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NDA Age Limit

NDA Age Limit | Best NDA Coaching in Lucknow

NDA Age Limit – The NDA eligibility criteria are decided by the Union Public Service Commission. Candidates willing to appear for NDA exams can apply for the same only if they fulfil the prescribed NDA Eligibility Criteria.

The eligibility criteria of NDA comprise four main aspects that are mandatory for applicants to fulfil. The four main aspects of NDA eligibility are:

  1. NDA Age Limit, Marital Status & Gender
  2. NDA Citizenship/Nationality
  3. NDA Educational Qualification
  4. NDA Physical/ Medical Qualification

This article will discuss the above-mentioned NDA eligibility criteria in detail. Aspirants of the Indian Defence Services must meet the National Defence Academy Exam eligibility conditions. 

The UPSC prescribes NDA/ NA eligibility in detail in the official notification. The Commission will release the notification for UPSC NDA 2 2023 exam on December 21st, 2022. Candidates can check the NDA Notification to dive deep for relevant details. 

Aspirants of other Government exams can check the linked page for the latest information regarding upcoming exams. 

NDA Eligibility 2023

Through the official notice, UPSC releases a detailed description of the Naval Academy eligibility condition mandatory for the exam. The highlights of the detailed eligibility conditions, as discussed below in the article, are given in the following table:

NDA Exam I & II: Eligibility Conditions
ParticularsDetails
Name of the ExamNDA
NDA Full-FormNational Defence Academy
Conducting BodyUnion Public Service Commission
Exam LevelNational
Selection ProcessWritten Test SSB Interview
PostLieutenant
NDA NationalityIndian
NDA Age LimitUpper Age – 18.7 years
Lower Age – 15.7 years
NDA Educational QualificationsArmy Wing – Pass certificate in 10+2 exam
For Air Force and Naval Wings – Passing Certification of Class 12th exam with Physics and Mathematics
Gender and Marital RequirementsUnmarried Female and Male
NDA Age Limit

Aspirants must go through NA eligibility conditions because

  • Mere issue of an Admission Certificate to the candidate will not imply that his candidature has been finally cleared by the Commission
  • UPSC conducts verification of eligibility criteria with reference to original documents.
  • Verification is done, once the candidate qualifies for the interview and Personality Test.
  • The conducting body has the right to reject the candidature of the applicant at any stage of recruitment in case he/she is found to be not fulfilling the required criteria and,
  • If the candidate is appointed, in such a case he/she is liable to be removed from service.
  • A candidate in whose case a certificate of eligibility is necessary may be admitted to the examination but the offer of appointment may be given only after the necessary eligibility certificate has been issued to him by the Government of India.

Eligibility For NDA 2022

One of the key considerations when registering for the NDA exam is the qualifying requirements for the NDA. The applicant must meet all qualifying criteria in order to advance in the hiring process. After examining the openings and determining if they meet all eligibility requirements, both male and female candidates may submit applications for the exam. According to NDA eligibility 2022, candidates who were not born earlier than 02 January 2004 or later than 01 January 2007 are eligible to apply for the exam. NDA Age Limit

To continue with the exam selection procedure, candidates must first satisfy all of the given NDA qualifying requirements. Be aware that the eligibility requirements for applicants to the Navy and Air Force may differ from those for the Army.

Earlier, the NDA was conducted to select male candidates for various services, now since 2021 UPSC has made female candidates eligible for the NDA examination. The candidates who qualified for the written test will be called for SSB Interview. NDA Age Limit

NDA Eligibility for Female Candidates:

The Supreme Court of India issued an interim judgement allowing female candidates to register for the exam in 2021. Refer to the following details for information on female candidates’ NDA eligibility:

  • The NDA eligibility for female candidates is equal to that for male candidates, according to UPSC.
  • For female applicants to the NDA Exam, the height, weight, and vision criteria are the same as for male applicants. NDA Eligibility 2023
  • Female candidates must meet the same NDA requirements as male candidates, including marital status.
  • The physical requirements for female candidates must be equivalent to those for male candidates.

Detailed NDA Eligibility is as mentioned below: NDA Age Limit

NDA Eligibility- Age Limit

NDA I Age Limit – Only unmarried male and female candidates born not earlier than 2nd July 2003 and not later than 1st July 2006 fulfil the eligibility for the NDA exam.

NDA Age LimitAge for Unmarried Male Candidates
Lower Age Limit15.5 years (not later than 1st July 2006)/ 16 years during the commencement of the course
Upper Age Limit18.5 years (not earlier than 02nd July 2003)/ 19 years during the commencement of the course
NDA Eligibility 2023NDA Age Limit

NDA II Age Limit – Only unmarried male candidates born not earlier than 2nd January 2003 and not later than 1st January 2006 are eligible for the NDA exam.

NDA Age LimitAge for Unmarried Male Candidates
Lower Age Limit15.5 years (not later than 1st January 2007)/ 16 years during the commencement of the course
Upper Age Limit18.5 years (not earlier than 2nd January 2004)/ 19 years during the commencement of the course
NDA Eligibility 2023NDA Age Limit

To put it simply, candidates should be between the age of 15.5 years and 19 years to be eligible for the exam.

NDA Age Limit for Girls

Girls are eligible to join the NDA at the same age as male candidates. According to the official NDA 2 2022 notification, which was published on May 18, 2022, both male and female applicants who are single and were born between January 2, 2004, and January 1, 2007, are eligible to sit for the exam.

NDA Eligibility- Age Limit
Minimum AgeMaximum Age
15.7-16 years(during the commencement of the course)18.7-19 years(during the commencement of the course)
NDA Eligibility 2023 NDA Age Limit

Important Note – 

  • Married females and married male candidates are not eligible to apply for NDA Exam.
  • The date of birth mentioned in the application must be the same as that entered in the Matriculation/ 10th/ Secondary School Leaving Certificate. NDA Age Limit
  • Candidates need to submit certificates for proof of age after the declaration of the result of the written exam.
  • Candidates must undertake not to marry until they complete their full training. A candidate who marries subsequent to the date of his application though successful at this or any subsequent Examination will not be selected for training. A candidate who marries during training shall be discharged and will be liable to refund all expenditures incurred on him by the Government.

Candidates willing to appear for the NDA examination must go through the detailed NDA Syllabus and exam pattern to kickstart their preparation. 

NDA Eligibility 2023 – Nationality / Citizenship

Candidates willing to appear for the National Defence Academy or Naval Academy exam are required to fulfil the NDA eligibility condition in terms of Nationality Or Citizenship.

Only the aspirants who fulfil the following conditions of nationality will be allowed to appear for the examination. NDA Age Limit

  1. A citizen of India, or
  2. A subject of Nepal, or
  3. A subject of Bhutan, or
  4. A Tibetan refugee permanently settled in India from and before January 1, 1962.
  5. A person of Indian origin migrated from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Burma, East African countries of Uganda, Kenya, the United Republic of Tanzania, Malawi, Zaire, Zambia, Ethiopia and Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.

Provided that a candidate belonging to categories (2), (3), (4) and (5) presents a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India to the recruiting body.

However, the Certificate of eligibility will not be necessary in the case of candidates who are Gorkha subjects of Nepal. NDA Age Limit

Eligibility for NDA – Education Qualification 

The  Union Public Service Commission has set a minimum level of education qualification that a candidate must possess to be eligible for the NDA examination.

Aspirants must have passed at least the 12th Board exam to appear for NDA/NA examination. The detailed NDA education Qualification required is highlighted below:

Education Qualification – NDA Eligibility 2023
For Army Wing of NDA12th Class pass of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent examination conducted by a State Education Board or a University.
For Air Force and Naval Wings of NDA12th Class pass of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics conducted by a State Education Board or a University.
For the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at the Indian Naval Academy12th Class pass of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics conducted by a State Education Board or a University.
NDA Age Limit

Important pointers –

  • Aspirants appearing in Class 12th or equivalent examination are eligible to apply
  • Aspirants who are appearing in the 11th class exam are not eligible for this examination
  • Candidates appearing in the 11th class exam are not eligible for this examination.
  • Those candidates who have yet to qualify in the 12th class or equivalent examination and are allowed to appear provided they submit proof of passing the 12th class or equivalent examination by the prescribed date (i.e. 24th June 2023) and no request for extending this date will be entertained on the grounds of late conduct of Board/University Examination, delay in declaration of results or any other ground whatsoever. NDA Age Limit

Aspirants of the NDA exam can check the related links given below-

NDA Eligibility 2023 – Physical Standards

To fulfil the NDA Eligibility, applicants must be physically fit according to physical standards for admission to National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination as per guidelines mentioned in the notification. 

Depending on the position for which a candidate is applying, the NDA eligibility requirements for physical fitness change a little.

It must be noted that a candidate will not be qualified to register for the NDA exam in 2022 if he or she has left or withdrawn from any of the training academies of the Armed Forces due to disciplinary reasons.

Below is a list of the prerequisite NDA physical requirements. NDA Age Limit

NDA Eligibility 2023: Height and Weight Requirement:

Indian Army: Height and Weight Requirements for Female NDA (Army) Candidates:

Height (cm)Weight (kg) with respect to age (yrs)
Minimum weight for all agesAge: 17 to 20 yrsAge: 20+01 day – 30 yrsAge: 30 + 01 day – 40 yrsAge: Above 40 yrs
14035.343.145.147.049.0
14135.843.745.747.749.7
14236.344.446.448.450.4
14336.845.047.049.151.1
14437.345.647.749.851.8
14537.846.348.450.552.6
14638.446.949.051.253.3
14738.947.549.751.954.0
14839.448.250.452.654.8
14940.048.851.153.355.5
15040.549.551.854.056.3
15141.050.252.454.757.0
15241.650.853.155.457.8
15342.151.553.856.258.5
15442.752.254.556.959.3
15543.252.955.357.760.1
15643.853.556.058.460.8
15744.454.256.759.261.6
15844.954.957.459.962.4
15945.555.658.160.763.2
16046.156.358.961.464.0
16146.757.059.662.264.8
16247.257.760.463.065.6
16347.858.561.163.866.4
NDA Age Limit

 Height and Weight Standards for Male Candidates joining NDA (Army)

Height (cm)Weight (kg) with respect to age (yrs)
Minimum weight for all agesAge: 17 to 20 yrsAge: 20+01 day – 30 yrsAge: 30 + 01 day – 40 yrsAge: Above 40 yrs
14035.343.145.147.049.0
14135.843.745.747.749.7
14236.344.446.448.450.4
14336.845.047.049.151.1
14437.345.647.749.851.8
14537.846.348.450.552.6
14638.446.949.051.253.3
14738.947.549.751.954.0
14839.448.250.452.654.8
14940.048.851.153.355.5
15040.549.551.854.056.3
15141.050.252.454.757.0
15241.650.853.155.457.8
15342.151.553.856.258.5
15442.752.254.556.959.3
15543.252.955.357.760.1
15643.853.556.058.460.8
15744.454.256.759.261.6
15844.954.957.459.962.4
15945.555.658.160.763.2
16046.156.358.961.464.0
16146.757.059.662.264.8
16247.257.760.463.065.6
16347.858.561.163.866.4
16448.459.261.964.667.2
16549.059.962.665.368.1
16649.660.663.466.168.9
16750.261.464.166.969.7
16850.862.164.967.770.6
16951.462.865.768.571.4
17052.063.666.569.472.3
17152.664.367.370.273.1
17253.365.168.071.074.0
17353.965.868.871.874.8
17454.566.669.672.775.7
17555.167.470.473.576.6
17655.868.171.274.377.4
17756.468.972.175.278.3
17857.069.772.976.079.2
17957.770.573.776.980.1
18058.371.374.577.881.0
18159.072.175.478.681.9
18259.672.976.279.582.8
18360.373.777.080.483.7
18460.974.577.981.384.6
18561.675.378.782.185.6
18662.376.179.683.086.5
18762.976.980.483.987.4
18863.677.881.384.888.4
18964.378.682.285.789.3
19065.079.483.086.690.3
19165.780.383.987.691.2
19266.481.184.888.592.2
19367.081.985.789.493.1
19467.782.886.690.394.1
19568.483.787.591.395.1
19669.184.588.492.296.0
19769.985.489.393.197.0
19870.686.290.294.198.0
19971.387.191.195.099.0
20072.088.092.096.0100.0
20172.788.992.997.0101.0
20273.489.893.897.9102.0
20374.290.794.898.9103.0
20474.991.695.799.9104.0
20575.692.596.7100.9105.1
20676.493.497.6101.8106.1
20777.194.398.6102.8107.1
20877.995.299.5103.8108.2
20978.696.1100.5104.8109.2
21079.497.0101.4105.8110.3
NDA Age Limit

Under no circumstances will weights below the minimum allowed be accepted. In age-specific categories, the maximum allowable weight for height has been set. Only candidates with verified evidence of bodybuilding, wrestling, or boxing at the national level will have weights over the permitted limit. In such circumstances, the following requirements must be satisfied. NDA Age Limit

  • The BMI should be less than 25.
  • Male and female waist-hip ratios should be less than 0.9 and 0.8, respectively.
  • For men, the ideal waist circumference is 90 cm, and for women, 80 cm.
  • The range of all biochemical metabolic measures should be normal.

Note – 

  • 10% variation on the higher side of average acceptable. NDA Age Limit
  • Height relaxable up to 2 cm where the Medical Board certifies that the candidate is likely to grow and come up to the required standard on completion of his training.
  • Exemption of 2 cm in minimum height standard is given to candidates of Lakshadweep region.
  • The minimum height requirement for female candidates to join the armed forces is 152 cm and for male candidates is 157cm. 
  • Candidates from the North Eastern Hills of India, the Garhwal and Kumaon regions, as well as Gorkhas, will be allowed a minimum height of 148 cm for females and 152cm for male candidates. 
  • An allowance for growth of 02 cm will be made for candidates below 18 yrs at the time of examination. 
  • The Flying Branch requires a minimum height of 163 cm. Other anthropometric requirements set forth by Flying Branch include sitting height, leg length and thigh length. NDA Age Limit

Indian Navy: Height and Weight Standards for Male and Female candidates in Indian Navy

Height (In cms) Weight (in kgs) for Different Age Groups
20 years18 years16 years
152464544
155474645
157494746
160504847
162525048
165535250
167555352
170575553
173595755
175615957
178626159
180646361
183676563
NDA Eligibility 2023

Aspirants who wish to join the Navy are required to fulfil the following requirements –

  • Sitting Height: The minimum of 81.50 cm and the maximum is 96 cm
  • Leg Length: The minimum of 99 cm and a maximum of 120 cm
  • Thigh Length: Maximum of 64 cms

Only candidates with verified evidence of bodybuilding, wrestling, or boxing at the national level will have weights over the permitted limit. In such circumstances, the following requirements must be satisfied. NDA Age Limit

  • The BMI should be less than 25.
  • Males should have a waist-to-hip ratio that is less than 0.9 and females less than 0.8.
  • Males should have a waist circumference under 90 cm, and ladies should have one under 80 cm.
  • The range of all biochemical metabolic measures should be normal.

Indian Air Force:  Height and Weight Standards for Male candidates in Indian Air Force

Height in cm Weight in kg for Different Age Groups
16-17 years17-18 years18-19 years
15242.544.045.0
15543.545.347.0
15745.047.048.0
16046.048.049.0
16248.050.051.0
16550.052.053.0
16751.053.054.0
17052.555.056.0
17354.557.058.0
17556.059.060.0
17858.061.062.0
18060.063.064.5
18362.56566
#NDA Eligibility 2023

Flying Branch requires a minimum height of 162.5 cm. For such aircrew, the following measures for sitting height, thigh length, and leg length are acceptable:

  • Minimum sitting height: 81.5 cm 96.0 cm is the maximum
  • Minimum Leg Length: 99.0 cm No more than 120.0 cm
  • Maximum Thigh Length: 64.0 cm. 
  • Entry into Ground Duty branches will require a minimum height of 157.5 cm.

The minimum permissible height will be 5 cm less for Gorkhas and people from Uttarakhand’s hilly regions and North-Eastern India (152.5 cm). The minimum allowable height for candidates from Lakshadweep might be lowered by 2 centimetres (155.5 cm).

Height and Weight Standards for Female candidates in Indian Air Force NDA Age Limit

Height (in cm) Age Range (in Years) / Weight (in Kgs)  
15-1616-17 17-1818-19
14738 404142
14839404243
14939414243
15040414344
1524142.54445
1554243.545.347
15743454748
1604546.54849
16246485051
16548505253
16749515354
1705152.55556
17352.554.55758
17554.5565960
17856586162
18058.5606364.5
1836162.56566.5
NDA Age Limit

Flying Branch requires a minimum height of 162.5 cm. For such aircrew, the following measures for sitting height, thigh length, and leg length are acceptable: –

  • Minimum sitting height: 81.5 cm 96.0 cm is the maximum 
  • Minimum Leg Length: 99.0 cm No more than 120.0 cm
  • Maximum Thigh Length: 64.0 cm
  • Entry into Ground Duty branches will require that you be 152 cm tall minimum. 

The minimum permissible height will be 5 cm less for Gorkhas and people from Uttarakhand’s hilly regions and North-Eastern India (147 cm). The minimum allowable height for candidates from Lakshadweep might be lowered by 2 centimetres (150 cm).

Only under extraordinary circumstances will weights above the maximum be permitted for candidates (both men and women) who can provide proof of their participation in bodybuilding, boxing, and wrestling. However, in certain circumstances, the following requirements must be satisfied:

  • BMI needs to be under 27.
  • Male and female Waist Hip Ratios should be less than 0.9 and 0.8, respectively.
  • For males, the ideal waist circumference is 94 cm, and for females, 89 cm.
  • Every biochemical metabolic metric ought to fall within the normal range.

NDA Eligibility 2023 – Visual Standards

The following visual standards must be met to be eligible for NDA exam: NDA Age Limit

NDA – Vision Standard For ARMY
Distance Vision (Corrected)Better Eye 6/6; Worse Eye 6/9
Colour visionCP-III (Defective Safe).
Myopia should not be more than -2.5DHypermetropia should not be more than +3.5D 
NDA Age Limit
NDA -Vision Standards for Air Force
Candidates who wear spectacleNot eligible for Air Force
Minimum distant vision6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in other correctable to 6/6 only for Hypermetropia
Colour vision CPI Hypermetropia: +2.0 D Sph Manifest Myopia: Nil Retinoscopic Myopia: 0.5 in any Meridian permitted Astigmatism: + 0.75 D Cyl (within + 2.0 D.Max)
NDA Age Limit
NDA – Vision standard for Navy
Uncorrected without glass -6/6, 6/9
Corrected with glass – 6/6, 6/6
Limits of Myopia – –0.75
Limits of Hypermetropia – +1.5
Binocular vision – III
Limits of colour perception – I
NDA Age Limit

NDA Physical Fitness: 

Aspirants must get themselves medically examined to ensure that they do not suffer from any of the following minor conditions as well-

  • Wax (Ears)
  • Deviated Nasal Septum
  • Hydrocele / Phimosis
  • Condition of Overweight / Underweight
  • Under Sized Chest
  • Piles
  • Tonsillitis
  • Gynaecomastia
  • Varicocele

The following conditions will entail female candidates being declared unfit:

  • Primary or secondary amenorrhoea
  • Severe Menorrhagia or/ and severe dysmenorrhea.
  • Stress urinary incontinence
  • Congenital elongation of the cervix or prolapsed which comes outside the introitus even after corrective surgery.
  • Pregnancy. Pregnancy will be a cause of rejection for NDA entry.
  • Complex ovarian cyst of any size.
  • Simple ovarian cyst more than six cm.
  • Endometriosis and Adenomyosis.
  • Submucous fibroid of any size.
  • Broad ligament or cervical fibroid of any size causing pressure over the ureter.
  • Single fibroid uterus more than three cm in diameter; fibroids more than two in number (each fibroid not more than fifteen mm in diameter) or fibroids causing distortion of the endometrial cavity.
  • Congenital uterine anomalies except for the arcuate uterus.
  • Acute or chronic pelvic infection.
  • Disorders of sexual differentiation.
  • Any other condition will be considered on the merits of each case by the Gynaecologist. 

NDA Physical Fitness: Case of Body Tattoos

  • The candidates must make sure that any permanent body tattoos (if any) are limited to the forearm’s inner side. NDA Age Limit
  • Tattoos on the inside of the elbow to the wrist, as well as on the rear (dorsal) side of the hand, will never be accepted by UPSC.
  • Any other body part with a permanent tattoo is also unacceptable. NDA Age Limit
  • Acceptance will be determined on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the traditions involved, in the event that the applicant happens to be a member of a tribe where having tattoos on the face or body is traditional. In such cases, the decision of the authorities shall be final.

NDA Eligibility 2023 – Miscellaneous

The NDA exam has a number of eligibility requirements, and candidates are shortlisted based on their physical fitness. It is recommended that they go for a complete medical examination before submitting their application. According to NDA eligibility, the following are the guidelines for the physical test requirements:

  • The candidate must be in good physical and mental health, free from illness, and without any disabilities.
  • After full extension, the chest should not measure less than 81 cm. After a full inspiration, the chest should have expanded by at least 5 cm. To check for any disease, a chest X-ray will be taken.
  • The candidates are advised to rectify minor defects/ailments.
  • The candidate should not have a history of mental breakdowns or fits, according to the NDA eligibility 2022. NDA Age Limit
  • Bones/Joints should not be impaired in any function. These should be developed properly.
  • Untreated hernias will result in disqualification. An operation on a hernia should be performed one year prior to the last medical examination.
  • The candidate’s liver and spleen have to be of average size. NDA Age Limit
  • The heart and blood vessels shouldn’t have any biological or functional diseases.
  • The hearing should be normal. The candidate should be able to hear a whisper with each ear at a distance of 610 cm. There should not be any disease of the ear, nose, and throat.
  • There should be no piles, hydrocele, varicocele, or other skin conditions.
  • The applicant should have a sufficient number of natural and sound teeth. There should be a minimum of 14 dental points.
  • Blood Pressure should be normal.
  • Any disease affecting the abdominal internal organs will result in disqualification.
  • USG abdomen examination will be performed and any congenital structural anomaly will lead to disqualification.
  • NDA eligibility states that the candidate should not be of weak constitution, or overweight/underweight.

The NDA eligibility in terms of physical and medical standards is much more than what is mentioned above. Hence, candidates are advised to go through the official notification for further clarification on National Defence Academy Eligibility Criteria. 

NDA 2 Exam 2022 Notification:-NDA Age Limit

Aspirants appearing for NDA exams must go through the Competitive Exam Preparation Strategies to plan out a good study schedule and leave no stone unturned for exam preparation.

Frequently Asked Question – NDA Age Limit

Q.1. Who sets the NDA eligibility criteria?

Ans. UPSC is the conducting body of the NDA exam, hence it is the authoritative body to set the National Defence Academy/ Naval Academy eligibility conditions. NDA Age Limit

Q.2. What is the minimum educational qualification to be eligible for the NDA examination?

Ans. To appear for the NDA/NA exam candidates must have passed at least the 12th Board exam.

Q.3. What is the maximum number of times a candidate can take the NDA exam?

Ans. As per the notification, there is no such number of attempts mentioned. Candidates can appear for the exam till he/she meets the age limit criteria.

Q.4. What are the minimum and maximum NDA age limit requirements to appear for the exam?

Ans. The lower age limit says candidates should be 16 years during the commencement of the course while the upper age limit to appear for the NDA exam says candidates must be 19 years during the commencement of the course i.e. candidates should be between the age of 16.5 years and 19.5 years to be eligible for the exam. NDA Age Limit

Q 5. Are the candidates appearing in Class 12 eligible for the NDA exam?

Ans. Yes, candidates who are in Class 12 fulfil the requirement of the NDA Age Limit.

Q 6. Are there any physical and medical requirements for the NDA examination?

Ans. Yes, candidates are required to be physically and medically fit based on the standards mentioned in the official notification. NDA Age Limit

Q 7. Are married female candidates eligible to appear for NDA Exam?

Ans. No, married female candidates as well as married males, are not eligible to appear for the National Defence Academy/ Naval Academy exam. NDA Age Limit

Q 8. What is the NDA Eligibility for Female candidates?

Ans. Female candidates are now eligible to apply for the NDA exam if they meet all the requirements. The following criteria apply to female candidates for the NDA: NDA Age Limit
1) Only girls who are single may apply for the exam.
2)The same NDA qualifying requirements apply to female candidates as they do to male candidates in every other respect.