- Nationality. Indian citizen. Subjects of Nepal or Bhutan, certain Tibetan refugees and certain persons of Indian origin can also apply if they hold an eligibility certificate from the Government of India.
- Gender. Both men and women can apply. They write the same test but are selected against separate seats. In NDA (I) 2026, 24 of the 394 seats were for women.
- Age. About 16.5 to 19.5 years at the start of the course. There is no age relaxation for any category. For NDA (I) 2026, you had to be born between 1 July 2007 and 1 July 2010; for NDA (II) 2026, between 2 January 2008 and 1 January 2011. By the same pattern, NDA (I) 2027 should need a birth date between about July 2008 and July 2011, and NDA (II) 2027 between about January 2009 and January 2012. The exact window will be in the 2027 notices. Only the date of birth in your Class 10 certificate is accepted.
- Education: Army wing. Class 12 pass (10+2 pattern) or equivalent from a recognised board, in any stream.
- Education: Navy, Air Force and Naval Academy. Class 12 pass with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.
- Appearing in Class 12. You can apply while still in Class 12. You must show proof of passing by the date given in the notice (for NDA (I) 2026 this was 10 December 2026). Class 11 students cannot apply.
- Marital status. Only unmarried candidates. You must not marry until your full training is over. A candidate who marries after applying will not be selected, and a cadet who marries during training is discharged and must repay the money spent on training.
- Physical standards (summary). Minimum height for Army men is 157 cm (152 cm for Gorkhas and candidates from specified hill and North-East regions); for women, 152 cm (148 cm for those groups). Air Force (flying) needs about 162.5 to 163 cm. Weight must match your height and age as per the chart in the notice. Eyesight: Army 10+2 entry allows uncorrected vision up to 6/36, corrected to 6/6 in each eye; LASIK is not allowed for this entry; colour perception CP-II is needed. Permanent tattoos are allowed only on the inner forearm (elbow to wrist) and the back of the hand or palm. Read the notice's physical-standards appendix for full Navy and Air Force rules.
Not yet confirmed on the official website. Check the official notice before you act on it.
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