NDA (National Defence Academy) Eligibility Criteria
Updated 2026The educational standards for the NDA 2026 exam depend on the specific wing applied for:
- Army Wing: Candidates must have passed the 12th Class examination under the 10+2 pattern of School Education or an equivalent examination conducted by a State Education Board or University.
- Air Force and Naval Wings (including 10+2 Cadet Entry at Indian Naval Academy): Candidates must have passed the 12th Class examination with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as compulsory subjects from a recognized State Education Board or University.
Candidates currently in their 12th year may also be eligible to apply, subject to fulfilling the requirements by the specified date. All certificates must be from recognized boards.
Eligibility for the NDA 2026 exam is strictly governed by birth dates. Candidates must be unmarried and born between 1st July 2007 and 1st July 2010. This age window is strictly enforced, and candidates must remain unmarried until the completion of their training. The critical date for these age calculations is defined by the commission to ensure only eligible youth enter the training academy.
The selection process for the NDA 2026 examination is a two-phased structure designed to test both intellect and personality:
- Written Examination: This is the initial stage, comprising two papers: Mathematics and the General Ability Test (GAT). It tests the candidate's cognitive abilities, academic knowledge, and problem-solving skills.
- SSB Interview (Intelligence and Personality Test): Candidates who qualify in the written exam proceed to this stage. The SSB interview evaluates behavioral patterns, communication skills, emotional stability, adaptability, and leadership qualities.
Both stages are mandatory. Candidates must successfully navigate both to be considered for final selection into the National Defence Academy or the Indian Naval Academy.
The official notification specifies a strict age range of 1st July 2007 to 1st July 2010 for all candidates. There is no specific age relaxation mentioned for separate categories in the provided data; all candidates must fall within this precise birth date bracket to be eligible for the selection process.
