UPSC NDA & NA (National Defence Academy) Eligibility 2026

Who can apply for UPSC NDA & NA (National Defence Academy) in 2026 — the age limit, educational qualification, nationality and attempt rules as specified by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Always confirm against the official notification before applying.

Age and marital status

Age: 16.5 to 19.5 years on the joining date specified in the UPSC notification (this is the date of commencement of the course at NDA, not the date of the written exam — always verify with the active notification). This is a Class 12 entry exam.
Education: Marital status: must be unmarried. Cadets are not permitted to marry during the entire 3-year NDA training and the subsequent 1-year pre-commissioning training at IMA/INA/AFA.
Nationality: Indian citizen, OR subject of Bhutan, OR subject of Nepal, OR Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1 January 1962 with the intention of permanently settling, OR person of Indian origin migrated from specified countries (Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries of Kenya/Uganda/Tanzania/Zambia/Malawi/Zaire/Ethiopia and Vietnam) with the intention of permanently settling.

Physical and medical standards

Age: Same age band as above.
Education: Indicative physical standards (verified at the Special Medical Board after SSB recommendation): Army cadets — minimum height 157 cm (relaxed by 5 cm for Gorkhas / hilly-area candidates / Garhwali / Kumaon / Lakshadweep candidates). Air Force cadets — minimum height 162.5 cm, leg-length 99-120 cm, thigh-length up to 64 cm, sitting height 81.5-96 cm, weight in proportion to height and age. Navy cadets — minimum height 157 cm, weight in proportion. Vision: Air Force pilot branch has the strictest standard (6/6 in better eye, 6/9 in worse eye, correctable to 6/6 — no LASIK / PRK / refractive surgery beyond specified limits permitted historically; verify current standards in the active notification).
Nationality: Female candidates have separate proportional weight-for-height tables. All candidates undergo a thorough medical examination at Military Hospitals after SSB recommendation — provisional rejections can be appealed at the Appeal Medical Board within the timeline specified in the medical document.

Educational qualification by wing

Age: Same age band as above. Both male AND female candidates are eligible (post the 2021 Supreme Court ruling; the first batch of female cadets joined NDA in July 2022).
Education: For the Army wing of NDA: Class 12 / Higher Secondary Examination of the 10+2 pattern or equivalent from a recognised board — passed OR appearing. For the Air Force, Navy wings of NDA and the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at the Indian Naval Academy: Class 12 / Higher Secondary with Physics, Chemistry AND Mathematics as compulsory subjects — passed or appearing.
Nationality: Candidates appearing in Class 12 may apply provisionally — proof of passing must be submitted by the date specified in the notification (typically before the SSB interview or before joining). Failing the qualifying exam after provisional admission results in cancellation.

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