Check Your CDS Eligibility (IMA / INA / AFA / OTA)
CDS academies have different age bands and degree requirements: IMA & OTA usually need graduation, INA needs a B.Tech./B.Sc. (with Physics/Maths as per notice), and AFA needs a degree with Physics & Maths at 10+2 or a B.E./B.Tech.
Many CDS 2025–26 guides show age bands roughly 19–24 for IMA/INA/AFA and around 19–25 or 19–26 for OTA, with exact date‑of‑birth ranges in the UPSC notification.
For CDS, you must have a degree (or be in final year as per rules) at the time of joining/SSB; INA and AFA have specific technical/Physics‑Maths requirements.
IMA/OTA accept most recognised degrees, while INA needs engineering/technical degrees and AFA typically needs B.E./B.Tech or a degree with Physics & Maths at 10+2 level.
CDS academies mainly require candidates to be unmarried; some relaxations for AFA/OTA exist as per notification, but most entries are for unmarried candidates.
CDS selection requires strict physical and medical standards on height, weight, eyesight and overall health, including chest, spine, limbs and absence of major diseases.
Disclaimer: This CDS eligibility checker is a simplified tool based on common age bands, graduation rules and medical notes for IMA, INA, AFA and OTA. It does not replace exact date‑of‑birth ranges, detailed degree lists, nationality clauses, or full medical standards in the official UPSC CDS notification. Always confirm final eligibility from the latest CDS notification and defence service medical guidelines before applying.