If you dream of joining the Indian Armed Forces as an officer, exams like NDA, CDS, and AFCAT are your gateway. One of the most common questions among defence aspirants is:
👉 How many attempts are allowed for NDA, CDS, and AFCAT?
In this complete guide by The Lakshya Academy, we explain the number of attempts, age limits, eligibility, and important rules for each exam.
Why Understanding Attempt Limits Is Important
Before preparing for any defence exam, knowing the maximum attempts and age eligibility helps you:
✔ Plan your preparation timeline
✔ Avoid missing eligibility deadlines
✔ Choose the best entry route
✔ Stay focused on the right exam
Let’s break it down exam-wise.
NDA Attempt Limit (National Defence Academy)
✔ Is There a Fixed Attempt Limit for NDA?
There is no fixed number of attempts for NDA.
You can appear for the exam as many times as you want, as long as you meet the age and eligibility criteria.
Minimum Age: 16.5 years
Maximum Age: 19.5 years
Since UPSC conducts NDA twice a year, most candidates can appear 3 to 6 times depending on when they become eligible.
✔ Educational Qualification
For Army Wing → 12th pass (any stream)
For Air Force & Navy → 12th with Physics and Maths
✔ Key Tip from The Lakshya Academy
Start preparation early (Class 11 or 12) to maximize your chances within the age window.
CDS Attempt Limit (Combined Defence Services)
✔ Is There a Fixed Attempt Limit for CDS?
Just like NDA, there is no fixed number of attempts in CDS.
You can attempt CDS until you cross the maximum age limit for the respective academy.
✔ CDS Age Limit (Academy-wise)
- Academy Age Limit
- Indian Military Academy (IMA) 19–24 years
- Indian Naval Academy (INA) 19–24 years
- Air Force Academy (AFA) 20–24 years
- Officers Training Academy (OTA) 19–25 years
- Since CDS is conducted twice a year, most candidates get 4 to 8 attempts depending on eligibility.
✔ Educational Qualification
- IMA / OTA → Graduation in any discipline
- INA → Engineering degree
- AFA → Graduation with Physics & Maths (10+2 level)
AFCAT Attempt Limit (Air Force Common Admission Test)
✔ Is There a Fixed Attempt Limit for AFCAT?
- Again, no fixed attempt limit.
- You can apply multiple times until you reach the age limit for your chosen branch.
✔ AFCAT Age Limit
- Branch Age Limit
- Flying Branch 20–24 years
- Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) 20–26 years
- AFCAT is conducted twice a year, giving candidates several chances within the age criteria.
✔ Educational Qualification
- Graduation (minimum 60% marks)
- Physics & Maths at 10+2 (for Flying Branch)
Quick Comparison: NDA vs CDS vs AFCAT Attempts
| Exam | Fixed Attempt Limit | Age-Based Attempts |
|---|
| NDA | No | 3–6 approx |
| CDS | No | 4–8 approx |
| AFCAT | No | Multiple till age limit |
👉 Conclusion: All three exams have no fixed attempt number — only age restrictions apply.
Best Strategy to Maximize Your Attempts
At The Lakshya Academy, we recommend:
✔ Start preparation early
✔ Attempt exam every eligible cycle
✔ Improve weak subjects after each attempt
✔ Prepare for SSB alongside written exam
✔ Maintain physical fitness
Consistency matters more than the number of attempts.
Final Thoughts
If you want to join the Indian Armed Forces through NDA, CDS, or AFCAT, don’t worry about attempt limits — focus on age eligibility and preparation strategy.
✔ No fixed attempt limit
✔ Age criteria is the real restriction
✔ Early preparation = more chances
With proper guidance and disciplined study, even one well-prepared attempt can change your life.
