NDA Eligibility Criteria 2026, Age Limit, Qualification

NDA Eligibility Criteria 2026 is the set of compulsories that are decided by UPSC and that a candidate needs to fulfill for an admission to join Indian Armed Forces via the National Defence Academy. Such rules ensure that only deserving candidates apply for the examination in terms of nationality, marital status-single male and female candidates-and physical requirement. Proper understanding of these eligibility criteria is the first and foremost significant step that any defence aspirant candidate needs to undertake to ensure his or her application is accepted.

The two main eligibility determinants are the age limit and educational qualification. For NDA 2026, the candidates should strictly lie in the age bracket of 16.5 to 19.5 years with specific birth date ranges applicable for NDA 1 and NDA 2 exams, respectively, with no age relaxation permissible. Academically, candidates must have passed the Class 12 examination. However, requirements vary by wing: the Army Wing requires a standard Class 12 pass, while the Air Force and Navy wings demand Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) in the 10+2 curriculum. Students currently appearing for their Class 12 finals are also eligible to apply conditionally.

Check Out: NDA Books

NDA Eligibility Criteria 2026 Overview

NDA Eligibility Criteria 2026 outlines the rules to be followed by students for applying to the National Defence Academy exam. Such rules help in deciding whether a candidate is eligible or not to join the Indian Armed Forces through NDA. These include age limit, educational qualification, nationality, and other important conditions. The understanding of such rules would ultimately help students prepare for the NDA exam in a better way.

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NDA Age Limit 2026

Age criteria for NDA 2026 is specific. Candidates are required to be within the age bracket of 16.5 years and 19.5 years. For the NDA 1 and NDA 2 exams, birth dates must fall within the given ranges.

Age Limit for NDA

The following information on the minimum and maximum ages, with their correct birth date ranges.

Additional Points:

• Only unmarried male and female candidates can apply.

• There is no age relaxation for any category.

• The date of birth on the certificate must match exactly with the required limits.

Check Out: NDA 23 Previous Years Solved Papers (2014 - Sept 2025)

NDA Education Qualification 2026

The educational qualifications for NDA depend on the wing you want to join. Students must have a Class 12 certificate, but the subjects required vary for Army, Navy, and Air Force.

NDA 2026 Educational Qualification

Below is the minimum qualification needed for each wing.

Important Note:
Students appearing for Class 12 in 2026 can also apply, but they must show proof of passing before joining the academy.

NDA 2026 Nationality

The following candidates who fall under the nationality conditions can apply for NDA 2026:

• Citizens of India

• Subjects of Nepal

• Subjects of Bhutan

• Tibetan refugees who came to India before 1 January 1962 to settle permanently

• Persons of Indian origin from countries like Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, intending to settle in India permanently

These rules ensure that candidates are legally allowed to join the defence forces.

Check Out: Shaurya NDA/NA Combo Set of 4 Books

NDA 2026 Number of Attempts

For the NDA exam, there is no restriction on the number of attempts a candidate may make. Students can try the exam as many times as they want until they cross the age limit.

Important Points:

• Only unmarried candidates can appear.

• Candidates must meet the age and educational qualifications every time.

• NDA is held twice a year, giving more chances for students to try.

Read More: NDA-NA 2025 Exam with Notes, NDA Books PDFs, Preparation Tips

NDA Eligibility Criteria 2026 FAQs

Q1: What is the NDA eligibility criteria for age limit?
A1: The NDA age limit is 16.5 to 19.5 years, with different birth date ranges for NDA 1 and NDA 2.

Q2: What qualification is needed for NDA 2026?
A2: Candidates must pass Class 12. For Air Force and Navy, Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics are required.

Q3: Can female candidates apply for NDA 2026?
A3: Yes, both unmarried male and female candidates can apply.

Q4: How many attempts are allowed for NDA exam?
A4: There is no limit on attempts, but students must stay within the age limit.

Q5: What is the nationality requirement for NDA 2026?
A5: Candidates must be Indian citizens or belong to certain approved categories from Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet, or specific countries of Indian origin.