How to Join NDA After 12th (Commerce, Arts, Science) - Eligibility, Application, Selection Process

Edited By Vishnukumar V | Updated on Jul 15, 2024 11:54 AM IST | #NDA

Upcoming Event

NDA Exam Date : 13 Apr' 2025 - 13 Apr' 2025

How To Join NDA After 12th?- The NDA and NA exam is one of the most popular exams in India meant for candidates looking to join the Indian defence services. The UPSC conducts this exam twice yearly. The NDA exam can be attempted after 10+2 by candidates who want to join the Indian Defence Services.

It is an extremely competitive exam with strict standards. On this page, we shall discuss in detail how to join the NDA. We will be going over details such as how to join the NDA after 12th, the eligibility criteria etc. Candidates looking to attempt the NDA can go through the material below.

How To Join NDA After the 12th?

Candidates who meet the minimum eligibility criteria of NDA can apply for it.
To apply for NDA candidates will have to visit the official website of UPSC and apply online.
Those who successfully apply for UPSC NDA will have to appear in the NDA exam and qualify for it.
Post clearing the NDA candidates will have to go through a course for the initial 3 years.
After completing the course, they will be stationed as a lieutenant in the Indian defence services.

New: NDA 1 Final Result 2024 Out

NDA Exam: Sample Papers | Preparation Tips | Syllabus

Don't Miss: Month-wise Current Affairs | Upcoming Government Exams

This Story also Contains

How To Join NDA After the 12th?
How To Join NDA After 12th? - NDA Eligibility Criteria 2025
How To Join NDA After 12th? - Application Process

How to Join NDA After 12th (Commerce, Arts, Science) - Eligibility, Application, Selection Process

Quick links:

How To Join NDA After 12th? - NDA Eligibility Criteria 2025

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) prescribes the NDA eligibility criteria and mentions them in the official notification. As per the eligibility criteria, only unmarried candidates who have completed their Class 12 or equivalent examination can apply for the exam.

The eligibility criteria also include nationality, age limit, educational qualification and physical standards which candidates need to fulfil in order to be eligible for the exam. From the following table, candidates can check the detailed eligibility criteria of NDA 2025 consisting of academic qualification, age limit and physical requirements.

Quick links:

NDA educational qualification 2025

NDA Wings	Qualifying Exam details
For Indian Army	Passed 12th standard from State Education Board or a University
For Air Force and Naval	Passed 12th standard with Physics and Mathematics from State Education Board or a University

NDA 1 & 2 age limit 2025

Exam	Age limit	Date of Birth Criteria
NDA (1) 2025	16.5 years - 19.5 years	July 2, 2005 to July 1, 2008
NDA (2) 2025	16.5 years - 19.5 years	To be announced

Quick links:

Height and Weight Requirements: Indian Army & Air Force- Males

Height and Weight Requirements: Indian Army & Air Force- Females

Height (in cm)	Minimum weight	Age in years
		17-20	20-30	30-40	40+
		Weight (in kg)
140	35.3	43.1	45.1	47.0	49.0
141	35.8	43.7	45.7	47.7	49.7
142	36.3	44.4	46.4	48.4	50.4
143	36.8	45.0	47.0	49.1	51.1
144	37.3	45.6	47.7	49.8	51.1
145	37.8	46.9	49.0	50.5	51.8
146	38.4	46.3	48.4	50.5	52.6
147	38.9	47.5	49.7	51.9	54.0
148	39.4	48.2	50.4	52.6	54.8
149	40.0	48.8	51.1	53.3	55.5
150	40.5	49.5	51.8	54.0	56.3
151	41.0	50.2	52.4	54.7	57.0
152	41.6	50.8	53.1	55.4	57.8
153	42.1	51.5	53.8	56.2	58.5
154	42.7	52.2	54.5	56.9	59.3
155	43.2	52.9	55.3	57.7	60.1
156	43.8	53.5	56.0	58.4	60.8
157	44.4	54.2	56.7	59.2	61.6
158	44.9	54.9	57.4	59.9	62.4
159	45.5	55.6	58.1	60.7	63.2
160	46.1	56.3	58.9	61.4	64.0
161	46.7	57.0	59.6	62.2	64.8
162	47.2	57.7	60.4	63.0	65.6
163	47.8	58.5	61.1	63.8	66.4
164	48.4	59.2	61.9	64.6	67.2
165	49	59.9	62.6	65.3	68.1
166	49.6	60.6	63.4	66.1	68.9
167	50.2	61.4	64.1	66.9	69.7
168	50.8	62.1	64.9	67.7	70.6
169	51.4	62.8	65.7	68.5	71.4
170	52	63.6	66.5	69.4	72.3
171	52.6	64.3	67.3	70.2	73.1
172	53.3	65.1	68	71	74
173	53.9	65.8	68.8	71.8	74.8
174	54.5	66.6	69.6	72.7	75.7
175	55.1	67.4	70.4	73.5	76.6
176	55.8	68.1	71.2	74.3	77.4
177	56.4	68.9	72.1	75.2	78.3
178	57	69.7	72.9	76	79.2
179	57.7	70.5	73.7	76.9	80.1
180	58.3	71.3	74.5	77.8	81
181	59	72.1	75.4	78.6	81.9
182	59.6	72.9	76.2	79.5	82.8
183	60.3	73.7	77	80.4	83.7
184	60.9	74.5	77.9	81.3	84.6
185	61.6	75.3	78.7	82.1	85.6
186	62.3	76.1	79.6	83	86.5
187	62.9	76.9	80.4	83.9	87.4
188	63.6	77.8	81.3	84.8	88.4
189	64.3	78.6	82.2	85.7	89.3
190	65	79.4	83	86.6	90.3
191	65.7	80.3	83.9	87.6	91.2
192	66.4	81.1	84.8	88.5	92.2
193	67	81.9	85.7	89.4	93.1
194	67.7	82.8	86.6	90.3	94.1
195	68.4	83.7	87.5	91.3	95.1
196	69.1	84.5	88.4	92.2	96
197	69.9	85.4	89.3	93.1	97
198	70.6	86.2	90.2	94.1	98
199	71.3	87.1	91.1	95	99
200	72	88	92	96	100
201	72.7	88.9	92.9	97	101
202	73.4	89.8	93.8	97.9	102
203	74.2	90.7	94.8	98.9	103
204	74.9	91.6	95.7	99.9	104
205	75.6	92.5	96.7	100.9	105.1
206	76.4	93.4	97.6	101.8	106.1
207	77.1	94.3	98.6	102.8	107.1
208	77.9	95.2	99.5	103.8	108.2
209	78.6	96.1	100.5	104.8	109.2
210	79.4	97	101.4	105.8	110.3

Height and Weight Requirements: Indian Army & Air Force- Females

Height (in cm)	Minimum weight	Age in years
		17-20	20-30	30-40	40+
		Weight (in kg)
140	35.3	43.1	45.1	47.0	49.0
141	35.8	43.7	45.7	47.7	49.7
142	36.3	44.4	46.4	48.4	50.4
143	36.8	45.0	47.0	49.1	51.1
144	37.3	45.6	47.7	49.8	51.1
145	37.8	46.9	49.0	50.5	51.8
146	38.4	46.3	48.4	50.5	52.6
147	38.9	47.5	49.7	51.9	54.0
148	39.4	48.2	50.4	52.6	54.8
149	40.0	48.8	51.1	53.3	55.5
150	40.5	49.5	51.8	54.0	56.3
151	41.0	50.2	52.4	54.7	57.0
152	41.6	50.8	53.1	55.4	57.8
153	42.1	51.5	53.8	56.2	58.5
154	42.7	52.2	54.5	56.9	59.3
155	43.2	52.9	55.3	57.7	60.1
156	43.8	53.5	56.0	58.4	60.8
157	44.4	54.2	56.7	59.2	61.6
158	44.9	54.9	57.4	59.9	62.4
159	45.5	55.6	58.1	60.7	63.2
160	46.1	56.3	58.9	61.4	64.0
161	46.7	57.0	59.6	62.2	64.8
162	47.2	57.7	60.4	63.0	65.6
163	47.8	58.5	61.1	63.8	66.4

Height and Weight Requirements: Indian Navy- (Males/females)

Height (in cm)	Age in years
	Upto 17		17-18		18-20		20-30		30+
	Weight (in kg)
	Min	Max	Min	Max	Min	Max	Min	Max	Min	Max
1.47	37	45	40	45	40	48	40	50	40	52
1.48	37	46	41	46	41	48	41	50	41	53
1.49	38	47	41	47	41	49	41	51	41	53
1.5	38	47	42	47	42	50	42	52	42	54
1.51	39	48	42	48	42	50	42	52	42	55
1.52	39	49	43	49	43	51	43	53	43	55
1.53	40	49	43	49	43	51	43	54	43	56
1.54	40	49	43	49	43	52	44	55	44	57
1.55	41	50	44	50	44	53	44	55	44	58
1.56	41	51	45	51	45	54	45	56	45	58
1.57	42	52	46	52	46	54	46	57	46	60
1.58	42	52	46	52	46	54	46	57	46	59
1.59	43	53	47	53	47	56	47	58	47	61
1.6	44	54	47	53	47	56	47	59	47	61
1.61	44	54	48	54	48	57	48	60	48	62
1.62	45	55	49	55	49	58	49	60	49	63
1.63	45	56	49	56	49	58	49	61	49	64
1.64	46	56	50	56	50	59	50	62	50	65
1.65	46	57	50	57	50	60	50	63	50	65
1.66	47	58	51	58	51	61	51	63	51	66
1.67	47	59	52	59	52	61	52	64	52	67
1.68	48	59	52	59	52	62	52	65	52	68
1. 69	49	60	53	60	53	63	53	66	53	69
1.7	49	61	53	61	53	64	53	66	53	69
1.71	50	62	54	62	54	64	54	67	54	70
1.72	50	63	55	63	55	65	55	68	55	71
1.73	51	64	55	64	55	66	55	69	55	72
1.74	51	64	56	64	56	67	56	70	56	73
1.75	52	65	57	65	57	67	57	70	57	74
1.76	53	66	57	66	57	68	57	71	57	74
1.77	53	66	58	66	58	69	58	72	58	75
1.78	54	67	59	67	59	70	59	73	59	76
1.79	54	67	59	67	59	70	59	74	59	77
1.8	55	68	60	68	60	71	60	75	60	78
1.81	56	69	61	69	61	72	61	75	61	79
1.82	56	70	61	70	61	73	61	76	61	79
1.83	57	70	62	70	62	74	62	77	62	80
1.84	58	71	63	71	63	74	63	78	63	81
1.85	58	72	63	72	63	75	63	79	63	82
1.86	59	73	64	73	64	76	64	80	64	83
1.87	59	73	65	73	65	77	65	80	65	84
1.88	60	74	65	74	65	78	65	81	65	85
1.89	61	75	66	75	66	79	66	82	66	86
1.9	61	76	67	76	67	79	67	83	67	87
1.91	62	77	67	77	67	80	67	84	67	88
1.92	63	77	68	77	68	81	68	85	68	88
1.93	63	78	69	78	69	82	69	86	69	89
1.94	64	79	70	79	70	83	70	87	70	90
1.95	65	80	70	80	70	84	70	87	70	91

Quick links:

Vision requirement - Indian Navy

Requirements	Vision Standard
Uncorrected without glass	6/6, 6/9
Corrected with glass	6/6, 6/6
Limits of Myopia	-0.75
Limits of Hypermetropia	1.5
Binocular vision	III
Limits of colour perception	I

Vision requirement - Indian Air Force

Requirements	Vision Standard
Minimum distant vision	6/6, 6/9
Corrected with glass (for Hypermetropia)	6/6, 6/6
Colour vision	CP-I
Hypermetropia	+2.0 D
Sph Manifest Myopia	Nil
Retinoscopic Myopia	0.5 in any Meridian permitted
Astigmatism	+ 0.75 D Cyl (within + 2.0 D maximum)
Maddox Rod Test at 6 meters	Exo-6 prism D Eso-6 prism D Hyper-1 prism D Hypro-1 prism D
Maddox Rod Test at 33 cms	Exo-16 prism D Eso-6 prism D Hyper-1 prism D Hypo-1 prism D

Quick links:

How To Join NDA After 12th? - Application Process

The NDA 1 application form 2025 will be released on the official website of the UPSC. The NDA form comprises two parts. The first part consists of registration while the second consists of detailed form filling, selecting exam centres and paying the application fee. Check the steps here to fill out the application form.

Registration for the exam by filling in required details
Choosing preferred branches
Verifying the details
Generation of registration ID
Selecting exam centre
Paying application fee
Uploading signature and photograph

Quick links:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How can I prepare for NDA after 12th?

Candidates can prepare for the NDA exam by practising the previous year's question papers, giving mock tests etc.

2. Can a girl join NDA after 12th 2025?

Yes, girls can apply for NDA as long as they have cleared 10+2.

3. Does 12th marks matter in NDA?

No, 12th marks don’t matter for NDA. Candidates must qualify for the 10+2 with PCM.

4. What is NDA salary?

The starting salary of candidates is Rs. 56100 while candidates in training will get a stipend.

5. What are the passing marks in the NDA exam?

There are no passing marks in the NDA exam, however, candidates must score the cutoff marks.

6. How hard is the NDA exam?

Yes, NDA is one of the toughest exams in India. Due to the high competitive level and a lot of candidates applying for it. However, with proper preparations and an effective study plan candidates can qualify it easily.

Articles

NDA Cut Off 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021 - Check Previous year & Expected Cutoff

Feb 20, 2025

NDA Result 2025 - Download UPSC NDA 1 Result PDF

Feb 20, 2025

UPSC NDA 1 Exam 2025 - Notification (Out), Exam Dates, Syllabus, Eligibility Criteria, Exam Pattern, Result

Feb 13, 2025

UPSC NDA Admit Card 2025 - Steps to Download NDA 1 Hall Ticket @ upsc.gov.in

Jan 09, 2025

NDA Exam Dates 2025 (Out) - Check NDA 1 Complete Exam Schedule

Jan 09, 2025

NDA 1 Application Form 2025 (Released) - Check How to fill, Apply Online, Fees

Jan 09, 2025

NDA Syllabus 2025 - Download NDA 1 Exam Syllabus PDF

Dec 12, 2024

NDA 1 Eligibility Criteria 2025 (Released) - Age Limit, Qualification, Nationality, Attempt Limit

Dec 12, 2024

Upcoming Competition Exams

Railway Recruitment Boards Group D Exam

Application Date:23 January,2025 - 01 March,2025

Exam Pattern

Admit Card

Answer Key

Staff Selection Commission GD Constable Exam

Exam Date:04 February,2025 - 25 February,2025

Eligibility Criteria

Exam Pattern

Admit Card

Railway Protection Force and Railway Protection Special Force Constable Exam

Exam Date:02 March,2025 - 20 March,2025

Exam Pattern

Admit Card

Result

Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission Combined Civil Services Exam Group 4

Counselling Date:10 March,2025 - 12 March,2025

Eligibility Criteria

Exam Pattern

Answer Key

Indian Oil Corporation Limited Junior Operator Exam

Others:10 March,2025 - 10 March,2025

Admit Card

Exam Pattern

Result

View All Competition Exams

Certifications By Top Providers

Understanding Gender and Law

Via Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi

Human Rights Law and Criminal Justice

Via LMS Law College, Imphal

Access to Justice

Via National Law University, New Delhi

Library Science

Via Ramakrishna Sarada Mission Vivekananda Vidyabhavan Girls' College, Kolkata

MPSE 001 India and World Politics Challenges and Opportunities in 21st Century

Via Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi

Roadmap for Patent Creation

Via Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur

211 courses

198 courses

127 courses

89 courses

76 courses

63 courses

Humanities and Social Sciences

Economics

Literature

Political Science

Explore Top Universities Across Globe

University of Essex, Colchester

Wivenhoe Park Colchester CO4 3SQ

University College London, London

Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT

The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh

Old College, South Bridge, Edinburgh, Post Code EH8 9YL

University of Bristol, Bristol

Beacon House, Queens Road, Bristol, BS8 1QU

University of Delaware, Newark

Newark, DE 19716

University of Nottingham, Nottingham

University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD

LOR Full Form in Education - Letter of Recommendation

5 min ⋆ Oct 24, 2024 11:10 AM IST

Top 10 Easiest Countries To Go To Study Abroad In 2025

7 min ⋆ Dec 31, 2024 10:12 AM IST

Magister Jurisdiction

4 min ⋆ Mar 18, 2023 16:03 PM IST

Cheapest and Affordable Universities in Ireland in 2025

15 min ⋆ Dec 31, 2024 03:12 AM IST

GMAT Exam Dates 2025: City Wise Test Schedule in India

13 min ⋆ Dec 31, 2024 03:12 AM IST

Letter of Recommendation: How to Write LOR, Samples and Format

9 min ⋆ Dec 31, 2024 03:12 AM IST

Related E-books & Sample Papers

UPSC NDA 1 Question Paper 2024

645+ Downloads

NDA Salary

236+ Downloads

UPSC NDA 1 Question Paper 2023

5248+ Downloads

How to crack UPSC NDA-NA Exam?

2344+ Downloads

NDA 2 Question Papers 2022

6372+ Downloads

UPSC NDA 1 2022 General Ability Test (GAT) Question Paper

2824+ Downloads

Questions related to NDA

Have a question related to NDA ?

DOB Hai 09 03 2007 kya me nda 2026 ki exam attempt kar skta hu

Hello aspirant,

Candidates should typically be between the ages of 16.5 and 19.5 when the course starts. Candidates for NDA 1 (2026) must have been born between July 2, 2007, and July 1, 2010. Candidates for NDA 2 (2026) must have been born between January 2, 2008, and January 1, 2011.

So, unfortunately, you do not fulfill the eligibility criteria and that's why ineligible for NDA exam 2026.

Thank you

Read Complete Answer

Sajal Trivedi 16 February,2025

i have eye sight of minus 10 corrected with glasses can i write nda exam

Hello,

For the NDA (National Defence Academy) exam , eyesight requirements vary by service (Army, Navy, Air Force).

Eligibility based on eyesight :-

Army: Maximum permissible myopia is -2.5D . You are not eligible with -10D.
Navy: Maximum myopia allowed is -1.5D . You are not eligible .
Air Force: Requires near-perfect vision; -10D is not allowed

Alternative options :-

LASIK surgery : Allowed under strict conditions (age >20, stable power, etc.).
Consider non-combat roles in defence services.
Explore other government exams like CDS (for OTA).

Hope you find it useful !

Read Complete Answer

Prachi Kumari 16 February,2025

NDA EXAM preparation coaching class

Hello,

We offer comprehensive resources for NDA exam preparation:

Preparation Tips : Detailed strategies to effectively prepare for the NDA exam.
Recommended Books : Curated lists of subject-wise books to aid your study.
Mock Tests and Sample Papers: Practice materials to assess your readiness and improve performance.
Time Management Strategies: Guidance on balancing NDA preparation with other commitments.
Physical Fitness Guidance: Tips to maintain health and fitness, crucial for the SSB interview.

These resources are designed to provide a structured approach to your NDA exam preparation.

Hope you find it useful !

Read Complete Answer

Prachi Kumari 10 February,2025

What will be age limit for 2026 nda 2 exam

Hello aspirant,

Candidates must fulfill the age limits established by UPSC in order to be eligible for the NDA 1 and NDA 2 in 2026. The National Defence Academy (NDA) exam has an age range of 16.5 to 19.5 years. This also holds true for the NDA 2 exam.

Thank you

Hope it helps you

Read Complete Answer

Sajal Trivedi 06 February,2025

I want to join NDA (National Defence Academy) can you please guide me

If you’re aiming to join the National Defence Academy (NDA), here’s a simplified guide to help you:

1. Eligibility:

Age Limit: You must be between 16.5 to 19.5 years old.

Educational Requirements:

For Army Wing: You can apply with any stream (Science, Commerce, or Arts).

For Air Force & Navy Wings: You need to have Physics and Mathematics in your 12th standard.

Physical Fitness: You'll need to meet specific physical and medical standards (important for your health checkup later).

2. Application Process:

When to Apply: The UPSC releases the NDA exam notification twice a year, typically in January and June.

How to Apply: You can apply online through the official UPSC website.

3. Exam Pattern:

Written Exam:

Mathematics: 300 marks (2.5 hours)

General Ability Test (GAT): 600 marks (2.5 hours)

SSB Interview: If you clear the written exam, you will face a detailed interview that tests your physical, mental, and emotional strength.

4. Preparation Tips:

Create a Study Plan: Make sure you cover all subjects systematically.

Practice Regularly: Solve previous years' question papers and attempt mock tests.

Physical Fitness: NDA demands physical fitness, so regular exercise is crucial.

Stay Informed: Keep up with current events and general knowledge, which is an important part of the exam.

5. Coaching and Resources:

You can join coaching centers for structured preparation or rely on books, especially NCERT textbooks.

Books for NDA: Some good books include NDA’s guide by R.S. Aggarwal or Lucent’s General Knowledge.

6. Medical and Other Considerations:

Make sure you meet the medical standards during the NDA medical examination.

Keep checking the official UPSC website for updates on exam dates and notifications.

By staying disciplined and consistent in your preparation, you’ll be on the right track to secure a place in NDA. Focus on both the academic and physical aspects, and don't forget to be mentally prepared for the challenges ahead!

Read Complete Answer

Poral Siddartha (siddu) 05 February,2025

View All