NDA Exam Eligibility - Who can apply for NDA

NDA exam eligibility

In our country, many young people are eager to serve in the Indian armed forces, and the NDA offers a great opportunity for them. But it’s important to know if you’re eligible to apply. That’s why Cadets Defence Academy has put together a comprehensive NDA exam eligibility guide just for you.

Nda exam eligibility highlights

Particulars	Details
Name of the Exam	NDA
Conducting Body	Union Public Service Commission
NDA Age Limit	16.5 to 19.5 years
Nationality	Bhartiya (Indian)
Gender & Marital Status	Unmarried Male and Female
Exam Level	National level
Post	Lieutenant
Physical Test	Candidates’ eligibility for the NDA physical exam will be determined by their height, weight, and fulfilment of medical requirements.
NDA Qualification	Army Wing: Passed or appearing in Class 12 For Air Force and Naval Wings: Passed or appearing in Class 12. must have Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics in Class 12
Selection Process	Written exam SSB Interview Medical

NDA Age Limit

Candidates who are unmarried and between the ages of 16.5 and 19.5 are eligible to take the NDA exam. As per this, your birthday should fall between July 2nd, when you turn 16.5 years old, and January 1st, when you turn 19.5 years old. It’s important to take note of this date to make sure you fulfil the requirements to take the NDA exam. If you fall into this age group and have ambitions of attending the prestigious National Defence Academy, you are headed in the right direction to fulfil your mission of serving your country.

NDA Age Limit for Girls

Girls who are between 16.5 and 19.5 years old on a certain date are eligible to take the NDA exam.

Here’s an example:

Only girls born between 2 July 2005, and 1 July 2008 are allowed to apply if the NDA exam is scheduled in 2024.

Important to Note

This age limit applies equally to both female and male candidates.
There are no exceptions or relaxations in the age criteria.

For the most accurate information, it’s important to trust official sources. Here are a few reliable sources:

UPSC Website: https://upsc.gov.in/
NDA website: https://nda.nic.in/

Educational Qualification

It is necessary to pass the 10+2 (or equivalent) exam, despite the fact there is no minimum percentage required. Still, your selection of stream in 12th standard matters for certain NDA wings.

Army: Any stream (Science, Arts, Commerce) is acceptable.
Air Force and Navy: Physics and Mathematics are compulsory subjects in 12th class.

Why do we need Physics and Maths for Airforce and Navy?

Navy and Air Force roles: For a variety of tasks, these branches significantly rely on technological understanding and scientific concepts. Understanding these ideas starts with basics in mathematics and physics.
Curriculum: Both Navy and Air Force require a good foundation in Physics and Mathematics for subjects like navigation, weapon systems, and aeronautics in their training programmes.
Selection Process: By including these subjects in the qualifying criteria, it becomes easier to evaluate a candidate’s ability to understand complex technical concepts that are essential for success in these particular fields.

Army wing, however, has a different requirement:

There are no specific subjects in the 12th standard required for the Army wing of the NDA. Candidates can apply from any stream (science, arts, or commerce)..

NDA Physical

Candidates who want to join in the Indian Armed Forces must meet the physical fitness requirements set by the National Defence Academy (NDA). These requirements are essential because they evaluate a candidate’s capacity to withstand the rigorous demands of military training and service. Below is a summary of the key attributes:

Height and Weight

Army & Air Force: A minimum of 152 cm for females and 157 cm for males is required. There are weight requirements based on gender and height.

Navy: A minimum of 152 cm for females and 162.5 cm for males is required. Chest size and height are used to determine weight limits.

Certain exceptions are applicable for candidates based on their region.

NDA Medical Requirements for Visual Standards

The distance vision (corrected) of candidates should be 6/6 in the better eye and 6/9 in the worse eye
Myopia should not be more than 2.5 D
Hypermetropia not more than 3.5 D including curvature.
Air Force applicants aren’t allowed to wear glasses.

Applicants can review the NDA requirements for the Navy and Air Force’s visual standards below.

Specification	Naval	Air Force
Binocular Vision	III	Nil
Limits of Myopia	-0.75	Nil
Limits of Colour Perception	I	Nil
Corrected with glass	6/6	6/6 (only for Hypermetropia)
Astigmatism	N.A.	0.75 Cyl (within 2.0 D.Max)
Limits of Hypermetropia	1.5	2.00 D Sph
Manifest Myopia	N.A.	Nil
Near Vision	N.A.	N-5 each eye
Uncorrected without glass	6/6	6/6, 6/9
Colour Vision	N.A.	CP-I (MLT)

NDA Guidelines for tattoo

Permanent tattoos are usually not allowed. This is true for every body part.

Exception exists for tribal communities: Candidates who are members of tribes where tattoos are considered cultural symbols may request an exception.

Additional points to consider:

The SSB has the final say on a candidate’s eligibility based on the paperwork they show and the interview.
In the Indian Armed Forces, professional behaviour includes keeping a clean look, which includes not having any tattoos that can be seen.

NDA Eligibility 2024 Marital Status

Only unmarried candidates (male and female) are eligible to apply for the NDA exam.
They must remain unmarried throughout their training period at the National Defence Academy (NDA).

Number of Attempts

There isn’t a defined number of attempts for the NDA exam as of March 11, 2024. This implies that as long as they meet the age limitation, which are 16.5 to 19.5 years old, candidates are free to submit more than one application for the test. Because of this openness, prospective students can take the test more than once in an effort to fulfil their dream of enrolling in the esteemed National Defence Academy. You can thus be confident that you have the opportunity to take the NDA exam more than once in order to fulfil your goals of serving your country and starting a fulfilling career provided you fall within the correct age range.

You’re prepared to take the next step towards fulfilling your dream of enrolling in the National Defence Academy now that you have a clearer grasp of the criteria for the NDA test. Armed with this understanding, you can confidently and clearly begin additional preparation. Use this chance to study more thoroughly, look into other options, and create winning study plans to succeed on this renowned test. Never forget that every action you do will get you one step closer to realising your dream of proudly serving your nation as a member of the prestigious military forces.

If you have met all the criteria mentioned above then we at Cadets Defence Academy can help you achieve your goal of clearing NDA, because we are the Best NDA Coaching in Dehradun. For more information contact us cadetsdefenceacademy@gmail.com or visit our official website https://cadetsdefenceacademy.com/

Contact Us

For any inquiries or assistance regarding NDA coaching in Dehradun, feel free to reach out to us. Here’s how you can get in touch:

Address: Sahastradhara Rd, near kriti appartment, opp. shani dev mandir, B Block, Aman Vihar, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001
Visit us at our campus located in Dehradun.

Phone Numbers:
You can contact us directly via phone for immediate assistance. Our phone numbers are +91- 099970 34744and + 91-7599367318.

Email: cadetsdefenceacademy@gmail.com
Do you have a question or require additional details? Send us an email at cadetsdefenceacademy@gmail.com Our team will get back to you promptly with the answers you need.

Website & Social Media Links:
Explore our website, www.cadetsdefenceacademy.com, for comprehensive details about our NDA coaching programs and facilities. Stay updated with the latest news and announcements by following us on social media. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Feel free to reach out to us through any of the channels mentioned above. We’re here to assist you on your journey towards achieving your NDA coaching goals in Dehradun.

Reach Us

How to Become an Officer in the Indian Armed Forces: Step-by-Step Guide for 2026

How to Become an Officer in the Indian Armed Forces: Step-by-Step Guide for 2026 Table of Contents I remember watching a young cadet at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) during his first parade. The crispness of his uniform and the sheer pride in his eyes as he saluted the tricolor was something else. But let me tell you, that pride comes after months of “ragda” and mental grill. If you’ve ever dreamt of wearing the olive greens, the whites, or the blues, you are in the right place. Knowing How to Become an Officer in the Indian Armed Forces is the first step toward a life of “Service Before Self.” In 2024, UPSC data showed that over 500 officer vacancies were filled across various wings, and the competition is only getting tougher. Whether you want to Join Indian Army right after school or after finishing your degree, I’ll walk you through the exact steps to get those stars on your shoulders. To How to Become an Officer in the Indian Armed Forces, you typically clear UPSC exams like NDA (after 12th) or CDS (after graduation) to get into academies (IMA, NDA, AFA, INA), followed by rigorous training and SSB interviews, with other paths like Technical Entry and NCC Special Entry also available, requiring strong academic performance and physical fitness for a Permanent Commission (PC) or Short Service Commission (SSC). Section 1: Check Your Eligibility First Before you start buying every best books for NDA you see online, you need to check if you even qualify. The officer eligibility in indian army is quite strict because they aren’t just looking for students; they are looking for leaders. As Col. Raj Singh, a retired trainer, often says, “Fit body, sharp mind—start here.” Age and Education Rules Timing is everything. For the NDA after 12th, the age limit for nda officer is generally between 16.5 to 19.5 years. You must have passed your 10+2, and if you’re eyeing the Air Force or Navy, Physics and Maths are mandatory. If you’ve already graduated, the education for cds exam requires a degree from a recognized university. The age limit for CDS exam eligibility usually stretches up to 24-25 years depending on the academy. People often ask, “To become army officer Which stream is best?” Honestly, while Science is great for technical entries, any stream works for the general entries as long as you have the “Officer Like Qualities.” Physical and Medical Standards The medical standards for officers are non-negotiable. For men, the minimum height weight for armed forces officer usually starts at 157 cm. Your vision must be 6/6 (though slight corrections are allowed for certain branches). Actionable Tip: Don’t wait for the exam results to start training. Get your BMI under 25 and aim to run 1.6 km in 5:45 min. This is crucial for physical fitness for ssb. Nationality and Marital Status You must be an Indian citizen according to the nationality rules for indian forces. Also, for entries like NDA and CDS, your marital status for army officer must be “Unmarried.” This ensures you can focus entirely on the grueling nda officer training. Section 2: Pick the Right Entry Route There isn’t just one way to enter the Indian Armed Forces. You need to match your current academic stage to the right scheme. NDA and NA Exam Path The nda exam full form is National Defence Academy. This is the most prestigious entry for How to become officer in Indian Army after 12. Held twice a year by UPSC, the NDA 1 2026 notification date is already on the radar for many. In 2024, nearly 4 lakh applicants fought for 400-odd seats. Think of heroes like Capt. Vikram Batra; his journey started at the National Defence Academy (NDA). CDS and AFCAT Options If you are looking at How to become officer in Indian Army after graduation, the Combined Defence Services (CDS) is your best bet. It fills slots for CDS IMA entry and the OTA (Officers Training Academy) in Chennai. For those who want to fly, the afcat eligibility criteria is what you need. The AFCAT after graduation allows you to join the afcat flying branch or afcat ground duty. The IAF usually releases around 200-300 afcat selection stages vacancies yearly. TES and Other Direct Entries If you have 70% in PCM, look at the tes army entry (Technical Entry Scheme). It’s a direct call for SSB based on marks—no written exam! For engineers, the army tgc notification (Technical Graduate Course) is a great opportunity. Always keep an eye on the UPSC website or Join Indian Navy portals for December 2025 notifications. Section 3: Master Exam Preparation You can’t wing these exams. You need a solid nda written exam prep strategy. Study Plan for Written Tests The nda syllabus 2026 and cds syllabus pdf cover Math, English, and GK. Solve 50 MCQs daily: Focus on speed and accuracy. Read Lucent GK book: This is a goldmine for general knowledge. Mock tests weekly: Use nda cutoff marks from previous years as your benchmark. Resources and Coaching At Cadets Defence Academy, we focus on personalized cds coaching tips and written prep. We’ve seen aspirants score 180/300 by just following a disciplined 6-month plan. Common Mistakes to Avoid Don’t guess in the exam! The negative marking will pull your nda cutoff marks down. Maj. Gen. Anil Gupta says, “Practice beats talent,” and he’s right. Focus on time management during your afcat ekt exam or CDS papers. Section 4: Ace the SSB Interview The ssb interview process is a 5-day assessment of your personality. It’s not just a viva; it’s a test of who you are. Stage 1: Screening Tests This includes the OIR (Officer Intelligence Rating) and PPDT (Picture Perception and Discussion Test). If you don’t speak up in the group, you’re out on day one. ssb coaching centers like Indian Defence Academy or Cadets Defence Academy help you build that confidence. Psychological and GTO Tasks The ssb psychology test involves writing TAT stories

Learn more

Best CDS Defence Academy in Dehradun | Best CDS Coaching Institute with SSB & Hostel

CDS Defence Academy in Dehradun | Best CDS Coaching Institute with SSB & Hostel Table of Contents Imagine cracking the CDS exam on your very first attempt. Sounds impossible? Well, that’s exactly what many students achieve at the CDS Defence Academy in Dehradun. Nestled in the serene hills of Dehradun, this academy has become the go-to destination for aspirants seeking the best CDS coaching in Dehradun, complete with SSB training and hostel facilities. With over 85% success rate in the past 3 years, and more than 500 students successfully placed in Indian armed forces, Cadets Defence Academy sets a benchmark for excellence. If you’re serious about your defence career, stick with me—I’ll break down why this academy is the top choice and how you can start your journey here. Why CDS Defence Academy Stands Out Proven Track Record When it comes to results, CDS Defence Academy in Dehradun speaks for itself. The academy had a 92% pass rate in CDS 2024 exams, beating the national average by over 40%. Students consistently clear written exams and SSB interviews, making it one of the top CDS coaching institutes in Dehradun. Even if you think you’re struggling, the academy’s personalized guidance and structured syllabus have helped students like Ravi, who cleared CDS twice after six months of rigorous training Expert Faculty Team The faculty at CDS Defence Academy in Dehradun is composed of ex-Army officers and defence experts with 15+ years of experience. They don’t just teach; they train winners. Director Col. Singh (Retd.) often says, “We train winners.” From teaching core CDS syllabus subjects like English, GK, and Mathematics to conducting SSB preparation drills, mentors here ensure students are ready for every stage. The academy emphasizes both academics and personality development, making it the best CDS coaching in Dehradun. Prime Location Benefits Location matters a lot when it comes to focus and stamina. Cadets Defence Academy is situated in Dehradun, offering clean air, peaceful environment, and scenic surroundings. It’s perfect for top CDS coaching in Dehradun, where distractions are minimal and study productivity is maximum. Visiting the campus even for a demo session can boost your confidence. Many students say the serene environment helps them focus better on preparation. Comprehensive CDS Coaching Program Core Syllabus Coverage At CDS Defence Academy, students get complete IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA preparation. Daily classes include English, General Knowledge, and Mathematics, with 200+ hours of targeted sessions. Cadets Defence Academy provides special focus on: English: Grammar, comprehension, vocabulary GK: History, Geography, Science, Defence awareness Math: Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry Weekly mock tests mimic the actual CDS exam pattern, ensuring students are exam-ready. Mock Tests and Analysis Regular full-length tests are conducted with detailed performance analysis. Benefits: Identify weak areas quickly Boost scores by 20–25% Improve time management and accuracy Personalized mentoring is included so students can track progress and improvement effectively. Personalized Mentoring Every student gets one-on-one guidance, including custom study plans. For example, a student Priya improved her GK score from 45% to 88% in just three months with focused mentoring at the academy. This is why CDS Defence Academy in Dehradun is considered the No.1 CDS coaching in Dehradun. Elite SSB Training Excellence Stage-Wise Prep Breakdown SSB is a key part of CDS selection process. The academy covers: TAT (Thematic Apperception Test) WAT (Word Association Test) SRT (Situation Reaction Test) Group Tasks in real terrain 78% of students receive recommendations from SSB boards after training here. Psychological and Physical Drills Students are put through confidence-building exercises and fitness regimes just like the real SSB environment. Bullet points for practice: Perform 50 SRTs daily Participate in group discussions twice a week Record and analyze OIR responses Hostel and Campus Life Modern Hostel Features The academy provides: AC rooms for 2–4 students 24/7 mess with healthy meals Laundry and Wi-Fi facilities 95% of students report better sleep and health due to the structured hostel environment. Daily Routine and Support Structured timetable for academics and physical training Recreational activities to relieve stress Dedicated mentors for academic and personal support Outstation students, like Neha, thrive here without worrying about home-related challenges. Safety and Recreation The campus is equipped with CCTV surveillance, a gym, library, and indoor recreation areas. If you enroll in the January 2026 batch, hostel spots are filling fast. Cadets Defence Academy fees are affordable, making it a preferred choice over other expensive CDS coaching in Dehradun. Success Stories and Next Steps Alumni Achievements Since 2020, over 350 students have been commissioned into IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA. Many have secured top ranks and joined prestigious postings in the Indian Armed Forces. Student Testimonials “Best CDS coaching institute ever,” says a CDS 2025 topper. 65% of students from non-metro areas succeed here due to focused mentoring. How to Enroll Today Step-by-step guide: Call +919997034744 for free counseling Fill online admission form via Cadets Defence Academy official website Attend demo session and confirm hostel booking Start CDS classes, SSB coaching, and physical training Scholarships available for toppers and meritorious students Cadets Defence Academy admission is simple, structured, and student-friendly. CDS Defence Academy Courses, Syllabus & Training Courses offered: NDA Foundation after 10th/12th Combined Defence Services (CDS) preparation SSB interview coaching Physical training and personality development Eligibility: Must meet UPSC CDS age limit and educational criteria Unmarried for IMA/AFA/INA; female candidates eligible for OTA Training includes: Full syllabus coverage (Math, English, GK) Daily mocks and weekly assessments SSB stage-wise preparation Psychological, group, and fitness exercises How to apply: Visit Cadets Defence Academy Website and submit online form; call +919997034744 for details. Why Choose Cadets Defence Academy Over Others? Feature Cadets Defence Academy Other Institutes Fees Affordable Expensive Hostel Modern AC rooms, Wi-Fi, Mess Limited or basic SSB Training Stage-wise, real terrain drills Limited focus Faculty Ex-Army officers, 15+ years experience Mixed quality Success Rate 85–92% 50–60% Cadets Defence Academy is clearly a top CDS coaching in Dehradun, focused on Noval students and giving priority to individual growth. Conclusion If you want to crack CDS exam with SSB

Learn more

NDA Exam 2026 Eligibility, Age Limit, Exam date and Educational Qualification

Important Topics You Need To Prepare for AFCAT Exam Table of Contents NDA Exam 2026 Eligibility, Age Limit, Exam date and Educational Qualification Welcome, future officers! The National Defence Academy (NDA) exam isn’t just a test; it’s the most prestigious gateway for young aspirants to begin a life of honour, service, and leadership in the Indian Armed Forces (Army, Navy, and Air Force). Conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), the NDA entry is a dream shared by countless young men and women across the nation. At Cadets Defence Academy Dehradun, we understand that your journey to wearing the uniform begins with clarity on the eligibility and the timeline. Getting these fundamental details right is the crucial first step in your preparation strategy. This comprehensive guide will not only lay out the official NDA Exam 2026 Eligibility Criteria, Age Limit, and Educational Qualification but will also equip you with the deep, insider knowledge—especially regarding the rigorous physical standards and the SSB Interview—that our successful cadets master. Let’s cut through the confusion and set the stage for your success in the NDA Exam 2026. Section I: NDA Exam 2026: A Quick Overview and Key Dates The NDA selection process is a three-stage marathon: the Written Examination, the SSB Interview (including the Psychological and Group Testing), and the Medical Examination. The final merit list is based on your performance in the written exam and the SSB interview. NDA 2026 Overview: Everything You Need to Know at a Glance Feature Detail Name of Exam National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (NDA & NA) Conducting Authority UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) Exam Frequency Twice a Year (NDA I and NDA II) Exam Mode Pen & Paper Based Mode (Offline) Tentative Vacancies Approximately 400 (Subject to Official Notification) Level of Exam National Level Mode of Application Online only (Through the official UPSC website) Application Fee ₹100/- (Exemptions for SC/ST, Female Candidates, and Wards of JCOs/NCOs/ORs) NDA Exam Date 2026: The Critical Timeline The UPSC follows a strict, predictable schedule. We urge every aspirant to mark these official NDA exam dates 2026 and use them as non-negotiable deadlines in your study plan. For NDA 1 2026: Your First Shot at Glory Event Date (Confirmed/Tentative) NDA Notification Date 2026 (Release) 10th December 2025 Release of Application Form 10th December 2025 Ending Date of Application Form 30th December 2025 Application Correction (OTR details) 2nd week of January 2026 Admit Card Available 4th week of March 2026 NDA 1 2026 Exam Date 12th April 2026 (Sunday) Result Announcement 1st week of May 2026 SSB Interview May/June 2026 For NDA 2 2026: The Second Opportunity Event Date (Confirmed/Tentative) NDA Notification Date 2026 (Release) 20th May 2026 Release of Application Form 20th May 2026 Last Date to Submit the Application Form 9th June 2026 Application Correction 2nd week of June 2026 Admit Card Available 4th week of August 2026 NDA 2 2026 Exam Date 13th September 2026 (Sunday) Result Announcement September 2026 SSB Interview October 2026 NDA Exam Timeline 2026 Strategy: Start your preparation the day the notification is released, or even better, six months before the first notification. The window for application is short—do not wait for the deadline. Section II: Deciphering the NDA 2026 Eligibility Criteria The Basic Eligibility for NDA Exam 2026 is non-negotiable. Aspirants must strictly adhere to the UPSC-mandated requirements covering nationality, age, and marital status. Who Can Apply for NDA 2026? Nationality and Status Indian Nationals are eligible to apply. A subject of Nepal or a subject of Bhutan is also eligible. A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Burma, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, East African countries (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, and Ethiopia), or Vietnam, with the intention of permanently settling in India. (A Certificate of Eligibility issued by the Government of India is mandatory in such cases). Gender, Marital Status, and Essential NDA Eligibility Requirements 2026 Gender: Both Male & Female candidates can apply for NDA & NA. This revolutionary inclusion has opened up the Armed Forces to the brightest young women in the country. Marital Status: Only unmarried candidates are eligible to apply. This status must be maintained until the completion of the training period. NDA Age Limit 2026: The Most Critical Factor The NDA age limit 2026 is the single most restrictive and important factor. UPSC is very rigid about the cut-off dates. Your Date of Birth (DOB) must fall within the specified period. There is no age relaxation in NDA 2026 for any category (SC/ST/OBC), unlike many other government exams. Age Criteria for NDA 1 2026 NDA 1 2026 Age Criteria for Boys & Girls Minimum Age for NDA 2026 Maximum Age Limit NDA Exam 2026 Date of Birth must fall on or between 2nd July 2007 1st July 2010 Age Criteria for NDA 2 2026 NDA 2 2026 Age Criteria for Boys & Girls Minimum Age for NDA 2026 Maximum Age Limit NDA Exam 2026 Date of Birth must fall on or between 2nd January 2008 1st January 2011 IMPORTANT: This is the precise Age Eligibility for NDA Entry 2026. If your birth date is even one day outside this range, you are ineligible. Use our Cadets Defence Academy Age Calculator tool on our website for an instant, accurate check! Section III: Educational Qualification: Your Academic Passport to the Forces The NDA Educational Qualification 2026 is determined by the specific wing you wish to join. Aspirants need to pay close attention to the required subjects. Educational Requirements NDA Exam 2026 for Each Wing Wing/Academy Minimum Education for NDA 2026 Stream-Wise Eligibility NDA 2026 Army Wing of NDA Must have passed the 10+2 (or equivalent) examination from any recognized Board. Any Stream (Arts, Commerce, Science) is accepted. Air Force & Naval Wings of NDA Must have passed the 10+2 (or equivalent) examination from a recognized State or National Board. Mandatory Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM). Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme) Must have passed the 10+2 examination. Mandatory Subjects: Physics, Chemistry,

Learn more

NDA Exam Eligibility - Who can apply for NDA

Table of Contents