NDA Eligibility
Last verified 31 Jul 2026
UPSC NDA & NA eligibility requires the following. 12th Class pass of the 10+2 pattern for the Army wing. For the Air Force and Naval wings of the NDA and for the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at the Indian Naval Academy, 12th Class pass with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Candidates appearing in 12th may also apply. The age limit is Only unmarried candidates born not earlier than 1 January 2008 and not later than 31 December 2010 are eligible for NDA & NA (II) 2026 — roughly 16½ to 19½ years at the course commencement date.
Educational qualification
12th Class pass of the 10+2 pattern for the Army wing. For the Air Force and Naval wings of the NDA and for the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at the Indian Naval Academy, 12th Class pass with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Candidates appearing in 12th may also apply.
Age limit
Only unmarried candidates born not earlier than 1 January 2008 and not later than 31 December 2010 are eligible for NDA & NA (II) 2026 — roughly 16½ to 19½ years at the course commencement date.
Age relaxation
| Category | Relaxation in upper age limit |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| OBC | 3 years |
| Persons with Benchmark Disability | 10 years |
| Defence Services personnel disabled in operations | 3 years |
| Ex-servicemen (commissioned officers and ECOs/SSCOs) | 5 years |
A candidate who belongs to SC, ST or OBC and is also an Ex-serviceman or PwBD candidate is eligible for cumulative relaxation under both heads.
Number of attempts
No limit on attempts — the constraint is the narrow age window, which in practice allows about four sittings.
Nationality
A candidate must be a citizen of India, or fall within the other categories of nationality set out in the Examination Notice — which for most services include subjects of Nepal and Bhutan, Tibetan refugees who came to India before 1 January 1962, and persons of Indian origin who have migrated from certain countries with the intention of permanently settling in India.