NDA 2026 – Check Eligibility, Age Limit, Qualification, Height & Weight
Welcome to TDA Campus Lucknow. We have detailed information regarding eligibility criteria For the NDA 2026 (National Defence Academy) exam, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The eligibility criteria, including age limit and height requirements, are as follows:
1. Eligibility Criteria for NDA 2026:
a. Nationality:
- The candidate must be:
- A citizen of India, or
- A subject of Nepal, or
- A subject of Bhutan, or
- A Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of settling permanently in India, or
- A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, or Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.
b. Educational Qualifications:
- For Army Wing:
- Candidates must have passed Class 12 (or equivalent) from a recognized board.
- There is no requirement for specific subjects for Army candidates.
- For Air Force and Navy Wings:
- Candidates must have passed Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects from a recognized board.
c. Physical Standards:
- The candidate must meet the physical and medical standards set by the NDA. They will undergo medical examination after the written exam and SSB interview.
2. Age Limit for NDA 2026:
The age limits for NDA 2026 are as follows:
- Minimum Age: 16.5 years
- Maximum Age: 19.5 years
NDA 2 2026 Age Limit: The Candidate must have been born between 1st January 2008 and 1st January 2011. (Both dates are included.)
This means that candidates must be at least 16.5 years old at the time of applying, and must not have reached the age of 19.5 years on the 1st of July of the year they are appearing for the exam.
3. Height Requirements for NDA:
The height requirements vary based on the branch the candidate is applying for. The general height requirements for NDA are:
- For Army:
- Minimum height requirement is 157 cm (5 feet 2 inches).
- For Navy and Air Force:
- Minimum height requirement is 162.5 cm (5 feet 3 inches).
There are also certain relaxations provided for candidates from hilly areas and tribal regions (like for candidates from Jammu & Kashmir, Leh, Ladakh, etc.).
Weight Criteria:
The weight of the candidate should be proportionate to their height. Below is a general weight chart based on height:
| Height (in cm) | Weight (in kg) |
|---|---|
| 157 | 49 |
| 160 | 50 |
| 165 | 52 |
| 170 | 54 |
| 175 | 56 |
| 180 | 58 |
These are indicative values, and the exact weight can vary with age and gender.
4. Other Important Points:
- Marital Status: Only unmarried male candidates are eligible to apply for the NDA exam.
- Both male & female candidates are allowed to appear for the NDA exam.
Candidates must also meet other medical and physical standards, which will be assessed during the medical examination after the SSB interview.
Summary:
- Age Limit: 16.5 to 19.5 years (born between July 2, 2006, and July 1, 2009).
- Educational Qualification: Class 12 pass (with Physics and Math for Navy/Air Force).
- Height: Minimum 157 cm (Army) and 162.5 cm (Navy/Air Force).
For more details, candidates should refer to the official UPSC NDA 2026 notification once it is released. Let me know if you’d like further details on any aspect!
