NDA & NA Examination (National Defence Academy) — Age Eligibility Table
Age limits as per recent official notifications. Always verify from the current year's notification.
| Category |
Min Age |
Max Age |
Attempts |
| All candidates (no relaxation) | 16.5 | 19.5 | 2 per year |
Age calculated as of: first day of the course commencement month. Qualification: Class 12 (10+2) pass or appearing. For Army: any stream. For Navy/Air Force: Physics and Mathematics are mandatory subjects in 12th.
About NDA & NA Examination (National Defence Academy) Age Eligibility
The age limit for NDA & NA Examination (National Defence Academy) is strictly enforced. Unlike marks or qualifications, there is no provision for relaxation beyond the stated limits (except for reserved categories as tabulated above). Missing the eligibility window by even one day means you cannot apply.
Your age is counted as of first day of the course commencement month. This means it is the age you are on that date that matters — not the date you fill the form or the date of the exam.
Important reminder
Age limits change with each official notification. Use this calculator to get an estimate, but always verify your eligibility from the official NDA notification published on the official website.
Also useful for NDA
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NDA age limit 2025?
NDA candidates must be between 16.5 and 19.5 years old on the first day of the month of course commencement. There is NO age relaxation for any category (SC/ST/OBC) for NDA.
Is there age relaxation for OBC/SC/ST in NDA?
No. Unlike other UPSC exams, NDA has NO age relaxation for reserved categories. The 16.5–19.5 year window applies to ALL candidates equally.
Can girls apply for NDA?
Yes. From 2022 onwards, female candidates are also eligible to apply for the NDA examination under the Army wing.
How many times is the NDA exam held per year?
UPSC conducts NDA twice a year — NDA I (notification in January, exam in April) and NDA II (notification in May/June, exam in September). You can appear in both if you are within the age window.
What subjects are required for NDA?
For Army: Class 12 in any stream. For Air Force and Navy: Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics are mandatory. Without these subjects, you can only apply for the Army wing.
What is the NDA photo size requirement?
NDA online application requires a colour photo of 400×400 pixels (or similar square format), 20–100 KB in JPG. Check the current notification for exact specifications.
What happens if I exceed the NDA upper age limit of 19.5 years?
You become permanently ineligible for NDA. The 19.5-year cap has no relaxation and no second chances. However, you may still be eligible for CDS (combined defence services) once you graduate.