Recruitment to various departments in Defence Services is conducted on the basis of Combined Defence Services Exam conducted by UPSC. Graduates satisfying the physical standards and other prescribed norms from UPSC can apply for the exam. Eligibility requirements may differ for Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy and Air Force Academy.

Nationality

Candidates who wish to apply for Combined Defence Services exam should be a citizen of India. Those who have migrated from Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and East African Countries and permanently settling in India are also eligible to apply. Such candidates are required to submit the certificate of eligibility, issued by the government of India. Candidates belong to Gorkhas community of Nepal are not required to submit certificate of eligibility.

Age Limits, Gender and Marital Status

For Indian Military Academy (IMA)

Unmarried male candidates are eligible to apply for posts vacant in this organization. They should have born between July, 1989 and July 1994.

For Indian Naval Academy

Male candidates who are not married and have born between July 1991 and July 1994 are eligible. Candidates who have NCC Naval Wing ‘C’ Certificate can avail relaxation of two years.

For Officers’ Training Academy

Male candidates either married or unmarried candidates are eligible to apply. They should have born between July 1988 and July 1994. Unmarried women and issueless widows who are born between July 1988 and July 1994 are eligible to apply.

For Air Force Academy

Unmarried male candidates who have born between July 1990 and July 1994 are eligible to apply.

Candidates will have to submit attested copy of SSLC book or equivalent document which shows the age by completed years and months while submitting application form.

Educational Qualifications

For I.M.A. and Officers’ Training Academy

Graduation in any discipline from a recognized University is the minimum educational qualification required to apply for this post.

For Indian Naval Academy

Candidates who have completed graduation in Engineering are eligible to apply. Graduates in subjects such as Physics or Mathematics who have NCC certificates are also eligible to apply.

For Air Force Academy

Candidates who have completed graduation in any discipline or engineering degree from a recognized University are eligible to apply. Candidates should have studied Physics and Mathematics in their higher secondary education.

Final year candidates who are awaiting results can also apply for vacancies in all these sections. Candidates should be physically fit as per the physical standards issued by the Defence services.