Every year, the NDA exam is conducted in two phases. Check complete information about the NDA exam through the below table:
Name of the exam | NDA |
NDA Full Form | National Defence Academy |
Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission |
Purpose of the examination | To find candidates to join Army, Air Force, and Navy
as a Cadet or Officer Trainee |
Exam Frequency | Twice a year |
Exam Category | 12th Pass |
Selection Process | – NDA Written Test exam
– SSB Interview |
Number of applicants | 5-6 lakhs |
Exam Center | 41 Test Cities across India |
NDA Exam Eligibility
There is a set of eligibility criteria for the candidates to appear for the NDA exam prescribed by the UPSC on their official website. Candidates who have applied for the upcoming exam must ensure that they fulfill the eligibility norms to advance further in the selection process. The eligibility criteria are divided into three categories: age limit, educational qualification, and physical standards.
NDA Qualification
The details of the educational qualifications needed by the candidates are mentioned in the table.
Academy | Educational Qualification |
NDA Course (Indian Army) | 12th Class pass of the 10 + 2 School Education pattern or
equivalent exam performed by the State Education Board or University. |
NDA Course (Indian Navy & Indian Air Force) & 107th and 108th INAC Course | 12th Pass of the 10 + 2 School Education pattern or
equivalent to Physics and Mathematics by a State Education Board or a University. |
NDA Eligibility: Physical Standards
The candidates must fit the prescribed physical eligibility, like the height standards, vision standards, etc. The candidates need to satisfy the stated NDA exam eligibility criteria as mentioned here.
Category | Minimum NDA Height for Male Candidates |
Tribals from Ladakh Region | 155 cm |
Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep, and Minicoy Islands | 155 cm |
Gorkhas, Nepali, Assamese, Garhwali, Kumaoni, and Uttarakhand | 152 cm |
Bhutan, Sikkim & North East Region | 152 cm |
NDA Age Limit 2022
The aspirants must meet the NDA age limit to be able to clear the exam and acquire the desired post. The age limit criteria for the NDA exam 2022 for different courses is between 16.5 to 19.5 years. Only unmarried candidates born no earlier than 02 January 2004 and not later than 01 January 2007 are eligible to apply online for the NDA 2022 exam.