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NDA Qualification: Eligibility & Requirements Guide – Complete A-Z Information

Aspiring to join the National Defence Academy (NDA) and serve in the prestigious Indian Armed Forces is a dream cherished by thousands of students across India, particularly in regions like Dehradun where defence academies thrive. However, before you embark on your journey to crack the NDA exam, it’s crucial to understand every aspect of the NDA eligibility criteria comprehensively. This definitive guide provides complete, authentic information covering all aspects of NDA qualification requirements, from age limits to physical standards, directly sourced from official UPSC notifications.

The NDA exam, conducted twice annually by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), serves as the gateway to becoming an officer in the Army, Navy, or Air Force. Understanding the NDA requirements thoroughly will help you assess whether you meet the criteria and plan your preparation accordingly. Whether you’re seeking admission to a defence academy in Dehradun, exploring NDA coaching in Dehradun, or preparing independently, this comprehensive guide addresses all your questions about NDA qualifications and requirements.

NDA qualification, eligibility & requirements explained clearly. Ground Zero Defence Academy guides you to join and succeed in the Indian Armed Forces.

NDA Age Limit – The Critical First Criterion

Understanding the NDA Age Eligibility Window

The NDA age limit is arguably the most stringent and non-negotiable eligibility criterion. According to the official UPSC notification, the age requirement is one of the fundamental parameters that determines your eligibility for the National Defence Academy examination.

Official NDA Age Limit Requirements:

For NDA examination conducted by UPSC, candidates must fall within a specific age bracket:

Specific Birth Date Requirements for NDA 2026

For NDA 1 2026:
Candidates must have been born not earlier than 2nd July 2006 and not later than 1st July 2009.

For NDA 2 2026:
Candidates must have been Born between January 2, 2008 and January 1, 2011

Why This Specific Age Window?

The NDA age limit of 16.5 to 19.5 years exists for several critical reasons:

  1. Military Trainability: Younger candidates possess greater physical flexibility and adaptability to the rigorous discipline of military training. The structured military environment requires candidates who can absorb instructions and adapt to new protocols quickly.
  2. Career Planning: The Indian Armed Forces strategically plan officer careers. Candidates passing out from NDA at approximately 21 years of age ensures they’re ready for immediate commissioning and can serve a full tenure with maximum productivity.
  3. Physical and Medical Standards: Younger candidates statistically meet stringent physical and medical requirements more readily. As age increases, minor medical conditions may develop that could affect eligibility.
  4. Development and Maturity: The academy period allows candidates to undergo comprehensive personality development, leadership training, and professional molding during their formative years.

Critical Notes on NDA Age Limit

NDA Educational Qualification – Know Your Eligibility

Understanding NDA Academic Requirements

The NDA educational qualification varies depending on which arm of the defence services you wish to join. The Union Public Service Commission specifies different qualification requirements for Army Wing, Air Force Wing, and Naval Wing of the National Defence Academy.

For Army Wing of NDA

Minimum Educational Qualification:

Key Points:

For Air Force and Naval Wings of NDA

Minimum Educational Qualification:

Additional Requirement:

For Candidates Currently in Class 12

If you’re currently studying in Class 12, you have excellent news:

General Educational Guidance

Important Note: In exceptional cases, UPSC may treat candidates lacking prescribed qualifications as educationally qualified if their qualifications’ standard justifies admission. However, such cases are rare and should not be relied upon.

NDA Nationality Requirements – Who Can Apply?

Eligibility Criteria for Nationality

The NDA nationality requirement defines who is eligible to apply for the National Defence Academy examination. While Indian citizens form the primary applicant base, eligibility extends to specific other categories as well.

Eligible Nationalities for NDA

According to official UPSC guidelines, candidates eligible to apply for NDA examination must be:

1. Citizens of India

2. Subjects of Nepal

3. Subjects of Bhutan

4. Tibetan Refugees

5. Persons of Indian Origin from Specified Countries

Critical Documentation for Nationality Verification

All candidates belonging to categories (2) through (5) must obtain and produce a Certificate of Eligibility issued by the Government of India. This certificate is essential for verification at SSB interview stage and beyond.

Nationality Verification During Application

During the online application process for NDA examination:

NDA Physical Standards – The Height, Weight & Body Requirements

Importance of Physical Eligibility

The NDA physical standards are among the most stringent requirements for defence academy qualification. Physical fitness isn’t merely preferred—it’s mandatory. Every year, numerous candidates who qualify the written examination and SSB interview are ultimately rejected on medical and physical grounds during final verification.

Height Requirements for NDA

Minimum Height for Female Candidates:

Minimum Height for Male Candidates:

Important Note: These height requirements are measured in centimeters and must be strictly adhered to. Regional relaxations apply only to candidates from specified regions—documentation proving domicile is required.

Weight and BMI Standards for NDA

NDA Weight Requirements:

For Muscular Candidates:

Chest Measurement – A Vital Physical Standard

Chest Measurements for NDA:

Chest Deformities: Any chest deformity likely to interfere with physical exertion, military duties performance, or cardio-pulmonary function leads to rejection.

NDA Medical Standards – Comprehensive Health Requirements

Understanding NDA Medical Eligibility

The NDA medical standards are comprehensive and cover numerous aspects of physical and mental health. Candidates must undergo rigorous medical examination by defense medical officers. This section details the specific medical criteria that could lead to rejection if not met.

Vision and Eye Standards

Vision Requirements for NDA:

Distant Vision Standards:

Refractive Error Limits:

Kerato-Refractive Surgery (LASIK):

Vision Disqualifying Conditions:

Hearing and ENT Standards

Hearing Ability:

ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat) Disqualifying Conditions:

Dental Health Standards

Dental Requirements:

Disqualifying Dental Conditions:

Cardiovascular and Respiratory Health

Heart and Blood Vessel Standards:

Respiratory Standards:

Abdominal and Internal Organ Health

Abdominal Examination Requirements:

Disqualifying Abdominal Conditions:

Important: If hernia surgery has been performed, operation must have occurred at least one year prior to final medical examination for eligibility consideration.

Skeletal and Joint Health

Bones and Joints Requirements:

Disqualifying Skeletal Conditions:

Skin and Tattoo Standards

Tattoo Policy for NDA:

Acceptable Tattoo Locations:

Unacceptable Tattoo Locations:

Tribal Tattoo Exception:

Skin Conditions Leading to Rejection:

Gynecological Standards for Female Candidates

Special Medical Examination for Female Candidates:

Disqualifying Gynecological Conditions:

Mental Health and Psychological Fitness

Mental Fitness Requirements:

Disqualifying Psychological Conditions:

Common Medical Conditions Leading to Rejection

According to official sources, the following commonly found defects lead to rejection if not corrected:

Other Important Eligibility Criteria

Marital Status and Marriage Undertaking

Critical Requirement:
All candidates must be unmarried at the time of application. Additionally:

Previous Disqualification from Defence Services

Disqualifying Factor:
Candidates who have previously resigned or been withdrawn on disciplinary grounds from any training academy of the Armed Forces (NDA, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, or Army Cadet College) are not eligible to apply for NDA examination.

Debarment from Defence Commission

Candidates debarred by the Ministry of Defence from holding any type of commission in Defence Services are not eligible. If admitted despite disqualification, candidature will be cancelled during verification.

CPSS/PABT Failure Exception

Candidates who have failed CPSS (Common Pilot Aptitude Test) or PABT (Pilot Aptitude Battery Test) for Air Force Flying Branch:

NDA Exam Pattern and Syllabus Overview

Understanding What You’ll Be Tested On

To prepare effectively for NDA qualification, understanding the NDA exam pattern and syllabus is crucial. This knowledge helps candidates prepare strategically and assess their readiness.

NDA Written Examination Structure

Total Marks: 900 marks
Total Duration: 5 hours (2 papers of 2.5 hours each)
Question Type: Objective-type questions only

Paper 1: Mathematics

Paper Details:

Subjects Covered:

Paper 2: General Ability Test (GAT)

Paper Details:

Section A: English (200 marks)

Section B: General Knowledge (400 marks)

Selection Process After Written Exam

Candidates qualifying in the written examination with minimum cut-off marks are called for:

  1. SSB Interview (Services Selection Board): Intelligence and personality assessment
  2. Medical Examination: Detailed health and physical evaluation
  3. Final Merit List: Prepared based on combined performance

How to Apply for NDA Exam

Application Process Overview

All applications for NDA examination must be submitted online through the official UPSC portal. No offline applications are accepted under any circumstances.

Online Application Steps

Step 1: Registration

Step 2: Fill Application Form

Step 3: Pay Application Fee

Step 4: Submit Application

Important Application Deadlines

Application Fee Exemptions

Fee Exemption Available For:

Final Verification and SSB Process

Post-Qualification Verification

Candidates qualifying in the written examination with minimum cut-off marks must:

  1. Register on Army Headquarters Website
  2. Carry Original Certificates to SSB
    • Matriculation or Secondary School Leaving Certificate (mandatory)
    • 10+2 pass certificate or marks sheet
    • Date of birth certificate
  3. Medical Re-Examination
    • Comprehensive medical examination by military doctors
    • Re-verification of physical standards
    • Laboratory tests, X-rays, ECG if required

SSB Interview Assessment

The Services Selection Board assesses candidates through:

Ground Zero Defence Academy – Your NDA Preparation Partner in Dehradun

Why Choose Ground Zero Defence Academy for NDA Coaching in Dehradun

Preparing for the NDA qualification examination requires expert guidance, structured curriculum, and comprehensive support. Ground Zero Defence Academy, a leading defence academy in Dehradun, has established itself as the premier destination for aspiring defence officers seeking quality coaching and mentorship.

About Ground Zero Defence Academy

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Ground Zero Defence Academy is recognized as among the best defence academy in Dehradun with a proven track record of success:

Comprehensive Programs Offered

NDA Foundation Programs:

Additional Defence Exam Coaching:

Why Ground Zero is the Best NDA Coaching Institute in Dehradun

World-Class Infrastructure:

Sports and Physical Training Facilities:

Expert Faculty and Mentorship:
Ground Zero Defence Academy boasts experienced professionals:

Faculty comprises:

Comprehensive Student Support:

Admissions at Ground Zero Defence Academy

Easy Admission Process:

Fee Structure and Hostel Facilities

Ground Zero Defence Academy offers:

Location and Accessibility

Ground Zero Defence Academy is strategically located in Dehradun, offering:

Success Stories and Alumni Network

The academy’s alumni have successfully:

Contact Ground Zero Defence Academy

For admission inquiries and detailed information about NDA coaching in Dehradun, prospective candidates can:

Conclusion: Your NDA Qualification Journey Starts Now

Understanding every aspect of NDA eligibility criteria and requirements is the first crucial step toward achieving your dream of becoming an Indian Armed Forces officer. From meeting the strict NDA age limit and educational qualifications to maintaining physical standards and medical fitness, each criterion plays a vital role in your selection journey.

Remember that NDA qualification isn’t merely about passing an examination—it’s about proving your readiness to serve the nation as a commissioned officer. The NDA physical standards and medical requirements ensure you’re capable of withstanding military life’s demands. The educational qualification ensures you have foundational knowledge. The nationality criteria ensure you’re a loyal citizen.

Whether you’re preparing independently or joining an NDA institute in Dehradun like Ground Zero Defence Academy, ensure that you:

Ground Zero Defence Academy, recognized as the best NDA coaching in Dehradun and among the top defence academy in Dehradun, stands ready to guide your preparation journey. With expert faculty, comprehensive programs, and proven track record of success, NDA coaching centre in Dehradun provides the platform you need to qualify for the prestigious National Defence Academy.

Your qualification for NDA isn’t just a personal achievement—it’s a step toward serving your nation with distinction. Prepare diligently, meet all requirements authentically, and embark on your journey to become India’s next generation of defence officers.

Remember: The NDA exam is just the beginning. Your real journey as a defence officer starts at the National Defence Academy, where you’ll transform into a leader capable of protecting the nation. Prepare well, qualify successfully, and serve with pride.