Age and competition dates
The official current opportunities page gives the applicable recruit age conditions, while the cadet booklet states its own conditions at its closing date. The 2026 Army cadetship terms required applicants to be at least 18 and under 39 on 8 March 2026.
That is a dated condition for a closed competition. Do not treat it as confirmation of the 2027 closing date or rules. When the next terms appear, check the age rule and its reference date together.
Education differs by entry route
The Army General Service page says no formal educational qualification is required, while also setting out the expected abilities for service. Cadetship education is more specific. Army Line and Equitation include school-leaver and graduate provisions; Engineer and Ordnance require relevant qualifications.
The 2026 Army cadetship booklet does not accept Leaving Certificate Applied as the qualifying Leaving Certificate route. Subject, grade, matriculation and exemption conditions must be read in full. A degree title alone is not enough to conclude that a specialist stream accepts it.
Residence, work rights and supporting evidence
General website summaries and competition terms do not always use identical wording. The cadet terms include conditions concerning lawful entitlement to reside and work for the required period. Read the exact paragraph for your competition and keep the necessary supporting evidence.
If you rely on overseas qualifications or an exemption, check how evidence must be supplied and when. PSP cannot issue an official equivalence or make a binding eligibility decision.
Keep medical and fitness checks separate
Meeting an education or age condition does not establish that you meet every induction requirement. Physical assessment, medical review and security conditions have their own processes. Use the official criteria and appropriate professional advice for an individual health question.
Write down unresolved questions before applying. A concise enquiry naming the stream and the exact condition is more useful than relying on another applicant whose qualifications or circumstances differ.
Questions about this stage
Will a generic degree qualify me for Engineer or Ordnance?
Not automatically. Those streams have specific relevant qualification conditions in the competition terms.
Can PSP confirm my medical eligibility?
No. Medical suitability is assessed through the official process, not a preparation checklist.
Sources and current instructions
These guides explain the preparation process. Check your current competition booklet and invitation before relying on a requirement or date.
- 2026 Army cadetship terms, including Annex D
- Official Army recruit information
- Official current recruitment opportunities
- Official eligibility FAQs
Official decisions, eligibility, medical clearance and assessment results belong to the recruiting organisation. A PSP practice score is not an official pass mark or selection prediction.