CDS Age Limit Calculator

Select Your Date of Birth:

Target Exam Cycle:

IMA (Indian Military Academy)

INA (Indian Naval Academy)

AFA (Air Force Academy)

OTA (Officers' Training Academy)

Understanding the CDS Age Limit and Eligibility

The Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination is conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). For aspirants looking to join the Indian Armed Forces as commissioned officers, meeting the age limit criteria is the first and most crucial hurdle. Since the UPSC is very strict regarding the cut-off dates, using a reliable CDS Age Limit Calculator ensures you don't waste precious preparation time on an attempt you aren't eligible for.

UPSC CDS Academy-Wise Age Criteria

The age limits differ slightly depending on the academy you wish to join:

IMA (Indian Military Academy): Unmarried male candidates aged between 19 to 24 years.
INA (Indian Naval Academy): Unmarried male candidates aged between 19 to 24 years.
AFA (Air Force Academy): Candidates aged between 20 to 24 years. (Note: Upper age limit for candidates holding valid DGCA Commercial Pilot License is relaxable up to 26 years).
OTA (Officers' Training Academy): Both men and women (unmarried/widows/divorcees) aged between 19 to 25 years.

How to Use the CDS Age Limit Tool?

To check your eligibility, simply enter your date of birth as per your Matriculation/Secondary School Examination Certificate. Select the specific exam cycle you are targeting (e.g., CDS I or CDS II). Our tool automatically applies the specific cut-off date logic used by UPSC to tell you exactly which wings of the Indian Armed Forces you can apply for.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is there any age relaxation for SC/ST candidates? No, for the CDS entry, there is no age relaxation for reserved categories in terms of the upper age limit. All candidates must fall within the specified age brackets.

Can women apply for IMA? No, women are currently only eligible for the Officers' Training Academy (OTA) via the CDS examination.

What is the cut-off date for CDS I 2025? Generally, for the CDS I examination of any year, the age is calculated as of 1st January of the following year. For CDS II, it is calculated as of 1st July of the following year.