CDS Eligibility

Candidates can check below the CDS 1 2026 age limit:

• IMA: Candidates for IMA should be unmarried and must have been born not earlier than January 2, 2003, and not later than January 1, 2008.
• INA: Unmarried male candidates born not earlier than January 2, 2003, and not later than January 1, 2008, can apply for INA.
• AFA: To apply for AFA, the age of candidates should be between 20 and 24 years. They must have been born not earlier than January 2, 2003, and not later than January 1, 2007. The upper age limit of candidates holding valid and current Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA (India) is relaxed up to 26 years (i, e born not earlier than January 2, 2001, and not later than January 1, 2007).

Yes, married girls can apply for the CDS (Combined Defence Services) exam. The eligibility criteria for the CDS exam allow both married and unmarried women to apply. Here are the key points regarding the eligibility of married girls for the CDS exam:

• Marital Status: According to the CDS eligibility criteria, unmarried women, issueless widows who have not remarried, and issueless divorcees (in possession of divorce documents) who have not remarried are eligible to apply for the CDS exam
• OTA (Officers Training Academy): Married girls can apply for the OTA (Officers Training Academy) under the Short Service Commission. However, it's important to note that during the training period, married candidates above 25 years of age will not be provided with married accommodation and will not be allowed to live outside the Academy premises with their family
  

It's important for married girls to carefully review the official eligibility criteria and ensure they meet all the requirements before applying for the CDS exam.

To be eligible for the CDS exam, candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria:

1. Age Limit: Candidates must be at least 19 years old when applying for the CDS exam. The age limit for female candidates is generally the same as for male candidates, ranging from 19 to 25 years
2. Educational Qualification: Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree from a UGC-recognized university. Final-year students who are expected to complete their degree before the commencement of the respective academy's training can also apply
3. Nationality: Candidates must be a citizen of India, a subject of Nepal, a subject of Bhutan, or a Tibetan refugee permanently settled in India
4. Physical Standards: Candidates must meet the specific physical fitness requirements, including height, weight, visual acuity, and overall physical health. The physical requirements for each of the three wings (OTA, INA, AFA) are detailed in the official CDS notification
5. Marital Status: There are no specific restrictions based on marital status for most academies under CDS. Both unmarried and married candidates may be eligible, subject to meeting the other eligibility criteria
6. Attempts: There is no restriction on the number of CDS exam attempts for candidates who have completed their graduation

It is essential to check the official CDS notification for any specific variations in eligibility criteria and to ensure that candidates meet all the requirements mentioned by the official body.