NDA Eligibility & Qualification Criteria 2026: Age, Marks and Subjects

Before you fill out the NDA form, you must check if you are eligible. Eligible means you follow all the rules set by UPSC (the board that conducts NDA). This guide explains every rule in very simple language. If you tick all the boxes below, you can apply for NDA 2026.

The 4 main things UPSC checks

1. Your age (date of birth)

2. Your education (class 12 and subjects)

3. Your marital status (must be unmarried)

4. Your nationality (Indian, mainly)

Let us go through each one slowly.

1. NDA age limit 2026

You must be between 16.5 years and 19.5 years old. There is no age relaxation for any category — the rule is the same for everyone.

For NDA 2 2026, you should be born between 2 January 2008 and 1 January 2011 (both dates included). Always check the exact dates in the official UPSC notification before applying, as the application window varies for each exam (NDA 1 and NDA 2).

Important: UPSC uses the date of birth written on your class 10 (matriculation) certificate. No horoscope or affidavit is accepted. Even one day outside the range makes you not eligible, so check carefully.

2. NDA educational qualification

You must have passed class 12, or be appearing in class 12 this year, from a recognised board. The subjects you need depend on the wing you want:

So arts and commerce students are eligible for the Army wing. Science students with Physics and Maths can apply for all three wings.

Is there a minimum percentage? No. There is no minimum percentage. You only need to pass.

Can class 11 students apply? No. Only class 12 passed or appearing students can apply.

3. Marital status

You must be unmarried at the time of applying and during training. Married candidates are not allowed.

4. Nationality

You must be:

• a citizen of India, or

• a subject of Nepal or Bhutan, or

• a Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1 January 1962, or

• a person of Indian origin who migrated from certain countries to settle permanently in India.

Most Indian students simply need to be Indian citizens.

Can girls apply for NDA?

Yes. Since 2021, girls (unmarried female candidates) can apply for NDA. The age, education, and other rules are the same as boys. Girls can choose all three wings if they meet the subject rules. The only small difference is in the minimum height, which is slightly lower for girls.

Physical and medical fitness

After you clear the written exam and the SSB interview, you must pass a medical test. UPSC checks:

• Height and weight (must match the medical chart for your age)

• Eyesight (good vision is important, especially for the Air Force)

• Hearing, teeth, bones, and general health

You do not need to be a sportsperson, but you should be healthy and reasonably fit. Start light exercise (running, push-ups) early so you are ready.

Quick eligibility checklist

Tick these before applying:

1. I am unmarried
2. My age is between 16.5 and 19.5 years (born in the correct window)
3. I have passed or am appearing in class 12
4. I have Physics + Maths (only if I want Air Force or Navy)
5. I am an Indian citizen (or in an allowed category)
6. I am medically fit

If all are ticked, you are ready to fill the form. See our step-by-step guide: How to Apply for NDA 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. What is the qualification for NDA exam?
You must have passed or be appearing in class 12. For the Army wing, any stream is fine. For Air Force and Navy, you need Physics and Maths.

Q2. What is the NDA age limit?
You must be between 16.5 and 19.5 years old, with no relaxation. For NDA 2 2026, you should be born between 2 January 2008 and 1 January 2011 (check the official notice).

Q3. Who can apply for NDA?
Unmarried boys and girls who have passed or are appearing in class 12, are within the age limit, and are medically fit can apply.

Q4. Is there a minimum percentage for NDA?
No. There is no minimum percentage. You only need to pass class 12.

Q5. What are the NDA eligibility criteria for male and female candidates?
The criteria are the same for both — same age limit, education, and nationality rules. Only the minimum height differs slightly.

Q6. Can I apply for NDA in class 12?
Yes. Students appearing in class 12 can apply. But class 11 students cannot.

Q7. Is Maths compulsory for NDA?
Maths in class 12 is needed only for the Air Force and Navy wings. The Army wing does not need it, although the written exam has a Maths paper for everyone.

Confused about your eligibility? Veron Institute counsellors check your class 10 certificate and stream and tell you exactly which NDA wing you qualify for. Visit our NDA coaching page or call us for free guidance.