Thinking about appearing for the CDS exam? Before you touch a single guidebook, sort out your eligibility first. Age, graduation stream, gender, and medical fitness rules aren’t the same across IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA; mixing them up is one of the most common (and avoidable) mistakes candidates make.
This guide walks you through the CDS age limit, CDS educational qualification eligibility, OTA physical standards (height and weight), and what actually happens during the medical test for CDS OTA.
What Is the CDS Age Limit for Girls and Boys?
Each academy has its own age bracket, and getting this wrong on your form can cost you the whole attempt. For CDS-II 2026, UPSC has laid out the following for courses starting in 2027:
| Academy | Age Requirement | Eligibility |
| IMA | 19–24 years | Unmarried male candidates |
| INA | 19–24 years | Unmarried male candidates |
| AFA | 20–24 years | Men; CPL holders get relaxation up to 26 |
| OTA | 19–25 years | Men and eligible women |
For OTA, women eligible to apply include:
- Unmarried women
- Issueless widows, not remarried
- Eligible divorcees, not remarried
For CDS-II 2026, the accepted date-of-birth window is 1 July 2002 to 1 July 2008.
One thing to remember: cut-off dates shift slightly with every CDS attempt, so always cross-check the current notification instead of relying on last year’s numbers.
CDS Educational Qualification Eligibility Explained
Your degree decides which door opens for you.
IMA and OTA
- Any recognised degree
- BA, BSc, BCom all accepted
- Subject doesn’t restrict entry
Indian Naval Academy
- Engineering degree, or
- BSc with Physics
- Physics and Maths needed at 10+2 level too
Air Force Academy
- Degree with Physics and Maths at 10+2, or
- B.E./B.Tech qualification
Final-year students can apply as well, but you’ll need to submit proof of passing before the prescribed deadline. Don’t leave this for the last week.
Physical Standards for CDS and OTA
Clearing the written paper is only half the battle. The Armed Forces have their own medical bar, and UPSC follows a defined manual for it.
Broadly, candidates are assessed on:
- Height and weight ratio
- Body composition
- Eyesight and colour vision
- Hearing
- Dental condition
- Bones and joints
- Overall medical fitness
OTA Physical Standards Height and Weight
There’s no single “ideal weight” number that fits everyone; it depends on your height, age, and the specific service you’re applying to.
That said, earlier official guidance has pointed to:
- Minimum 157 cm for men
- Minimum 152 cm for women
- Relaxations for certain regions/categories
Weight is then checked against your height on the medical board’s own scale, not a random online BMI chart. So don’t panic if a generic calculator says something different from what the board decides.
What Happens in the Medical Test for CDS OTA?
The medical exam comes after you clear SSB, and it’s thorough, not a five-minute formality. It follows the Joint Order Manual of Medical Standards for Entry into Armed Forces.
Typical checks include:
- Eyesight and colour blindness test
- ENT and hearing check
- Full physical exam
- Dental inspection
- Chest and lung health
- Blood and urine tests
- X-rays or scans, if needed
Boards have, in the past, also asked for a haemogram, urine test, chest X-ray, and abdominal ultrasound, so be mentally prepared for a fairly detailed day (or two).
Common Medical Issues Candidates Should Check Early
Don’t wait for SSB to find out something’s wrong. A check-up a few months in advance saves a lot of heartbreak.
Get these looked at early:
- Vision — full eye test, know your entry’s requirement
- Weight and fitness — steady progress, not crash dieting
- Dental health — fix cavities and gum issues now
- Joints and posture — old injuries, stiffness, alignment
- ENT health — chronic ear or throat issues
- General symptoms — don’t self-diagnose; see a doctor
One condition doesn’t always mean automatic rejection; the medical board decides based on the official standards, case by case.
How Can You Prepare for CDS Medical Standards?
Build Fitness Gradually
Running, strength work, mobility drills, and proper rest. No sudden intense workouts right before your medical date that usually backfires.
Get a Preventive Check-Up
Cover eyesight, teeth, weight, blood pressure, and general vitals. Catching an issue early gives you time to treat it.
Keep Your Documents Ready
- Educational certificates
- Proof of date of birth
- Medical records, if any
UPSC will cross-check all these with the authentic documents; hence, they should be properly arranged beforehand.
Follow the Latest Notification
Vacancies, cut-offs, and dates keep changing. For instance, the CDS-II 2026 notification came out on 20 May 2026, for an exam held on 13 September 2026.
Common CDS Eligibility Mistakes to Avoid
Most candidates focus only on the syllabus and skip these basics:
- Assuming one age limit fits all academies
- Applying to INA without the right subjects
- Thinking every degree qualifies everywhere
- Skipping the 10+2 Physics-Maths check
- Using an outdated height-weight chart
- Discovering a medical issue only at SSB
- Entering the wrong date of birth
- Missing the graduation-proof deadline
If you’re comparing the best CDS coaching classes in Thane, eligibility guidance should be just one part of the picture; a solid programme also covers syllabus, previous papers, SSB prep, and physical training together.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the CDS age limit for girls?
The age limit for CDS OTA Women Non-Technical for CDS-II 2026 is 19-25 years for those born on 1 July 2002 to 1 July 2008.
2. Is a BA graduate eligible for CDS?
Yes. It will be eligible for IMA and OTA candidates, subject to fulfilment of other criteria of age, gender, and marital status.
3. Is a BTech graduate eligible for CDS?
Yes. Engineering degrees are specifically recognised for INA, and AFA also accepts a B.E./B.Tech qualification.
4. What are the OTA physical standards for height and weight?
They’re assessed against the official Armed Forces medical manual; always check the latest standards rather than a generic weight chart.
5. What is checked in the medical test for CDS OTA?
Eyesight, hearing, dental health, general fitness, and any further tests the medical board considers necessary, all under the applicable officer-entry manual.
Conclusion
Sorting out your CDS age limit for girls or boys, degree requirements, and physical-medical standards before you start prepping saves you a lot of last-minute stress. It’s the boring part of the process, but skipping it is how good candidates lose their shot over something avoidable.
If you’re looking for the best CDS coaching classes in Thane, Centre for Defence Careers can help you put together a proper plan for written exam prep, SSB guidance, and defence-focused training, all in one place. Visit the Centre for Defence Careers to know more.
