UPSC CDS 2026 (Officer Entry) 2026 Age Limit, Cut-off Date & Educational Qualification
Official statutory eligibility criteria, minimum educational qualification, post-wise degree requirements, and category-wise age relaxations for Union Public Service Commission (459 Posts).
Category-Wise Statutory Age Relaxation Matrix
Calculated on the official cut-off date (1 Aug 2026) as mandated by the gazette
| Social Category / Class | Permissible Age Relaxation | Effective Upper Age Limit | Required Verification Certificate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unreserved (UR) / General | Nil (Standard Limit) | 25 Years | 10th Class Certificate (DOB proof) |
| Economically Weaker Section (EWS) | Nil (Standard Upper Age) | 25 Years | Valid EWS Income & Asset Certificate for current FY |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC - Non Creamy Layer) | +3 Years | 28 Years | OBC-NCL Certificate in prescribed Central/State format |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) | +5 Years | 30 Years | Permanent Caste / Tribe Certificate from Tehsildar/SDM |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) | +10 Years (Cumulative) | 35 Years | Disability Certificate (40%+ benchmark) from Medical Board |
Educational Qualification & Branch Requirements
Mandatory degree recognition, final year student rules, and post-wise criteria
- Degree for IMA/OTA; Engineering Degree for INA & AFA
- • The degree/diploma must be awarded by a recognized University / Board established by Central or State Act.
- • Final year candidates may apply only if the qualifying examination result is declared on or before the document verification date.
- • Equivalence certificates must be produced if the degree title differs from the gazetted discipline.
Government Job Age & Notification Cutoff Calculator
Calculates candidate age strictly against each commission’s statutory cut-off date (e.g. 1st August for UPSC/SSC or 1st July for State Police), applying official category age relaxations (OBC +3y, SC/ST +5y, PwD +10y).
As stated on 10th Class Certificate
Standard Upper Age Limit
Valid recognition by UGC / AICTE / State Boards
Overage: Maximum allowed age for UR category is 25 years. You are 26y 2m 17d on 1 Aug 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions on Eligibility — UPSC CDS 2026 (Officer Entry)
Official answers regarding age relaxation, cut-off date, and selection procedure
What is the total vacancy and post name in UPSC CDS 2026 (Officer Entry)?▼
Union Public Service Commission has officially announced 459 vacancies for UPSC Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS 2026 - IMA, INA, AFA, OTA). Category-wise distribution and department rosters are detailed in the official gazette.
What is the age limit and cut-off date for UPSC CDS 2026 (Officer Entry)?▼
The candidate must be between 19 and 25 years of age as of the crucial cut-off date (2026-08-01). Age relaxation applies as per government norms: OBC +3 years, SC/ST +5 years, and PwD +10 years.
What educational qualification is required to apply for UPSC CDS 2026 (Officer Entry)?▼
Applicants must hold: Degree for IMA/OTA; Engineering Degree for INA & AFA from a recognized Board or University recognized by UGC/AICTE.
What is the selection process and exam pattern?▼
The selection procedure consists of: Written Examination (300 Marks for IMA/INA/AFA; 200 Marks for OTA) → SSB Interview (5-Day Testing) → Medical Examination. Detailed stage-wise marks breakdown and negative marking rules are published in the official syllabus.
What is the application fee for UPSC CDS 2026 (Officer Entry)?▼
The application fee is ₹200 for UR / OBC / EWS candidates, and ₹0 for SC / ST candidates. Female/PwD fee concession is provided as per commission rules.
What is the last date to apply online for UPSC CDS 2026 (Officer Entry)?▼
The online application portal accepts submissions up to 2027-01-10. Candidates are advised to submit well before the closing date to avoid server congestion.