Details

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

Other Active UPSC Recruitment 2026

Job Openings	Last Date	Apply Now
Translator, Assistant Mining Engineer and More Jobs -45 Posts	29-05-2026
Assistant Professor, Scientific Officer and More Jobs -5 Posts	15-05-2026

NDA Eligibility Criteria 2026 - FAQ's

Q1. What is the age limit for NDA 2026?

The age limit is 16.5 to 19.5 years. For NDA 1 2026, candidates must be born between 2 July 2007 and 1 July 2010.

Q2. Can girls apply for NDA 2026?

Yes, unmarried female candidates can apply for NDA after the Supreme Court ruling.

Q3. What is the educational qualification for NDA?

Candidates must have passed or be appearing in Class 12. PCM is compulsory for Navy and Air Force wings.

Q4. Is there any limit on the number of attempts for NDA?

There is no limit on attempts. Candidates can apply as long as they meet the age criteria.

Q5. What is the nationality requirement for NDA?

Indian citizens and candidates from Nepal, Bhutan, and specified categories of Tibetan refugees and persons of Indian origin are eligible.

NDA Eligibility Criteria 2026: Check Age Limit, Qualification, Nationality & More