NDA Eligibility Criteria 2025: Important Updates on Age, Qualification & Physical Standards!
NDA Eligibility Criteria 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 yearly. The NDA exam is conducted annually in two stages by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC): a written exam and an SSB Interview.
To be eligible for a spot in the NDA for the 2025 , candidates must adhere to many stringent requirements.
In the following sections, we discuss this in greater detail about NDA Eligibility Criteria
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NDA Eligibility Criteria 2025 Overview
The key NDA eligibility criteria for NDA 2025 are as follows:
| NDA 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 |
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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.
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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.
- 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 check in the NDA 2025 Notification.
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.
- 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.
For Details Check: NDA Exam Pattern 2025
- 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 eligibility criteria 2025. 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 NDA eligibility criteria 2025 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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Who is eligible to apply for NDA 2025?
Candidates must be 16.5 to 19.5 years old, unmarried, and have passed Class 12 from a recognized board.
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Can female candidates apply for NDA?
Yes, both male and female candidates are eligible to apply for NDA.
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How many times can I attempt the NDA exam?
There is no limit on attempts, but candidates must be within the age limit (16.5 to 19.5 years) at the time of application.
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What is the age limit for NDA 1 & NDA 2 in 2025?
For NDA 1 2025, candidates must be born between 2nd July 2006 and 1st July 2009.
For NDA 2 2025, candidates must be born between 2nd January 2007 and 1st January 2010. -
Can I apply for NDA if I am married?
No. Only unmarried candidates can apply for NDA. Candidates must remain unmarried until completing training.
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Can students appearing for Class 12 apply for NDA?
Yes, candidates appearing for Class 12 exams in 2025 can apply, but they must provide proof of passing before joining NDA.
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Can commerce or arts students apply for NDA?
Yes, but they are only eligible for the Army Wing. Candidates applying for the Air Force or Navy must have studied Physics & Mathematics in Class 12.
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What is the minimum height required for NDA?
The minimum height required is:
Army & Navy: 157 cm
Air Force (Flying Branch): 162.5 cm -
Can candidates with glasses apply for NDA?
Yes, but their eyesight must be within the allowed limit. Extreme myopia, hypermetropia, color blindness, and night blindness are disqualifying conditions.
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Can I apply for NDA if I have a tattoo?
Permanent tattoos on visible parts of the body are not allowed, except for candidates from certain tribal communities.
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What is the NDA selection process?
The NDA selection process consists of:
Written Exam (Mathematics & GAT – 900 Marks)
SSB Interview (900 Marks) -
What happens if I fail the NDA medical test?
If a candidate is found medically unfit, they may appeal for a re-examination at a military hospital. If still unfit, they will be disqualified
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How can I apply for NDA 2025?
Candidates can apply online at upsconline.nic.in when applications open.
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Can I join NDA after Class 10?
No. NDA requires Class 12 qualification or appearing candidates.
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Is coaching necessary to clear NDA?
Coaching is not mandatory, but proper guidance, self-study, and practice are essential for success.
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What is the NDA application fee?
General/OBC: ₹100
SC/ST/Wards of JCOs/NCOs/ORs: Exempted (No Fee) -
When will NDA 2025 exams be conducted?
NDA 1 2025 Exam Date: April 13, 2025
NDA 2 2025 Exam Date: September 14, 2025
