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.

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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,

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Best NDA Coaching in India – The Ultimate Guide to Cracking NDA with Cadets Defence Academy (2026 Edition)

Best NDA Coaching in India – The Ultimate Guide to Cracking NDA with Cadets Defence Academy (2026 Edition) Table of Contents 1. Introduction: Your Journey to Join the National Defence Academy Every year thousands of young Indians dream of wearing the olive-green uniform, saluting the tricolour, and serving the nation with pride. The National Defence Academy (NDA) is the first big step toward that dream. But clearing the NDA exam and interview requires far more than passion—it needs the right direction, discipline, and professional mentoring. That’s where Cadets Defence Academy, the best NDA coaching in India, becomes your mission partner. Located in the heart of Dehradun, the city known as the Defence Hub of India, Cadets Defence Academy trains future officers through structured academics, physical fitness sessions, and the value system that every soldier carries for life. Whether you are a Class 10 student planning ahead or a Class 12 aspirant ready to appear this year, this complete guide will show you how to choose the right institute, prepare effectively, and understand why Cadets Defence Academy is trusted by thousands of successful cadets across India. 2. Why Choose the Best NDA Coaching in India? A. Because NDA Demands More Than Book Knowledge The NDA selection process checks not only your academic ability but also your personality, leadership, endurance, and mental resilience. A regular school or tuition center cannot train all these aspects together. That’s why aspirants look for the top NDA coaching institutes in India that offer a blend of academics, physical training, and SSB interview preparation under one roof. B. Expert Guidance Matters At Cadets Defence Academy, each subject is taught by faculty members who have years of experience in NDA and Defence Services Exams. From Mathematics and English to General Knowledge and Current Affairs, every lecture is designed to match the latest UPSC syllabus and exam pattern. C. Structured Training and Regular Assessments The Academy follows a regimented schedule: early-morning PT, classroom learning, evening self-study, and weekly mock tests. Such structure keeps students goal-oriented and disciplined—two qualities that define a defence officer. Quick Fact: Cadets Defence Academy has consistently maintained one of the highest NDA coaching success rates in India, with hundreds of selections in the past few years. 3. Top NDA Coaching Institutes in India (2026 Ranking) India has no shortage of institutes claiming to prepare students for the NDA exam, but only a handful truly understand the ethos of the Armed Forces. When ranking the top NDA coaching institutes in India, the following factors make all the difference: Experienced Faculty & Defence Background: Trainers who have either served in the Armed Forces or have years of coaching experience. Comprehensive Study Material: Updated notes, solved papers, and NDA-pattern mock tests. SSB Interview Infrastructure: Psych tests, group tasks, and personality grooming sessions. Physical Training Facilities: PT grounds, obstacle courses, and regular medical fitness checks. Consistent Results & Student Reviews. Cadets Defence Academy – Leading the List Cadets Defence Academy in Dehradun stands tall on all these parameters. It is not only the best coaching for NDA exam in India but also a full-fledged training institute nurturing future officers with discipline and determination. 📞 Contact Us: +91 9997034744 | +91 7599367318🌐 Website: https://cadetsdefenceacademy.com/📍 Address: 4, Cement Rd, opposite DBS PG College, near Chawla Chowk, Karanpur, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001 4. Best NDA Coaching in Dehradun – Cadets Defence Academy Advantage Dehradun is more than just a scenic city; it’s the hub for defence coaching in India. With its serene environment, proximity to the Indian Military Academy (IMA), and culture of discipline, it offers the perfect backdrop for aspiring NDA cadets. Why Cadets Defence Academy is the top choice in Dehradun: Holistic Training: The Academy offers an integrated approach: written exam coaching, SSB interview preparation, physical fitness, and personality development. Expert Faculty: Trainers include retired defence officers and SSB experts, ensuring students learn from real-life experience. State-of-the-Art Infrastructure: Smart classrooms, large GTO grounds, sports facilities, and a library with the latest study material. Hostel Facility: Comfortable residential options with nutritious meals, 24/7 security, and a disciplined environment. Start your NDA journey today with Cadets Defence Academy in Dehradun.🌐 Enroll Online | 📞 +91 9997034744 5. NDA Exam Coaching Online – Study Anytime, Anywhere In today’s digital age, not all aspirants can attend offline classes. Cadets Defence Academy bridges this gap with flexible online NDA coaching programs: Live Interactive Classes: Real-time sessions with expert faculty. Recorded Lectures: Revisit lessons anytime for revision. Mock Tests & Performance Analysis: Simulate the exam environment and track your improvement. Doubt Solving Sessions: Personalized attention even in online batches. Join our online NDA classes and learn from anywhere in India! 6. Best NDA Written Exam Coaching in India The NDA written exam is the first hurdle, testing both academic knowledge and problem-solving speed. Cadets Defence Academy specializes in: NDA Mathematics Coaching Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, Geometry, Probability, and Statistics. Step-by-step problem-solving techniques to boost accuracy and time management. NDA GK & English Coaching English: Vocabulary, grammar, comprehension, and essay writing. General Knowledge: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, History, Geography, and Current Affairs. Interactive sessions and quizzes ensure concepts are clear and retainable. Previous Papers & Mock Tests Weekly tests aligned with UPSC trends. Topic-wise analysis and personalized guidance for weak areas. Crack the NDA written exam with expert coaching at Cadets Defence Academy.📞 Call +91 7599367318 to book a free demo class today. 7. NDA Interview Preparation Coaching and SSB Guidance The SSB interview is where aspirants differentiate themselves. Cadets Defence Academy offers comprehensive SSB coaching in India: Mock Interviews: Simulate the 5-day SSB process under ex-SSB assessors. Psychological Tests Practice: WAT, TAT, SRT, and self-description tests. Group Tasks & Lecturettes: Leadership, communication, and teamwork skills honed daily. Command Tasks & Outdoor Activities: Prepare cadets for real-world problem-solving and decision-making under pressure. 🪖 Student Testimonial:“Cadets Defence Academy’s SSB training gave me the confidence to clear my interview in the first attempt. The mock group tasks and guidance from ex-defence officers were invaluable.” – Rohan S., NDA 2024 Selectee 8.

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NDA 2 2025 Answer Key Download Free PDF – Cadets Defence Academy

NDA 2 2025 Answer Key Download Free PDF – Cadets Defence Academy Table of Contents Click Here to Download NDA 2 2025 Answer Key Free PDF NDA 2 2025 Answer Key Download Free PDF – Cadets Defence Academy Cracking the NDA exam isn’t just about months of preparation, it’s also about what you do after the test. Every candidate wants to quickly cross-check their performance, know where they stand, and get an idea of the cut-off. That’s where the NDA 2 2025 Answer Key from Cadets Defence Academy comes into play. We’ve released the complete answer key for NDA 2 2025, carefully solved by our expert faculty. If you sat for the exam, this PDF is going to be your go-to guide for checking how many answers you nailed and where you might have slipped up. What is the NDA 2 2025 Answer Key? To put it simply, an answer key is your scorecard before UPSC makes it official. The NDA 2 2025 exam is a national-level test and naturally, students don’t like waiting months for the official key. So, we at Cadets Defence Academy prepare and publish a detailed solution sheet for both Mathematics and GAT papers on the same day. Think of it as a sneak peek into your future score. You can download the NDA 2 2025 Answer Key PDF and quickly evaluate how you did. When was the NDA 2 2025 Exam Conducted? Click Here to Download NDA 2 2025 Answer Key Free PDF The NDA 2 2025 exam was held on 14th September 2025 across multiple centres in India. Aspirants from every corner—small towns, big cities, army schools, and even remote coaching hubs—appeared in huge numbers. Right after the exam concluded, our faculty sat down to solve the question papers, ensuring the NDA 2 2025 Answer Key Download was available as soon as possible for students who couldn’t wait to check their performance. Where Can I Download the NDA 2 2025 Answer Key PDF? Click Here to Download NDA 2 2025 Answer Key Free PDF You don’t need to hunt around the internet—Cadets Defence Academy has made it simple. You can download the NDA 2 2025 Answer Key PDF directly from here: We’ve uploaded the complete solution set (Maths + GAT) for all codes A, B, C, and D. The file is free, easy to access, and requires no sign-up. Just one click and you’ll have the NDA 2 2025 Answer Key Download in your hands. Why Should You Trust Cadets Defence Academy’s NDA Answer Key? Many students wonder why they should rely on a coaching institute’s key when UPSC will release one eventually. The truth is, Cadets Defence Academy has been consistently providing accurate NDA answer keys for years. Our faculty includes ex-armed forces officers and subject experts. The solutions are cross-verified by multiple teachers. Past students confirm that our keys closely match the official UPSC release later on. So when you go for NDA 2 2025 Answer Key Download from us, you’re actually trusting a source with a proven track record. How to Calculate Your Score Using the NDA 2 2025 Answer Key? Click Here to Download NDA 2 2025 Answer Key Free PDF Now comes the interesting part—checking how much you’ve actually scored. The NDA exam follows a unique marking scheme, and you need to be careful while calculating. Here’s a quick step-by-step: Maths Paper +2.5 marks for every correct answer. –0.83 marks for each wrong one. GAT Paper +4 marks for right responses. –1.33 marks for incorrect ones. So, all you have to do is: Count your correct answers. Deduct penalties for wrong ones. Add them up and you’ll have a pretty clear idea of your expected score. That’s the magic of the NDA 2 2025 Answer Key—you don’t need to sit in suspense for months. Click Here to Download NDA 2 2025 Answer Key Free PDF Does the NDA 2 2025 Answer Key Include Both Maths and GAT Papers? Absolutely, yes. Our PDF covers both the Mathematics and GAT sections, and not just for one set but for all four sets—A, B, C, and D. So whichever paper code you attempted, the NDA 2 2025 Answer Key Download from Cadets Defence Academy has you covered. We’ve structured it in a simple way: Maths Section → Question-by-question solutions. GAT Section → Detailed explanation where needed. That way, students don’t just check answers but also learn the logic behind them. What is the Expected NDA 2 2025 Cut Off? Click Here to Download NDA 2 2025 Answer Key Free PDF Cut-off marks are always a hot topic. Although the official cut-off will be declared by UPSC months later, we’ve analyzed this year’s paper difficulty and compared it with past trends. Based on that: Mathematics expected cut-off: around 95–105 marks. GAT expected cut-off: approximately 270–280 marks. Overall NDA 2 2025 expected cut-off: close to 350–360 marks. Of course, these are predictions, but they give you a fair idea of your chances. With the NDA 2 2025 Answer Key, you can compare your score with this predicted cut-off and know where you stand. Click Here to Download NDA 2 2025 Answer Key Free PDF How Accurate is the NDA 2 2025 Answer Key by Cadets Defence Academy? Pretty accurate, if we may say so ourselves. Our team ensures that each solution goes through multiple rounds of checking. Students who relied on our keys in previous years have reported only minor differences when the official UPSC key finally came out. In short, while no provisional key can claim 100% perfection, the NDA 2 2025 Answer Key Download from Cadets Defence Academy is trusted by thousands of aspirants every year for its reliability. When Will UPSC Release the Official NDA 2 2025 Answer Key? That’s the tricky part—UPSC doesn’t release its official answer key immediately. Usually, it comes out several months after the exam, sometimes only after the entire recruitment cycle is over. By then, the usefulness for candidates is almost gone. That’s exactly why

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NDA Exam Eligibility - Who can apply for NDA

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