NDA Eligibility 2025: Age Limit, Qualification & Physical Eligibility

The National Defence Academy (NDA) stands as a prestigious institution in India, training future leaders of the Indian Armed Forces. It brings together aspiring candidates from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, providing them with an integrated training experience. As the NDA exam approaches, understanding the eligibility requirements is crucial for candidates aiming to secure their place. This article delves into the NDA eligibility criteria for 2025, covering age limits, educational qualifications, nationality requirements, and physical fitness standards.

Understanding NDA Eligibility

The NDA eligibility encompasses several criteria that candidates must meet to qualify for the examination. These criteria ensure that only the most suitable candidates are selected for the rigorous training that awaits at the NDA. The primary factors influencing eligibility include:

• Age Limit
• Educational Qualification
• Nationality
• Physical and Medical Standards

Each of these aspects plays a vital role in determining a candidate’s suitability for the NDA.

Age Limit for NDA 2025

The age limit is a critical factor in NDA eligibility. For the NDA 1 Examination in 2025, candidates must adhere to specific age restrictions. The following points summarize the age criteria:

• Minimum Age: Candidates must be at least 16.5 years old.
• Maximum Age: The upper age limit is set at 19.5 years. This means candidates should not be born before January 2, 2007, or after January 1, 2010.

Important Considerations

• Only unmarried candidates can apply for the NDA examination.
• The date of birth provided in the application form must match the date of birth recorded in the candidate’s matriculation or secondary school leaving certificate.

Educational Qualifications for NDA 2025

The educational background of candidates is another essential criterion for NDA eligibility. Depending on the chosen wing of the NDA, the educational requirements vary:

NDA Wing	Educational Qualification
Army Wing	Must have passed 12th grade from a recognized board or university.
Air Force and Naval Wings	Must have passed 12th grade with Physics and Mathematics from a recognized board or university.
10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme	Must have passed 12th grade with Physics and Mathematics from a recognized board or university.

Importance of Educational Qualification

Aspiring candidates must ensure that they meet the educational criteria before applying for the NDA. A strong academic foundation, particularly in science subjects, is crucial for those aiming to join the Air Force or Navy.

Nationality Criteria for NDA 2025

Candidates must also fulfill specific nationality requirements to be eligible for the NDA. The following categories outline the acceptable nationalities:

• A citizen of India
• A subject of Nepal or Bhutan
• An Indian origin person who has migrated from countries such as Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, and certain East African nations to permanently settle in India.
• Refugees from Tibet who moved to India before January 1, 1962, and have settled here permanently.

Importance of Nationality

Meeting the nationality criteria is essential, as failure to do so can lead to disqualification at any stage of the selection process. Candidates should ensure they possess the necessary documentation to support their claims.

Physical Fitness and Medical Standards for NDA 2025

Physical fitness is paramount for candidates aspiring to join the NDA. The following sections outline the physical and medical standards required for eligibility.

Physical Fitness Standards

Candidates must be medically fit and free from various minor ailments. The following conditions may disqualify candidates:

• Piles
• Tonsillitis
• Gynaecomastia
• Varicocele
• Deviated Nasal Septum
• Hydrocele / Phimosis
• Conditions of Overweight / Underweight

Height and Weight Standards

The minimum height requirements differ for the Army and Air Force:

• Army: Minimum height of 157 cm
• Air Force: Minimum height of 162.5 cm

Candidates from specific regions may receive height relaxations:

• Candidates from North Indian hill regions (Kumaon, Garhwal, Gorkhas) may receive a 5 cm relaxation.
• Candidates from the Lakshadweep region may receive a 2 cm relaxation.

Height and Weight Table for Army/Air Force

Height (cm)	Weight (kg) for Ages

	15-16	16-17	17-18	18-19
152	41	42.5	44	45
155	42	43.5	45.3	47
157	43	45	47	48
160	45	46.5	48	49
162	46	48	50	51
165	48	50	52	53
167	49	51	53	54
170	51	52.5	55	56
173	52.5	54.5	57	58
175	54.5	56	59	60
178	56	58	61	62
180	58.5	60	63	64.5
183	61	62.5	65	66.5

Visual Standards for NDA

Candidates must also meet specific visual standards to qualify for the NDA. The following outlines the visual requirements for different wings:

Army Visual Standards

Vision Standard	Requirements
Distance Vision (Corrected)	Better Eye 6/6; Worse Eye 6/9
Colour Vision	CP-III (Defective Safe)
Myopia	Not more than -2.5D
Hypermetropia	Not more than +3.5D

Air Force Visual Standards

Vision Standard	Requirements
Distant Vision	6/6 in one eye, 6/9 in the other (correctable to 6/6)
Colour Vision	CPI Hypermetropia: +2.0 D Sph, Manifest Myopia: Nil
Astigmatism	+0.75 D Cyl (within +2.0 D Max)

Navy Visual Standards

Candidates wishing to join the Navy must adhere to the following visual standards:

Vision Standard	Requirements
Leg Length	Minimum of 99 cm, maximum of 120 cm
Thigh Length	Maximum of 64 cm
Sitting Height	Minimum of 81.50 cm, maximum of 96 cm

Conclusion

In conclusion, the NDA eligibility criteria for 2025 are designed to ensure that only the most qualified and capable candidates are selected for training in the Indian Armed Forces. Aspiring candidates must pay close attention to age limits, educational qualifications, nationality, and physical fitness standards. By understanding these requirements, candidates can better prepare themselves for the NDA examination and the challenges that lie ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the minimum age to apply for NDA 2025?

The minimum age to apply for NDA 2025 is 16.5 years.

2. Are female candidates eligible for NDA?

Yes, female candidates have been eligible to apply for NDA since 2021.

3. What educational qualifications are required for NDA?

Candidates must have completed 12th grade from a recognized board. For Air Force and Naval Wings, Physics and Mathematics are mandatory subjects.

4. What are the height requirements for NDA?

The minimum height requirement is 157 cm for Army candidates and 162.5 cm for Air Force candidates.

5. Is there any relaxation in height for candidates from specific regions?

Yes, candidates from North Indian hill regions may receive a height relaxation of 5 cm, while those from Lakshadweep may have a 2 cm relaxation.

6. What are the medical disqualifications for NDA?

Candidates must be free from conditions such as piles, tonsillitis, gynaecomastia, and other specified ailments to qualify for NDA.

7. How can I prepare for the NDA exam effectively?

Candidates should focus on their academic subjects, physical fitness, and practice previous years’ question papers to enhance their preparation for the NDA exam.

This comprehensive overview of NDA eligibility for 2025 aims to equip aspiring candidates with the necessary knowledge to navigate the application process successfully.