The NDA Eligibility Criteria is the set of official requirements laid out by UPSC for students applying to the National Defence Academy. These include age restrictions, educational qualifications, physical fitness, nationality, and medical standards.
The rules are the same for both male and female candidates who wish to join the Indian Armed Forces through NDA.
At Alpha NDA Academy, we begin every student’s preparation by checking their eligibility. This early clarity helps avoid errors and ensures every candidate is focused on the right goal from day one.
NDA Eligibility 2026: Age Limit for NDA
The NDA age limit determines if a candidate can apply for a specific exam session. UPSC specifies the exact date ranges for eligibility in its official notifications.
A candidate should be between 16.5 to 19.5 years old at the time of joining the academy. Even a one-day gap beyond this range makes the student ineligible.
This age criterion applies equally to boys and girls. There are no relaxations for SC, ST, OBC, or any other category.
At Alpha NDA Academy, we verify each student’s Class 10 certificate during enrollment. For instance, if a student is born in June 2007, they will be eligible for NDA 1 but not NDA 2 in 2026. We make sure students apply in the right cycle.
Educational Qualification Required
Eligibility also depends on academic background. This ensures candidates are mentally prepared for the technical demands of a military career.
To be eligible, a student must:
- Have passed Class 12, or
- Be appearing in Class 12 final exams
Your stream in school affects the services you can apply for:
- Army Wing – open to students from any stream: science, commerce, or humanities
- Air Force and Naval Wings – require students to have studied Physics and Mathematics in Class 12
So, a commerce student can apply for the Army wing only, while a science student with Physics and Maths can apply for all three wings.
There is no minimum percentage required. As long as the student has passed or is appearing for the board exam, they meet this criterion.
Alpha NDA Academy guides students from Class 10 itself, helping them choose the right stream based on their interest and career goal. If a student aims for the Air Force, we help them shift to science early to stay eligible.
Read More: Physical Requirements for NDA for Male Candidates
NDA Criteria After Class 10
Students often ask if they can apply for NDA after Class 10. The answer is no.
You must be in Class 12 or have already passed it to apply. But starting preparation after Class 10 is smart. It gives more time to build core skills in Mathematics, General Knowledge, and English—the key areas in the written exam.
That’s why Alpha NDA Academy offers foundation batches for post-Class 10 students. These courses blend academic preparation with physical training, discipline, and SSB awareness.
Early starters have more time to build habits that lead to selection on their very first attempt.
Eligibility for Female NDA Candidates
Female candidates are fully eligible to apply for the NDA exam. Since the Supreme Court’s 2021 ruling, girls can undergo the same training and selection process as boys.
Here are the eligibility conditions for female candidates:
- Age must be between 16.5 and 19.5 years
- Must be in Class 12 or have passed it
- Should meet the same nationality and fitness requirements
- Must remain unmarried during application and training
- Minimum height for girls is 152 cm (compared to 157 cm for boys)
Other physical and medical standards are almost identical. Girls must be in excellent health, with proper vision, normal spine alignment, and good dental and hearing conditions.
At Alpha NDA Academy, we provide exclusive NDA coaching for girls. From fitness sessions and mock interviews to academic mentoring and defence motivation, our female aspirants receive complete support in a secure and empowering environment.
Read More: Physical Requirements for NDA for Female Candidates
Nationality Rules
NDA admission eligibility also includes nationality criteria. A candidate is eligible to apply if they are:
- A citizen of India, or
- A subject of Nepal or Bhutan, or
- A Tibetan refugee who arrived in India before 1st January 1962 to settle permanently, or
- A person of Indian origin who migrated from countries like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Burma, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, etc., intending to settle in India
Candidates in the last three categories must obtain a certificate of eligibility from the Government of India. The exception is for Gorkha candidates from Nepal, who do not need this certificate.
Alpha NDA Academy helps students from Nepal or other eligible origins gather the right documents before applying. We ensure the process is smooth and stress-free.
NDA Candidates Marital Status
Only unmarried candidates can apply for the NDA exam. This applies to both boys and girls. The rule also states that candidates must remain unmarried until they complete training at the academy.
If a candidate marries during training, they will be disqualified and discharged.
We always explain this clearly to students and parents at Alpha NDA Academy. Being informed early prevents complications later.
Physical Standards for NDA
Physical fitness is essential to qualify for NDA. Candidates must meet minimum height and weight criteria and have no medical conditions that interfere with military duties.
Height Requirements
- Boys: Minimum 157 cm
- Girls: Minimum 152 cm
- Air Force candidates: Minimum 162.5 cm
Relaxations are provided for candidates from certain regions like the North-Eastern states, Garhwal, Kumaon, and Lakshadweep. These can range between 2–5 cm depending on the region.
Weight Standards
Weight must be proportionate to height and age. UPSC follows specific charts to check this. For example, a male candidate with a height of 160 cm should weigh around 47–52 kg.
Large deviations from the ideal weight can result in disqualification.
At Alpha NDA Academy, we organize structured physical fitness programs including running, flexibility training, strength workouts, and endurance routines. This helps our students meet physical eligibility in time.
Eye and Vision Standards
Vision plays a key role in Basic eligibility for NDA aspirants, especially for Air Force aspirants.
Basic standards include:
- Vision of 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in the other (correctable)
- Myopia should not exceed -2.5 D
- Hypermetropia should not be more than +3.5 D
- No color blindness or night blindness
- Air Force candidates must not use spectacles
Common issues like squint, lazy eye, or extreme power can lead to rejection. That’s why early eye check-ups are strongly advised.
Alpha NDA Academy helps students connect with defence-qualified eye specialists to evaluate and correct issues before the final exam.
Other Medical Conditions
UPSC conducts a full body medical examination after the SSB interview. Candidates are checked for:
- Flat feet, knock knees, and spinal problems
- Heart and lung function
- Skin disorders
- Dental health
- Hearing loss
- Gynaecological health (for female candidates)
The medical exam is thorough, and any unfit result means removal from the selection process.
Alpha NDA Academy conducts pre-medical screening through trained defence doctors. This gives students time to take corrective steps or get treatment before their actual medical exam.
Selection Process After Eligibility
Meeting NDA eligibility is just the start. The full selection process includes three major stages:
- Written Exam – conducted by UPSC
- SSB Interview – a five-day personality and intelligence test
- Medical Examination – carried out in a military hospital
Only students who pass all three stages make it to the final merit list.
Alpha NDA Academy trains students for all three phases in one integrated course. Our approach includes classroom sessions, SSB coaching, mock interviews, personality development, and medical fitness training.
Common Questions: Requirements to apply for NDA
Can a student in Class 11 apply for NDA?
No, they must be in or have passed Class 12.
Is there a minimum percentage required in Class 12?
No, just passing or appearing is enough.
Can students with spectacles apply?
Yes, for Army and Navy. No, for Air Force flying branches.
Can a commerce or arts student apply?
Yes, but only for the Army Wing. Air Force and Navy require Physics and Maths.
Is open schooling accepted?
Yes, if the board is recognized by the government.
How Alpha NDA Academy Helps Students Meet Eligibility
Before starting preparation, Alpha NDA Academy checks:
- Age and birth certificate
- Educational board and subjects
- Height, weight, and vision
- Medical history
- Nationality and documentation
If any issue is found, we help students improve fitness, change subject combinations, or begin corrective treatment where necessary. This level of personalized guidance ensures students are fully eligible by the time they apply.
We also host regular awareness workshops for parents to help them understand the process and support their child’s journey.
Final Thoughts
The NDA eligibility is the foundation of every aspirant’s journey to becoming an officer in the Indian Armed Forces. Without meeting these conditions, even the most capable student cannot apply or move forward.
Whether it’s the age requirement, Class 12 qualification, physical fitness, nationality documentation, or medical health—every rule must be respected and met.
At Alpha NDA Academy, we guide students through each step of eligibility with care and precision. From the very first counselling session to the final day before the exam, we make sure nothing is missed.
What is NDA eligibility?
It is the official criteria set by UPSC that decide whether a candidate can apply for the NDA exam. It includes age limit, educational qualification, nationality, marital status, and physical and medical standards. Meeting all conditions is mandatory to participate in the selection process.
What is the age limit for NDA eligibility in 2026?
For NDA eligibility in 2026, candidates must be between 16.5 and 19.5 years of age at the time of course commencement. The exact eligible date of birth range is mentioned in the UPSC NDA notification and applies equally to boys and girls.
Is NDA eligibility the same for boys and girls?
Yes, eligibility criteria is almost the same for boys and girls. Both must meet the same age limit, educational qualification, nationality rules, and medical standards. The only difference is in minimum height, where female candidates have a slightly lower requirement.
What educational qualification is required for NDA eligibility?
To meet eligibility, candidates must have passed or be appearing in Class 12 from a recognized board. For the Army wing, any stream is allowed, while Air Force and Navy wings require Physics and Mathematics in Class 12.
Can a Class 11 student apply for NDA?
No, Class 11 students do not meet NDA eligibility. Candidates must be in Class 12 or have already passed it at the time of application. However, students can begin NDA preparation after Class 10 to gain an early advantage.
Is there any minimum percentage required for NDA eligibility?
No, NDA eligibility does not require any minimum percentage in Class 12. Candidates only need to pass or be appearing in the board examination. Marks do not affect eligibility, but academic consistency helps during preparation and later training.
What nationality is required for NDA eligibility?
To satisfy NDA eligibility, a candidate must be a citizen of India, or a subject of Nepal or Bhutan. Certain other categories, such as Tibetan refugees or persons of Indian origin from specified countries, are also eligible with a government-issued eligibility certificate.
Is marital status important for NDA eligibility?
Yes, marital status is a key part of NDA eligibility. Only unmarried male and female candidates can apply. Candidates must remain unmarried during the entire training period, or their candidature will be cancelled.
What are the physical standards for NDA eligibility?
NDA eligibility includes physical standards such as minimum height, weight proportional to height, and overall fitness. For boys, the minimum height is 157 cm, and for girls, it is 152 cm. Certain regional height relaxations are allowed as per UPSC rules.
What medical conditions can lead to rejection in NDA eligibility?
Candidates may be declared unfit for NDA eligibility due to conditions like flat feet, knock knees, spinal deformities, poor vision beyond limits, hearing issues, or chronic illnesses. Medical fitness is checked after the SSB interview at authorized military hospitals.
Can candidates with spectacles meet NDA eligibility?
Candidates with spectacles can meet NDA criteria for Army and Navy wings if their vision falls within permitted limits. However, for Air Force flying branches, spectacle use is not allowed, and stricter eyesight standards apply.
Does NDA eligibility change every year?
The core NDA eligibility criteria remain mostly the same each year, but age cut-off dates and exam schedules change with every UPSC notification. Candidates should always check the latest official notification to confirm current eligibility details.
