Eligibility Criteria for NDA Exam:
- The National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA) examination is conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to select candidates for the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy. Aspiring candidates can apply online. The following are the eligibility criteria for the UPSC NDA & NA examination.
- Nationality: A candidate must fall under one of the following categories: (i) A citizen of India, or (ii) A subject of Bhutan, or (iii) A subject of Nepal, or (iv) A Tibetan refugee who arrived in India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of settling permanently, or (v) A Person of Indian origin who migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, and East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, and Ethiopia or Vietnam, with the intention of permanent settlement in India. Provided that candidates belonging to categories (ii), (iii), (iv), and (v) above must possess a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India. However, Gorkha subjects of Nepal do not require a certificate of eligibility.
- Age: Only Unmarried Male Candidates born not earlier than 2nd Jul 2005 and not later than 1st Jul, 2008 are eligible.
- Sex: Only unmarried male candidates are eligible.
Educational Qualifications:
(i) For Army wing of National Defence Academy: 12th Class pass of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent examination conducted by a State Education Board or a University.
(ii) For Air Force and Naval Wings of National Defence Academy and for the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at the Indian Naval Academy: 12th Class pass of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent with Physics and Mathematics conducted by a State Education Board or a University.
Candidates who are appearing in the 12th Class under 10+2 Pattern of School Education or equivalent examination can also apply for this examination.
Physical Standards:
- Candidates must meet the prescribed physical standards for admission to the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I), 2024, as outlined in the guidelines provided in Appendix-IV.
- Note: A candidate who has resigned or withdrawn on disciplinary grounds from any of the training academies of the Armed Forces is not eligible to apply.
