The National Defence Academy (NDA) examination, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), serves as a pathway for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces. Understanding the eligibility criteria is essential for those planning to appear for this examination. This article outlines the UPSC NDA eligibility criteria for 2025, including age limit, qualifications, and physical standards.
NDA Exam Eligibility 2025
To appear for the NDA Exam, candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria. Below is the information:
| Criteria | Details |
| Nationality | Indian citizens, or subjects of Bhutan or Nepal
A candidate must be an unmarried male/ female and must be:-
|
| Gender and Marital Status | Only unmarried male and female candidates are eligible |
| Age Limit | 16.5 to 19.5 years. For NDA Exam 2025, candidates born between July 2, 2006, and July 1, 2009 |
| Educational Qualification | For the Army Wing: Passed Class 12; For Air Force and Naval Wings: Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics |
UPSC NDA 2025 Age Limit
The age limit is a crucial factor in determining eligibility for the NDA exam. Candidates must meet the following criteria:
| Criteria | Details |
| Age Range | Candidates must be born between July 2, 2006, and July 1, 2009, inclusive. |
| Marital Status | Only unmarried candidates are eligible. Candidates must remain unmarried throughout the training period. |
It is important to verify the age criteria before submitting an application.
UPSC NDA 2025 Education Qualification
The educational requirements for NDA depend on the service branch selected. The specific criteria are as follows:
| Branch | Qualification |
| Army Wing | Candidates must have passed the 12th grade or an equivalent examination from a recognized board. |
| Air Force and Naval Wings | Candidates must have passed the 12th grade with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects. |
UPSC NDA 2025 Percentage Required
There is no specific percentage requirement for eligibility. Candidates who have passed their 12th-grade examinations, irrespective of their marks, are eligible to apply. However, academic proficiency in Physics and Mathematics is critical for the written examination.
Number of Attempts for NDA 2025
There is no restriction on the number of attempts a candidate can make, provided they meet the age and other eligibility criteria.
NDA Physical Standards
Candidates must be physically and mentally fit according to prescribed physical standards/guidelines given in Notification.
To be deemed ‘Medically Fit’ a candidate must be in good physical and mental health and free from any disease /syndrome/disability likely to interfere with the efficient performance of military duties in any terrain, climate, season incl sea and air, in remote areas, in austere conditions with no medical aid.
NDA Height & Weight for Army and Air Force
NDA height prescribed is 157 cms (For Air Force it is 162.5 cms). Certain exceptions are applicable for candidates based on the region from where they belong. NDA height for girls is 157 cms.
| NDA Height (in cms) | NDA Weight (in kgs) | ||
| 16-17 years | 17-18 years | 18-19 years | |
| 152 | 42.5 | 44.0 | 45.0 |
| 155 | 43.5 | 45.3 | 47.0 |
| 157 | 45.0 | 47.0 | 48.0 |
| 160 | 46.0 | 48.0 | 49.0 |
| 162 | 48.0 | 50.0 | 51.0 |
| 165 | 50.0 | 52.0 | 53.0 |
| 167 | 51.0 | 53.0 | 54.0 |
| 170 | 52.5 | 55.0 | 56.0 |
| 173 | 54.5 | 57.0 | 58.0 |
| 175 | 56.0 | 59.0 | 60.0 |
| 178 | 58.0 | 61.0 | 62.0 |
| 180 | 60.0 | 63.0 | 64.5 |
| 183 | 62.5 | 65.0 | 66.5 |
For Gorkhas and candidates belonging to hills of North-Eastern areas of India, Garhwal, and Kumaon, the minimum height will be 5 cms less than the figure mentioned above. For candidates belonging to Lakshadweep, the minimum height standard is reduced by 2 cms.
NDA Requirements for Height and Weight for Navy
| NDA Height (In Cms) | NDA Weight (in kgs) | ||
| 16 years | 18 years | 20 years | |
| 152 | 44 | 45 | 46 |
| 155 | 45 | 46 | 47 |
| 157 | 46 | 47 | 49 |
| 160 | 47 | 48 | 50 |
| 162 | 48 | 50 | 52 |
| 165 | 50 | 52 | 53 |
| 167 | 52 | 53 | 55 |
| 170 | 53 | 55 | 57 |
| 173 | 55 | 57 | 59 |
| 175 | 57 | 59 | 61 |
| 178 | 59 | 61 | 62 |
| 180 | 61 | 63 | 64 |
| 183 | 63 | 65 | 67 |
Candidates who wish to be pilot need to fulfill the following NDA requirements:
- Leg Length: The minimum of 99 cms and maximum of 120 cms
- Thigh Length: Maximum of 64 cms
- Sitting Height: The minimum of 81.50 cms and maximum is 96 cms
NDA Medical Requirements for Visual Standards
- The distance vision (corrected) of candidates should be 6/6 in the better eye and 6/9 in the worse eye
- Myopia should not be more than 2.5 D
- Hypermetropia not more than 3.5 D including astigmatism
- Air Force candidates must not wear spectacles
Candidates can check below the NDA requirements for visual standards for Navy and Air Force.
| Specification | Naval | Air force |
| Uncorrected without glass | 6/6 | 6/6, 6/9 |
| Corrected with glass | 6/6 | 6/6 (only for Hypermetropia) |
| Limits of Myopia | -0.75 | Nil |
| Limits of Hypermetropia | 1.5 | 2.00 D Sph |
| Limits of Colour Perception | I | Nil |
| Binocular Vision | III | Nil |
| Manifest Myopia | N.A. | Nil Re |
| Tinoscopic Myopia | N.A. | 0.5 |
| Colour Vision | N.A. | CP-I (MLT) |
| Astigmatism | N.A. | 0.75 Cyl (within 2.0 D.Max) |
| Near Vision | N.A. | N-5 each eye |
Candidates must not suffer from any of the following minor conditions:
- Wax (Ears)
- Deviated Nasal Septum
- Hydrocele / Phimosis
- Condition of Overweight / Underweight
- Under Sized Chest
- Piles
- Tonsillitis
- Gynaecomastia
- Varicocele
NDA Requirements for Guidelines Regarding Tattoos
- Candidates must ensure that any permanent body tattoos should be present only on their inner side of forearm
- Under no circumstances, UPSC accepts tattoos on the inside of the elbow to the wrist and on the reverse side of palm/back (dorsal) side of the hand
- Permanent body tattoos on any other part of the body are also not acceptable
- In case a candidate belongs to a tribe where it is customary to have tattoo, acceptance will be granted considering the traditions involved.
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UPSC NDA Eligibility 2025 FAQs
- What is the age limit for the UPSC NDA 2025 exam?
The age limit is for candidates born between July 2, 2006, and July 1, 2003, inclusive. - Is there a minimum percentage required in the 12th grade for NDA eligibility?
No, there is no specific percentage requirement; candidates must simply pass their 12th-grade exams. - What are the physical requirements for male candidates?
Male candidates must have a minimum height of 157 cm and meet proportional weight and medical standards. - Can female candidates apply for the NDA exam?
Yes, female candidates can apply, provided they meet the height requirement of 152 cm and other physical standards.
5. How many attempts are allowed for the NDA exam?
There is no limit on the number of attempts, as long as candidates meet the age and other eligibility criteria.
