NDA Eligibility 2026: Age Limit, Qualification for Male & Female
- laxmi mane
- Jan 26
- 5 min read
INTRODUCTION
Aspiring to serve the nation by joining the prestigious National Defense Academy? The year 2026 presents a golden opportunity for young defense aspirants. However, the path to begins with a thorough understanding of the NDA 2026 Eligibility Criteria. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) maintains stringent standards to ensure that only the most capable candidates advance to the training phase.
Whether you are targeting the Army, Navy, or Air Force, this guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the age limits, educational qualifications, and physical standards required for the 2026 intake.
NDA 2026 Eligibility Criteria: An Overview
The eligibility for the NDA entrance exam is multifaceted. It isn't just about your academic scores; it’s a combination of your age, your academic stream in the 12th standard, and your physical endurance. For 2026, the commission has continued its inclusive policy, allowing both unmarried male and female candidates to apply.
Feature | Requirement for NDA 2026 |
Age Limit | 16.5 to 19.5 years |
Gender | Male & Female (Unmarried) |
Educational Qualification | 12th Pass or Appearing (Any stream for Army; PCM for Navy/Air Force) |
Nationality | Indian Citizens (and specific categories for Nepal/Bhutan) |
Before you start your preparation, cross-verify your date of birth with your Class 10th certificate, as UPSC accepts no other document as proof of age.
1. Age Limit for NDA 2026
The most critical factor of the NDA 2026 Eligibility Criteria is the age bracket. UPSC is exceptionally strict about these dates; even a single day’s difference can lead to disqualification.
NDA 1 2026 Age Limit
For the first session of 2026, candidates must fall within the following birth date range:
Earliest Date of Birth: July 2, 2007
Latest Date of Birth: July 1, 2010
NDA 2 2026 Age Limit
For the second session of 2026, the expected birth date range is:
Earliest Date of Birth: January 2, 2008
Latest Date of Birth: January 1, 2011
The age is calculated based on the date of the commencement of the course.
2. Educational Qualification & Stream Details
The academic requirements for NDA are specific to the wing you wish to join. While the NDA is a gateway for students from all streams, your choice of subjects in Class 11 and 12 dictates your eligibility for the Navy and Air Force.
For the Army Wing
Qualification: Must have passed or be appearing in the 12th Class (10+2 pattern) of School Education or equivalent.
Stream: Candidates from any stream (Science, Commerce, or Arts/Humanities) are eligible for the Army wing.
For the Air Force and Naval Wings
Qualification: Must have passed or be appearing in the 12th Class (10+2 pattern).
Stream: Candidates must have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM). If you are a Commerce or Arts student, you cannot apply for the Air Force or Navy through NDA.
Can Appearing Candidates Apply?
Yes! If you are appearing for your 12th board exams in 2026, you are eligible to apply. However, you must provide proof of passing the qualifying examination by the time the course commences.
3. Gender and Marital Status
The NDA 2026 Eligibility Criteria mandates that only unmarried candidates can apply.
Male Candidates: Must be unmarried and remain so until the completion of their training.
Female Candidates: Following the landmark 2021 ruling, women are fully eligible for all three wings. They must also be unmarried and are not permitted to marry during the training period.
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4. Physical and Medical Standards
Physical fitness is as important as the written exam. The standards differ slightly between male and female candidates, particularly regarding height and weight.
Height Requirements
Male Candidates: The minimum height required is 157 cm (162.5 cm for the Air Force).
Female Candidates: The minimum height required is 152 cm (163 cm for the Air Force).
Relaxations: Candidates from Gorkha, Garhwal, Kumaon, and North-Eastern regions receive a relaxation of 2-5 cm.
Visual Standards
Uncorrected Vision: 6/6 or 6/9.
Corrected Vision: 6/6 in the better eye and 6/9 in the worse eye.
Note: Myopia should not be more than -2.5D, and Hypermetropia should not exceed +3.5D (including Astigmatism).
5. Nationality Criteria
To satisfy the NDA 2026 Eligibility Criteria, a candidate must be:
A Citizen of India.
A subject of Nepal or Bhutan.
A Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanently settling.
A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, and East African countries with the intention of permanent settlement.
NDA 2026 Selection Process
Meeting the eligibility is only the first step. The selection process is divided into two main stages:
Written Examination: Conducted by UPSC, consisting of Mathematics (300 marks) and General Ability Test (600 marks).
SSB Interview: A 5-day personality and intelligence test conducted by the Services Selection Board.
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FAQ: NDA 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Q1. What is the minimum age for NDA 2026 Eligibility Criteria?
The minimum age required to apply is 16.5 years at the time the course starts. For NDA 1 2026, candidates should not be born after July 1, 2010.
Q2. Can a commerce student apply under the NDA 2026 Eligibility Criteria?
Yes, a commerce student can apply, but only for the Army Wing. To be eligible for the Navy or Air Force, you must have Physics and Mathematics in Class 12.
Q3. Is there any percentage requirement in the NDA 2026 Eligibility Criteria?
UPSC does not specify a minimum percentage for Class 12. You only need to pass the examination from a recognized board.
Q4. Are married women eligible under the NDA 2026 Eligibility Criteria?
No. Only unmarried male and female candidates are eligible for the NDA 2026 exam.
Q5. How many attempts are allowed according to the NDA 2026 Eligibility Criteria?
There is no fixed limit on the number of attempts. You can appear for the exam as long as you fulfill the age limit requirements (16.5 to 19.5 years).
Conclusion
The NDA 2026 Eligibility Criteria serve as a filter to ensure that the future leadership of the Indian Armed Forces is academically sound and physically resilient. If you fall within the age bracket of July 2007 to July 2010 and have a passion for a disciplined life, 2026 is your year to shine.
Remember, the competition is fierce, with lakhs of students appearing for a few hundred seats. Early preparation is the key to success.
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