CDS Examination 2026
Check age eligibility for CDS IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA — officer entry into the Indian Armed Forces.
Unmarried male; degree required; Permanent Commission
Select your date of birth to check eligibility.
No category age relaxation for CDS. Age is counted on the first day of the course commencement.
Official Age Limits — CDS
Cutoff Date
Age is calculated as of
Quick Tips
- Exact Calculation
Age is counted to the day on the cutoff date.
- Category Proof
Submit caste/category certificate at application time.
CDS Age Limit 2026 — Academy-wise Complete Guide
The Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination 2026 is conducted twice a year by UPSC for recruitment into the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers' Training Academy (OTA). Each academy has a different upper age limit, and there is no category-based age relaxation in CDS.
CDS 2026 Age Limit — Academy-wise Table
| Academy | Minimum Age | Maximum Age | Commission Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMA (Indian Military Academy) | 19 Years | 24 Years | Permanent Commission |
| INA (Naval Academy) | 19 Years | 22 Years | Permanent Commission |
| AFA (Air Force Academy) | 19 Years | 23 Years | Permanent Commission |
| OTA — Men | 19 Years | 25 Years | Short Service Commission |
| OTA — Women | 19 Years | 25 Years | Short Service Commission |
How is CDS Age Calculated?
For CDS, age is calculated as of the first day of the month in which the course commences, not the exam date. For CDS I 2026 (exam in February 2026), the course typically commences in January 2027. For CDS II 2026 (exam in September 2026), commencement is around July 2027. Always refer to the official UPSC CDS notification for the exact cutoff date.
Eligibility Conditions Beyond Age
- IMA: Bachelor's degree in any subject. Only unmarried male candidates.
- INA: Bachelor's degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level, or a degree in Engineering. Only unmarried males.
- AFA: Bachelor's degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level. Only unmarried males. Flying branch requires graduation with Physics/Mathematics.
- OTA (Men & Women): Degree in any subject. Men must be unmarried; women can be unmarried, widowed, or divorced without children.
CDS vs NDA — Key Differences
- NDA is for 10+2 students (16.5–19.5 years); CDS is for graduates (19–25 years).
- CDS leads to a commission directly; NDA is a 3-year training academy first.
- Both exams have no category-based age relaxation.
- CDS is open to women (OTA only); NDA is open to both male and female candidates (all wings since 2022).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there any age relaxation in CDS for SC/ST or OBC candidates?
No. CDS has no category-based age relaxation. All candidates — General, OBC, SC/ST — must meet the same age limits for each academy.
Can I apply for both IMA and OTA in the same CDS exam?
Yes. You can apply for multiple academies in one application, provided you meet the eligibility criteria (age, education) for each.
Is there a limit on how many times I can appear in CDS?
No. Unlike UPSC CSE, there is no attempt limit for CDS. You can appear as many times as you are within the eligible age bracket.
What is the CDS II 2026 exam date?
UPSC typically schedules CDS II in September. The exact date for CDS II 2026 will be published in the UPSC Annual Calendar and official notification.