Hi dear candidate,

The age limit for various roles in CDS are:

1) IMA: 19 to 24 years of age, 8 to 9 attempts.

2) INA: 19 to 24 years of age, 8 to 9 attempts.

3) OTA: 19 TO 25 years of age, 10 to 11 attempts.

This is all considering your DOB as of 26 Oct, 2005 as you are 19 years old in Aug 2025.

Know more at:

CDS Exam Dates 2025 (Out) - Check UPSC CDS 2 Complete Exam Schedule

CDS Selection Process 2025 - Written Exam, SSB Interview, DV, Pay Scale

BEST OF LUCK

Yes, you will be eligible for CDS-1 2027 under OTA (SSC Women – Non-Technical Course). The age limit for OTA is 19–25 years (you must be born between 2nd Jan 2001 and 1st Jan 2007). Since your date of birth is 4 July 2002, you will be 24 years old at that time, so you fall within the required age range.

But you will not be eligible for IMA, INA or AFA, because their upper age limit is 24 years, and by 2027 you will cross that limit.

As per the CDS OTA eligibility criteria, for female candidates applying to the Officers Training Academy (OTA), the age limit is 19 to 25 years (unmarried females only).

Since your date of birth is 16th June 2005, you will turn:

21 years old in June 2026,

25 years old in June 2030.

CDS exam is conducted twice every year, so you’ll be eligible from the year you complete graduation (2026) till you turn 25 in 2030.

Your eligible attempts:

CDS 2 2026

CDS 1 2027

CDS 2 2027

CDS 1 2028

CDS 2 2028

CDS 1 2029

CDS 2 2029

CDS 1 2030 (maybe last)

So, you will have around 7 to 8 attempts to appear for CDS OTA before you cross the maximum age limit.

Hello ,

If your goal is to appear for CDS Exam, then here’s what you need to know:

• For IMA, INA, and AFA: A regular full-time degree from a recognized university is required. So, regular B.Tech is perfectly valid.

• For OTA :  Any recognized Bachelor’s degree (even BCA) is acceptable. But since you mentioned Online BCA, note that CDS does not accept distance/online degrees unless UGC-DEB approved and equivalent to a regular course.

So, a regular B.Tech is a safer and more accepted option for all CDS branches. Online BCA may work only if it's recognized, but always double-check the latest UPSC CDS eligibility rules before applying.

Best wishes !

Thank you.

Hi dear candidate,

To be eligible for CDS 1 Exam 2026, your age should fall between 20 to 24 years old. And with your date of birth of 21 December 2002, means that you will be 23 years old as of 1st January, 2026. CDS 1 exam 2026 is expected to take place in April 2026.

Considering the above:

Yes, you will be able to give exam for CDS 1 in 2026.

ALL THE BEST !

Yes, You are eligible to apply for CDS OTA 2026(April exam) Based on your date of birth

Make sure you also:

• Graduation degree from a recognised(Or are in the final year).
• Or unmarried(For OTASSC non-technical entry).
• Meet the required, medical and physical standard as per SSB/UPSE Norms .

Hello Aditya,

As a PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) student after your 12th board exam, you cannot directly appear for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam because it requires a bachelor’s degree. However, here’s a clear and concise guide on how you can prepare for and give the CDS exam after completing further studies, tailored to your background:

1. Understand CDS Eligibility : The CDS exam, conducted by UPSC twice a year, recruits for the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA).
   
   
   • Educational Requirement :
     
     
     • IMA and OTA: Any bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
     • INA: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.
     • AFA: Bachelor’s degree with Physics and Mathematics at 12th level or Bachelor of Engineering.
       
       
   • For PCB Students : Since you don’t have Mathematics in 12th, you’re eligible for IMA and OTA after completing a bachelor’s degree (e.g., B.Sc., B.A.). INA and AFA are not an option unless you pursue an engineering degree or have Mathematics at the graduation level.
     
     
   • Age Limit : 19–25 years (varies by academy; check upsc.gov.in for 2025 details).
     
     
2. Steps to Prepare After 12th :
   
   
   • Pursue a Bachelor’s Degree : Enroll in a degree program (e.g., B.Sc. in Biology, Chemistry, or related fields, or even B.A.) to meet CDS eligibility. This takes 3–4 years.
     
     
   • Apply for CDS During Final Year : You can apply for CDS in the final year of your degree, provided you complete graduation before the training starts.
     
     
   • Application Process :
     
     
     • Visit upsconline.nic.in when notifications are released (typically December 2024 for CDS I 2025 and May 2025 for CDS II 2025).
       
       
     • Fill out the form, pay the fee (Rs. 200; exemptions for SC/ST/females), and select IMA/OTA as your preference.
       
       
3. CDS Exam Structure :
   
   
   • For IMA/OTA : Written exam includes English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics (Maths is optional for OTA).
     
     
   • PCB Advantage : Your Biology and Chemistry background helps with General Knowledge (science sections). English preparation is manageable with practice.
     
     
   • Challenge : If you’re weak in Mathematics, focus on OTA, where Maths is not required, or practice basic 10th-level Maths for IMA.
     
     
   • Next Steps : Clear the written exam, then pass the SSB interview and medical test.

I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries, feel free to share your questions with us, and we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you, and I wish you all the best in your bright future.

Your date of birth is 24th February 2006, and you will complete graduation in July 2028. For the CDS exam, the maximum number of attempts depends on your age limit and category, but generally, candidates have around 4 to 6 attempts before reaching the age limit.

For CDS 2 2025, with a date of birth of 6th October 2001, you are eligible for both IMA and OTA. The age limits for IMA are 19-24 years and for OTA are 19-25 years as of 1st January 2025, making you eligible for both academies.

Hello Gunal,

As a student born on 05-11-2001 you will have many opportunities to take the Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam conducted by UPSC. Age Limits will vary depending on the courses:

• Indian Military Academy - 19-24 years
• Indian Naval Academy - 19-24 years
• Air Force Academy - 20-24 years
• Officers' Training Academy - 19-25 years

You are eligible, based on your DOB for:

• IMA/INA/AFA until 2025 (final attempts depending on month of notification and course start) and OTA until 2026.

Best Books for CDS Preparation:

1. English: Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi (Arihant) and Previous year question papers (UPSC website)
2. General Knowledge: Lucent's General Knowledge, Manorama Yearbook and follow the daily The Hindu or Indian Express regularly
3. Mathematics: Pathfinder for CDS by Arihant, NCERT Maths (Class 6-10) and Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal

Required Documents for CDS SSB/Verification:

• CDS Admit Card
• 10th & 12th mark sheets and certificates (original & photocopy)
• Graduation mark sheets and degree certificate (or provisional degree if final year)
• Proof of identity (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, etc. )
• Passport size photos
• NCC 'C' Certificate (if applicable)
• Domicile/Category Certificate (if applicable)
• Declaration/affidavit for final year candidates( if results are awaited)