NDA & NA Examination 2026
Check age eligibility for NDA I & II 2026 — Army, Navy and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy.
Born between January 2, 2007 and January 1, 2010 (approx.)
Select your date of birth to check eligibility.
No category age relaxation. Unmarried males and females eligible. Physical/medical standards apply. Always verify official notification.
Official Age Limits — NDA
Cutoff Date
Age is calculated as of
Quick Tips
- Exact Calculation
Age is counted to the day on the cutoff date.
- Category Proof
Submit caste/category certificate at application time.
NDA Age Limit 2026 — Complete Eligibility Guide
The National Defence Academy (NDA) examination 2026 is open to candidates aged between 16.5 and 19.5 years on the date of commencement of the course. This is the strictest and most precise age window among all government competitive exams — a difference of even one day can determine eligibility.
NDA 2026 Age Window — Birth Date Table
| Exam | Commencement (approx.) | Eligible Birth Date Range | Category Relaxation |
|---|---|---|---|
| NDA I 2026 | July 2026 | January 2, 2007 – January 1, 2010 | None |
| NDA II 2026 | January 2027 | July 2, 2007 – July 1, 2010 | None |
How is NDA Age Calculated?
UPSC calculates NDA age as of the first day of the month in which the course is due to commence. For NDA I 2026 (commencement in July 2026), the reference date is July 1, 2026. For NDA II 2026 (commencement in January 2027), it is January 1, 2027.
Your age on that reference date must be at least 16 years and 6 months and not more than 19 years and 6 months. Unlike most government exams, NDA does not offer any age relaxation based on reservation category.
NDA Eligibility Beyond Age
- Education: Passed or appearing in Class 12 (10+2 pattern) from a recognised board.
- For Air Force and Naval Wings: Must have studied Physics and Mathematics in Class 12.
- Marital Status: Must be unmarried at the time of joining and throughout the training period.
- Gender: Both male and female candidates are eligible (Supreme Court order, 2022).
- Physical Standards: Must meet the medical and physical fitness standards prescribed by the Armed Forces.
NDA Wings — Army, Navy, Air Force
- Army Wing: 208 seats approx. Class 12 pass in any stream.
- Navy Wing: 42 seats approx. Physics + Mathematics in Class 12 mandatory.
- Air Force Wing: 120 seats approx. Physics + Mathematics in Class 12 mandatory.
- The written exam is common for all wings; SSB interview selects candidates for each wing separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can OBC / SC / ST candidates get age relaxation in NDA?
No. NDA has no category-based age relaxation. The 16.5 to 19.5 years window applies uniformly to all candidates regardless of category.
I missed NDA I 2026 — can I appear in NDA II 2026?
Yes, provided you still fall within the 16.5–19.5 years age window for NDA II 2026. Check the birth date eligibility table above for NDA II 2026.
Can a Class 12 appearing student apply for NDA 2026?
Yes. Students appearing in Class 12 can also apply. However, they must produce the passing certificate at the time of SSB interview.
What happens after clearing NDA written exam?
Qualified candidates appear in the Services Selection Board (SSB) for a 5-day interview and personality test. SSB clearing is mandatory to join NDA training at Khadakwasla, Pune.