Preparing for the National Defence Academy (NDA) exam? Here’s a clear, up-to-date guide to who can apply, what educational background you need, and the medical/physical standards you must meet. The language is simple and I’ve added quick tables where they help.
Who is eligible? (Nationality, age, and marital status)
Nationality
You can apply if you are:
A citizen of India; or
A subject of Nepal; or
A person of Indian origin who has migrated from select countries (e.g., Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Ethiopia, Vietnam) with the intention of permanently settling in India.
Age & sex
Only unmarried male and female candidates are eligible.
For the current NDA cycle, the permitted birth range is specified in the official exam notice (for example, for NDA I 2025: born not earlier than 2 July 2006 and not later than 1 July 2009). Future notices provide the exact window for each cycle. The general rule remains about 16.5 to 19.5 years on the exam’s reference dates.
Marital condition
You must remain unmarried until you complete training. Marrying after applying (even if you clear the exam/SSB) disqualifies you; marriage during training leads to discharge and recovery of training costs.
What educational qualification do you need?
NDA has three service wings. Your Class 12 subjects determine which wings you are eligible for:
| Wing / Course | Minimum Qualification |
|---|---|
| Army Wing (NDA) | Class 12 pass (10+2) in any stream from a recognized board |
| Navy & Air Force Wings (NDA) | Class 12 pass with Physics & Mathematics (10+2) |
| Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme) | Class 12 pass with Physics & Mathematics (10+2) |
Can Class 12 students apply?
Yes. Appearing candidates (in Class 12) can apply; you’ll need to submit proof of passing by the deadline specified in that year’s notice.
Physical & medical standards (Army, Navy, Air Force)
You must meet the medical and physical standards laid down in the notification. Below are the essentials; the medical board’s decision is final.
Height (summary)
General minimum height at entry for Armed Forces officers is 157 cm. Gorkhas and certain hill area candidates may get prescribed relaxations.
Female candidates (Army): The minimum height is 152 cm. For Gorkhas and eligible hill-region candidates, the minimum acceptable height is 148 cm. For Air Force (Flying Branch) the minimum is 163 cm (with additional anthropometric checks such as sitting height, leg length, thigh length).
Air Force has stricter anthropometry and vision norms than other branches.
Quick height table (minimums most candidates should plan for):
| Service / Branch | Typical Minimum Height at Entry* |
|---|---|
| Army (Male) | 157 cm |
| Army (Female) | 152 cm (148 cm for Gorkhas & certain hill areas) |
| Navy (Male/Female) | See height-weight charts (varies by age) |
| Air Force (Flying) | 163 cm minimum (plus sitting height/leg length limits) |
*Exact requirements, including height–weight charts by age, appear in the official notification and must be followed at medicals.
Weight (by height and age)
Height–weight charts are provided for male and female candidates (Army), with separate guidance for Navy and Air Force.
Values vary with age bands (e.g., “up to 17 years,” “17+ to 18,” etc.).
Weights below the specified minimum are not acceptable; higher weights can require additional evaluation.
Example: For female Army candidates at 157 cm, the acceptable weight is around 54–57 kg depending on age band.
Vision standards (essentials)
Vision standards vary by service and branch. Aircrew have the strictest requirements.
The Air Force section also details ocular norms and disqualifying conditions (e.g., certain refractive errors beyond set limits, squint, color vision standards).
Health conditions (illustrative)
Candidates must be in good physical and mental health, free from diseases that can impair duty in peace or war.
The medical process includes tests like haemogram, chest X-ray, USG, ECG, etc., and lists disqualifying conditions such as obesity/underweight, skin diseases, and spinal deformities.
Tip: Many candidates clear the written exam but are later declared unfit during medicals. Pre-check with a competent doctor before applying to avoid last-stage disappointment.
Other rules you should know
Debarment/withdrawal history: If you are debarred by the Ministry of Defence from any type of commission, you are not eligible. If you resign/withdraw on disciplinary grounds from any training academy, you cannot apply.
Documents for age proof: Only specific certificates (e.g., Matriculation/SSC) are accepted as valid DOB proof. No affidavits or horoscopes are accepted.
Application status is provisional: Final verification of eligibility happens later; incorrect claims lead to cancellation.
Step-by-Step Guide to NDA Exam
A) Age window (example from NDA I 2025 notification)
| Cycle | Permitted Birth Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| NDA I 2025 | 2 July 2006 to 1 July 2009 | Applies to unmarried male/female candidates |
B) Educational eligibility by wing
| Wing | 10+2 Subject Requirement |
|---|---|
| Army | 10+2 pass (any stream) |
| Navy / Air Force (NDA) | 10+2 pass with Physics & Maths |
| Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry) | 10+2 pass with Physics & Maths |
C) Minimum height (headline standards)
| Category | Minimum Height |
|---|---|
| Army (Male) | 157 cm |
| Army (Female) | 152 cm (or 148 cm for Gorkhas & specified hill regions) |
| Air Force (Flying) | 163 cm + sitting height/leg length/thigh length checks |
How Doon Defence Dreamers Can Help You
Clearing NDA is not just about eligibility; it requires focused preparation. This is where Doon Defence Dreamers, a reputed NDA coaching institute in Dehradun, plays a vital role.
They provide structured classes covering NDA Mathematics, GAT (General Ability Test), and SSB interview guidance.
Their experienced faculty focuses on building concepts and practicing previous-year papers.
Physical training sessions are conducted to prepare candidates for physical and medical standards.
Regular mock tests and doubt-clearing sessions boost confidence.
Thousands of students from across India choose Doon Defence Dreamers for its consistent results, disciplined environment, and personalized mentorship. If you meet the eligibility criteria and are serious about joining the armed forces, this institute can give you the right direction and strategy to succeed.
Quick FAQs
Q1. Are girls eligible for NDA?
Yes. Unmarried female candidates can apply for Army, Navy, and Air Force wings, subject to age, education, and medical/physical standards.
Q2. I’m in Class 12 right now. Can I apply?
Yes. Appearing candidates can apply, but you must submit proof of passing by the deadline mentioned in that year’s notice.
Q3. What is the standard age range?
The precise birth-date windows are announced each cycle. The general age range is 16.5 to 19.5 years.
Q4. What about minimum height?
Plan for 157 cm as a general minimum (Army/Navy), 152 cm for females (Army) with relaxations for certain hill communities, and 163 cm for Air Force (Flying).
Q5. Where can I read the official rules?
In the UPSC NDA/NA Examination Notification, published twice a year.
