The qualification for NDA exam is the first thing every defence aspirant needs to understand before beginning their preparation.

The NDA (National Defence Academy) exam is one of the most prestigious defence entrance test in India, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). It opens the door to a respected career in the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force.

At Alpha NDA Academy, we meet thousands of students every year who are unsure about the eligibility criteria.

Many students have doubts about the required marks, the stream they must choose, the subjects that qualify, and whether they are even allowed to apply.

This guide has been written to clear all of that confusion in the most helpful, clear, and student-friendly way.

If you’re preparing for NDA or planning to apply soon, this article will answer all your questions about age, education, subjects, nationality, gender eligibility, and even the physical and medical standards required.

Let’s break it down together.

What Are the Qualification for NDA Exam?

Understanding the right academic qualification is the first step toward your NDA dream. It depends on the branch you want to apply for – Army, Navy, or Air Force.

Alpha NDA Academy always starts with this when mentoring students because applying with the wrong subject combination will make your application invalid.

Qualification for the Army Wing

The NDA Army Wing allows students from any stream.

The qualification for NDA exam in the Army wing is passing Class 12 or equivalent from any recognized board. You can be from Science, Commerce, or Humanities.

For example, if you’re a student from the Commerce stream with Accounts, Business Studies, and Economics in Class 12, you are still eligible for the Army wing.

Students at Alpha NDA Academy who come from Arts and Commerce often feel unsure about their chances, but we help them focus on areas they can master, like General Studies and English, which carry significant weight in the exam.

Qualification for the Air Force and Navy Wings

For these two branches, science subjects are mandatory.

To apply for the Air Force or Naval Wing, you must have passed Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics as core subjects.

This means you need to be a Science stream student with PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics). Even if you had Biology as an extra subject, it’s your Physics and Maths marks that matter.

Let’s say you are a student currently studying in Class 12 with PCM – you can apply for all three branches. We at Alpha NDA Academy recommend this path as it keeps all options open, especially for those interested in technical and flying roles.

Appearing NDA Candidates

Another common question is: Can students who are still in Class 12 apply?

Yes, students appearing in Class 12 can apply, as long as they clear their final exams before the SSB interview and joining process.

Many of our top-rankers from Alpha NDA Academy applied during their 12th year and cleared both the written and SSB stages successfully.

NDA Exam Age Limit and Marital Status

Along with academic qualifications, UPSC also has strict rules about age and marital status.

Age Criteria

The candidate must be between 16.5 to 19.5 years old at the time of joining. UPSC provides the exact date range in each official notification, depending on the year of the exam.

This means that if your birthdate falls outside the age range by even a few days, you are not eligible.

At Alpha NDA Academy, we always remind our students to check their age based on the specific NDA exam cycle. Many aspirants lose their chance simply because they don’t verify the cut-off date carefully.

Marital Status

Only unmarried candidates are allowed to apply. Marriage during the training period will lead to disqualification.

This rule is important because the life of a cadet requires full focus and commitment. Alpha NDA Academy explains these lifestyle expectations in detail to every student and parent from the start.

Nationality Requirement for NDA

Nationality is another key part of NDA eligibility.

The candidate must be:

• A citizen of India, or
• A subject of Nepal or Bhutan, or
• A Tibetan refugee who settled in India before 1st January 1962

In special cases, the government may allow individuals of Indian origin who migrated from certain countries (like Sri Lanka, Burma, Pakistan) to apply, but they must have an official certificate of eligibility.

Alpha NDA Academy has helped students from Nepal and Bhutan apply through proper guidance, especially on documentation and verification.

Gender Eligibility for NDA

For a long time, NDA was open only to male candidates. But now, both boys and girls are eligible to apply for NDA, provided they meet all other criteria.

The Supreme Court of India allowed female candidates to appear for the NDA exam starting from 2021.

Since then, Alpha NDA Academy has created a special coaching track for female NDA aspirants, focusing on both physical and mental training.

Girls go through the same exam, SSB, and training processes as boys.

Physical and Medical Standards

Many students focus on written preparation but ignore the physical and medical requirements. This often becomes a barrier later during the selection process.

Here’s what you need to know:

Height and Weight Standards

• Minimum height for males: around 157 cm
• Minimum height for females: around 152 cm

These can vary slightly based on region (for example, candidates from hilly areas may get some relaxation).

The weight should be proportionate to the height and age. Our trainers at Alpha NDA Academy maintain detailed BMI charts for every student to ensure they’re on track.

Vision Standards

• For the Army: 6/6 vision is preferred (correctable vision is accepted in some roles)
• For the Air Force: higher standards apply – uncorrected vision must be within a certain limit
• Color blindness and night blindness are not allowed

Students interested in flying branches must meet more detailed vision and ear health requirements.

General Health Conditions

The candidate should be free from any chronic illness or disability. No history of mental disorders, epilepsy, or surgeries that might interfere with duties.

At Alpha NDA Academy, students go through mock medical assessments before applying so they are not caught by surprise during the final testing.

NDA Subjects and Syllabus Overview

Many students also search about the subjects and syllabus while checking the qualifications. Understanding what you will be tested on helps you prepare with focus.

NDA Written Exam Subjects

The NDA written exam has two main sections:

1. Mathematics – Covers topics like Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, Statistics, and Geometry
2. General Ability Test (GAT) – Includes English, Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, and Current Affairs

Science students generally perform well in the Maths and Science portions. But even students from Commerce or Arts backgrounds can do great with practice and strategy.

At Alpha NDA Academy, we design the study plan based on the student’s background. For example, a student strong in Humanities is trained more deeply in English, History, and Current Affairs to balance the paper.

NDA Syllabus Portions

The syllabus is vast but predictable. Some of the high-scoring areas are:

• English grammar and comprehension
• Physics basics (up to Class 12 level)
• Maths formulas and speed-based problem-solving
• Indian polity, freedom struggle, geography

We help students focus on topics that offer high marks with low effort, especially for those who start late.

NDA Exam Timings and Structure

Understanding the exam schedule and structure helps in exam-day planning.

• Mathematics: 2.5 hours – 300 marks
• GAT: 2.5 hours – 600 marks

The paper is held offline (pen and paper) and the total is 900 marks. Those who clear the cut-off are called for the SSB interview, which is another 900 marks.

Alpha NDA Academy in Sikar conducts regular mock exams that match the timing and format of the real test, helping students build exam-day stamina and speed.

How Alpha NDA Academy Helps You Qualify

Knowing the qualifications is just the first step. To clear NDA, you need expert preparation, consistent guidance, and mental toughness.

Here’s how Alpha NDA Academy supports you:

• Regular coaching by ex-defence officers and subject experts
• SSB interview training with mock tests and personality assessments
• Physical fitness guidance with daily training sessions
• Academic focus based on your school subjects and strengths
• Female aspirant mentorship and motivation

Many of our students come from small towns, government schools, and modest backgrounds. With proper planning and belief, they clear NDA with confidence.

Final Thoughts

The qualification for NDA exam is passing Class 12 or equivalent from a recognized board, being within 16.5 to 19.5 years of age, and meeting the subject, nationality, and medical criteria.

For the Army wing, any stream is allowed. For the Air Force and Naval wings, Physics and Maths are compulsory in Class 12.

You must also be unmarried and medically fit.

By understanding these qualifications clearly and preparing the right way, your chances of success increase dramatically.

Alpha NDA Academy has been a guiding light for thousands of students across India. We make sure every aspirant not only meets the NDA exam qualification but also excels in the written test, SSB, and beyond.

If you’re ready to serve the nation and live with honour, now is the time to begin—with the right preparation, right strategy, and right support.

Let Alpha NDA Academy be your first step toward the uniform.

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