CDS Attempts Rules 2026
UPSC does not mention any numeric attempt limit for CDS; you can appear as many times as your age and other eligibility allow for that academy.
Typical age bands used in guides are around 19–24 years for IMA/INA/AFA and roughly 19–25/26 years for OTA, with the exact cut‑off dates in the CDS notification.
CDS is held twice a year; this helps estimate how many exam cycles you may still get inside your age window.
CDS 2026 Attempts & Eligibility – Quick FAQs
Common attempt-related questions for CDS 2026 aspirants applying for IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA.
How many attempts are allowed in CDS 2026 for IMA, INA, AFA and OTA?
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CDS 2026 attempt limits vary by academy: **IMA (Indian Military Academy)** and **OTA (Officer Training Academy)** – no limit for general candidates; **INA (Indian Naval Academy)** – maximum 4 attempts; **AFA (Air Force Academy)** – maximum 3 attempts for flying branch; candidates must meet age and educational eligibility for each attempt [source: UPSC CDS 2026 notification].
What age is considered for CDS attempts calculation?
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For **CDS 2026 attempts calculation**, age is considered as of **1 July 2026** (the date specified in UPSC notification); age limits are: IMA/INA/AFA – 19–24 years (general), OTA – 19–25 years (general); age relaxation applies: SC/ST – 5 years, OBC – 3 years, PwD – 10 years (general), 15 years (SC/ST), 13 years (OBC) [source: UPSC CDS eligibility criteria].
Can I apply again if I cleared the written exam but failed SSB?
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**Yes**, you can apply again for CDS 2026 if you cleared the written exam but failed SSB interview; clearing written but failing SSB **counts as one attempt**, and you can continue applying until you exhaust your total attempt limit for that academy (IMA/OTA: unlimited, INA: 4, AFA: 3), provided you still meet age and educational eligibility criteria [source: UPSC CDS attempt rules].
Is there any relaxation for SC/ST/OBC candidates in attempts?
**No attempt relaxation** for SC/ST/OBC candidates in CDS 2026 – all categories follow the same attempt limits (IMA/OTA: unlimited, INA: 4, AFA: 3); however, **age relaxation** applies: SC/ST – 5 years, OBC – 3 years from upper age limit, which indirectly allows more attempts within the extended age range; PwD candidates get additional relaxation up to 10 years [source: UPSC CDS 2026 age & attempt policy].
Disclaimer: This CDS attempts helper explains that there is no official cap on the number of CDS attempts; only the academy‑wise age bands and other eligibility conditions limit how many times you can apply. It uses a simple age‑window model and does not replace the exact date‑of‑birth ranges or UPSC rules given in CDS notifications. Always check the latest UPSC CDS notifications for final decisions on your eligibility and planning.