UPSC CDS Age Calculator 2026
Check your eligibility for UPSC Combined Defence Services (CDS)
Enter date exactly as mentioned in your 10th certificate
Quick Reference: UPSC CDS Age Limits
Category-Wise Age Limits (as on 1 January 2026)
| Category | Min Age | Max Age | Relaxation |
|---|---|---|---|
| General / Unreserved | 19 years | 24 years | - |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 19 years | 24 years | - |
| SC / ST | 19 years | 24 years | - |
Eligible Date of Birth (DOB) Range for UPSC CDS 2026
To qualify for the 2026 cycle, your birth date must fall within the dates specified below for your category (calculated as of the age count date: 1 January 2026).
General / EWS (Unreserved) 19-24 Years
📅 Candidate must be born between:
2 January 2002 to 1 January 2007
(Both dates inclusive)
OBC Category (3 Year Relaxation) 19-24 Years
📅 Candidate must be born between:
2 January 2002 to 1 January 2007
(Both dates inclusive)
SC / ST Category (5 Year Relaxation) 19-24 Years
📅 Candidate must be born between:
2 January 2002 to 1 January 2007
(Both dates inclusive)
📋 Age Relaxation Information
Standard Relaxations:
- • OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 3 years
- • SC/ST: 5 years
- • PwD: 10 years
Important Points:
- • Age calculated as on 1 January 2026
- • Minimum age: 19 years for all categories
- • Relaxation on upper age limit only
- • Verify with official notification
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the age limit for UPSC CDS 2026?
A: The UPSC CDS 2026 age limit is 19-24 years for ALL categories. Unlike UPSC CSE, CDS does not provide any age relaxation for OBC, SC/ST or any other category.
Q: Is there age relaxation in CDS for OBC?
A: No. UPSC CDS does not provide any age relaxation for OBC or any other reserved category. All candidates (General, OBC, SC, ST) must be between 19-24 years of age as on 1st January 2026.
Q: What is the CDS age limit for SC/ST candidates?
A: The CDS age limit for SC/ST candidates is the same as General category: 19-24 years. There is no age relaxation for SC/ST in CDS examination.
Q: What is the CDS age limit for general category?
A: The CDS age limit for General category is 19-24 years as on 1st January 2026. This is the same for all categories as CDS does not offer any category-based age relaxation.
Q: What is the maximum age limit for CDS?
A: The maximum age limit for CDS is 24 years for all categories (General, OBC, SC/ST). No upper age relaxation is provided to any category.
Q: What is the UPSC CDS attempt limit?
A: There is no attempt limit for UPSC CDS examination. Candidates can appear for CDS as many times as they wish, as long as they are within the age limit of 19-24 years.
Q: On which date is age calculated for UPSC CDS?
A: Age for CDS is calculated as on 1st January of the examination year. For CDS 2026, the age count date is 01-01-2026. You must be born between 02-01-2002 and 01-01-2007.
Q: What is the CDS age count date 2026?
A: The CDS 2026 age count date is 1st January 2026 (01-01-2026). Your age as on this date determines your eligibility.
Q: What is the minimum age for UPSC CDS?
A: The minimum age for UPSC CDS is 19 years. You must have attained 19 years of age as on 1st January 2026 to be eligible.
Q: Can I apply for CDS if I am 24 years old?
A: Yes, if you have not exceeded 24 years of age as on 1st January 2026, you are eligible for CDS. The upper age limit is 24 years for all categories without any relaxation.
See all UPSC CDS questions in the full FAQ hub · Age limit rules
Want detailed information about UPSC CDS age limits and eligibility criteria?
View Detailed Age Limit Info →Always verify with the official notification at Union Public Service Commission
Last updated: 2026-02-04