SENAPREP
UPSC NDA Eligibility Criteria 2026
Before filling out the UPSC NDA application form, candidates must carefully verify their eligibility across 4 primary dimensions: Age Limit & DOB, Educational Qualification, Marital Status & Nationality, and Physical & Medical Standards.
1. Age Limit & Date of Birth Criteria
Candidates must be between 16.5 and 19.5 years of age at the time of course commencement. UPSC strictly verifies your Class 10/Matriculation certificate for date of birth verification.
| Exam Session | Target Course Commencement | Eligible Date of Birth (DOB) Range |
|---|---|---|
| NDA 1 2026 | January 2027 Course | July 2, 2007 to July 1, 2010 (Both dates inclusive) |
| NDA 2 2026 | July 2027 Course | January 2, 2008 to January 1, 2011 (Both dates inclusive) |
2. Educational Qualification Stream
Candidates who are currently appearing in Class 12 (10+2) under the 10+2 pattern of School Education are also eligible to apply.
| Defence Wing | Required Educational Stream | Subject Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Army Wing | 12th Pass / Appearing (10+2 Pattern) | Any Stream (Science, Commerce, Arts/Humanities) |
| Air Force Wing | 12th Pass / Appearing (10+2 Pattern) | Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics (PCM) Compulsory |
| Naval Wing (B.Tech Cadet Entry) | 12th Pass / Appearing (10+2 Pattern) | Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics (PCM) Compulsory |
3. Height & Weight Physical Standards
Physical fitness is mandatory. Candidates who pass the written exam and SSB interview are evaluated by a Medical Board. Below is the minimum height chart:
| Candidate Category | Minimum Height Required | Height Relaxation for Special Regions |
|---|---|---|
| Male Candidates (Army / Navy) | 157 cm | 152 cm (Gorkhas, Garhwal, Kumaon, Lakshadweep, North-East) |
| Male Candidates (Air Force Flying Branch) | 162.5 cm | No height relaxation for Flying Branch |
| Female Candidates (All Wings) | 152 cm | 147 cm for Gorkhas and North-Eastern Candidates |
Male Height to Weight Standards Table (Sample)
| Height (in cm) | Weight Range for Age 16-17 Yrs | Weight Range for Age 17-18 Yrs | Weight Range for Age 18-19 Yrs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 157 cm | 45.0 kg | 47.0 kg | 49.0 kg |
| 162 cm | 48.0 kg | 50.0 kg | 52.0 kg |
| 167 cm | 52.0 kg | 54.0 kg | 56.0 kg |
| 172 cm | 55.0 kg | 57.0 kg | 59.0 kg |
| 177 cm | 59.0 kg | 61.0 kg | 63.0 kg |
Chest Expansion & Vision Standards
- Chest Measurement: Minimum unexpanded chest size of 81 cm with a compulsory expansion of at least 5 cm.
- Vision Standards (Uncorrected): Better eye 6/6, Worse eye 6/9. Myopia must not exceed -1.5D and Hypermetropia must not exceed +1.5D for Flying Branch.
- Tattoo Policy: Permanent body tattoos are strictly prohibited on forearms or outer body parts. Small inner arm tattoos may be permitted for candidates belonging to notified tribal communities.