The National Defence Academy (NDA) exam, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), is a golden opportunity for young Indians dreaming of a career in the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force. However, eligibility—especially the NDA Exam 2025 Age Limit—is a make-or-break factor for aspirants. This comprehensive guide by NDA Study breaks down the age criteria, eligibility requirements, and more in simple language, ensuring you’re fully prepared to apply for NDA 2025.
Whether you’re a student, a defence enthusiast, or an NDA aspirant, this article will help you understand the rules and plan your journey. Let’s explore everything you need to know to ace the eligibility game.
What Is the NDA Exam 2025 Age Limit?
The NDA Exam 2025 Age Limit is one of the first hurdles aspirants must clear. Every year, along with the Notification, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) also releases clear age eligibility & restrictions to apply for a particular NDA exam. The UPSC sets strict age boundaries, and even a day’s difference can disqualify you. Here’s the breakdown for NDA 1 and NDA 2 in 2025.
NDA 1 2025 Age Criteria
According to the latest notification and updates from the UPSC regarding NDA 1 2025 Exam, your date of birth must fall between July 2, 2006, and July 1, 2009. In simple words, to qualify for this exam, you must be at least 16.5 years old and not older than 19.5 years old, along with the other eligibility criteria.
- Minimum Age: 16.5 years
- Maximum Age: 19.5 years
NDA 2 2025 Age Criteria
Similarly, for the NDA 2 2025 Exam, your date of birth should be between January 2, 2007, and January 1, 2009. So:
- Minimum Age: 16.5 years
- Maximum Age: 19.5 years
Minimum and Maximum Age
The NDA Exam 2025 Age Limit for both exams is 16.5 to 19.5 years, calculated based on your Class 10 or 12 certificate. Missing this range means missing your chance, so check your birth date now to see if you are eligible.
- No Exceptions: Even a day outside these ranges disqualifies you.
- No Relaxations: UPSC offers no age concessions for any category—SC, ST, OBC, or others.
Meeting the NDA age limit is non-negotiable, so double-check your birth certificate before applying.
Who Is Eligible to Apply for NDA 2025?
The age limit is an important factor for being eligible to take the NDA exam. Besides the age limit, you also need to consider other eligibility factors, such as gender, marital status, and nationality, to determine if you can join the NDA.
Gender and Marital Status
Both unmarried male and female candidates may apply for the NDA Exam 2025. However, you must remain unmarried until you complete your training at the NDA or the Naval Academy. Getting married during training will result in disqualification.
Nationality Requirements
To qualify for the Nationality requirement or eligibility, you must be:
- A citizen of India, or
- A subject of Nepal or Bhutan, or
- A Tibetan refugee who arrived in India before January 1, 1962, intending to settle permanently, or
- A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Burma, or East African countries for permanent settlement.
Note: Non-Indian citizens in the last three categories need an eligibility certificate from the Government of India.
Educational Qualifications for NDA 2025
Your academic background is important as well. Here’s what you need for the educational qualifications for each wing.
Army Wing
For the Army Wing, you must have:
- Qualification: Passed Class 12 (10+2 pattern) or an equivalent exam from a recognised board.
- Minimum Marks: 60% aggregate.
Air Force and Naval Wings
For the Air Force and Naval Wings (and the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at the Naval Academy), you need:
- Qualification: Passed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics from a recognised board.
- Minimum Marks: 60% aggregate.
- Appearing Candidates: 12th students can apply, but must submit proof of passing later.
Notes: If you don’t meet these? Focus on improving your scores to qualify for NDA 2025 eligibility.
Physical Standards for NDA 2025
Physical fitness is key to cracking the NDA Exam. Here’s what UPSC expects:
Height and Weight Requirements
Standards vary by age and gender. Check these tables:
Male Candidates
| Age Group | Minimum Height | Minimum Weight |
|---|---|---|
| 16-17 years | 157 cm | 43 kg |
| 17-18 years | 157 cm | 45 kg |
| 18-19 years | 157 cm | 47 kg |
Female Candidates
- Minimum Height: 152 cm
- Weight: Matches height and age per Armed Forces standards.
- BMI: Below 25 for both genders.
Visual Standards
- Army: 6/6 (better eye), 6/9 (worse eye); myopia ≤ 2.5 D, hypermetropia ≤ 3.5 D.
- Air Force/Navy: 6/6 in both eyes (no glasses); no myopia for Air Force.
Note: If you do not meet these standards, you may have difficulty gaining admission to this prestigious institution. Get yourself checked early to avoid delays.
NDA 2025 Age Limit FAQs
Can I Apply If I Exceed the Age Limit?
No. If you’re under 16.5 or over 19.5 years, you’re ineligible. The NDA Exam 2025 Age Limit is strict—no exceptions.
Are There Any Relaxations in the Age Criteria?
Unlike other exams, no age relaxations exist for SC/ST/OBC categories in NDA 2025. Everyone follows the same 16.5–19.5-year rule.
How to Check Your Eligibility for NDA 2025
Confused about whether you qualify? Follow these steps:
Verify Your Date of Birth
Grab your Class 10 or 12 certificate and verify your birth date to see if it falls within the NDA 1 or NDA 2 Exam 2025 eligibility range.
Cross-Check with Official Notification
The official UPSC NDA 2025 notification is your ultimate guide. It outlines the age, educational, and physical requirements, so make sure to read it thoroughly.
Note: Don’t guess—check officially to avoid rejection.
Important Dates for NDA 2025
NDA exam dates are key for students aiming to join the Armed Forces. They help with planning, revisions, and confidence, improving the chances of success.
NDA 1 2025
- Notification: December 11, 2024
- Application Window: December 11–31, 2024
- Exam Date: April 13, 2025
NDA 2 2025
- Notification: May 28, 2025
- Application Window: May 28–June 17, 2025
- Exam Date: September 14, 2025
Mark your calendars to stay on track and subscribe to our free notifications for regular updates.
Why This Matters
The NDA Exam 2025 Age Limit and eligibility criteria filter out thousands of applicants yearly. Missing these criteria means missing your shot at a defence career. So, confirm your eligibility, check the NDA Exam Syllabus 2025, start preparing and aim to ace the exam. Have questions? Drop them below or share this guide with fellow aspirants on social media.
Stay Preparing & Stay Connected!
Discover more from NDA Study
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
