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

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
Ongoing Event
NDA  Application Date : 11 Dec' 2024 - 31 Dec' 2024

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.

This Story also Contains
  1. How To Join NDA After the 12th?
  2. How To Join NDA After 12th? - NDA Eligibility Criteria 2025
  3. How To Join NDA After 12th? - Application Process
How to Join NDA After 12th (Commerce, Arts, Science) - Eligibility, Application, Selection 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

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.

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Questions related to NDA

Have a question related to NDA ?

Hello,

To join the National Defence Academy (NDA) after 12th , your subject choice depends on the wing you want to pursue:

1. Army Wing

  • You can choose any stream in 12th (Science, Commerce, or Arts).
  • For the written exam, concentrate on Mathematics, English, and General Knowledge.

2. Air Force and Navy Wings

  • Science (Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics) is compulsory in 12th.
  • Mathematics and Physics are must for eligibility.

Why Mathematics is Important

  • Mathematics is a core subject in the NDA written exam for all wings.
  • Good analytical and problem-solving skills are a must.

Preparation Tips

  • Choose PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) for wider scope.
  • Develop physical fitness and leadership qualities.
  • Start early NDA preparation with emphasis on Mathematics, English, and General Knowledge.
  • Keep yourself updated on current affairs for SSB interview.

NDA NA 1 2025 is for training commencing in January 2026 and NDA NA 2 2025 is for training commencing in July 2026.


NDA Eligibility age-wise one should be between 16.5 & 19.5 years of age as on the first of the month when the training starts.so you are eligible


Education-wise, the eligibility is that approximately a month (exact date will be mentioned in the notification for the relevant batch) before that date mentioned, you should have proof of passing 12th in hand to be submitted to authorities.

The eligibility for the NDA (National Defence Academy) exam is based on age and educational qualifications. Typically, candidates must be between 16.5 to 19.5 years of age. Given the birthdate of 29 april, 2007, let's calculate your age at various potential exam dates to determine your number of attempts.




The NDA exam is conducted twice a year, usually in April and September.




Here is a breakdown of your age eligibility


1.NDA I 2025 (April 2025):




- Your age: 17 years, 11 months (eligible)




4. NDA II 2025 (September 2025):




- Your age: 18 years, 4 months (eligible)




5. NDA I 2026 (April 2026):




- Your age: 18 years, 11 months (eligible)




6. **NDA II 2026** (September 2026):




- Your age: 19 years, 4 months (eligible)




You cannot give NDA I 2027 (April 2027) you cross 19.5 years at this point.so you have enough attempts right now make most of it.



All the best for your future endeavours!!




Hello,


Yes, candidates appearing for their Class 12 exams are eligible to apply for the NDA (National Defence Academy) exam, provided they meet the age and educational requirements. For the Army Wing, candidates should either have passed or be appearing for their Class 12 examination from a recognized board. For the Air Force and Naval Wings, they must have studied Physics and Mathematics in Class 12. Additionally, candidates must meet the age criteria, typically between 16.5 and 19.5 years at the start of the course.

Being in Class 12 allows you to apply for the exam, but your selection is conditional upon passing the board exams before the NDA training begins. Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria, including physical and medical standards, and provide accurate details during the application process. This allows students in their final year of schooling to secure their position and join the academy after completing their Class 12 exams.


https://competition.careers360.com/articles/nda-exam-dates

Hello Greetings!

To correct mistakes in your NDA form, especially photo identification type and number, contact UPSC immediately via helpline numbers or visit their official website . Double-check your application to prevent errors. Ensure you have government-approved ID proof, Class 10 & 12 mark sheets, and scanned passport-sized photographs/signatures.

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