NDA Eligibility 2026: Age Limit, Education, Height, Nationality & Physical Standards
- Dec 30, 2025
- 3 min read
If you are planning to appear for the UPSC NDA & NA-I 2026 exam, understanding the NDA Eligibility 2026 is the first and most important step. Thousands of candidates get rejected every year simply because they do not meet the NDA age limit, qualification requirements, physical fitness, or medical standards. To help you avoid mistakes, this guide explains NDA eligibility in detail.
NDA Eligibility 2026 — Overview Table
Particulars | Details |
Conducting Authority | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
Exam Name | National Defence Academy & Naval Academy (NDA/NA) 2026 |
Total Vacancies | 394 |
Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
Eligibility Type | Unmarried Male & Female Candidates |
Age Requirement | Born between 01 July 2007 and 01 July 2010 |
Educational Qualification (Army) | Passed 10+2 (any stream) |
Educational Qualification (Navy/Air Force/INA) | 10+2 with Physics & Mathematics |
Selection Stages | Written Exam → SSB Interview → Medical Test → Merit |
Official Website |
What is an NDA?
The National Defence Academy (NDA) is a premier training institute that prepares cadets for:
Indian Army
Indian Navy
Indian Air Force
The selection process includes:
UPSC NDA Written Exam
SSB Interview
Medical Examination
Final Merit List
Clearing the NDA gives candidates a prestigious opportunity to serve the nation as commissioned officers.
NDA Nationality Eligibility 2026
To apply for NDA, the candidate must be:
A citizen of India, OR
A subject of Nepal, OR
A person of Indian origin who migrated from approved countries to settle permanently in India (with an eligibility certificate issued by the Government of India).
Gorkha candidates from Nepal do NOT need an eligibility certificate.
Candidates must also remain unmarried until completing training.
NDA Age Limit 2026
To be eligible for NDA 2026:
Candidates must be born between01 July 2007 and 01 July 2010 (including both dates).
This applies to both male and female candidates.
Important Conditions
Marriage is strictly prohibited during training.
If a candidate marries during training, their candidature is cancelled, and training expenses must be refunded.
NDA Educational Qualification 2026
The NDA Eligibility 2026 Educational Qualification candidates must meet to apply for the National Defence Academy:
Wing / Academy | Required Qualification |
Army Wing, National Defence Academy (NDA) | Passed 12th (10+2 pattern) or equivalent from a State Board or University |
Air Force Wing, NDA | Passed 12th (10+2) with Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics (PCM) |
Naval Wing, NDA | Passed 12th (10+2) with Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics (PCM) |
10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme — Indian Naval Academy (INA) | Passed 12th (10+2) with Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics (PCM) |
Note: Students appearing in 12th (10+2 pattern) are also eligible to apply.
NDA Physical & Medical Standards 2026
Candidates must be physically and medically fit according to Defence Medical Standards.
Key Physical Factors Checked
Height and weight
Chest expansion
Vision standards
Musculoskeletal fitness
Cardiac health
ENT (ear, nose, throat) health
📌 Detailed measurement charts are available in the UPSC NDA notification.
Pro Tip: If you have any medical condition (e.g., flat feet, colour blindness, asthma), consult a doctor before the Medical to avoid rejection later.
NDA Height Requirements (General Guideline)
Service | Minimum Height |
Indian Army | 157 cm |
Indian Navy | 157 cm |
Indian Air Force | 162.5 cm |
Relaxation exists for certain regions such as Gorkhas, North-East candidates, and tribal groups.
Who is NOT Eligible for NDA?
You cannot apply if:
You are married
You fail medical standards
You were removed from military academies for discipline issues
You are debarred by the Ministry of Defence
You provided false information in the application/forms
NDA Eligibility Quick Checklist
Use this to confirm eligibility before applying:
Unmarried (male or female)
Born between 01 July 2007 and 01 July 2010
Passed Class 12 (PCM required for Air Force & Navy)
Physically and medically fit
No disciplinary removal or debarment
If everything matches, you are eligible to apply.
Final Thought
Meeting NDA Eligibility 2026 is the first step toward wearing the uniform. Once eligibility is confirmed, focus on building discipline, fitness, and strong preparation habits.
🎯 Stay consistent. Stay motivated. Serve with pride.
NDA Eligibility 2026 — FAQs
Can girls apply for NDA?
Yes — NDA is open to both boys and girls.
Can I apply without Physics and Math?
Yes, but only for the Army Wing.
Can married candidates apply for NDA?
No — marriage is prohibited during training.
Are Class 12 appearing candidates eligible?
Yes, but they must pass before document verification.
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