Defense Exams 2026 Eligibility: Detailed Course & Stream Requirements

INTRODUCTION

Navigating Defense Exams 2026 Eligibility: A Guide to Courses and Streams

Choosing a career in the Indian Armed Forces is a dream for many, but the path begins long before the physical fitness tests. For the 2026 recruitment cycle, the Defense Exams 2026 Eligibility criteria have placed a significant emphasis on academic streams and specific course backgrounds. Whether you are appearing for your 10+2 boards or completing your final year of graduation, understanding which stream qualifies you for which wing is the first step toward your commission.

This comprehensive guide breaks down the eligibility for the three major entry points: NDA, CDS, and AFCAT, specifically focusing on the educational courses and streams required for the 2026 intake.

NDA 2026 Eligibility: Stream-Wise Academic Requirements

The National Defence Academy (NDA) remains the primary gateway for cadets joining right after schooling. For 2026, the Defense Exams 2026 Eligibility for NDA is divided strictly by your choice of stream in Class 12.

1. Army Wing (All Streams)

The Army Wing is the most inclusive. Candidates from Arts, Commerce, or Science streams are eligible to apply.

• Educational Qualification: Passed or appearing in Class 12 (10+2 pattern) from a recognized board.

• Course Focus: No specific subject requirement, making it ideal for Humanities and Commerce students.

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2. Air Force and Naval Wings (PCM Mandatory)

To join the technical and flying branches of the Navy or Air Force through NDA, a background in Science is non-negotiable.

• Educational Qualification: Passed or appearing in Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM).

• Course Focus: Engineering-based foundation.

  
  

If you are a Commerce student wanting to join the Air Force, you are ineligible for the Flying branch via NDA; however, you can still apply for the Army Wing. Check out more details on stream selection at collegesimplified.in.

CDS 2026 Eligibility: Graduate Course & Discipline Standards

The Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam is for graduates. In 2026, the eligibility is highly dependent on the degree course you have pursued.

Stream Requirements for CDS 2026

Academy	Required Course / Degree	Specific Stream Details
IMA & OTA	Degree in any discipline	Arts, Science, Commerce, etc.
Indian Naval Academy (INA)	Degree in Engineering	B.E. from a recognized university.
Air Force Academy (AFA)	B.E. OR Degree in any stream	Must have Physics & Math's at 10+2 level if not an engineer.

Age & Marital Status for 2026

For the 2026 cycle, the age limits are as follows:

• IMA: 19–24 years (Unmarried)

• INA: 19–24 years (Unmarried)

• AFA: 20–24 years (Upper age limit 26 for Commercial Pilot License holders)

• OTA (Men & Women): 19–25 years

AFCAT 2026 Eligibility: Technical vs. Non-Technical Streams

The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is the specialized entry for the Indian Air Force. The Defense Exams 2026 Eligibility for AFCAT is perhaps the most detailed regarding academic percentages and specific course streams.

Flying Branch

• Course: Minimum 50% marks each in Maths and Physics at 10+2 level.

• Stream: Graduation with minimum 60% marks OR B.E./B.Tech degree with minimum 60% marks.

Ground Duty (Technical)

• Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics/Mechanical): Candidates must have a 4-year degree in Engineering/Technology.

• Specifics: Minimum 60% marks in graduation and 50% marks in Physics and Maths at the 12th-grade level.

Ground Duty (Non-Technical)

• Administration & Logistics: Graduation in any stream with 60% marks.

• Accounts: BCom Degree with a minimum of 60% marks.

• Education: Post-Graduation with 50% in any discipline and 60% in Graduation.

Physical and Medical Standards for 2026

While academic streams get you through the door, physical standards keep you there. The Defense Exams 2026 Eligibility maintains strict medical protocols.

Height and Weight Standards

• Army/Navy (Male): Minimum 157 cm.

• Air Force (Flying): Minimum 162.5 cm.

• Women (All entries): Minimum 152 cm.

• Relaxation: Candidates from Gorkha, Garhwal, and Kumaon regions receive a 5 cm relaxation.

Vision Standards

• Uncorrected Vision: 6/60, 6/60.

• Corrected Vision: 6/6, 6/9 (Varies by branch).

• Lasik Surgery: Permitted only for specific ground duty branches if performed after the age of 20 and under specific conditions.

FAQ: Defense Exams 2026 Eligibility

Q1: What is the primary Defense Exams 2026 Eligibility for a Commerce student?

A1: A Commerce student is eligible for the Indian Army Wing through NDA and the IMA or OTA through CDS. They can also apply for the AFCAT Ground Duty (Non-Technical) branches like Accounts (if they have a BCom) or Administration.

Q2: Can I apply for the Navy through NDA if I didn't have Math's in Class 12?

A2: No, the Defense Exams 2026 Eligibility for the Naval Wing requires candidates to have passed Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics.

Q3: Is there any age relaxation in the Defense Exams 2026 Eligibility for OBC/SC/ST candidates?

A3: Unlike other government exams, there is no age relaxation based on caste in the defense officer entries (NDA, CDS, AFCAT). The standards are uniform for all.

Q4: Do final year students meet the Defense Exams 2026 Eligibility?

A4: Yes, students in their final year of graduation or Class 12 can apply, provided they can produce proof of passing by the time of the SSB interview or course commencement.

Q5: Are married women eligible under the Defense Exams 2026 Eligibility for OTA?

A5: No, only unmarried females, or widows/divorcees who have not remarried and have no children, are eligible for the Short Service Commission through OTA.

Conclusion

Meeting the Defense Exams 2026 Eligibility is the foundation of your journey toward a life of "Service Before Self." While the physical and medical standards are rigorous, the academic stream requirements are the first filter you must pass. Ensure your 10+2 and Graduation subjects align with the branch you wish to join.

If you are confused about which stream leads to your dream role or need help choosing the right college to keep your defense options open, visit collegesimplified.in for expert academic counseling and career mapping.