NDA 2026 Eligibility Criteria: Age Limit, Height, and Qualification for Boys & Girls
- mayuri pawar
- 11 hours ago
- 4 min read
The National Defence Academy (NDA) remains the premier tri-service training institution in the world, where young minds are molded into elite leaders. As we look toward the NDA 2026 eligibility criteria, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has streamlined the requirements to ensure that the 157th and 158th courses attract the most academically and physically fit aspirants from across the nation.
Whether you are aiming for the Army, the high-tech Air Force, or the vast Naval Academy, understanding the specific stream requirements and course details is your first step toward the olive green, white, or blue uniform.
Overview of NDA 2026 Eligibility Criteria
The NDA exam is conducted twice a year—NDA 1 and NDA 2. For 2026, the commission has maintained strict standards regarding age, educational background, and physical health. Unlike other competitive exams, NDA does not just test your knowledge; it tests your suitability for a specific way of life.
Quick Snapshot of Requirements
Feature | Requirement Details |
Gender | Unmarried Male & Female |
Nationality | Indian Citizens (including subjects of Nepal/Bhutan) |
Course Commencing | January 2027 (for NDA 1 2026) |
Educational Base | 10+2 Pattern (Class 12th) |
Age Limit and Birth Date Range for 2026
One of the most critical aspects of the NDA 2026 eligibility criteria is the age bracket. UPSC is famously uncompromising here—even being a single day outside the range will lead to disqualification.
For the 2026 cycle, the age remains between 16.5 and 19.5 years at the time of course commencement.
NDA 1 2026: Candidates must be born between July 2, 2007, and July 1, 2010 (both dates inclusive).
NDA 2 2026: Candidates must be born between January 2, 2008, and January 1, 2011 (both dates inclusive).
Important Note: The date of birth recorded in your Matriculation or Secondary School Leaving Certificate (Class 10th) is the only proof accepted by UPSC. No affidavits or horoscopes are allowed.
Educational Qualifications & Stream Details
The academic requirement for NDA is centered on the 10+2 pattern. However, the subjects you choose in school dictate which wings of the defense forces you can join.
1. Army Wing (National Defence Academy)
Requirement: Passed or appearing in Class 12th from a recognized board.
Stream Flexibility: Students from any stream—Science, Commerce, or Arts—are eligible to apply for the Army Wing.
Course Focus: Training emphasizes ground tactics, leadership, and humanities alongside military science.
2. Air Force and Naval Wings
Requirement: Passed or appearing in Class 12th with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM).
Stream Necessity: Only Science stream students with Mathematics and Physics can opt for these wings.
10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme (INA): Similar to the Navy wing, the Indian Naval Academy course requires PCM at the 10+2 level.
Pro Tip for Class 12th Students: If you are appearing for your board exams in 2026, you are eligible to apply! However, you must produce proof of passing the exam by the time the course commences in January 2027.
Physical Standards for Male and Female Candidates
The NDA 2026 eligibility criteria include rigorous physical benchmarks. While the written exam tests your mind, the medical board ensures your body can withstand the "Khadakwasla" grind.
Height Requirements
General Male Candidates: Minimum 157 cm.
General Female Candidates: Minimum 152 cm.
Air Force (Flying Branch): Both must meet a minimum of 163 cm due to cockpit ergonomics.
Relaxations: Candidates from Gorkha, Garhwal, Kumaon, and North-Eastern regions receive a 5 cm relaxation (152 cm for males, 148 cm for females).
Visual Standards
Army/Navy: Uncorrected vision of 6/6 and 6/9 is generally required. Corrected vision (with glasses) is allowed within specific diopter limits (Myopia < -2.5D, Hypermetropia < +3.5D).
Air Force: Candidates must have 6/6 vision in one eye and 6/9 in the other. LASIK/PRK is not permitted for the Flying Branch if performed before a certain age or without specific healing periods.
Course-Specific Vacancy Breakdown
For the 157th Course, the tentative vacancies are distributed to maintain the strength of each service wing:
Academy | Wing | Vacancies (Male) | Vacancies (Female) |
NDA | Army | 198 | 10 |
NDA | Navy | 37 | 5 |
NDA | Air Force | 92 (Flying) | 2 |
INA | Naval Academy | 21 | 3 |
Related Educational Resources
If you are interested in other specialized fields after school, check out these guides:
The Selection Process: From Application to Academy
Meeting the NDA 2026 eligibility criteria is just the entry ticket. The journey involves a three-stage selection process:
Written Examination: Conducted by UPSC, consisting of Mathematics (300 marks) and the General Ability Test (600 marks).
SSB Interview: A 5-day personality and intelligence test conducted by the Services Selection Board. It includes Group Tasks, Psychology Tests, and a Personal Interview.
Medical Examination: A thorough check-up at a Military Hospital to ensure you meet all physical standards mentioned above.
FAQs on NDA 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Q1: Can an Arts student apply for the Air Force through NDA 2026?
No. According to the NDA 2026 eligibility criteria, only students who have studied Physics and Mathematics in Class 12 are eligible for the Air Force and Navy. Arts students can only apply for the Army Wing.
Q2: Is there any age relaxation for SC/ST candidates in NDA?
No, there is absolutely no age relaxation for any category in the NDA exam. All candidates must fall within the 16.5 to 19.5-year range.
Q3: Can girls apply for the 157th NDA course?
Yes! Female candidates are fully eligible for all three wings (Army, Navy, Air Force) and the Naval Academy, provided they meet the specific height and stream requirements.
Q4: What is the minimum percentage required in Class 12th for NDA?
There is no minimum percentage required. You only need to have passed (or be appearing in) Class 12th from a recognized board.
Q5: Are married candidates allowed to apply?
No, only unmarried candidates are eligible. You must also undertake not to marry until your training is complete.
Conclusion
The NDA 2026 eligibility criteria are designed to select candidates who possess the right mix of academic foundation and physical resilience. If you fall within the birth date range and have a passion for the Armed Forces, start your preparation today. Focus on your 12th-standard Mathematics and English, as these form the backbone of the written exam.
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