There are so many students who aspire to join the armed forces by acquiring the NDA, but prior to joining, they must have a clear idea of the eligibility rules. The age limit, educational qualification, and medical fitness criteria are very important to look at if you want to appear for the NDA Eligibility Criteria 2026.
Such regulations assist in making sure that the applicants are physically healthy, psychologically ready, and academically apt to be trained. The early knowledge of the requirements helps in saving time and preventing rejection from the selection. today in this guide, we will let you know about the eligibility criteria for NDA 2026. This will let you know whether you are eligible to take the test and proceed with the preparation or not.
NDA Eligibility Criteria 2026 – Quick Overview
Here is an overview of the eligibility criteria of NDA 2026. Pay attention to the details of the table below given table.
| NDA age limit | The candidate should be between the ages of 16.5 and 19.6 years to join the academy |
| Education for NDA qualification | For Army wing: 12th pass from any recognized boardFor the Air Force and Navy: 12th pass with physics and mathematicsStudents who are appearing in class 12th can also apply |
| Physical and medical qualifications | The candidate must be physically fit. They should have good eyesight, height, weight ration and should not suffer from any serious medical condition. After selection, the candidate goes through a detailed medical test. |
| National criteria | The candidate must be an indian citizen, or a subject of Nepal. Bhutan or a tibetan refugew who settled in India before 1962. |
NDA Age Limit
In order to apply for the NDA exam in 2026, a candidate must fall within the official age bracket which is mentioned in the notification. As per the general criteria, the candidate must fall between 16.5 and 19.5 years at the time of joining the academy. If the candidates are out of this range, then they are not allowed to appear for the exam.
What is the minimum age of NDA 2026?
The minimum age is around 16.5 years.
What is the maximum age limit of NDA?
The maximum age limit is about 19.5 years.
Educational Qualification for NDA 2026
Here is an overview of the educational qualifications for the NDA eligibility criteria 2026, as per the stream. Have a look at it.
Eligibility to apply for NDA 2026 is to have passed or be appearing in Class 12 from a recognised board. However, the eligibility is based on which wing you are applying for:
Army Wing: Applicants from any stream (Science, Arts, or Commerce) are allowed to apply after 12th.
Air Force/ Naval Wings: Candidates should have studied physics and Mathematics in Class 12.
Is it possible that Arts and Commerce Students can apply for NDA?
Yes, Arts and Commerce students can apply for the Army Wing of NDA. however then can not qualify for the Air Force and Naval Wings unless they have Physics and Mathematics in Class 12.
NDA Eligibility for Boys and Girls
Here are some of the requirements related to NDA eligibility for boys and girls mentioned below. Have a look at them one by one.
| For Boys | For Girls |
| Should be a single male applicant. | Should be a single female applicant. |
| Age should be around 16.5 to 19.5 years | Age should be around 16.5 to 19.5 years |
| Boys from any stream in Class 12 are eligible for the army wing. | Girls from any stream in Class 12 are eligible for the Army Wing. |
| Physics and mathematics are required for the Air Force and Navy. | Physics and mathematics are necessary for the Air Force and Navy. |
| Should be physically and medically fit. | Should be physically and medically fit. |
| Must meet the nationality requirements | Must meet the nationality requirements |
| Must be ready for the training and discipline | Must be ready for the training and discipline |
NDA Physical Requirements
Here is an overview of the physical requirements for NDA 2026. If you are aspiring to join it then go through the points one by one.
Overall Physical Fitness: Candidates should be physically fit, and they should be able to meet hard military training, which involves running, drills, outdoor activities, and physical activities.
Height-Weight Ratio: There should be an ideal height and weight ratio according to defence requirements. Rejection may be caused by extreme underweight or overweight.
Good Eyesight: Vision must be at the recommended range. Severe eye defects might not be accepted under some wings, such as the Air Force and Navy.
Normal Hearing ability: The candidate should have clear hearing without a hearing aid.
Healthy Body Position: A correct body position and posture are significant in physical endurance and training.
No Flat Feet or Knock Knees: These are followed up closely since they do not help in the ability to run and march in a straight line.
Good Bones and Joints: There should be no serious deformity of bones, joint problems, or mobility difficulties.
Elementary Stamina and Endurance: Exercise, running, and sports activity is also normal and will assist in achieving the standards of physical requirements.
NDA Medical Standards & Fitness Rules
Here are some of the points related to the medical criteria mentioned below. Have a look at them one by one.
Detailed Medical Examination: This is done upon passing the written examination and SSB interview by certified military physicians.
Full Body Cheque-Up: It involves inspection of the heart, lungs, stomach, nervous system, and the general body functioning.
Vision Test: The eye power, colour vision, and depth are properly examined.
Dental health: Sound teeth and gums are needed; too many cavities will lead to rejection.
Mental Fitness: The candidate is expected to be mentally fit without psychological disorders.
Tattoo Policies: Permanent tattoos can be done in certain areas of the body according to the official teachings.
Chronic Diseases: Asthma, heart disease, epilepsy, or other long-term illnesses are the kinds of conditions that can cause disqualification.
Fitness for long-term training: The candidate should be medically fit to go through intense training in the Defence Academy over several years.
Top Reasons behind NDA Medical Rejection
Here are some of the reasons mentioned below that can lead you to rejection. Have a look at them one by one.
Bad Eyesight: In case of eye power exceeding the standard criteria, extreme myopia/hypermetropia, squint, or colour blindness is present, the candidate will be declared as unfit, particularly in the Air Force and Naval wings, where vision is more critical.
Flat Feet or Knock Knees: It is an issue that interferes with running balance, long marching, and performance at parades. Defence training is an exercise that cannot be done without heavy exercises, and thus, candidates who have such issues are likely to be rejected during the orthopaedic examination.
Obesity or Severe Underweight: The body weight has to correspond to the recommended height-weight table. Lack of stamina and strength needed to train to be in the military may result in suffering due to excess fat, which decreases their stamina and also limits the stamina needed to endure military training.
Hearing Problems: Mild hearing loss, ear infection, or broken eardrums can be rejected due to the requirement to be able to hear the orders and indicators clearly, as well as the safety of the operation.
Major Dental Problems: Excessive cavities, gums that are weak, missing teeth or jaw issues can lead to rejection because dental health influences nutrition, speech articulateness, and fitness over time during training.
Heart or Lung Disorders: Problems such as irregular heartbeat, murmurs, asthma, or breathing difficulties are also critically monitored as the military exercise requires good cardiovascular fitness.
Skin Diseases: A candidate can be disqualified based on hygiene and prolonged treatment issues because of chronic infections, severe allergies, eczema, or contagious skin diseases.
Previous Significant Trauma or Surgery: Old injuries, tears of ligaments, implants, or surgery complications that impair mobility, strength, or endurance can lead to medical unfitness.
Conclusion
The first step towards transforming your dream into a defence career reality is to understand the NDA Eligibility Criteria 2026. Last-minute confusion can lead to various difficulties; therefore, make sure to keep the details handy and prepare as per the same. Always keep in mind that the NDA selection process is done based on discipline, fitness, mental preparedness, and academics. To be ahead of other applicants, it is better to start working on your health, knowledge, and personality.
So, if you want to appear for the NDA exam, then you must be well prepared and qualified before applying, so that whatever you do turns fruitful. If you want to join a coaching centre to shape your preparation in the right manner, you can be in touch with us. We, DNAD (NDA coaching in dehradun), will help you to overcome your stress and doubts related to the exam by providing you right guidance and direction. So go ahead and conquer your dream career with us.
FAQs
1. Can I apply for NDA after 12th?
Yes, you are allowed to apply for NDA after 12th. Students who are in Class 12 are also eligible.
Army Branch: Any of the streams (Science, Arts, Commerce).
Air Force and Navy: Mathematics and Physics are needed in Class 12.
2. What is the age limit for NDA 2026?
A candidate in general is expected to be between 16.5 and 19.5 years old during the period of enrolment in the academy (the specific dates will be listed in the notification).
3. Can girls apply for NDA?
Yes. The female candidates are allowed to apply to the NDA on the same eligibility requirements as the male candidates. They should be single and have the necessary medical and educational qualifications.
4. What are the minimum physical requirements for NDA?
Should be physically and mentally fit.
• Adequate height-weight balance.
• Normal vision to an allowable extent.
• No flat feet or knock knees.
• Normal hearing ability.
• No serious illness related to the heart, lungs, or bones.
• For stamina for running and physical exercise.
