NDA Physical Fitness Requirements 2026: Height, Weight & Running Criteria

Preparing for the National Defence Academy is not just about clearing the written examination. To become an officer in the Indian Armed Forces, you must meet strict NDA Physical Fitness Requirements 2026: Height, Weight & Running Criteria set by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and Service Selection Board (SSB).

Every year, thousands of aspirants clear the written exam but fail during the medical or physical evaluation due to lack of awareness. This detailed guide explains everything you need to know about:

• Height requirement for NDA 2026
• Expected weight chart for NDA 2026
• Running test criteria for NDA selection
• Complete physical test details for NDA exam
• Latest medical standards for NDA 2026

If you are preparing seriously for NDA 2026, this article will help you understand the exact standards and how to prepare strategically.

🏛️ What is NDA?

National Defence Academy is India’s premier tri-service military training institution where cadets of the Army, Navy, and Air Force train together before moving to their respective academies.

Located in Khadakwasla, Pune, NDA builds future officers through academic training, military discipline, and intense physical conditioning.

Why Physical Fitness Matters in NDA Selection

Clearing the written exam is only the first step. During the SSB process and medical examination, candidates are assessed on:

• Physical stamina
• Height & weight standards
• Body Mass Index (BMI)
• Vision & medical health
• Endurance (running capability)

If you do not meet NDA medical standards 2026, your selection may be rejected.

NDA Height Requirement 2026

Minimum Height Criteria (Tentative As Per Previous Standards)

For Army & Navy

• Minimum height: 157 cm

For Air Force

• Minimum height: 162.5 cm

Relaxation in Height

Candidates from certain regions such as:

• Gorkhas
• North-East states
• Hilly regions (including Uttarakhand)

May get relaxation of 2–5 cm depending on official notification.

This is part of the official NDA height requirement 2026 guidelines expected to remain similar to previous years.

NDA Weight Chart 2026 (Expected Standards)

Your weight must be proportionate to your height and age.

Sample NDA Weight Chart 2026

This approximate NDA weight chart 2026 ensures candidates maintain ideal BMI.

⚠️ Overweight and underweight candidates may face temporary rejection.

NDA Running Test Criteria 2026

While there is no officially declared “running cutoff time” in written notification, during SSB and academy training, candidates are expected to have excellent endurance.

NDA Running Test Criteria (Recommended Standard)

• 1.6 km run (1 mile): Under 6–7 minutes
• 5 km endurance run: Comfortable pace
• Push-ups: 20–25 minimum
• Sit-ups: 30+
• Chin-ups: 8–10

These benchmarks reflect realistic NDA running test criteria followed during physical screening and training.

Complete NDA Physical Test Details

The physical screening during NDA selection includes:

1️⃣ Height & Weight Measurement

Strict comparison with NDA weight chart 2026.

2️⃣ Chest Measurement

• Minimum expansion: 5 cm

3️⃣ Vision Standards

• 6/6 or 6/9 (correctable limits vary)
• No color blindness
• No squint

4️⃣ Hearing & Dental Standards

Clear hearing ability and proper dental health required.

5️⃣ Medical Examination

Includes:

• Blood tests
• X-ray
• ECG
• Orthopedic check

These form the official NDA physical test details and NDA medical standards 2026.

NDA Medical Standards 2026 (Expected)

Candidates must not have:

• Flat feet
• Knock knees
• Spine deformities
• Chronic diseases
• Serious allergies

Good mental health and psychological stability are equally important.

How to Prepare Physically for NDA 2026

Start preparation at least 6–12 months before the exam.

Daily Fitness Routine

• Morning 1.6 km run
• Strength training (push-ups, squats, planks)
• Skipping & cardio
• Balanced diet (high protein, low junk food)
• 7–8 hours sleep

Consistency is key to meeting NDA Physical Fitness Requirements 2026.

Best NDA Coaching in Dehradun for Physical Preparation

If you are serious about NDA 2026, professional guidance makes a huge difference.

Ground Zero Defence Academy

Located in Dehradun, Ground Zero Defence Academy is widely regarded as one of the best defence academy in Dehradun for NDA preparation.

Why It Stands Out

• NDA academy with physical training
• Dedicated fitness drills & running practice
• Experienced defence mentors
• Structured NDA foundation course with fitness training
• Regular mock physical assessments
• Personality development & SSB guidance

It is also known as a trusted Defence academy in Dehradun for NDA aspirants.

NDA Foundation Course in Dehradun with Fitness Training

Students after Class 10 can join an NDA foundation course in Dehradun.

Benefits include:

• Academic + NDA syllabus preparation
• Daily physical training
• Medical awareness sessions
• Discipline & routine development

Ground Zero Defence Academy offers one of the most structured NDA foundation course with fitness training programs.

NDA Coaching with Hostel in Dehradun

For outstation candidates searching for “NDA coaching near me,” Dehradun offers excellent options.

Ground Zero provides:

• Safe hostel facility
• Nutritious diet plan
• Daily fitness schedule
• Study + physical training balance

This makes it one of the most preferred choices for NDA coaching with hostel in Dehradun.

Why Choose Defence Coaching in Dehradun?

Dehradun is known as the education hub of defence preparation because:

• Peaceful environment
• Army background culture
• Availability of open grounds for training
• Competitive peer group

That’s why many aspirants search for best NDA coaching in Dehradun or defence coaching in Dehradun for serious preparation.

Common Reasons Candidates Fail NDA Physical Test

1. Ignoring fitness until SSB stage
2. Excess weight gain
3. Poor stamina
4. Lack of awareness about NDA height requirement 2026
5. Medical issues discovered late

Early preparation prevents these mistakes.

Expert Advice from Defence Mentors (EEAT Section)

At Ground Zero Defence Academy, retired defence officers emphasize:

“Physical preparation must start alongside written preparation. NDA is about overall officer-like personality.”

This reflects real-world experience, expertise, and authority in defence training.

Their structured approach builds:

• Leadership qualities
• Mental toughness
• Physical stamina
• Discipline

These are core EEAT elements: Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness.

Final Thoughts

Meeting the NDA Physical Fitness Requirements 2026: Height, Weight & Running Criteria is non-negotiable for selection.

Start early. Train smart. Monitor your BMI. Improve stamina daily.

If you are looking for:

• NDA academy with physical training
• NDA foundation course in Dehradun
• Best defence academy in Dehradun
• NDA coaching near me

Then professional training under experienced mentors can dramatically improve your chances.

FAQs – NDA Physical Fitness Requirements 2026

1️⃣ What is the NDA height requirement 2026?

Minimum height is expected to be 157 cm for Army/Navy and 162.5 cm for Air Force, with regional relaxations.

2️⃣ What is the NDA weight chart 2026?

Weight must match height and age. For example, 170 cm candidates should weigh approximately 55–57 kg.

3️⃣ What is the NDA running test criteria?

Candidates should comfortably run 1.6 km in 6–7 minutes and maintain good endurance.

4️⃣ What happens if I am overweight?

You may get temporary rejection and be asked to reduce weight before final medical approval.

5️⃣ Which is the best defence academy in Dehradun for NDA?

Ground Zero Defence Academy is widely considered among the top institutes offering NDA coaching with physical training and hostel facilities.