Eligibility for the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination is governed by the official guidelines notified by the Ministry of Defence and published bi-annually by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
Because NDA commissions young officers directly into combat arms, the age and marital status conditions are uncompromising.
1. Educational Qualifications by Wing
Candidates must ensure their 10+2 academic streams align with their chosen defence wing:
| Defence Service Wing | Minimum Academic Qualification | Mandatory Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| Army Wing of NDA | 12th Class pass of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent examination conducted by a State Board or a University. | Any Stream (Arts, Commerce, Science, Humanities). No mandatory subject restrictions. |
| Air Force Wing of NDA | 12th Class pass of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent. | Must have passed with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM). |
| Navy Wing of NDA | 12th Class pass of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent. | Must have passed with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM). |
| 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme (INAC) | 12th Class pass of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent. | Must have passed with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM). |
Candidates Appearing in Class 12
- Students currently studying in the 12th Class (10+2 pattern) are fully eligible to apply provisionally.
- However, they must furnish authentic proof of passing the 12th examination to the respective Service Headquarters before the commencement of the course.
- Students studying in Class 11 are not eligible to appear.
2. Age Limits & Date of Birth Parameters
The age criterion for NDA is strictly enforced:
- Eligible Age Window: Candidates must be between 16.5 and 19.5 years old on the first day of the month in which the course commences.
- Reference Dates: Exact date-of-birth brackets are published in each notification. For example, for an April exam, candidates must generally be born not earlier than 2nd July of year $(X-19)$ and not later than 1st July of year $(X-16)$.
- No Age Relaxation: Unlike civilian civil service recruitments, there is NO age relaxation for SC, ST, OBC, or EWS candidates in NDA. Defence operational requirements mandate standard entry ages across all categories.
3. Marital Status & Gender Inclusion
- Unmarried Status: Only unmarried candidates are eligible. Selected candidates must undertake not to marry until they complete their full military training. A candidate who marries subsequent to the date of application, even if successful at written exam or SSB, will not be selected.
- Inclusion of Female Candidates: Following directives from the Supreme Court of India, female candidates are eligible to compete for all wings of the NDA. Separate physical fitness and height criteria apply to female candidates.
4. Nationality Criteria
An applicant must be either:
- A citizen of India, or
- A subject of Nepal, or
- A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, or East African countries (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, etc.) with the intention of permanently settling in India (under valid certificate issued by the Govt of India).
5. Overview of Physical & Medical Standards
Candidates must be in sound physical and mental health:
| Parameter | Male Candidate Standard | Female Candidate Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Height (Army) | 157 cm (152 cm for Gorkhas & North-East) | 152 cm (147 cm for Gorkhas & North-East) |
| Minimum Height (Air Force Flying) | 162.5 cm (strict leg length 99–120 cm) | 162.5 cm (strict leg length 99–120 cm) |
| Minimum Height (Navy) | 157 cm | 152 cm |
| Chest Measurement | Minimum 5 cm expansion | Not applicable as an elimination test |
| Visual Acuity (Army) | Better Eye: 6/6, Worse Eye: 6/9 (Glasses permitted within limits) | Same standard |
| Visual Acuity (Air Force Flying) | 6/6 without glasses | 6/6 without glasses |
Note: Tattoos are permitted only on the inner face of the forearm (from inside of elbow to the wrist) and reverse side of palm. Tattoos on any other body part lead to disqualification.
Review our guide on What is NDA and compare with What is CDS.