The National Defence Academy (NDA) is India’s premier joint military training institute that prepares cadets for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Located in Khadakwasla, Pune, NDA provides rigorous academic, physical, and leadership training.
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NDA Eligibility Criteria 2025: Age Limit, Qualification & Physical Standards
Eligibility for NDA 2025: A Detailed Overview
One of India’s most revered institutes for training future military officers, the National Defence Academy, admits only a select few of the thousands who aspire to join its ranks each year. The NDA exam is conducted annually in two stages by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for that purpose—interview and written exam. Those who pass the exam must then compete with one another for available places.
To be eligible for a spot in the NDA for the 2025 batch, candidates must adhere to many stringent requirements. These demand that candidates be no younger than 16.5 years and no older than 19 years as of either 1st July or 1st January following the exam, that they have completed schooling at the 10th to 12th grade level across three different educational streams, and that they meet an impressive array of physical standards before they are even allowed to appear for the selection tests.
In the following sections, we discuss the aforementioned items in greater detail.
- NDA 2025 Eligibility Criteria Overview
The key eligibility criteria for NDA 2025 are as follows:
| Eligibility Criteria | Details |
| Exam Name | National Defence Academy (NDA) |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Number of Attempts | Unlimited (within age limit) |
| Selection Process | Written Exam + SSB Interview |
| Marital Status | Unmarried Candidates Only |
| Age Limit | 16.5 to 19.5 years |
| Educational Qualification | 12th Pass (PCM for Air Force & Navy) |
| Physical Standards | Prescribed by UPSC & Indian Armed Forces |
- NDA 2025 Nationality Criteria
To be qualified for NDA 2025, a candidate must be:
- A citizen of India, OR
- A subject of Nepal or Bhutan, OR
- A Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962, settling in India, OR
- A PIO (Person of Indian Origin) who migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, or East African countries like Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, or Vietnam with the hope of permanently residing in India.
👉 Note: Candidates from Nepal, Bhutan, or PIO must provide a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India.
- Age Limit & Marital Status
NDA 2025 Age Criteria
Only those candidates who are born between 2nd July 2006 and 1st July 2009 are eligible to apply for NDA 1 2025.
At the time of joining NDA, this makes the age of candidates anywhere between 16.5 years to 19.5 years.
NDA 2025 allows only unmarried male and female candidates to apply.
Candidates must give an undertaking that they will not get married until they complete all of their training.
If they do marry before or during training, they will be disqualified.
Also, if a candidate is disqualified for this reason, they must pay back to the NDA 2025 Fund all the expenses incurred while they were being trained.
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NDA 2025 Educational Qualification
| Wing | Educational Qualification Required |
| Army Wing of NDA | 12th Class pass (10+2 system) from any recognized board |
| Air Force & Naval Wings of NDA | 12th Class pass (10+2 system) with Physics and Mathematics |
| 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme (Indian Naval Academy) | 12th Class pass with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics |
👉 Note:
- Students appearing for the 12th board exams in 2025 are eligible to apply, provided they submit proof of passing before joining NDA.
- Candidates who have opted for Commerce or Arts (without PCM) can only apply for the Army Wing.
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NDA 2025 Physical & Medical Standards
Individuals must fulfill the physical fitness criteria laid down by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and the armed forces.
NDA (Army & Air Force) Height & Weight Requirements
| Height (cm) | Minimum Weight (KG) for 16.5 Years | Minimum Weight (KG) for 18 Years | Minimum Weight (KG) for 19 Years |
| 152 | 42.5 | 45 | 47 |
| 155 | 44 | 46.5 | 48 |
| 157 | 45 | 47 | 49 |
| 160 | 46.5 | 48.5 | 51 |
| 162 | 47.5 | 49.5 | 52 |
| 165 | 49 | 51 | 53 |
| 167 | 50 | 52 | 54 |
| 170 | 52 | 53 | 55 |
👉 The minimum height required for NDA Air Force (Flying Branch) is 162.5 cm.
NDA Candidates’ Vision Standards
| Vision Standard | Army | Navy | Air Force |
| Without Glasses | 6/6 | 6/6 | 6/6 |
| With Glasses | 6/6 | 6/6 | 6/6 |
| Myopia Limit | -2.5D | -1.75D | -0.75D |
| Hypermetropia Limit | +3.5D | +2.00D | +1.5D |
👉 Color blindness and night blindness are disqualifying conditions.
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NDA 2025 Selection Process
The selection process for the NDA has two stages.
Stage 1: Written Exam (900 Marks)
- Mathematics: 300 Marks
- General Ability Test (GAT): 600 Marks
- Total Duration: 5 hours
Stage 2: SSB Interview (900 Marks)
- Psychological Tests, Group Tasks, and Personal Interview
- Medical Examination & Final Merit List.
- NDA 2025 Application Process
Significant Dates for the NDA 2025 Exams
| Examination | Notification Dates | Application Dates | Exam Dates |
| NDA 1 2025 | December 11, 2024 | December 31, 2024 | April 13, 2025 |
| NDA 2 2025 | May 28, 2025 | June 17, 2025 | September 14, 2025 |
- General/OBC: ₹100
- SC/ST/Wards of JCOs/NCOs/ORs: Exempted
👉 Candidates can apply online at upsconline.nic.in
Conclusion
The first step to join the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force via the National Defence Academy is to meet the NDA’s eligibility criteria. Candidates must be a certain age, have an education to at least the 10+2 level, and be in wonderful physical condition. They must also not be disqualified by any National Defence Academy standards. A good rule of thumb is to check your eligibility against these standards before you even think about applying.
Naturally, the NDA isn’t the sole route into the three services. But for those inclined towards academics, it’s one of the finest pathways. Want to know more about this option? You might want to look up the latest updates, syllabus, and study materials associated with the NDA.
The NDA exam is conducted twice a year by UPSC. The exam pattern includes:
- Mathematics: 120 questions, 300 marks
General Ability Test (GAT): 150 questions, 600 marks
English, GK, Current Affairs, Science, History, Geography, etc.
SSB Interview: 900 marks
The NDA selection process consists of:
Written Examination (UPSC NDA)
SSB Interview (5-day personality & intelligence test)
Medical Examination
Final Merit List & Admission to NDA
NDA provides a 3-year training program followed by specialized training at respective service academies.
The curriculum includes military drills, weapon handling, endurance training, and a graduate degree (BA, BSc, or BTech).
Welcome to JOVIK Defence Prep – Your Ultimate NDA Preparation Hub!
Overview
The National Defence Academy (NDA) is the leading military training establishment in Khadakwasla, Pune, India. It serves as a tri-services training facility that readies cadets to become commissioned officers in the Indian Armed Forces.
The academy inducts candidates through the written Exam and the SSB Interview. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and Service Selection Board (SSB) conduct the written exam, which is conducted at various SSB centres in India.
Finally, the selected candidates join the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the NDA. Here, the cadets undergo rigorous training for three years before being sent to their respective academies for specialized training in the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Why Choose NDA?
Opportunity to Serve the Nation – NDA provides an opportunity to serve the motherland directly by protecting it.
Prestigious Career Path – It offers one of the best career opportunities with high respect and social respect.
Comprehensive Training – NDA develops leadership, physical fitness, and strategic skills through three years of training.
Financial Benefits – Stipend during training and a handsome salary package after commissioning.
Early Career Start—Unlike other career paths, NDA recruits candidates right after Class 12. No other career path in India offers such an early start.
Who Conducts NDA Exam?
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), a government of India, conducts the NDA examination.
The exam is conducted twice a year with NDA-I (in April Month) and NDA-II (in September).
The NDA entrance exam consists of a written examination followed by an SSB interview and a medical examination.
What Happens After Selection of NDA?
Selected candidates join NDA Pune for 3 years of military training.
After completing NDA, candidates move to respective academies for specialized training:
Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun – for the Indian Army.
Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala – for the Indian Navy.
Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad – for the Indian Air Force.
Upon completing specialized training, cadets are commissioned as Lieutenants in the Indian Army, Sub-Lieutenants in the Indian Navy, and Flying Officers in the Indian Air Force.
NDA is the gateway to an adventurous, disciplined, and honorable career in the Indian Armed Forces, where you serve your motherland and develop yourself in all aspects of life. If you’re passionate about serving the nation, NDA is your best choice!
Life at NDA is physically and mentally challenging. Cadets wake up at 4:00 AM and follow a strict routine of academic sessions, sports, drills, and leadership training. Discipline and camaraderie are core values.
To qualify for NDA, candidates must meet strict physical fitness and medical criteria, such as:
Minimum height: 157 cm (for males), 152 cm (for females)
No color blindness, no deformities, good vision
Must clear running, push-ups, pull-ups, and endurance tests
After completing training, NDA cadets join:
Indian Army (IMA, Dehradun)
Indian Navy (Naval Academy, Ezhimala)
Indian Air Force (AFA, Hyderabad)
Cadets get prestigious ranks and opportunities for higher studies and specialized training.
Some of India’s most decorated officers started at NDA:
Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw
General Bipin Rawat
Captain Vikram Batra (PVC)
Rakesh Sharma (India’s first astronaut)
Some of India’s most decorated officers started at NDA:
Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw
General Bipin Rawat
Captain Vikram Batra (PVC)
Rakesh Sharma (India’s first astronaut)