Navigating the CSD Against Firm Demand (AFD) portal can lead to frustrating delays if you do not understand your exact category boundaries. The CSD treats two-wheelers and four-wheelers completely differently, enforcing strict engine capacity and price limits on cars based on your rank structure.
Before you visit a dealership, use this definitive guide to check exactly what category you fall into.
Two-Wheeler Eligibility (Bikes & Scooters)
Two-wheelers feature the most accessible rules in the CSD network.
- Who is eligible: All ranks (Officers, JCOs, ORs), Ex-Servicemen (ESM), and eligible dependents or widows holding a valid canteen card.
- Engine Capacity Limit: There is no limit. You can purchase anything from an economical 100cc commuter like the Hero HF Deluxe to premium high-capacity sports cruisers.
- Frequency Limit: You can purchase one two-wheeler once every 4 years.
Four-Wheeler Eligibility (Cars & SUVs)
Car eligibility is strictly tiered by rank. The limits below outline the maximum permissible engine capacities and ex-showroom price caps (excluding local registration taxes and insurance):
- Officers (Serving & Retired): Applies to Lieutenant to General ranks (and Navy/Air Force equivalents), including honorary commissioned officers. They can buy cars with an engine capacity up to 2500 cc and a maximum CSD ex-showroom price cap of ₹20 Lakhs. The purchase frequency is once every 5 years.
- JCOs (Junior Commissioned Officers): Applies to Naib Subedar to Subedar Major ranks (and Navy/Air Force equivalents). They are eligible for cars up to 2000 cc with a CSD ex-showroom price cap of ₹10 Lakhs. This category is permitted two car purchases in a lifetime—the first car while serving after completing 5 years of service, and the second car post-retirement, provided there is a minimum gap of 8 years between purchases.
- ORs (Other Ranks): Applies to Sepoy to Havildar ranks (and Navy/Air Force equivalents). They can purchase cars up to 1800 cc with a CSD ex-showroom price cap of ₹8 Lakhs. The lifetime frequency rules match the JCO tier: one car during active service after 5 years, and a second car post-retirement with an 8-year buffer between bookings.
