The National Defence Academy (NDA) exam in India is one of the most prestigious exams for aspiring candidates who want to join the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force. The eligibility criteria, including age requirements, are crucial in determining when a candidate can apply for the NDA exam.
Age Eligibility for NDA Exam
The age requirements for the NDA exam are specified by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), which conducts the exam. The details for the age eligibility for both male and female candidates are as follows:
For NDA 1 (2025) and NDA 2 (2025)
The age criteria are slightly different for each exam cycle. Here are the general guidelines based on the current NDA exam cycle:
Age Range:
- The candidate must be between the ages of 16.5 and 19.5 years on the first day of the month in which the exam is being conducted.
- For example:
- For NDA 1, 2025, the candidate must have been born between 2nd January 2006 and 1st January 2009.
- For NDA 2, 2025, the candidate must have been born between 2nd July 2006 and 1st July 2009.
Minimum Age:
- The candidate must have completed 16.5 years of age on the first day of the month in which the exam is being held.
Maximum Age:
- The candidate must not have turned 19.5 years by the first day of the month in which the exam is conducted.
Key Points:
- Date of Birth: The age of the candidate will be calculated based on the date mentioned in the Matriculation or equivalent certificate.
- Male and Female Candidates: Previously, the NDA exam was open to male candidates only. However, as of recent developments, female candidates are also eligible to apply for the NDA exam, following a Supreme Court ruling in 2021.
Educational Qualifications:
Apart from age, candidates must meet specific educational qualifications to be eligible to apply for the NDA exam:
- For the Army Wing: The candidate must have passed the 12th standard or equivalent from a recognized board.
- For the Air Force and Navy Wings: The candidate must have passed 12th standard with Physics and Mathematics as mandatory subjects.
Important Considerations:
No Relaxation for Age: There are no relaxations in the age limit based on category (such as SC/ST/OBC). The age limit is fixed as per the guidelines.
Female Candidates: As mentioned earlier, female candidates are now allowed to apply for NDA exams, which was not the case earlier. The age and educational requirements remain the same for both male and female candidates.
Conclusion:
- The earliest age you can apply for the NDA exam is 16.5 years, and the latest you can apply is 19.5 years.
- If you meet the age and educational criteria, you can apply for the NDA exam as per the schedule outlined by UPSC each year.
Let me know if you need any more details on the application process, exam pattern, or preparation tips!