If you’re aiming for Combined Defence Services (CDS 1 2026), it’s crucial to understand your age-based eligibility, how many attempts you truly have left — specific per academy — and how expert coaching can make those attempts count.
🎯 Age Limits & DOB Ranges for CDS 1 2026
As per updated CDS 1 2026 eligibility, UPSC sets strict DOB bands for each academy based on age on exam date 12 April 2026
| Academy | Age Limit | DOB Range |
|---|---|---|
| IMA & INA | 19–24 years | Born between 2 Jan 2003 and 1 Jan 2008 |
| AFA | 20–24 years (extendable to 26 with CPL) | Born between 2 Jan 2003 and 1 Jan 2007 |
| OTA (Men & Women SSC) | 19–25 years | Born between 2 Jan 2002 and 1 Jan 2008 |
✅ How to Calculate Your Attempts Left
- Check your DOB on your matriculation certificate.
- See which academy’s DOB range includes you.
- Count how many upcoming exams you qualify for before you age out.
- That count = your maximum possible attempts.
📍 Real-World Examples
- DOB: 15 July 2003
- Eligible for IMA, INA, OTA in CDS 1 2026.
- For IMA/INA/AFA eligibility ends after CDS 1 2026 (you’ll turn 25 by CDS 2 2026).
- For OTA, eligible through until CDS 2 2027 (turns 25 on 15 July 2028).
- DOB: 05 June 2002
- Too old for IMA/INA/AFA in CDS 1 2026 (born before 2 Jan 2003).
- Still eligible for OTA in CDS 1 2026 and CDS 1 2027.
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💡 Why This Matters for Aspirants
- No fixed number of CDS attempts—your DOB limits your eligibility window.
- Knowing EXACTLY when your eligibility ends helps avoid unnecessary early attempts.
- Effective planning ensures you target the right exam cycles and maximize performance.
🌟 How The Lakshya Academy Supports You With DOB-Based Strategy
At The Lakshya Academy, we specialize in helping you plan every attempt smartly, aligned with your DOB and eligibility:
- 📅 Personalized attempt roadmap based on your birth date and eligibility span.
- Expert faculty for Maths, English, and GK tailored to CDS syllabus.
- Mock tests with detailed analysis so you understand strengths and weaknesses.
- SSB Interview training post written success.
- Doubt sessions, revision modules and motivational guidance.
- Especially crucial when you’re down to your last few attempts—we help you stay focused and sharp.
🔑 Final Takeaways
- For CDS 1 2026, eligibility is strictly DOB-based (see table above).
- There’s no fixed “attempt count”—it depends on how many future exams fall within your eligibility.
- Map your remaining window academy-wise, particularly if you’re near upper-age cutoff.
- With The Lakshya Academy’s DOB-aligned coaching, you can make each attempt count.
🔗 Join Our Defence Community
👉 Join Our Telegram Channel for free notes, updates & strategy sessions.
👉 Subscribe to Our YouTube Channel for video lectures & motivational talks.
