Question 1

What is the age limit for CDS IMA 2026?

Accepted Answer

For CDS 1 2026, candidates must be born between 02 Jan 2003 and 01 Jan 2008 to be eligible for IMA. The window shifts by 6 months for each subsequent exam.

Question 2

What is the age limit for CDS INA (Indian Naval Academy)?

Accepted Answer

For CDS 1 2026, INA candidates must be born between 02 Jan 2003 and 01 Jan 2008. Only unmarried male candidates are eligible.

Question 3

What is the age limit for CDS AFA (Air Force Academy)?

Accepted Answer

For CDS 1 2026, AFA candidates must be born between 02 Jan 2003 and 01 Jan 2007. Candidates holding a DGCA CPL have an extended lower age limit starting from 02 Jan 2001.

Question 4

Can married candidates appear for CDS OTA?

Accepted Answer

Yes. OTA Men and OTA Women have no marital restriction. However, IMA and INA require candidates to be unmarried. AFA allows married candidates only if they are 25 years or older at the time of the exam.

Question 5

How many attempts are allowed in CDS?

Accepted Answer

There is no fixed attempt limit for CDS. Candidates can appear in every CDS exam for which their date of birth falls within the announced DOB window. Typically, a candidate may be eligible for 8–12 exams across their age window.

Question 6

What is the age limit for CDS OTA Women?

Accepted Answer

For CDS 1 2026, OTA Women candidates must be born between 02 Jan 2002 and 01 Jan 2008. Only female candidates are eligible for OTA Women.

Question 7

Does DGCA CPL extend my eligibility for AFA?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Candidates who hold a DGCA Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) are allowed to apply for AFA with an extended upper age limit. The minimum DOB shifts from 02 Jan 2003 to 02 Jan 2001 for CDS 1 2026, allowing candidates who are up to 2 years older to still be eligible.

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