NDA Eligibility Criteria 2025, Age limit, Detailed Educational qualifications

NDA Eligibility Criteria 2025: Are you dreaming of joining the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA) and serving the nation as an officer in the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force? If yes, then understanding the NDA eligibility criteria is your first step toward achieving this goal. Whether you’re a male or female aspirant, the NDA exam opens doors to a rewarding career in the defense forces. But before you start preparing, it’s crucial to know if you meet the NDA age limit, educational qualifications, nationality requirements, and physical standards.In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the NDA 1 and NDA 2 Exam 2025 eligibility criteria in simple terms, answer common questions, and provide actionable insights to help you prepare effectively. Let’s dive in!

NDA Eligibility Criteria 2025

What is the NDA Exam?

The NDA exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice a year (NDA 1 and NDA 2) to select candidates for the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy. It’s one of the most sought-after exams for students who aspire to serve in the Indian Armed Forces.The exam consists of a written test followed by the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview, which evaluates your intelligence, personality, and physical fitness. But before you even think about the exam, you need to ensure you meet the NDA eligibility criteria.

NDA Eligibility Criteria 2025: An Overview

The NDA eligibility criteria are designed to ensure that candidates possess the necessary qualifications to excel in the rigorous training and service that follows. Here’s a quick overview of the key parameters:

Criteria	Details
Exam Conducting Body	Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Exam Name	NDA & NA Exam (I and II) 2025
Level	National
Frequency	Twice a Year (NDA 1 and NDA 2)
NDA Age Limit	16.5 years – 19.5 years
NDA Qualification	12th Pass
Nationality	Indian
Experience	Not Required

NDA Age Limit: Are You Eligible?

One of the most common questions aspirants ask is, “What is the age limit for NDA?” The NDA age limit is strictly defined, and candidates must fall within the specified range to be eligible.

Key Points About NDA Age Limit

The NDA age limit for both NDA 1 and NDA 2 is 16.5 to 19.5 years.
Only unmarried male and female candidates born between July 2, 2006, and July 1, 2009, are eligible to apply.
Your date of birth must be recorded in your Matriculation or Secondary School Leaving Certificate. Other documents like horoscopes or affidavits are not accepted.

NDA Eligibility Criteria for Army, Navy, and Air Force

Here’s a quick comparison of the NDA eligibility criteria for each wing:

Criteria	Army Wing	Air Force Wing	Naval Wing
Educational Qualification	12th pass	12th pass with PCM	12th pass with PCM
Physical Standards	Height: 157 cm	Height: 162.5 cm	Height: 157 cm

NDA Educational Qualifications: What Do You Need?

To apply for the NDA exam, you must meet the educational qualifications specified by UPSC. Here’s what you need to know:

For the Army Wing of NDA

You must have passed the 12th class of the 10+2 pattern of school education or an equivalent examination conducted by a State Education Board or University.

For Air Force and Naval Wings of NDA

You must have passed the 12th class with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as subjects.

Note: If you’re still in Class 12, you can apply for the NDA exam, but you must provide proof of passing the exam before joining the academy.

NDA Nationality Requirements: Who Can Apply?

The NDA nationality requirements are designed to ensure that only eligible candidates can apply. Here’s a breakdown:

You must be an Indian citizen, a subject of Nepal, or a person of Indian origin who has migrated from countries like Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, or East African countries (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, etc.) with the intention of permanently settling in India.
Candidates belonging to categories (ii) and (iii) must possess a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India.

Fun Fact: Gorkha subjects of Nepal are exempt from the requirement for a certificate of eligibility.

NDA Physical Standards: Are You Fit Enough?

The NDA physical standards are non-negotiable, as they ensure that candidates are physically and mentally fit to handle the demands of military training and service.

Key Physical Standards for NDA

Height and Weight Requirements:

Male candidates: Minimum height of 157 cm (relaxable for certain regions).Female candidates: Minimum height of 152 cm.

Vision Standards:

Candidates must have 6/6 vision in one eye and 6/9 vision in the other.

Medical Conditions:

Candidates with conditions like knock knees, flat feet, or varicose veins will be disqualified.

NDA Eligibility for Female Candidates

Since 2021, female candidates have been allowed to appear for the NDA exam. The NDA eligibility criteria for female candidates are the same as for male candidates, with no additional restrictions.

Key Points for Female Aspirants

You must meet the same age limit, educational qualifications, and physical standards.
You must be unmarried at the time of application and during training.

The NDA eligibility criteria are your first checkpoint on the journey to becoming an officer in the Indian Armed Forces. By understanding the age limit, educational qualifications, nationality requirements, and physical standards, you can ensure that you’re on the right track.If you meet the criteria, start your preparation today! Download the official NDA 2025 Notification PDF for detailed information and check out our NDA Preparation Tips to ace the exam.

NDA Marital Status:

The NDA marital status requirement is strict: only unmarried candidates are eligible to apply for the NDA exam. This rule applies to both male and female aspirants.

Key Points About NDA Marital Status

You must remain unmarried throughout the application process and during training.
Your candidature will be canceled if you marry after applying but before joining the academy.
There are no exceptions to this rule, so ensure you meet the NDA marital status eligibility before applying.

NDA Tattoo Policy: What You Need to Know

The NDA tattoo policy allows candidates with tattoos, but there are specific guidelines to follow:

NDA Tattoo Rules

Tattoos must not be offensive, indecent, or discriminatory.
Tattoos on specific body parts (e.g., face, neck, or hands) may lead to disqualification.
Candidates with tattoos must declare them during the medical examination.

NDA Eligibility for Men: A Long-Standing Opportunity

While the NDA eligibility for female candidates is a recent development, male candidates have always been eligible to apply. The NDA eligibility criteria for men are the same as for women, with no additional restrictions.

Key Points for Male Aspirants

You must meet the NDA age limit, educational qualifications, and physical standards.
You must be unmarried at the time of application and during training.

NDA Application Eligibility: A Step-by-Step Guide

Before applying for the NDA exam, it’s crucial to confirm your NDA application eligibility. Here’s how:

Step 1: Check the Age Limit

Ensure you fall within the NDA age limit of 16.5 to 19.5 years.

Step 2: Verify Educational Qualifications

Confirm you meet the NDA qualification requirements for the Army, Navy, or Air Force wings.

Step 3: Review Nationality Requirements

Ensure you meet the NDA nationality requirements for Indian citizens or eligible foreign candidates.

Step 4: Assess Physical Standards

Check if you meet the NDA height and weight requirements and other physical standards.

Step 5: Confirm Marital Status

Ensure you are unmarried and will remain so during training.

NDA Exam 2025 Notification PDF

NDA Educational Qualifications for Army, Navy, and Air Force

The NDA educational qualifications vary slightly depending on the wing you’re applying for. Here’s a comparison:

Wing	Educational Requirements
Army Wing	12th class pass of the 10+2 pattern or equivalent.
Air Force Wing	12th class pass with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
Naval Wing	12th class pass with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.

NDA Physical Standards for Air Force and Naval Wings

The NDA physical standards for the Air Force and Naval wings are more stringent due to the nature of these services.

Key Requirements

Height and Weight:

Air Force: Minimum height of 162.5 cm (relaxable for certain regions).Naval Wing: Minimum height of 157 cm.

Vision Standards:

Air Force: 6/6 vision in one eye and 6/9 in the other.Naval Wing: 6/6 vision in one eye and 6/9 in the other.

NDA Eligibility for Candidates with Tattoos

The NDA eligibility for candidates with tattoos is subject to specific rules:

Tattoos must not be offensive or inappropriate.
Tattoos on visible body parts (e.g., face, neck, or hands) may lead to disqualification.
Candidates must declare tattoos during the medical examination.

NDA Qualification Requirements for 12th Pass Students

If you’re a 12th-pass student, you’re eligible to apply for the NDA exam. Here’s what you need:

For the Army Wing: A 12th pass certificate from a recognized board.
For the Air Force and Naval Wings: A 12th pass certificate with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.

NDA Eligibility Criteria for Gorkha Subjects of Nepal

Gorkha subjects of Nepal enjoy a special exemption under the NDA nationality requirements:

They do not need a certificate of eligibility to apply for the NDA exam.
They must, however, meet all other eligibility criteria, including age, education, and physical standards.

NDA Physical Fitness Test Eligibility Criteria

The NDA physical fitness test is a crucial part of the selection process. Here’s what it includes:

Running: 1.6 km in 6.5 minutes.
Push-ups: 20 repetitions.
Sit-ups: 20 repetitions.
Chin-ups: 6 repetitions.

NDA Eligibility for Candidates from East African Countries

Candidates from East African countries (e.g., Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania) are eligible to apply for the NDA exam if they:

Are of Indian origin.
Possess a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India.

NDA Eligibility Criteria for Candidates with Medical Conditions

Certain medical conditions can disqualify you from the NDA exam. These include:

Knock knees
Flat feet
Varicose veins
Poor vision (uncorrected)

NDA Selection Process Eligibility for Written Exam and SSB Interview

The NDA selection process involves two stages:

Written Exam: Tests your knowledge of Mathematics and General Ability.
SSB Interview: Evaluate your intelligence, personality, and physical fitness.

At each stage, your eligibility is verified, so ensure you meet all criteria before applying.

NDA Eligibility for Candidates with Equivalent Qualifications

If you have an equivalent qualification to the 12th class, you can still apply for the NDA exam. Examples include:

Diplomas from recognized institutions.
Certificates from open schools or distance education programs.

NDA Eligibility Criteria for Indian Citizens Living Abroad

Indian citizens living abroad are eligible to apply for the NDA exam if they:

Hold Indian citizenship.
Meet the NDA age limit, educational qualifications, and physical standards.

What Are the Requirements to Join NDA?

To join the NDA, you must meet the following admission requirements:

Age Limit: 16.5 to 19.5 years.
Educational Qualifications: 12th pass (with PCM for Air Force and Naval Wings).
Nationality: Indian citizen or eligible foreign candidate.
Physical Standards: Meet height, weight, and medical requirements.

Can I Apply for NDA if I Am Married?

No, only unmarried candidates are eligible to apply for the NDA exam. Your candidature will be canceled if you marry after applying but before joining the academy.

How Do I Check If I Am Eligible for NDA?

Follow this step-by-step guide to check your NDA eligibility:

Verify your age using the NDA age limit criteria.
Check your educational qualifications.
Confirm your nationality.
Assess your physical fitness and medical condition.
Ensure you are unmarried.

What Are the Medical Requirements for NDA?

The NDA medical requirements include:

Vision: 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in the other.
Hearing: Normal hearing ability.
General Health: No chronic or disqualifying medical conditions.

What Is the Nationality Requirement for NDA?

The NDA nationality requirement states that candidates must be:

Indian citizens, or
Subjects of Nepal, or
Persons of Indian origin from specific countries.

Also, check: NDA Exam Date 2025