Age Calculator for CDS | CDS Attempt Calculator

CDS Eligibility 2025:

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has published the CDS 2025 Eligibility Criteria along with the CDS Notification 2025 on its official website. To apply for the CDS Exam, candidates must meet specific criteria, including nationality, educational qualifications, age, marital status, and physical fitness standards.

According to the CDS Eligibility Criteria, only unmarried individuals aged 19 to 25 are eligible to take the CDS 2025 examination. Each academy has a distinct age limit, detailed in the sections below.

The CDS examination is conducted twice yearly, in April and September, for recruitment to the Officers’ Training Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Indian Military Academy, and Air Force Academy. Candidates undergo a written test followed by an interview to secure a position in the Indian Armed Forces.

Successful candidates will be invited to their respective academies based on merit and preference. Interested applicants must carefully review the UPSC’s CDS Eligibility Criteria 2025 to understand the age limits and other essential requirements, such as nationality, educational qualifications, marital status, and physical standards.

CDS Eligibility 2025: Overview

The Combined Defense Services (CDS) Exam, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), is held twice annually in April and September. It serves as a gateway for recruitment into prestigious academies, including:

• Officers’ Training Academy (OTA)

• Indian Naval Academy (INA)

• Indian Military Academy (IMA)

• Air Force Academy (AFA)

To apply for CDS 2025, candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria encompassing:

1. Nationality: Only Indian citizens or individuals meeting specific nationality requirements are eligible.

2. Age Limit: Applicants must be unmarried and aged between 19 and 25, with distinct age limits for each academy.

3. Educational Qualifications: Vary by academy but typically require a graduation degree.

4. Marital Status: Unmarried individuals are eligible.

5. Physical Standards: Candidates must meet the prescribed physical fitness standards set by UPSC.

The selection process involves a written examination followed by an interview. Successful candidates are allocated to their respective academies based on merit and preference.

Age Eligibility for CDS Examination

Age criteria vary depending on the academy the candidate is applying for. The specific requirements are as follows:

Academy Age Limit Notes Indian Military Academy (IMA)19 to 24 years Unmarried male candidates only. Indian Naval Academy (INA)19 to 24 years Unmarried male candidates only. Air Force Academy (AFA)20 to 24 years*Upper age limits relaxed to 26 years for pilots with valid CPL. Officers' Training Academy (OTA)19 to 25 years Men and women, unmarried or married women candidates.

Note: Age is calculated as of the course commencement date.

Nationality Requirements:

To be eligible for the CDS examination, candidates must meet one of the following nationality criteria:

1. Indian Citizen

2. Subject of Nepal or Bhutan

3. Tibetan Refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of settling permanently.

4. Person of Indian Origin (PIO) who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, or East African countries with the intention of permanent settlement in India.

Educational Qualifications:

Candidates must fulfill the following educational criteria based on their chosen academy:

Academy Educational Qualifications Indian Military Academy (IMA)bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or equivalent. Indian Naval Academy (INA)bachelor’s degree in engineering. Air Force Academy (AFA)bachelor’s degree (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or bachelor’s degree in engineering. Officers' Training Academy (OTA)bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or equivalent.

Physical Standards:

Candidates must be physically fit as per the prescribed physical standards by UPSC. The important aspects include:

1. Height and Weight:

   • Minimum height for men: 157.5 cm (152 cm for Gorkhas and individuals from North-Eastern regions).

   • Minimum height for women: 152 cm.

   • Weight must be proportionate to height.

2. Vision Standards:

   • For Air Force: Minimum 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in the other.

   • For Navy and Army: Correctable vision up to 6/12 with glasses.

3. General Health:

   • No evidence of weak constitution or bodily defects.

   • Free from diseases such as hernia, piles, or skin disorders.

Exam Pattern

The CDS Examination consists of a written test followed by an interview conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB).

Written Exam:

SubjectMarksDurationEnglish1002 hours General Knowledge1002 hours Elementary Mathematics**1002 hours

Note: Elementary Mathematics is not required for OTA candidates.

SSB Interview:

The SSB interview evaluates candidates’ psychological and physical fitness through various tests, including:

• Psychological Tests

• Group Tasks

• Personal Interviews

Key Points to Remember

1. Marital Status:

   • IMA, INA, and AFA accept only unmarried candidates.

   • OTA allows both unmarried men and women as well as married women.

2. Application Process:

   • Applications are submitted online through the official UPSC website.

3. Admit Card:

   • Issued approximately three weeks before the examination.

4. Negative Marking:

   • 1/3 marks are deducted for each incorrect answer.

Tips for Preparation

1. Understand the Syllabus: Focus on the syllabus outlined in the official notification.

2. Practice Mock Tests: Take mock tests to familiarize yourself with the exam pattern.

3. Read Newspapers: Stay updated with current affairs for General Knowledge.

4. Physical Fitness: Work on your physical fitness to meet the standards for SSB interviews.