The Union Public service Commission (UPSC) conducts the National Defence Academy (NDA) & Naval Academy (NA) Examination twice a year. This exam selects candidates for pre-commission training in the Army, Navy, and air Force wings of the National Defence Academy, as well as for the Indian Naval Academy.
1. Educational Qualifications
Academy
Required Qualification
Army Wing (IMA)
10+2 or equivalent from a recognized board
Naval Wing (INA)
10+2 with Physics and Mathematics from a recognized board
Air Force Wing (AFA)
10+2 with Physics and Mathematics from a recognized board
2. Age Limit
Academy
Age Limit (As on Jan 1, 2026)
Notes
NDA & NA
16½ – 19½ years
Only unmarried male candidates are eligible
No relaxation in age for nda & NA. Candidates must fall strictly within the age bracket.
3. Nationality
Candidates must be:
A citizen of India, OR
A subject of bhutan or Nepal, OR
A Tibetan refugee who came to india before january 1, 1962, OR
A person of Indian origin migrated from specified countries with government permission
4. Physical Standards
Candidates must be medically and physically fit according to UPSC standards.
Key requirements include:
Height: Minimum 157 cm (varies slightly for different wings)
Vision: 6/6 or 6/9 distant vision, no color blindness
Fitness Tests: Endurance, running, push-ups, and general physical ability tests
5. Other Requirements
Unmarried status is mandatory.
Must have a good character certificate.
No pending criminal cases or legal issues.
Conclusion
Aspiring candidates for NDA & NA 2026 must carefully ensure they meet all eligibility criteria before applying. Meeting the age, educational, nationality, and physical standards is crucial for both application acceptance and later stages like the Service Selection Board (SSB) interview.
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