Number of Attempts, Age Limits for NDA, AFCAT and CDS Exam

There are majorly three written exams conducted for enrollment of officers into the Army, Navy and Airforce. These exams are NDA (National Defence Academy) Exam, CDS (Combined Defence Service) Exam and AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) Exam. While the first two are meant for the induction of officers into the three wings (army, navy and air force), the latter is meant for only Air Force. This article is meant for giving you all information about the age limit of the three exams and also the number of attempts you can make for them.

NDA, AFCAT and CDS Exam Number of Attempts, Age Limits

1. NDA Exam: There is no limit on the number of attempts you can make. However, it is essential that at the time of course commencement you have your passing certificate of 10+2. So in a way you can attempt for NDA when you are in 10+2 or when you have passed it. While giving NDA when you are still studying in 10+2 you start attempting only from NDA 2 exam of the year in which you have got in 12th. The age limit for NDA (for all the three wings) is between 16 ½ and 19 ½ years (both inclusive) at the time of course commencement.
   
2. CDS Exam: Yet again there is no limit on the number of attempts for this exam, but your degree must be over at the time of course commencement. You can apply while in the final year of your degree. The age limits for different wings differ in case of CDSE. As you know CDSE is conducted for Indian Military Academy, Officers Training Academy, Air Force Academy and Naval Academy, the age limits for them differ, here are the age limits:
   • IMA: 19-24 Years
   • NA: 19-22 Years
   • AFA: 19-23 Years
   • OTA: 19-25 Years
   • All the ages are inclusive and refer to the age at the time of course commencement.
3. AFCAT Exam: In AFCAT also there is no limit on the number of attempts one can make. However, your degree must be complete at the time of course commencement. In AFCAT also the age limit for different posts differs. Here is a detailed account:
   • Flying Branch: 19-23 years, Upper age limit for candidates holding valid and current Commercial Pilot License issued by DGCA (Indian) is relaxable up to 25 years.
   • Technical Branch: 23-26 years
   • Ground Duty Branches:
   • For Graduate: 20 to 23 years
   • For Post Graduate/LLB (Five years integrated course): 20 to 25
   • For LLB (Three years course after Graduation): 20 to 26 years
   • For M.Ed/Ph.D/CA/ICWA: 20 to 27 years.
   • All the ages are inclusive and refer to the age at the time of course commencement.