NDA Eligibility Criteria 2025 OUT: NDA Age Limit, Qualification, Physical Standards & More

NDA Eligibility Criteria 2025 OUT: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has recently released the notification for the National Defence Academy (NDA) & Naval Academy (NA) Examination (II) 2025, bringing with it the detailed NDA Eligibility Criteria 2025. This is a golden opportunity for young, aspiring leaders to kickstart their journey towards a dignified and challenging career in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Understanding the NDA eligibility requirements is paramount before you even consider filling out the application form. We’ve got you covered with a clear, human-friendly explanation of every aspect, from age limits to physical standards.

UPSC NDA Exam Eligibility 2025 Highlights

Eligibility Criteria	Details
Exam Conducting Body	Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Exam Name	National Defence Academy (NDA) & Naval Academy (NA) Exam 2025
Exam Level	National
Frequency	Twice a Year
Age Limit	16.5 years to 19.5 years
Date of Birth Eligibility	Candidates must be born between 2 July 2006 and 1 July 2009 (NDA I 2025) or 1 Jan 2007 and 1 Jan 2010 (NDA II 2025)
Marital Status	Only unmarried male and female candidates
Nationality	– Citizen of India – Subject of Nepal – Person of Indian origin migrated from specified countries with certificate of eligibility (except Gorkha subjects of Nepal)
Educational Qualification	– Army Wing: Passed or appearing in Class 12 or equivalent – Air Force & Naval Wings: Passed or appearing in Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM)
Physical Standards	Must be physically and mentally fit as per Armed Forces Medical Standards
Gender Eligibility	Both unmarried male and female candidates eligible

NDA Age Limit 2025

This is perhaps the most critical factor. For the NDA 2 2025 exam, only unmarried male and female candidates born not earlier than January 2, 2007, and not later than January 1, 2010, are eligible. This means your age should fall between 16.5 to 19.5 years as of the commencement of the course (July 2026).

• Important Note: The date of birth you provide must strictly match the one recorded in your Matriculation (Class 10) or Secondary School Leaving Certificate.

NDA Age Limit For Girls

The NDA age limit for girls in 2025 is the same as that for male candidates, ranging from 16.5 to 19.5 years. Female candidates born between 2nd July 2006 and 1st July 2009 (for NDA 1 2025) or 2nd January 2007 and 1st January 2010 (for NDA 2 2025) are eligible to apply. There is no age relaxation for any category. To appear for the exam, girls must also be unmarried and meet the required educational qualifications and physical standards as defined by the UPSC.

NDA Educational Qualification 2025

The academic requirements vary slightly depending on the wing you wish to join:

• For Army Wing of National Defence Academy:
  • You must have passed the 12th Class of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or an equivalent examination from a State Education Board or a University.
  • Candidates who are appearing in the 12th Class are also eligible to apply.
• For Air Force and Naval Wings of National Defence Academy AND for the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at the Indian Naval Academy:
  • You must have passed the 12th Class of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or an equivalent examination with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects, from a State Education Board or a University.
  • Candidates who are appearing in the 12th Class (with Physics and Maths) are also eligible to apply.
• Key takeaway: Students appearing for their 12th board exams in 2025 are eligible, but those appearing for their 11th board exams are NOT. There is no minimum percentage requirement to apply for the NDA exam.

NDA Nationality Requirements: Who Can Apply?

To be eligible for the NDA exam, you must be:

• A Citizen of India, or
• A subject of Bhutan, or
• A subject of Nepal, or
• A Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanently settling in India, or
• A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, and East African Countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, or Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.

Note: Candidates other than Indian citizens (from points ii, iii, iv, and v above) will generally require a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India. Gorkha subjects of Nepal are exempted from this certificate.

NDA Marital Status Criteria: Are You Unmarried?

This is a strict requirement. Only unmarried male and female candidates are eligible to apply for the NDA exam. You must remain unmarried throughout your training period. Marrying during the training will lead to disqualification.

NDA Physical Standards 2025

Joining the armed forces demands exceptional physical and mental fitness. The UPSC and the Armed Forces Medical Services have set stringent NDA physical eligibility criteria. You will undergo a thorough medical examination after clearing the written exam and SSB Interview.

Some general guidelines for physical fitness include:

• Overall Health: Candidates must be in good physical and mental health and free from any disease or disability that could hinder the efficient performance of duties.
• Height & Weight: Minimum acceptable height varies for different wings and regions.
  • Minimum Height (Male): 157 cm (Army/Navy); 162.5 cm (Air Force).
  • Minimum Height (Female): 152 cm.
  • Relaxations in height are provided for candidates from specific regions (e.g., North Eastern Hills, Gorkhas, Uttarakhand’s hilly areas, Lakshadweep).
  • Weight must be proportionate to height and age as per prescribed charts.
• Vision Standards:
  • Army/Navy: Distance vision (corrected) should be 6/6 in the better eye and 6/9 in the worse eye. Myopia should not be more than -2.5 D, and Hypermetropia not more than +3.5 D (including astigmatism).
  • Air Force (Flying Branch): Stricter vision standards apply. Those who wear spectacles are generally not eligible for the Flying Branch.
  • Color perception is also crucial, with specific standards (e.g., CP-I for Air Force).
• Other Physical Requirements (for Air Force/Navy specific branches): These include specific leg length, thigh length, and sitting height measurements.
• Common reasons for rejection in medicals include: Piles, Tonsillitis, Gynaecomastia, Varicocele, Wax in ears, Deviated Nasal Septum, Hydrocele/Phimosis, Overweight/Underweight conditions, Under-sized chest, etc. Female candidates also have specific gynecological standards.

It is highly recommended to consult the official NDA notification for the detailed and updated medical standards.

NDA Medical Standards 2025: Your Complete Guide to Physical & Health Requirements

Aspiring candidates for the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA) Examination dream of a life of honor and service. While the written exam and SSB interview are crucial, meeting the NDA medical standards 2025 is equally vital. The Indian Armed Forces demand peak physical and mental fitness from their future officers.

This comprehensive guide will break down the crucial NDA physical eligibility criteria, including NDA height and weight requirements, NDA vision standards, specific conditions for the Army, Navy, and Air Force, and important guidelines for female candidates and tattoos. Understanding these requirements thoroughly will help you prepare and ensure you’re fit for the challenging training ahead.

Let’s explore the key aspects of the NDA medical fitness criteria 2025.

NDA Height and Weight Requirements: Finding Your Balance

Your height and weight must be proportionate and fall within the prescribed limits. These vary slightly by age and the specific wing you wish to join.

General NDA Height & Weight Chart (Male – Army & Air Force):

NDA Height (in cms)	NDA Weight (in kgs)
16-17 years	17-18 years
152	42.5
155	43.5
157	45.0
160	46.0
162	48.0
165	50.0
167	51.0
170	52.5
173	54.5
175	56.0
178	58.0
180	60.0
183	62.5

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• Minimum Height for Army/Navy: 157 cms
• Minimum Height for Air Force: 162.5 cms
• NDA Height for Girls: 152 cms (for Army/Navy/Air Force – common minimum). Weight proportionality applies.

Relaxations in Height: Certain exceptions are applicable based on your region:

• For Gorkhas and candidates from the hills of North-Eastern areas of India, Garhwal, and Kumaon, the minimum height will be 5 cms less than the figures mentioned above.
• For candidates belonging to Lakshadweep, the minimum height standard is reduced by 2 cms.

NDA Height and Weight for Navy (Male):

NDA Height (In cms)	NDA Weight (in kgs)
16 years	18 years
152	44
155	45
157	46
160	47
162	48
165	50
167	52
170	53
173	55
175	57
178	59
180	61
183	63

NDA Vision Standards: Clear Sight for Critical Missions

Excellent vision is paramount for armed forces personnel.

• General Distance Vision (Corrected): Should be 6/6 in the better eye and 6/9 in the worse eye.
• Myopia: Not more than -2.5 D.
• Hypermetropia: Not more than +3.5 D (including astigmatism).
• Air Force Candidates: Must NOT wear spectacles.

Detailed Visual Standards for Navy and Air Force:

Specification	Naval	Air Force
Uncorrected without glass	6/6	6/6, 6/9
Corrected with glass	6/6	6/6 (only for Hypermetropia)
Limits of Myopia	-0.75	Nil
Limits of Hypermetropia	1.5	2.00 D Sph
Limits of Colour Perception	I	Nil
Binocular Vision	III	Nil
Manifest Myopia	N.A.	Nil Re
Tinoscopic Myopia	N.A.	0.5
Colour Vision	N.A.	CP-I (MLT)
Astigmatism	N.A.	0.75 Cyl (within 2.0 D.Max)
Near Vision	N.A.	N-5 each eye

Pilot Specific Requirements (Air Force): Candidates aspiring to be pilots need to fulfill additional requirements:

• Leg Length: Minimum 99 cms and maximum 120 cms
• Thigh Length: Maximum 64 cms
• Sitting Height: Minimum 81.50 cms and maximum 96 cms

NDA Common Minor Medical Conditions Leading to Rejection

Candidates must not suffer from any of the following minor conditions, as they can lead to disqualification:

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

NDA Requirements for Spinal Conditions & X-Ray Exam

Spinal health is critically important. Candidates must not have the following diseases or conditions, which are also checked via X-ray examination:

• Granulomatous disease of spine
• Arthritis/spondylosis (various forms)
• Spondylolisthesis/spondylolysis
• Compression fracture of vertebrae
• SC Heuerman’s disease (Adolescent kyphosis)
• Loss of cervical lordosis with restricted movements
• Unilateral / Bilateral cervical ribs with neurological or circulatory deficit
• Scoliosis more than 15 degrees (Cobb’s method) (10 degrees for Army and Navy)
• 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; complete block at more than one level in cervical or dorsal spine
• Unilateral Sacralisation or lumbarisation (Complete or incomplete) at all levels and bilateral incomplete sacralisation or lumbarisation
• Any other abnormality considered by the specialist
• More than mild Kyphosis/Lordosis
• Herniated nucleus pulposes
• Spina Bifida other than SV 1 and LV 5 if completely Sacralised

Other General Medical Conditions

• No symptoms of weak constitution or bodily defects.
• Well-developed chest.
• Good function of bones or joints.
• No history of medical breakdown or fits.
• Normal hearing capabilities and no impediment of speech.
• Normal blood pressure with no signs of heart or blood vessel disease.
• No liver or spleen enlargement.
• No abnormalities in urine or skin diseases.
• No abnormalities in USG abdomen examination.
• Sufficient number of natural and sound teeth.
• Routine ECG for Air Force candidates must be within normal limits.

NDA Eligibility Requirements for Tattoos

Permanent body tattoos are generally not accepted, with specific restrictions:

• Only tattoos on the inner side of the forearm are generally considered.
• Tattoos on the inside of the elbow to the wrist, the reverse side of the palm/back (dorsal) side of the hand, or any other part of the body are not acceptable.
• Tribal Exception: If you belong to a tribe where it’s customary to have tattoos, acceptance may be granted considering traditional practices.

NDA Eligibility for Women Candidates: Medical Standards

In a landmark decision in 2021, the Supreme Court allowed NDA for girls, opening up the armed forces to female cadets. While general medical principles apply, there are specific standards for female candidates:

• Detailed History: A questionnaire on menstrual, gynecological, and obstetric history.
• Examination by Lady Medical Officer/Gynecologist: Includes external genitalia, hernial orifices, perineum, stress urinary incontinence, genital prolapse, lump breast, and galactorrhoea.
• No Speculum/Per Vaginal Exam for Unmarried Candidates: These examinations are not carried out for unmarried female candidates.
• Mandatory Ultrasound Scan: Of the abdomen and pelvis.
• Significant Hirsutism: Especially with male pattern hair growth and radiological evidence of PCOS, will lead to rejection.

Conditions leading to unfitness for female candidates:

• Primary or secondary amenorrhoea
• Severe Menorrhagia or/and severe dysmenorrhea
• Stress urinary incontinence
• Congenital elongation of cervix or prolapsed outside the introitus (even after surgery)
• Pregnancy (will be a cause for 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 causing pressure over ureter
• Single fibroid uterus more than three cm in diameter; fibroids more than two in number (each fibroid not more than fifteen mm) or fibroids causing distortion of endometrial cavity
• Congenital uterine anomalies except for arcuate uterus
• Acute or chronic pelvic infection
• Disorders of sexual differentiation
• Any other condition considered by the Gynaecologist on merit.

Conditions declared as FIT for female candidates:

• Unilocular clear ovarian cyst up to six cm
• Minimal fluid in pouch of Douglas

Ineligibility for UPSC NDA Exam (Beyond Medicals)

Apart from not meeting medical standards, candidates will be rejected if:

• They are married (must be unmarried and remain so during training).
• They have resigned on disciplinary grounds during previous training.
• They did not clear PABT/CPSS (Pilot Aptitude Battery Test/Computerised Pilot Selection System) previously.
• They are debarred by the Defence Ministry.
• They are studying in Class 11 (only 12th appearing or passed are eligible).
• They have failed INSB/PABT earlier (for Air Force specific branches).

(FAQs) about UPSC NDA Exam Eligibility 2025