NDA Eligibility 2026: Latest Criteria Breakdown
If your dream is to become an officer in the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force, the NDA exam is one of the first big steps in that journey. Every year, thousands of students prepare with full heart and dedication — and knowing the eligibility criteria early can make all the difference. For NDA Eligibility 2026, UPSC has set clear rules for age limit, education, physical fitness, eyesight, nationality, and more. As your mentor at Ground Zero Defence Academy, this detailed guide will help you understand exactly who can apply, avoid mistakes, and start preparation with confidence.
NDA Eligibility 2026 Overview
Here’s a snapshot of all the key requirements to apply for NDA in 2026:
| Eligibility Factor | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Age Limit | 16.5 to 19.5 |
| Educational Qualification | 12th pass or appearing; PCM mandatory for Air Force & Navy |
| Nationality | Indian / Nepal / Bhutan / eligible refugees |
| Physical Standards | Height, weight & fitness as per UPSC norms |
| Medical Eligibility | Vision, chest, and general health standard |
| Marital Status & Gender | Only unmarried male & female candidate |
NDA Age Limit 2026
The age criteria is one of the most important parts of NDA Eligibility 2026. If you miss the age cutoff by even a day, UPSC will reject your application.
📌 Exact Age Limits
- Minimum Age: 16.5
- Maximum Age: 19.5 years
UPSC sets Date of Birth (DOB) ranges specific to each exam:
| Exam | DOB Range |
|---|---|
| NDA 1 2026 | Candidates must have been born not earlier than 2nd July 2007 and not later than 1st July 201 |
| NDA 2 2026 | January 2, 2008, to January 1, 2011 |
🧠 How Age Is Calculated
Your age is measured as on the date of joining the academy — not just on the exam day. UPSC uses official DOB from your 10th certificate; always confirm that it matches exactly.
Educational Qualification for NDA 2026
To meet the NDA qualification 2026 standard:
📚 Army Wing
- Passed Class 12 or
- Appearing in Class 12 (2026) from a recognized board
📐 Air Force & Navy Wing
- Must pass or be appearing in Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics (PCM)
🎓 Examples
- Yes: A 12th science student with PCM in 2026 board exams — eligible to apply for Air Force or Navy.
- Yes: A commerce student — eligible for Army wing but not for Air Force or Navy.
Nationality Requirements
To fulfill NDA nationality criteria:
Indian Citizen
Subject of Nepal or Bhutan
Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1 Jan 1962
Persons of Indian origin from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Burma, and certain African countries intending permanent settlement in India.
All non-Indian citizen categories must produce a certificate of eligibility issued by Government of India.
NDA Physical Standards 2026
🏃♂️ Height – Minimum
| Service | Minimum Height |
|---|---|
| Army | 157 cm |
| Navy | 157 cm (special leg length criteria also apply) |
| Air Force | 162.5 cm |
| Gorkhas / Hill Regions | 5 cm relaxation |
⚖️ Weight & BMI
Weight must be proportionate to height and age as per UPSC charts — underweight or overweight can lead to disqualification.
📈 Basic Physical Standards
- Chest expansion should be adequate (normally 5 cm minimum).
- Running, push-ups, and flexibility are tested later in SSB/medical tests.
NDA Vision & Medical Eligibility 2026
Meet NDA eyesight eligibility to avoid medical rejection:
👁️ Basic Vision Standards
- Uncorrected: 6/12 in each eye
- Corrected: 6/6 in each eye
- Limits for Myopia: -1.0 D sph
- Hypermetropia: +2.0 D sph
- Astigmatism: ±1.0 D cyl
⚠️ Key Medical Notes
- No major skeletal, ENT, dental, or chronic conditions.
- Tattoos: small, innocuous permanent tattoos are allowed only on the inner forearm (elbow to wrist) and the back/palm of the hand, provided they aren’t offensive, sexist, or racist
🛠️ Tips to Stay Fit
- Regular eye exercises and vision checks
- Daily physical training
- Early medical screening before UPSC application
NDA Marital Status & Gender Eligibility
- Only unmarried candidates can apply for NDA 2026.
- Both male and female aspirants are now eligible, as per the latest UPSC notification.
- Female applicants must remain unmarried throughout the training period.
Documents Required for NDA Exam 2026
Before applying, have these ready:
- Class 10 certificate (DOB proof)
- Class 12 certificate or proof of appearance
- Identity proof (Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID)
- Scanned photo & signature
- Caste/Category certificate (if applicable)
- Domicile/Nationality eligibility certificate (if applicable)
- Medical fitness reports (recommended before application)
Common Reasons Students Get Rejected
| Rejection Cause | Why It Happens |
|---|---|
| Age mismatch | DOB not in UPSC range |
| Incorrect DOB docs | Certificate errors |
| Medical unfitness | Vision/physical standards not met |
| Vision issues | Not within allowed limits |
| Wrong documents | Missing or bad scans |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the minimum height for NDA?
Army/Navy: 157 cm; Air Force: 162.5 cm.
2. Can girls apply for NDA 2026?
Yes, unmarried females are eligible.
3. Can commerce students apply?
Yes for Army wing, but PCM needed for Air Force & Navy.
4. Is a calculator allowed in the NDA exam?
No, calculators are not permitted. ✔️ Exam rules ban electronic devices.
5. Can 11th graders sit for NDA?
You can appear for practice but won’t be called for SSB unless you pass 12th. ✍️
6. Do I need 50% in 12th to apply?
No specific percentage is mandated — passing or appearing is enough. ✔️
7. Can Nepal/Bhutan citizens apply?
Yes, with valid eligibility certificate.
8. Are there relaxation benefits?
No age/physical relaxation is given for reserved categories. ✘
9. How many NDA attempts are allowed?
No fixed attempts — limited only by age eligibility.
10. What’s the exam pattern?
Maths + General Ability Test (GAT), followed by SSB interview. ✔️
Why Choose Ground Zero Defence Academy for NDA Preparation?
⭐ Proven Results
GZDA consistently produces NDA qualifiers due to expert guidance and structured coaching.
🧠 Experienced Faculty
Our mentors are defence veterans and subject experts with in-depth insights into NDA eligibility, written exam, and SSB preparation.
💪 SSB & Physical Training
Beyond books, we focus on physical fitness, personality development, and SSB strategy that every aspirant needs.
🏠 Hostel & Discipline
Residential facilities with strict routine help students focus fully on NDA goals.
🏙️ Dehradun Advantage
Training in Dehradun — India’s defence coaching hub — means the best environment to build discipline and fitness.
🤝 Trusted by Aspirants
A community where students feel supported, prepared, and confident throughout NDA preparation.
Conclusion
NDA Eligibility 2026 is your first big checkpoint as a defence aspirant — but once you understand it clearly, you can plan your journey with confidence. Start early, avoid common mistakes, and target every criteria with purpose. If your heart is set on serving the nation, Ground Zero Defence Academy is here to help you turn your dream into reality. Let’s begin your NDA journey today! 🚀