Who Can Give the NDA Exam in 2026?

The National Defence Academy (NDA) is one of the most renowned defense training academies of India. Thousands of candidates all over the country dream of wearing the uniform by passing the NDA exam, which is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) every year.

However, the first step to the journey is an important question of Who is eligible to give the NDA exam in 2026? All this will be clarified in this blog and every aspiring candidate can understand whether he/she qualify or not, on the basis of eligibility criteria, educational qualification, physical standards, etc.

As a student of Class 11 or 12, as a school graduate, or an individual mentoring the aspirants, this guide will assist you in knowing the precise eligibility criteria of NDA 2026.

Quick Overview: NDA 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Before we go into the finer details, here’s a quick glance at who can apply for NDA 2026:

Now, let us examine each of these in detail in order to understand who can actually take the NDA 2026 exam.

Nationality Requirement of NDA 2026

In order to take the NDA exam, one has to be:

• An Indian citizen, or

• A Nepal citizen, or

An Indian origin person who has migrated to India, either in Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, or East Africa, including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Ethiopia, Vietnam, or Malawi with the aim of settling permanently in India.

The candidates that fall under the latter categories have to submit a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India.

NDA 2026 Age Limit

One of the key eligibility filters is the age criteria.

• Minimum Age: 16.5 years

• Max Age: 19.5 years

• In case of NDA 1 2026 (which is expected in April), the candidate born between 2nd July 2007 and 1st July 2010 will be eligible.

• In the case of NDA 2 2026 (anticipated in September), the applicants should have been born between 2nd January 2008 and 1st January 2011.

Note: No age relaxation is allowed in any category- SC/ST/OBC/others.

Gender & Marital Status

• Both Male and Female candidates are eligible to apply for NDA 2026.

• Candidates must be unmarried at the time of application and during training.

• Marriage during the training period is strictly prohibited and may result in discharge from the academy.

This move to allow girls into the NDA started with the Supreme Court ruling in 2021 and has opened opportunities for young women in the defense services.

Educational Qualification

Educational requirements vary slightly depending on the branch a candidate is applying for:

📌 Important:

• Candidates currently appearing in their Class 12 exams in 2026 can apply.

• If applying for Air Force/Navy, make sure you have Physics and Math in your subjects.

Preparation Requirements (Bonus Insight)

The strategy and study materials are what you require to crack the NDA. Most toppers suggest that one should solve the NDA previous year paper on a regular basis in order to get the pattern of the questions and also increase the accuracy. It is also necessary to use the appropriate NDA books to ensure that the syllabus is well covered.

And, as English is a main part of the written exam, applicants need to concentrate on an English book for NDA to enhance grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension.

These tools are not only preparation tools, but they also help one gain confidence in the SSB interview round.

Medical and Physical Fitness

NDA cadets are physically trained hard. This is the reason why UPSC has stringent medical and physical norms. The most important physical standards are:

General Physical Requirements

• Height:

• Minimum: 157 cm (for Army)

• For Air Force: 162.5 cm minimum

• For Navy: 157 cm minimum

• For Female candidates: Minimum 152 cm

There are relaxations for candidates from certain states (e.g., Gorkhas, Northeast regions).

• Chest: Well developed; fully expanded chest should be at least 5 cm more than unexpanded.

• Vision: 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in the other. Glasses/contact lenses are not permitted for Air Force.

• Hearing: Normal hearing is required in both ears.

Conditions That Lead to Disqualification

• Flat foot

• Knock knees

• Color blindness

• Mental instability

• History of heart or respiratory disease

Candidates will undergo a complete medical examination at Armed Forces Medical Colleges (AFMCs) or designated centers.

NDA Exam Pattern

The NDA exam consists of two papers:

The General Ability Test (GAT) includes English (200 marks) and General Knowledge (400 marks). That's why preparing with a dedicated English book for NDA becomes crucial.

Tentative Dates for NDA 2026

Here are the expected dates (subject to change):

Stay updated by regularly checking the official UPSC website: upsc.gov.in

Important Mindset Traits for NDA Aspirants

Cracking an NDA isn’t just about academic preparation. The SSB interview, which follows the written exam, assesses your personality traits such as:

• Leadership

• Confidence

• Teamwork

• Integrity

• Presence of mind

Working on communication skills, participating in group discussions, and reading editorials can help sharpen these qualities.

Using NDA previous year paper as mock interview discussion topics is also a proven strategy to ace the SSB.

❓Common Misconceptions About NDA Eligibility

Most students including parents have misconceptions about the type of people that can take the NDA exam. So, here are some of the most popular myths about the NDA 2026 eligibility that we are going to clarify.

🔴 Myth 1: Only Science Students Can Apply

Fact: This is partly true. The Army Wing of the NDA is open to students of any stream (Science, Commerce, or Arts). But in the case of Air Force and the Naval Wings, the candidates should possess Physics and Mathematics in Class 12.

Therefore, in case you are a commerce or a humanities student, you can still get into NDA, but not in all streams.

🔴 Myth 2: Girls Can’t Apply for NDA

Fact: This was true until 2021. However, following a landmark decision of the Supreme Court, women applicants can now go ahead and apply to the NDA. Both male and female aspirants go through the same exam process, eligibility, and training standards.

A number of girls are now gearing up and getting the first positions. Actually, gender is no longer a barrier in any way when one has the right NDA books and practices regularly on the NDA previous year papers.

Read More:Why NDA is the Ultimate Career Choice After Class 12?

Regional Clarifications for NDA Aspirants

A lot of students from different parts of India have region-specific queries. Here are some clarifications:

🏔️ North-East India, Hilly Areas, Gorkhas

Candidates from hilly regions like Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Gorkha regions of Nepal get relaxation in height requirements:

• Male candidates: Minimum height required is 152 cm

• Female candidates: Minimum height required is 147 cm

This makes it inclusive and fair for aspirants from diverse backgrounds.

For those from the Muslim community, it’s important to note that NDA maintains strict grooming standards. Beards are not allowed during training. Candidates must be willing to follow these grooming regulations during their time at the NDA and thereafter.

Subject-Wise Preparation Strategy for NDA 2026

Now that you know you’re eligible, here’s how to prepare in a smart and structured way.

1. Mathematics

• Based on Class 11 and 12 NCERT

• Covers Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, Matrices, etc.

• Use standard NDA books to practice concepts regularly.

2. General Ability Test (GAT)

• English (200 marks): Build grammar, vocabulary, comprehension.

• An english book for NDA is very helpful here.

• General Knowledge (400 marks): Focus on History, Geography, Polity, Physics, Chemistry, and Current Affairs.

3. SSB Interview

• Stage I: Screening (includes Officer Intelligence Rating Test and PPDT)

• Stage II: Psychological Test, Group Testing, Personal Interview

Practice communication skills, develop confidence, and learn time management.

Solving NDA previous year paper regularly will make you familiar with both the written format and common question patterns in the interview round.

Digital Learning and Online Tools

In 2026, a large number of aspirants are using digital platforms to prepare. Online mock tests, YouTube strategy videos, and eBooks are highly accessible.

However, don’t rely completely on free sources. Maintain a structured study plan and mix it with handwritten notes, mock tests, and high-quality resources. Ensure that your NDA books and preparation guides are aligned with the latest UPSC syllabus.

Some platforms also offer English grammar improvement videos and tools, making it easier to complement your English book for NDA with visual and interactive learning.

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Who Can Give the NDA Exam in 2026?

Conclusion

If you're dreaming of a career in the Indian Armed Forces, clearing the NDA exam is one of the most honorable and exciting paths. Now that you know who can give the NDA exam in 2026, check your eligibility carefully.

Start your preparation early, revise with NDA previous year paper, improve your command over English with a trusted English book for NDA, and study from reliable NDA books to give yourself the best chance.