NDA Eligibility Criteria 2026 – Complete Detailed Guide
Overview
The National Defence Academy (NDA) examination is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to recruit candidates for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. NDA is one of the most prestigious entry routes for candidates who want to join the armed forces after 12th standard.
The NDA 2026 eligibility criteria include age limit, educational qualification, nationality, marital status, and physical standards. Candidates must meet all eligibility conditions to apply successfully.
This article explains the complete NDA 2026 eligibility criteria in a clear and structured format.
Important Dates
The UPSC conducts NDA examination twice every year.
For NDA 1 2026:
Notification Release: December 2025
Exam Date: April 2026
For NDA 2 2026:
Notification Release: May 2026
Exam Date: September 2026
Candidates must check the official UPSC website regularly for exact notification and examination dates.
Eligibility
To apply for NDA 2026, candidates must meet the following eligibility conditions.
The age limit for NDA is generally between 16.5 years and 19.5 years. Candidates must be born within the date range specified in the official notification.
Only unmarried male and female candidates are eligible to apply.
For the Army Wing of NDA, candidates must have passed 12th standard or equivalent examination from a recognized board.
For the Air Force and Naval Wings of NDA, candidates must have passed 12th standard with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects.
Candidates appearing in 12th standard are also eligible to apply provisionally, provided they produce proof of passing before joining.
Nationality criteria require that the candidate must be a citizen of India or meet other nationality conditions mentioned in the official notification.
Candidates must also meet physical and medical standards prescribed by the armed forces. Specific requirements include minimum height, weight standards, and overall medical fitness.
Application Process
The NDA 2026 application process is conducted online through the official UPSC website.
Candidates must complete One-Time Registration and then fill out the online application form.
Applicants are required to upload scanned copies of photograph, signature, and photo identity proof as per UPSC guidelines.
Application fees are applicable for General and OBC candidates, while SC, ST, and female candidates are generally exempted from payment.
After submission, candidates should download and retain the application confirmation for future reference.
Selection Process
The NDA selection process consists of two major stages.
The first stage is the written examination conducted by UPSC.
The written exam consists of two papers: Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT). The Mathematics paper tests numerical and analytical ability, while the GAT includes English, General Knowledge, and current affairs.
Candidates who qualify in the written examination are called for the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview.
The SSB interview is conducted over five days and includes psychological tests, group tasks, personal interviews, and physical tests.
Candidates who clear the SSB interview undergo a detailed medical examination.
Final selection is based on combined performance in the written examination and SSB interview, subject to medical fitness and availability of vacancies.
Salary
Candidates selected through NDA join the respective armed forces as commissioned officers after successful completion of training.
During training, candidates receive a fixed stipend as per government rules.
After commissioning as officers, the starting basic pay is ₹56,100 per month under Pay Level 10 of the 7th Pay Commission.
In addition to basic pay, officers receive Military Service Pay, Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, and other benefits.
Officers also receive additional allowances depending on posting location and nature of duty.
Direct Official Link
Candidates must refer only to the official Union Public Service Commission website for accurate and updated information regarding NDA 2026 eligibility criteria:
Always verify eligibility details through the official notification before applying.