NDA Eligibility Criteria: Qualification, Age Limit & Physical Standards

Are you dreaming of joining the National Defence Academy (NDA)? The NDA exam is one of the most sought-after defense entrance exams in India, offering young aspirants the chance to serve in the Army, Navy, and Air Force. To ensure you meet the requirements, it’s essential to understand the NDA eligibility criteria, including qualification, age limit, physical standards, and medical test details. Let’s dive into the details!

NDA Eligibility Criteria Overview

Before applying for the NDA exam, candidates must meet several eligibility conditions related to nationality, age, education, and physical fitness.

Nationality Requirements

A candidate must be an unmarried male or female and must be:

• A citizen of India, or

• A subject of Nepal, or

• A Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanently settling in India, or

• A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, or East African countries like Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Zaire, Ethiopia, or Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.

NDA Age Limit, Sex & Marital Status

• Only unmarried male and female candidates can apply.

• Candidates must be between 16.5 to 19.5 years old at the time of joining NDA.

• Marriage before completion of training results in disqualification.

Educational Qualification for NDA

For Army Wing

• 12th pass from a recognized board under the 10+2 pattern of school education or equivalent.

For Air Force & Naval Wings

• 12th pass with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics under the 10+2 pattern of school education or equivalent conducted by a recognized board or university.

• Candidates appearing for the 12th class examination can also apply.

NDA Physical & Medical Standards

Candidates must meet the prescribed physical and medical standards to qualify for NDA.

General Physical Requirements

• Candidates must be physically and mentally fit according to the guidelines provided in the NDA notification.

• They should be free from any disease, syndrome, or disability that may interfere with their performance in various terrains, climates, and extreme conditions, including sea and air.

• Candidates must not have medical conditions that require frequent medical visits or continuous medication.

Height & Weight Requirements

• The minimum height requirement is 157 cm for males and 152 cm for females.

• For Air Force candidates, the minimum height is 162.5 cm.

• Certain relaxations are given to candidates from specific regions, such as the Northeast and Gorkhas.

Visual Standards

• For Army & Navy: Corrected vision must be 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in the other.

• For Air Force: Myopia must not exceed -2.5D, and hypermetropia must not exceed +3.5D.

Additional Medical Conditions

• Candidates must not have any bone fractures, joint dislocations, epilepsy, or neurological disorders.

• Dental health should be in good condition, with at least 14 dental points.

• No history of ear infections or perforations is allowed.

Disqualification Criteria

• Candidates who have resigned or been withdrawn on disciplinary grounds from any training academies of the Armed Forces are not eligible to apply.

NDA Selection Process

1. Written Exam: Conducted by UPSC, covering Mathematics and General Ability Test.

2. SSB Interview: A five-day process to assess personality, intelligence, and physical capabilities.

3. Medical Examination: Conducted to ensure fitness for military training.

4. Final Merit List: Based on overall performance in the written exam and SSB interview.

Conclusion

Meeting the NDA eligibility criteria is the first step toward achieving your dream of serving in the Indian Armed Forces. Make sure you fulfill the age, educational, and physical requirements before applying. Stay fit, stay focused, and start preparing today!

FAQs

1. Can females apply for the NDA exam?

Yes, female candidates meeting the age and educational requirements can apply for NDA.

2. Is there any relaxation in the NDA age limit?

No, the age limit is strictly between 16.5 to 19.5 years, with no relaxations.

3. Can I apply for NDA after Class 10?

No, candidates must have completed Class 12 or be appearing in the final exam.

4. What happens if I fail the NDA medical test?

Candidates failing the medical test may be given a chance to appeal for a re-examination.

5. How many times can I attempt the NDA exam?

There is no attempt limit as long as you meet the age eligibility criteria.