NDA 2026 Eligibility

The National Defence Academy (NDA) Exam 2026 is a golden opportunity for young people who dream of becoming officers in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.

This prestigious exam is conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The NDA 1 exam will be held on April 12, 2026, and the NDA 2 exam will be held on September 13, 2026.

The application process will begin on December 10, 2025. To appear for the exam, candidates must meet the eligibility criteria set by the UPSC.

NDA 2026 Nationality

Candidates must be one of the following:

• A citizen of India, or
• A citizen of Nepal, or
• A citizen of Bhutan, or
• A Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962, and wishes to settle permanently.

 NDA 2026 Gender, Age Limit & Marital Status: 

The applying candidate’s age should be between 16.5 and 19.5.

📌 For NDA 1 2026: Candidates must be born between July 2, 2007, and July 1, 2010.
📌 For NDA 2 2026: Candidates must be born between January 2, 2007, and January 1, 2010.

🔹 Important: Only unmarried male and female candidates are eligible to apply.

Are Girls Allowed in NDA?

Yes! The Supreme Court of India ruled in 2021 that female candidates can apply for NDA. Since then, several women have successfully cleared the exam and joined the academy.

 Educational Qualification for NDA 2026

The educational requirements vary based on the academy you are applying for:

Academy	Qualification Required
Army Wing (NDA)	Class 12 pass from a recognized board
Air Force, Navy, & Naval Academy (NDA)	Class 12 pass with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics

🔹 Can I apply for NDA while in Class 12?

Yes! Candidates who are currently appearing for Class 12 exams can apply for NDA. However, Class 11 students are not eligible.

NDA 2026 Physical Standards 

Candidates must meet specific height, vision, and overall fitness standards. Below are the key requirements.

Minimum Height Requirement

Category	Minimum Height
Tribals from Ladakh Region	155 cm
Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep, and Minicoy Islands	155 cm
Gorkhas, Nepali, Assamese, Garhwali, Kumaoni, and Uttarakhand	152 cm
Bhutan, Sikkim & North East Region	152 cm

 NDA 2026 Vision Standards 

Candidates must meet specific eyesight requirements for different military branches.

Parameter	NDA (Army) & 10+2 Entries	IMA, OTA, NCC, etc.	Other Categories (JAG, AMC, etc.)
Uncorrected Vision (Max Allowed)	6/36 & 6/36	6/60 & 6/60	3/60 & 3/60
Best Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA)	6/6 (both eyes)	6/6 (both eyes)	6/6 (both eyes)
Myopia	≤ ± 2.0 D Cyl	≤ ± 2.0 D Cyl	≤ ± 2.0 D Cyl
Hypermetropia	≤ ± 2.0 D Cyl	≤ ± 2.0 D Cyl	≤ ± 2.0 D Cyl
Lasik or Equivalent Surgery	❌ Not Permitted	✅ Permitted	✅ Permitted
Color Perception	CP-II	CP-II	CP-II