UPSC NDA Eligibility Criteria 2026: Age Limit, Education, and Physical Standards
Union Public Service Commission — Ministry of Defence
📋 Vacancy Details
| Post Name | National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination |
|---|---|
| Qualification | 12th Pass or Appearing (PCM for Navy/Air Force) |
| Age Limit | 16.5 - 19.5 years |
| Salary | Rs. 56,100 (Starting Pay in Level 10 during training) |
| Application Fee | Rs. 100 (Exempted for SC/ST/Female candidates) |
| Selection Process | Written Exam, SSB Interview, Medical Examination |
📝 Detailed Notification Information
UPSC NDA Eligibility Criteria 2026 Overview
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy examination twice a year. To join the elite Indian Armed Forces, aspirants must meet specific eligibility requirements including age, educational qualification, and physical standards. This guide provides the complete breakdown for the NDA 1 2026 and NDA 2 2026 cycles.
NDA Age Limit 2026 (NDA 1 & NDA 2)
The age criteria for NDA is strictly enforced, and no age relaxation is provided to any category (SC/ST/OBC). Candidates must be between 16.5 and 19.5 years of age at the time of commencement of the course.
| Exam Cycle | Minimum Age | Maximum Age | Estimated Birth Date Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| NDA 1 2026 | 16.5 Years | 19.5 Years | 02 July 2007 to 01 July 2010 |
| NDA 2 2026 | 16.5 Years | 19.5 Years | 02 January 2008 to 01 July 2011 |
Educational Qualifications
The educational requirements vary depending on the wing of the National Defence Academy you wish to join. Candidates appearing in their Class 12 exams are also eligible to apply provisionally.
- Army Wing: Must have passed or be appearing in Class 12 (10+2 pattern) or equivalent examination from a recognized board.
- Air Force & Naval Wings: Must have passed or be appearing in Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) from a recognized board.
Nationality and Marital Status
Candidates must be unmarried males or females. Marriage is not permitted during the training period.
Nationality Requirements:
- A citizen of India, or
- A subject of Nepal or Bhutan, or
- A Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962, for permanent settlement.
- Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) migrated from specific countries like Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, and East African countries with the intention of permanent settlement.
NDA Exam Pattern 2026
The selection process begins with a written examination followed by an SSB Interview. The written test consists of two objective-type papers:
| Subject | Duration | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 2.5 Hours | 300 |
| General Ability Test (GAT) | 2.5 Hours | 600 |
| Total | 5 Hours | 900 |
How to Apply for NDA 2026
- Visit the official UPSC application portal at upsconline.nic.in.
- Complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) if not already registered.
- Fill out the NDA 1 or NDA 2 application form accurately.
- Choose your preferred exam center and upload your scanned photograph and signature.
- Pay the application fee (exempted for SC/ST/Female candidates).
- Submit the form and save a copy for the SSB interview stage.
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Anita Verma is a certified HR professional with extensive experience in government and semi-government hiring practices. She specializes in university, hospital, and court recruitment notifications across India.