NDA Eligibility Criteria Overview

The NDA (National Defence Academy) and ND (National Defence) Examination, administered twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), serves as a gateway for recruiting individuals into the Army, Navy, and Air Force branches of the National Defence Academy. Prospective candidates meeting the eligibility requirements can submit their applications online. Here are the key eligibility criteria for the UPSC NDA & NA exam:

Nationality:
- The candidate must be one of the following: (i) A citizen of India, (ii) A subject of Bhutan, (iii) A subject of Nepal, (iv) A Tibetan refugee who arrived in India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanent settlement, (v) A Person of Indian origin who migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, and East African countries with the intention of permanent settlement in India. Candidates falling under categories (ii), (iii), (iv), and (v) need a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India. Gorkha subjects of Nepal are exempt from this requirement.
Age and Sex:
- Only unmarried male candidates born between July 2, 2005, and July 1, 2008, are eligible for the examination.
Educational Qualifications:
- (i) For the Army wing of the National Defence Academy: 12th Class pass of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or an equivalent examination from a State Education Board or University.
- (ii) For the Air Force and Naval Wings of the National Defence Academy and the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at the Indian Naval Academy: 12th Class pass of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or an equivalent with Physics and Mathematics from a State Education Board or University. Candidates appearing in the 12th Class under 10+2 Pattern can also apply.
Physical Standards:
- Candidates must meet the prescribed physical standards for admission to the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I), 2024, as outlined in Appendix-IV.