NDA Eligibility Criteria 2026 require candidates to be unmarried males and females aged between 16.5 to 19.5 years, with specific birth date ranges for NDA 1 and NDA 2. Candidates must have passed or be appearing in Class 12 (PCM required for Navy & Air Force wings). Indian citizens and candidates from approved nationalities are eligible.
This detailed guide covers complete eligibility requirements, age limits, educational qualifications, physical standards, and application process to help aspirants successfully apply for the National Defence Academy (NDA) exam conducted by UPSC.
NDA Eligibility Criteria 2026 Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian Citizens + Approved Categories |
| Gender | Unmarried Male & Female |
| Marital Status | Only Unmarried |
NDA Age Limit 2026
| Exam | Minimum Age | Maximum Age | Birth Date Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| NDA 1 2026 | 16.5 years | 19.5 years | 2 July 2007 – 1 July 2010 |
| NDA 2 2026 | 16.5 years | 19.5 years | 2 January 2008 – 1 July 2011 |
Important Notes: No age relaxation for any category. Candidates must be unmarried on the date of joining the academy.
Nationality
The following candidates are eligible for NDA Eligibility Criteria 2026:
- Citizens of India
- Subjects of Nepal
- Subjects of Bhutan
- Tibetan refugees who came to India before 1 January 1962 with the intention of permanently settling
- Persons of Indian origin who have migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, and Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India
Foreign nationals (except approved categories) are not eligible.
Educational Qualification
| Wing | Educational Qualification |
|---|---|
| Army Wing | Passed or appearing in Class 12 or equivalent |
| Navy & Air Force | Passed or appearing in Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics (PCM) |
Key Points: Candidates appearing in Class 12 can apply but must submit proof of passing before the course commencement. No minimum percentage is required — only passing marks from a recognized board.
Other Essential Requirements
- Marital Status: Only unmarried candidates are eligible. Marriage during training is not permitted.
- Gender: Both male and female candidates can apply.
- Physical & Medical Standards: Candidates must meet strict height, weight, eyesight, and overall medical fitness standards set by the Services Selection Board (SSB).
Number of Attempts
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Attempts | No Limit |
| Restriction | Must be within the prescribed age limit |
Candidates can appear for NDA 1 and NDA 2 every year until they exceed the maximum age.
How to Apply for NDA 2026?
- Visit the official UPSC website (upsconline.nic.in).
- Register and fill the online application form.
- Upload required documents and scanned images.
- Pay the application fee.
- Submit the form and take a printout for future reference.
NDA Exam Pattern
| Subject | Duration | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 2.5 Hours | 300 |
| General Ability Test | 2.5 Hours | 600 |
| Total | - | 900 |
