NDA 2026 Eligibility — Age, Education, Physical Standards & Wing-wise Requirements
The NDA 2026 Eligibility is designed for young aspirants completing or having completed 12th standard. The requirements vary slightly by service wing.
Educational Qualification
Army Wing: 12th pass or appearing in 12th from any recognized board in any stream (Arts/Science/Commerce).
Navy Wing: 12th pass with Physics and Mathematics from a recognized board.
Air Force Wing: 12th pass with Physics and Mathematics from a recognized board.
Age Limit
Only unmarried male and female candidates born between specified dates (typically 16.5 to 19.5 years of age on the date of commencement of the course). For NDA-I 2026 (course commencing January 2027), born not earlier than July 2007 and not later than July 2010 (indicative).
Physical Standards
Must be physically fit per armed forces standards. Height: minimum 157 cm (male), 152 cm (female). Chest: 81 cm expanded with 5 cm expansion (male). Weight: proportionate to height. Vision: varies by service — Air Force requires 6/6 in each eye without glasses, Navy requires 6/6 & 6/9, Army is relatively relaxed.
No Attempt Limit
Unlike UPSC CSE, there is no limit on the number of NDA attempts as long as the candidate is within the age bracket. Candidates can keep appearing until they cross 19.5 years.
NDA Eligibility Criteria
Education
Army: 12th any stream | Navy/Air Force: 12th with Physics + Maths
Age
16.5 to 19.5 years — no relaxation
Gender
Male and Female both eligible (since 2022)
Marital Status
Must be unmarried
Check Your Age Eligibility
Check if you meet the age requirement for NDA. Our calculator shows your exact age on the cut-off date with category-wise relaxation (OBC, SC/ST, PH, Ex-Servicemen).
- ✓ Enter DOB and cut-off date
- ✓ Category-wise age relaxation
- ✓ Preset cut-off dates for major exams
