nda

NDA Eligibility Criteria


As per Nationality-The below candidates are eligible to appear in NDA exam:

A citizen of India, or
A subject of Nepal, or
A subject of Bhutan, or
A Tibetan refugee who came over to India before 1st January, 1962
Overseas Citizens of India

2. Education- 12th class or appearing are eligible to appear in the exam.


3. NDA Age Criteria-

Candidates should be born between 16.5 years to 19.5 years for NDA I.
Candidates should be born between 16.5 years to 19.5 years for NDA II.
Only unmarried male candidate can apply for NDA exams.
Candidates should note that the Commission will accept age-related documents like birth certificate, 12th class certificate recognised by an Indian University as equivalent to Matriculation, horoscope, and affidavit. Once the date has been recorded, no request for its change will be considered.

4. Until their training is complete; the candidate cannot marry. If the candidate is found married after the application, the candidate will not be selected for training and is liable to refund all the expenses incurred by the government.


5. Candidates who have previously failed the CPSS / PABT exam are eligible for Air Force in the ground duty branches.


6. Candidate should be physically fit according to physical standards mentioned in Appendix-IV.


7. Candidates who are not eligible:

Candidates of class 11th are not eligible to appear in the exam.
Candidates who are deprived of any commission by the Ministry of defence are not eligible to give the examination.
A candidate who has resigned from any of the training academies of Armed forces is not eligible to apply.

NDA FAQs

Why NDA?

National defence academy is a dream destination for all aspiring military boys, where cadets of 3 services - the Army, the Navy and the Air force are equipped with mental, moral, and physical characteristics aimed at leading soldiers.

Who conducts the NDA exam?

NDA exam is conducted by UNION PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION (UPSC).

From where one can enroll for NDA?

Candidates have to go to https://upsconline.nic.in/ to enroll for NDA and NA exams.

What is the procedure to fill the online application form?

Online application form is filled in 2 parts:-
Part 1:
1. Registration
2. Preferred branch selection
3. Details verification
4. Withdrawal/Cancellation of application
Part 2:
1. Login
2. Payment
3. Select the exam centre
4. Document upload
5. Agree to terms and conditions
6. Submit

When can candidates get their admit cards?

Candidates get their admit cards almost three weeks before the exam begins.

What is the age criteria to appear in NDA & NA exam?

The age criteria to appear in NDA & NA exam are as follows:
1. NDA I- 16.5 years to 19.5 years.
2. NDA II- 16.5 years to 19.5 years.

Who can apply for NDA Exam?

The below candidates are eligible to appear in NDA exam:
(a) A citizen of India, or
(b) A subject of Nepal, or
(c) A subject of Bhutan, or
(d) A Tibetan refugee who came over to India before 1st January 1962
(e) Persons of Indian Origin
(f) Overseas Citizens of India

Can married aspirant apply for NDA exams?

No, only unmarried male aspirants can apply for this post.

What is the educational qualification required to appear in the NDA exam?

12th class or appearing candidates are eligible to appear in the exam

Can females apply for NDA exams?

The Supreme Court of India passed an order in August 2021 to allow female candidates to appear in all upcoming NDA entrance examination with respect to the age and qualification requirements. The interested female candidates age should be between 16.5 to 19.5 years and they should have passed Class 12th exam from a recognised education board.

What are the citizenship rules for female candidates applying to NDA?

NDA Nationality for Girls. A candidate applying for NDA must be either unmarried, as well as: an Indian national, or a Nepali subject, or a person of Indian descent from Burma, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, the East African nations of Zambia, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Malawi, Kenya, Zaire, and Ethiopia, or Vietnam who are permanently settled here.

Which candidates are not eligible to appear in the NDA exam?

Candidates who are not eligible:
. Candidates of class 11th are not eligible to appear in the exam.
. Candidates who are deprived of any commission by the Ministry of defence are not eligible to give the examination.
. A candidate who has resigned from any of the training academies of Armed forces is not eligible to apply.

How often does the NDA exam conduct?

The NDA and NA exam is conducted twice a year, and it includes a written test and SSB Interview.

Will NDA exam has descriptive questions?

NDA has only objective type questions.

Is the calculator allowed in NDA exam?

NO, the calculator is not allowed in the NDA exam.

Can we use any colour pen for giving NDA exam?

Only black ball pen is allowed to give the exam.

What is the duration of NDA exam?

Duration of exam: 2 hours 30 minutes for each paper (Paper I - Maths and Paper II - General Ability Test).

How is the NDA exam conducted?

NDA exam is conducted in 2 phases:
Phase 1- Written-test
1. Mathematics (300 marks)
2. General Ability Test (600 marks)
Phase 2- SSB Interview
1. Screening
2. Psychology Test
3. Group Exercise
4. Personal Interview
5. Conference

How is the NDA exam selection process done?

NDA selection process: Registration/ LoginApply online Admit card Exam Call Letter SSB Interview Medical Test Result/Merit List NDA/NA

Does height matters in NDA exam?

Yes, height matters a lot in NDA exams. The minimum acceptable height is 157 cm for the Army, 152 cm for the Navy and 162.5 cm for the Air Force.

What happens in NDA medical test?

In NDA medical test, it includes- Urine test, blood test, sugar test, Blood pressure (BP) test, ECG. There should be no hydrocele, varicocele or piles, pyorrhea.