAT, candidates must carefully check the eligibility criteria. These include educational qualifications, nationality, gender, marital status, and age limits. Meeting these requirements is essential, as failing to do so will lead to disqualification at any stage of the recruitment process.

1. National Defence Academy (NDA) Eligibility

• Nationality: Must be an Indian citizen, or a subject of Bhutan/Nepal, or a Tibetan refugee (arrived before 1st January 1962).

• Gender & Marital Status: Both male and female candidates are eligible; candidates must be unmarried.

• Educational Qualification:

  • Army Wing → 12th pass from any recognized board.

  • Air Force & Naval Wings → 12th pass with Physics and Mathematics.

• Age Limit:

  • 16.5 to 19.5 years.

  • Candidate must not be married before completion of training.

2. Combined Defence Services (CDS) Eligibility

• Nationality: Same as NDA (Indian, or specific foreign categories as per UPSC).

• Gender & Marital Status:

  • IMA, INA, AFA → Unmarried males only.

  • OTA → Both unmarried male and female candidates.

• Educational Qualification:

  • IMA/OTA → Graduate in any discipline.

  • INA → Graduate in Engineering.

  • AFA → Graduate with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level OR Bachelor of Engineering.

• Age Limit:

  • IMA: 19–24 years.

  • INA: 19–22 years.

  • AFA: 19–24 years.

  • OTA: 19–25 years.

3. Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) Eligibility

• Nationality: Must be an Indian citizen.

• Gender & Marital Status: Both male and female candidates; must be unmarried (married candidates above 25 years can apply for Ground Duty branches).

• Educational Qualification:

  • Flying Branch → Graduate with 60% marks, and Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level.

  • Ground Duty (Technical) → B.Tech/Engineering Degree.

  • Ground Duty (Non-Technical) → Graduate in any discipline with 60% marks.

• Age Limit:

  • Flying Branch: 20–24 years (with relaxation up to 26 years for CPL holders).

  • Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical): 20–26 years.

Comparison Snapshot

Key Takeaways

• NDA → Entry after Class 12, 16.5–19.5 years.

• CDS → Entry after graduation, 19–25 years (academy specific).

• AFCAT → Graduate entry, 20–26 years, includes both technical & non-technical branches.

• Marital status and subject requirements vary across entries, so aspirants must check carefully before applying.