Quick Evaluation Overview (TL;DR)
National Defence Academy (NDA & NA) Age & Attempt Rules: Conducted twice yearly by the Union Public Service Commission, the NDA examination recruits male and female candidates for officer cadet training in the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the NDA (Khadakwasla) and the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme of the Indian Naval Academy (Ezhimala). Candidates must be between 16.5 and 19.5 years old as on the first day of the month in which the course commences. Strict date-of-birth windows are enforced with zero category age relaxations.
Comprehensive Guide to UPSC NDA Age Limits, Attempts & Educational Criteria
The National Defence Academy (NDA) is the world's premier tri-service military training institution. Admission into the armed forces officer cadre right after school requires careful planning because the operational age window spans barely three years.
Wing-Wise Educational & Eligibility Matrix
| Academy Wing | Age Window on Course Commencement | Eligible Gender & Marital Status | Required Class 12 Subject Stream |
|---|---|---|---|
| Army Wing of NDA | 16.5 to 19.5 Years | Unmarried Males & Females | Class 12 Pass (Any Subject Stream: Science, Commerce, Arts) |
| Air Force Wing of NDA | 16.5 to 19.5 Years | Unmarried Males & Females | Class 12 Pass with Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics |
| Navy Wing of NDA | 16.5 to 19.5 Years | Unmarried Males & Females | Class 12 Pass with Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics |
| 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme (Naval Academy) | 16.5 to 19.5 Years | Unmarried Males & Females | Class 12 Pass with Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics |
UPSC Written Exam Architecture
- Mathematics (Code 01): 120 questions for 300 maximum marks (2.5 hours). Each correct answer awards +2.50 marks, while wrong attempts deduct -0.83 marks (one-third penalty).
- General Ability Test - GAT (Code 02): 150 questions for 600 maximum marks (2.5 hours) divided into English (200 M) and General Knowledge (400 M). Each correct answer awards +4.00 marks with a -1.33 mark penalty.
- Total Written Examination: 900 maximum marks. Clearing sectional qualifying cutoffs (typically 25% in each paper) is mandatory before evaluation for the 900-mark Services Selection Board (SSB) interview.
NDA Academy Wings, Age Criteria & Physical Fitness Standards
Conducted biannually by the Union Public Service Commission, the National Defence Academy (NDA) recruits candidates into the Army, Navy, and Air Force:
- Age Criterion: Candidates must be between 16.5 and 19.5 years of age on the commencement date of the course. Date of birth is verified strictly against the Class 10 board certificate.
- Wing Qualifications: Army wing accepts 10+2 in any stream. Navy, Air Force, and Naval Academy require Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics at 10+2 level.
- Written Exam Architecture: Mathematics (120 Qs / 300 Marks; +2.5 for right, -0.83 for wrong) and General Ability Test (GAT: 150 Qs / 600 Marks; +4 for right, -1.33 for wrong). Total written score is 900 marks, followed by a 900-mark 5-day SSB interview.