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"IDA - Combined Armed Forces Entrance Test 2026 (IDA-CAFET 2026)” Notification

Registrations open for "IDA - Combined Armed Forces Entrance Test 2026 (IDA-CAFET 2026)” to join Indian Defence Academy – India’s 1st Armed Forces Preparatory College.
Date: December 08, 2025

Objective of the Indian Defence Academy

IDA stands distinguished as the first Armed Forces Preparation College in India, offering students a unique path to serve the nation as officers in the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, Paramilitary Forces, and State Police. The Academy will select and train students to crack CDS / OTA / TA / NCC / CAPF / CPIO State SSC and other exams along with Bachelor and Master programs to become officers in Indian Armed Forces.

IDA has an academic partnership with Chandigarh Vidya Jyoti Eduversity, a renowned institution with 22 years of academic excellence, affiliated to I.K. Gujral Punjab Technical University, a government university. This partnership enables IDA to offer integrated defence coaching alongside Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs, blending academic rigor with Armed Forces ethos.

The academy is managed by a dedicated team of veterans, all with rich experience as assessors at Service Selection Boards (SSB), ensuring each candidate receives world-class mentorship.

Graduate Based Recruitment in Armed and Police Services

1. Indian Military (ARMY, AIRFORCE, NAVY) as Commissioned Officer

Vacancies through CDS/OTA/AFCAT

Intakes vary per exam cycle (twice yearly for CDS/OTA via UPSC, twice yearly for AFCAT via IAF), with vacancies announced in notifications and subject to change based on service needs. CDS covers IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA; AFCAT is separate for flying and ground duty. Recent examples show CDS totals around 340-457 seats per intake.

CDS Vacancies (Per Intake Example: CDS 2 2025)

2. Indian Para Military Forces as Officer (CAPF / CPIO)

• Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF)
• Assam Rifles (AR): 46 battalions; border guarding in Northeast India and counter-insurgency.
• Border Security Force (BSF): 192 battalions; guards India-Pakistan and India-Bangladesh borders.
• Central Industrial Security Force (CISF): 148 battalions; protects airports, seaports, nuclear plants, and infrastructure.
• Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF): 246 battalions; primary force for internal security, law and order, and counter-Naxal operations.
• Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP): 56 battalions; secures India-China border and high-altitude operations.
• Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB): 74 battalions; guards India-Nepal and India-Bhutan borders.
• Railway Protection Force (RPF): Under Ministry of Railways; secures passenger and freight trains.
• Coast Guard: Under Ministry of Defence; maritime security and coastal protection.
• Special Frontier Force (SFF): Under Cabinet Secretariat; high-altitude warfare and covert operations.
• National Security Guard (NSG): 10 battalions; elite counter-terrorism and hostage rescue unit. These forces collectively exceed 1 million personnel, with CRPF being the largest.

3. Recruitment to State Police in India

• Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP): Through state PSC exams; requires graduation (age typically 21-32).
• Sub-Inspector (SI): Graduation required in most states

Why Join IDA?

• Unique Integrated Degree Programs: The only institution in India preparing aspirants for Armed Forces alongside Bachelor's and Master's degrees, combining academic excellence with defence training.
• All Facilities Under One Roof: Access technical education, NCC training, written exam preparation, dedicated SSB grounds, physical fitness, and leadership development—all in a single comprehensive campus.
• Rigorous Physical Fitness Training: Intensive modules to meet the demanding standards of India’s elite forces.
• Leadership and Personality Development: Focused sessions fostering discipline, confidence, and essential leadership traits.
• NCC ‘C’ Certification & SSB Training: Exclusive opportunities to earn NCC ‘C’ certificate and practice at specialized SSB grounds.
• Mentoring by Veterans: Personalized guidance from experienced SSB assessors and defence veterans for world-class mentorship.
• Complete Career Preparation: Equipped to excel in CDS and other defence exams, advancing to distinguished careers in armed forces and police services.

Eligibility

• 12th Class (any stream) Students Appearing in 2026 /result awaited students can apply
• Both male and female candidates are eligible. Women are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Age limits: 21 years as on 30th June 2026
• Height: Minimum Girls – 152 cm, Boys: - 155 Body Mass Index: Standard

Selection Process

• Application opens: 2nd Jan 2026
• Last Date to apply: 31st March 2026
• Eligibility Check, Issue of Admit Card and Free Mock Test: April 2026
• Online Examination: 2nd May 2026
• Medical Assessment & Personal Interview: 15th May to 30th May 2026 (for shortlisted candidates, overseen by veteran SSB assessors)
• Start of Batch: 15th June 2026

Important Instructions:

• Ensure eligibility before applying, Exam fee is non refundable
• Admissions are provisional until verification of documents
• Mobile phones, electronic devices, and valuables prohibited during exam.
• Join / Connect at least 30 minutes before exam;

Entrance Test Fee: Rs. 900/-

Documents Required

• Aadhaar Card or any approved Photo ID required for registration
• 10th Class Marksheet
• 12trh Class Result or Enrollment letter from school principal
• Photograph
• Recent photograph

Exam Centre: Proctored Online exam from home

Duration of Test 120 Minutes.

• Duration of Test 120 Minutes.
• Section 1: 20 questions on English Language
• Section 2: 20 Question on General Knowledge
• Section 3: 20 Questions on Aptitude
• Section 4: 20 Questions on General Math

IDA CAFET Sample Mock Paper

Apply Now

+91 9978 770 177, +91 628 336 8633
We invite applications from 2nd Jan 2026. For more information, visit www.indiandefenceacademy.org/cafet.html Or contact Counsellor / Support Team at +91 9978 770 177, +91 628 336 8633, +91-7087433055,
E: ida.cafet@gmail.com

IDA CAFET Registration form

Cost of Education and Accommodation: (To borne by student/ Guardian)

• Tuition fee and annual examination fee: Depend on Course (Rs 60000/- to 90000/- Per Year)
• Coaching for CDS /OTA /NCC plus Physical Training: Rs. 24,000/- Per Year
• NCC Camps (optional): Rs 3000 to 5000/- per camp.
• Uniform and other expenses: Approx 15000/- Per Year
• Hostel Charges: Rs 60000/- Per Year
• Transportation Charges: (Extra- depending on location)
• Sports Activities (optional) like Shooting / Riding / Swimming will be Extra

Scholarships & Education Loan

• Educational Loan available from all Banks.
• Merit Based Scholarship upto 50%
• Govt. Scheme for SC / ST / Minority students (upto 80% of tuition fee) for annual income less than 2.50 lacs per year.