NDA Qualification | Best Defence Coaching Institute in Lucknow

NDA Qualification

NDA Qualification: NDA Eligibility 2023 NDA eligibility criteria include a variety of parameters such as NDA qualification, NDA age limit, nationality, and NDA requirements in terms of physical and medical standards. NDA exam eligibility is set by the Union Public Service Commission for NDA 2023. It is important that candidates must fulfill NDA eligibility before filling the application form.

NDA Qualification

Candidature of candidates might get canceled at any stage of the recruitment process if they do not fulfil NDA exam eligibility. According to NDA eligibility criteria, female and male candidates who have completed their Class 12th or equivalent can apply for the exam. Before applying, eligible male and female candidates must go through NDA requirements provided on this page.

The National Defence Academy exam or NDA exam is conducted to select eligible candidates for the Indian Armed Forces, where selected candidates of all three services-Army, Navy and Air Force undergo training before pre-commissioning training in the respective academies. Union Public Service Commission conducts NDA twice a year-April and September to select male and female candidates for various defense services. Since 2021, female candidates are also eligible for admission to National Defence Academy (NDA). Candidates qualifying for the written exam are called for SSB Interview.

NDA 1 Eligibility 2023

Only Indian nationals both female and male candidates can apply for NDA 1 2023. Candidates must have been born not earlier than July 2, 2004, and not later than July 1, 2007, and are eligible for the exam. The date of birth is accepted by the commission as entered in the matriculation or secondary school leaving certificate or in a certificate recognized by an Indian University as equivalent to matriculation. Candidates who have passed Class 12 can apply for the Army wing of NDA. Those who have passed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics can apply for Air Force and Naval wings of NDA. Candidates who are appearing in the Class 12 can also apply. Such candidates who qualify the SSB interview but could not produce Class 10/12 or equivalent certificate in original at the time of SSB interview should forward duly self-attested photocopies to ‘Directorate General of Recruiting, Army HQ, West Block III, RK Puram, New Delhi-110066’ and for Naval Academy candidates to ‘Naval Headquarters, DMPR, OI&R Section, Room No. 204, ‘C’ Wing, Sena Bhavan, New Delhi-110011’ by December 24, 2023.

NDA Eligibility 2023

NDA eligibility is one of the main factors to go through before applying for NDA examTo remain the recruitment process, candidates must fit into all the NDA requirements. Applicants should be born not earlier than July 2, 2003, and not later than July 1, 2006 to apply for NDA 2023 as per NDA eligibility. It is essential for candidates to follow all the specified NDA eligibility to be able to proceed further with the selection process. Candidates should note that Army might have different NDA exam eligibility requirements than those for Navy and Air Force. 

What is NDA Exam Eligibility 2023?

National Defence Academy eligibility is specified by UPSC in the official notification. The male and female eligibility criteria include factors such as nationality, NDA age limit, NDA qualification, NDA physical test and medical standards. The age criteria for NDA exam is between 16.5 and 19.5 years. Candidates who have passed and are appearing in Class 12 can apply for the NDA exam. NDA requirements for eligibility are certain factors that candidates need to fulfill in order to be eligible for the exam. To ensure final selection to the NDA, candidates need to meet the following NDA eligibility:

  • NDA  Age Limit 2023, Maritial Status & Gender
  • Citizenship/Nationality
  • NDA Qualification
  • NDA Physical Test/ Medical Qualification

Candidates must ensure that they fulfil the NDA eligibility before applying for the exam. Candidates failing to fulfil the NDA eligibility will not be allowed to participate in the recruitment process.

NDA Eligibility 2023 Highlights 

NDA Eligibility 2023 Highlights: Candidates can check below a few important highlights related to NDA exam eligibility.

ParticularsDetails
Name of the ExamNDA
Conducting BodyUnion Public Service Commission
Exam LevelNational
PostLieutenant
Gender & Marital StatusUnmarried female and male
NDA Age Limit16.5 to 19.5 years
NDA QualificationArmy Wing: Passed or appeared in Class 12
For Air Force and Naval Wings: Passed or appearing in Class 12.
Candidates must have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics in Class 12
NDA Physical TestIn NDA physical test the eligibility of candidates is measured per height, weight, and medical standards
Selection ProcessWritten exam
SSB Interview
NDA Qualification

NDA Eligibility 2023 Highlights 

NDA Eligibility & NDA Age Limit 2023

According to NDA eligibility criteria, only unmarried male and female aspirants aged between 16.5 and 19.5 are eligible to apply for NDA. Those who are interested in applying for the NDA exam must fall in the mentioned age group. Candidates whose NDA age limit exceeds will not be considered for NDA. Given below is the NDA age limit for all candidates who wish to appear for the NDA exam: #NDA Qualification

  • NDA 1 2023 age limit is that candidates should be born not earlier than July 2, 2004, and not later than July 1, 2007
  • NDA 2 2023 age limit, candidates must have been born not earlier than January 2, 2004, and not later than January 1, 2007
  • The commission will accept the date of birth that is entered into Class 10 or 12 certificates
  • Candidates need to submit these certificates after the declaration of the result of the written exam

NDA Age Limit For Girls

The NDA age limit for girls is the same as the male candidates. The NDA age limit for girls is 16.5 to 19.5 years. Female candidates falling under the age range can apply for the NDA exam. #NDA Eligibility 2023 Highlights

NDA Eligibility for Female

In 2021, Supreme Court has allowed NDA for girls. Earlier, only unmarried male candidates were allowed to appear for the exam. The decision was taken by Supreme Court after a writ petition was filed by Kush Kalra in the Supreme Court to allow women to appear for NDA. The petition also raised objections against the issue of violation of Articles 14, 15, 16, and 19 of the Constitution of India by not allowing the desired female candidates to participate in the NDA Exam. #NDA Eligibility 2023 Highlights

In response to the same, Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Hrishikesh Roy passed the interim order allowing female candidates to be a part of the NDA 2 exam in 2021. The decisions regarding the nature of training, intake strength, training standards, and medical and NDA physical standards for girls rested upon the Ministry of Defence. NDA female eligibility, age limit, educational qualification, and marital status parameters are the same as male candidates. 

NDA eligibility for female candidates is the same as for their male counterparts. The height, weight, and vision NDA requirements for female candidates are the same. NDA qualification as well as the physical standard required for female and male candidates are the same. 

NDA Qualification 2023

NDA eligibility as per the educational qualification prescribed for admission to the different academies is given below. #NDA Qualification

NDA Qualification for Army wingPassed Class 12 or equivalent examination from a recognized board
NDA Qualification for Air Force and Naval wings of NDA and 10+2 Cadet entry scheme at INAPassed Class 12 or equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics
NDA Qualification

NDA Eligibility 2023 Highlights 

  • Candidates who are appearing in Class 12 or equivalent examination can apply as per NDA exam eligibility
  • Candidates appearing in the Class 11 exam are not eligible
  • There is no NDA eligibility 12th percentage. Candidates who have passed the Class 12 or equivalent exam can apply for the exam. #NDA Qualification

Can 12th Pass Apply for NDA?

Yes, NDA is conducted for candidates who have passed or are appearing in Class 12. Candidates who wish to join the Air Force and Naval wings of NDA and the 10+2 Cadet entry scheme must study Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics in Class 12. #NDA Eligibility 2023 Highlights

Can the 11th pass Apply NDA?

No, candidates after Class 11 are not eligible for the NDA exam. To be eligible for the exam, candidates must have passed or are appearing in Class 12.

How to Join NDA after the 10th for girls?

NDA for girls is not possible after the 10th. In order to take admitted to NDA, candidates need to complete their Class 12. #NDA Eligibility 2023 Highlights 

NDA Nationality 

To apply for NDA, candidates must be:

1) A citizen of India or

2) A subject of Nepal or

3) A subject of Bhutan or

4) A Tibetan refugee who came over to India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanently settling in India or

5) A person originally Indian who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, and East African Countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, and Ethiopia or Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India #NDA Eligibility 2023 Highlights 

Provided that a candidate belonging to categories 2, 3, 4, and 5 must be a person in whose favor a certificate of eligibility has been issued by the Indian government. A certificate of eligibility is not required for Gorkha candidates from Nepal #NDA Qualification

NDA Eligibility 2023 Marital Status 

Only unmarried male and female candidates can apply for the exam as per NDA eligibility. Candidates should not marry until they complete their training. Candidates who marry during the training will be discharged and have to refund all expenditures spend on them by the government. 

NDA Physical Test 

Candidates must be physically fit according to the physical and medical standards of NDA eligibility. NDA physical eligibility is given in the table below for Army, Navy, and Air Force. NDA requirements are NDA height, weight, and chest. #NDA Eligibility 2023 Highlights 

NDA Height & Weight for Army and Air Force

NDA height prescribed is 157 cm (For Air Force it is 162.5 cm). Certain exceptions are applicable for candidates based on the region from where they belong. NDA height for girls is 157 cm. #NDA Eligibility 2023 Highlights 

NDA Height (in cms)NDA Weight (in kgs)
 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
18362.565.066.5
NDA Qualification

NDA Eligibility 2023 Highlights

For Gorkhas and candidates belonging to hills of North-Eastern areas of India, Garhwal, and Kumaon, the minimum height will be 5 cm less than the figure mentioned above. For candidates belonging to Lakshadweep, the minimum height standard is reduced by 2 cm. #NDA Eligibility 2023 Highlights 

NDA Requirements for Height and Weight for Navy

NDA Height (In cms)NDA Weight (in kgs)
 16 years18 years20 years
152444546
155454647
157464749
160474850
162485052
165505253
167525355
170535557
173555759
175575961
178596162
180616364
183636567
NDA Qualification

NDA Eligibility 2023 Highlights

Candidates who wish to be pilots need to fulfill the following NDA requirements:

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

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 the Navy and Air Force.

SpecificationNavalAir Force
Uncorrected without glass6/66/6, 6/9
Corrected with glass6/66/6 (only for Hypermetropia)
Limits of Myopia-0.75Nil
Limits of Hypermetropia+1.5+2.00 D Sph
Limits of Colour PerceptionINil
Binocular VisionIIINil
Manifest MyopiaN.A.Nil Re
Telescopic MyopiaN.A.0.5
Color VisionN.A.CP-I (MLT)
AstigmatismN.A.+0.75 Cyl (within + 2.0 D.Max)
Near VisionN.A.N-5 each eye
NDA Qualification

NDA Eligibility 2023 Highlights

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 the inner side of the forearm
  • Under no circumstances, UPSC accepts tattoos on the inside of the elbow to the wrist and on the reverse side of the 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 a tattoo, acceptance will be granted considering the traditions involved #NDA Eligibility 2023 Highlights 

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NDA Requirements for Spinal Conditions

Candidates must not have the following diseases:

  • The granulomatous disease of the spine
  • Arthritis/spondylosis (Rheumatoid arthritis and allied disorders / Ankylosing spondylitis/ Osteoarthrosis, spondylosis and degenerative joint disease / Non-articular rheumatism (e.g. lesions of the rotator cuff, tennis elbow, recurrent lumbago, etc.) & Miscellaneous disorders including SLE, polymyositis, vasculitis
  • Spondylolisthesis/spondylolysis
  • Compression fracture of vertebrae
  • SC Heuer man’s disease (Adolescent kyphosis)
  • Loss of cervical lordosis when associated with clinically restricted movements of the cervical spine
  • Unilateral / Bilateral cervical ribs with demon stable neurological or circulatory deficit
  • Scoliosis more than 15 degrees as measured by Cobb’s method
  • Degenerative Disc. disease
  • Presence of Schmorl’s nodes at more than one level
  • Atlanto-occipital and atlantoaxial anomalies
  • Hemi vertebrae and/or incomplete block (fused) vertebrae at any level in the cervical, dorsal, or lumbar spine and complete block (fused) vertebrae at more than one level in the cervical or dorsal spine #NDA Qualification
  • Unilateral Sacralisation or lubrication (Complete or incomplete) at all levels and bilateral incomplete sacralization or lubrication
  • Any other abnormality if so considered by the specialist

NDA Requirements for X-Ray Exam

Any of the following conditions will disqualify the candidature of candidates:

  • The granulomatous disease of the spine
  • Arthritis/spondylosis      
  • Scoliosis more than 15 degrees as measured by Cobb’s Method (10 degrees for Army and Navy)
  • More than mild Kyphosis/Lordosis
  • Spondylolisthesis / Spondylosis / Spondylolysis
  • Herniated nucleus purposes
  • Compression fracture of Vertebra
  • Sacralisation Disease #NDA Qualification
  • Cervical ribs with demonstrable neurological or Circulatory deficit
  • Presence of Schmorl’s node at more than one level
  • Atlanto-occipital and atlanto-axial anomalies
  • Incomplete Sacralisation Unilateral or Bilateral
  • Spina Bifida other than SV 1 and LV 5 if completely Sacralised
  • Any other abnormality, if so considered by specialist

NDA Requirements for Other medical conditions 

  • There should not be any symptoms of a weak constitution or bodily defects
  • Candidates must have a well-developed chest
  • The function of the bones or joints should be good
  • No history of medical breakdown or fits
  • Candidates must have normal hearing capabilities
  • No impediment to speech
  • Normal blood pressure with no signs of heart disease or blood vessel disease
  • No liver or spleen enlargement
  • No abnormalities in urine
  • No skin diseases
  • No abnormalities in the USG abdomen examination
  • A sufficient number of natural and sound teeth
  • Routine ECG for Air Force candidates must fall within normal limits

Ineligibility for UPSC NDA 2023 Exam

Candidates will be rejected from appearing in the UPSC NDA exam if they do not fulfill NDA eligibility due to the following reasons: #NDA Eligibility 2023 Highlights

  • If aspirants are married then they will not be allowed to appear for the exam
  • If candidates have resigned on disciplinary grounds during training then they are not eligible
  • Candidates who did not clear PABT/CPSS exam are not eligible
  • If aspirants are debarred by the Defence Ministry
  • Candidates studying in Class 11 are not eligible
  • Candidates who have failed INSB/PABT earlier will not be considered eligible 

NDA Application Form 2023

NDA 1 application form 2023 will be released on December 21. NDA 2 application form 2023 will be released on May 17, 2023. The application fee is INR 100 for General/OBC whereas SC/ST/Sons of JCOs, NCOs, and ORs are not required to pay any fees. The steps to fill NDA application form 2023 are given below: #NDA Eligibility 2023 Highlights

  • Register for the exam by entering the required details
  • Choose the preferred branch
  • Verify the details
  • Generate the registration ID
  • Select the exam center
  • Upload the scanned images of the photograph and signature
  • Pay the application fees
  • Submit the application form