CDS Age Limit 2026
CDS Age Limit 2026: Academy-Wise Age Criteria & Eligibility
The CDS Age Limit 2026 is one of the most critical eligibility parameters set by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Candidates must fall within the prescribed age bracket as on the 1st January of the examination year to be eligible. The age limit differs across the four academies — IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA — and there is no age relaxation for reserved category (OBC/SC/ST) candidates in the CDS examination, unlike other UPSC exams.
Aspirants must verify their date of birth against the birth date range mentioned in the official notification before applying. Any misrepresentation in age-related documents leads to permanent disqualification.
CDS Age Limit 2026: Academy-Wise Breakdown
|
Academy |
Minimum Age |
Maximum Age |
Birth Date Range (CDS 1 2026) |
|
Indian Military Academy (IMA) |
19 years |
24 years |
02 Jan 2002 – 01 Jan 2007 |
|
Indian Naval Academy (INA) |
19 years |
24 years |
02 Jan 2002 – 01 Jan 2007 |
|
Air Force Academy (AFA) |
20 years |
24 years |
02 Jan 2002 – 01 Jan 2006 |
|
Officers' Training Academy (OTA) – Men |
19 years |
25 years |
02 Jan 2001 – 01 Jan 2007 |
|
Officers' Training Academy (OTA) – Women |
19 years |
25 years |
02 Jan 2001 – 01 Jan 2007 |
Note: The age is calculated as on 1st January 2026 for CDS 1 2026. Age criteria for CDS 2 2026 will be calculated as on 1st January 2027. Always refer to the official UPSC notification for the exact birth date range.
Special Age Relaxation: Air Force Academy
The only age relaxation in CDS 2026 is available for Air Force Academy candidates. Those who hold a valid Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India are eligible for an upper age relaxation of up to 26 years.
|
Category |
Normal Age Limit |
Relaxation |
Relaxed Age Limit |
|
AFA (General) |
20–24 years |
None |
20–24 years |
|
AFA (CPL Holders) |
20–24 years |
+2 years |
20–26 years |
CDS Age Limit – Key Rules to Remember
Understanding the nuances of CDS age criteria prevents last-minute disqualification:
|
Rule |
Detail |
|
Reference Date |
Age calculated as on 1st January of the year |
|
No Age Relaxation for OBC/SC/ST |
Unlike most UPSC exams, no relaxation for reserved categories |
|
Change in Date of Birth |
Not permitted at any stage of recruitment |
|
Multiple Attempts |
No restriction; candidates can attempt as long as age permits |
|
Exam Frequency |
CDS is held twice a year — April (CDS 1) and September (CDS 2) |
CDS Eligibility Age – Gender-Wise Rules
The CDS examination has gender-specific eligibility rules that link directly to age criteria:
|
Academy |
Gender |
Marital Status |
Age Limit |
|
IMA |
Male only |
Unmarried |
19–24 years |
|
INA |
Male only |
Unmarried |
19–24 years |
|
AFA |
Male only |
Unmarried (below 25) |
20–24 years |
|
OTA (Men) |
Male |
Unmarried |
19–25 years |
|
OTA (Women) |
Female |
Unmarried / Widow without child / Divorcee without child |
19–25 years |
Candidates aged below 25 years must be unmarried. Those above 25 years of age may apply but will not be entitled to married accommodation during the training period.
How Many Attempts Does CDS Allow?
UPSC does not impose a specific limit on the number of CDS attempts. Candidates can appear in the examination as many times as they remain within the prescribed age limit. Since CDS is conducted twice a year, a candidate with a favourable age window may attempt the exam 8–12 times across multiple years.
|
Academy |
Age Window |
Approx. Max Attempts (exam held twice/year) |
|
IMA / INA |
5 years (19–24) |
~10 attempts |
|
AFA |
4 years (20–24) |
~8 attempts |
|
OTA |
6 years (19–25) |
~12 attempts |
CDS Qualification Age – Important Advisory
-
Final year students may apply provisionally if they meet the age criteria.
-
Age proof accepted: 10th class certificate or birth certificate issued by a Municipal Authority.
-
No affidavit or self-declaration is accepted in lieu of age proof.
-
Candidates must ensure their date of birth matches exactly across all UPSC records after One Time Registration (OTR).
The CDS age limit 2026 is strictly enforced and non-negotiable (except for CPL holders at AFA). Aspirants who fall outside the age bracket should consider alternative defence exams such as AFCAT, CAPF (AC), or Territorial Army. For the most accurate and up-to-date age criteria, always check the official UPSC notification at upsc.gov.in.
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