To be eligible for NDA 2026, candidates must be between 16.5 and 19.5 years of age, have passed Class 12 (10+2) with Physics and Mathematics for Air Force and Navy wings, and meet the physical and medical fitness standards set by the Armed Forces. Here is the complete NDA eligibility breakdown for 2026.
NDA 2026 Eligibility Criteria at a Glance
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Age Limit | 16.5 – 19.5 years |
| Nationality | Indian / Subject of Nepal or Bhutan |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Educational Qualification (Army) | Class 12 pass from any recognised board |
| Educational Qualification (Navy & Air Force) | Class 12 pass with Physics & Mathematics |
| Gender | Male & Female (as per Supreme Court order, 2021) |
| Physical & Medical Fitness | As per Armed Forces Medical Standards |
NDA Age Limit 2026: What You Need to Know
The NDA age limit for 2026 is 16.5 to 19.5 years. For NDA I 2026, candidates born between 2nd July 2007 and 1st July 2010 are eligible. Since UPSC conducts NDA twice a year, most candidates get a maximum of 4–5 attempts in their eligibility window.
| Exam | Age as on Date of Commencement of Course |
|---|---|
| NDA I 2026 | 16½ – 19½ years (Born between 02 Jul 2007 – 01 Jul 2010) |
| NDA II 2026 | 16½ – 19½ years (Born between 02 Jan 2008 – 01 Jan 2011) |
Educational Qualification for NDA 2026
- NDA Army Wing: Class 12 pass from any stream (CBSE, ICSE, or State Board).
- NDA Navy Wing: Class 12 pass with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects.
- NDA Air Force Wing: Class 12 pass with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects.
Important: Candidates appearing in Class 12 are also eligible to apply. They must produce proof of passing at the time of joining NDA.
NDA Physical Standards 2026
| Parameter | Army Wing | Navy Wing | Air Force Wing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Height | 157 cm | 157 cm | 162.5 cm |
| Weight (for 157 cm) | 42.5 kg | 42.5 kg | 49.3 kg |
| Chest Expansion | Min 5 cm expansion | Min 5 cm expansion | Min 5 cm expansion |
| Distant Vision | 6/6 each eye | 6/6 each eye | 6/6 (no glasses) |
| Colour Vision | Required | CP-I (Highest) | CP-I (Highest) |
Medical Conditions That May Disqualify Candidates
- Colour blindness (disqualifying for Navy and Air Force)
- Obesity (BMI beyond acceptable range)
- Flat feet, knock knees, or bow legs
- Deviated Nasal Septum causing obstruction
- Varicocele of Grade 2 or higher
Can Female Candidates Apply for NDA 2026?
Yes. Following the landmark Supreme Court judgment in September 2021, female candidates are now eligible to apply for NDA. The eligibility criteria — age, education, physical standards — are the same as for male candidates.
NDA Eligibility for Class 12 Appearing Students
Students currently in Class 12 (appearing in board exams) are eligible to apply for NDA. UPSC allows such candidates to sit the written exam, but they must submit their Class 12 pass certificate at the time of SSB or joining. If they fail Class 12, their candidature will be cancelled.
How to Check If You Are Eligible for NDA 2026
- Check your date of birth against the official NDA 2026 notification birth date range.
- Confirm your Class 12 stream (PCM mandatory for Air Force and Navy).
- Check your height, weight, and eyesight against wing-specific standards.
- Ensure you are unmarried.
- Verify your nationality status.
- If all criteria are met, apply via the UPSC official portal at upsconline.nic.in.
Preparing for NDA 2026? Join NDA coaching in Chandigarh at NCA Academy — India’s oldest defence coaching institute since 1967. We also offer SSB interview coaching and AFCAT coaching in Chandigarh.
Frequently Asked Questions — NDA Eligibility 2026
Q: What is the age limit for NDA 2026?
Candidates must be between 16.5 and 19.5 years as on the date of commencement of course.
Q: What is the educational qualification for NDA?
Army Wing: Class 12 any stream. Navy and Air Force Wings: Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics.
Q: Can girls apply for NDA 2026?
Yes, female candidates are eligible since the 2021 Supreme Court order.
Q: What is the physical standard for NDA?
Min height 157 cm (Army/Navy), 162.5 cm (Air Force). Eyesight 6/6. Normal colour vision and hearing.
Q: How many times can I attempt NDA?
No official limit, but age bracket 16.5–19.5 allows 4–5 attempts maximum since NDA is held twice a year.
Q: Is NDA only for unmarried candidates?
Yes, candidates must be unmarried at the time of application and throughout NDA training.
Ready to Apply? Start Your NDA Preparation Today
Now that you know whether you’re eligible, the next step is choosing the right coaching. Compare India’s top NDA coaching institutes, fees, and online options in our complete NDA coaching in India 2026 guide. Also check the latest NDA Notification 2026 for application dates and the NDA Exam Date 2026 to plan your timeline.
Ready to Apply? Start Your NDA Preparation Today
Now that you know whether you’re eligible, the next step is choosing the right coaching. Compare India’s top NDA coaching institutes, fees, and online options in our complete NDA coaching in India 2026 guide. Also check the latest NDA Notification 2026 for application dates and the NDA Exam Date 2026 to plan your timeline.
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