{"id":20840,"date":"2025-04-16T22:25:06","date_gmt":"2025-04-16T16:55:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.trishuldefenceacademy.in\/blog\/?p=20840"},"modified":"2026-01-12T13:18:35","modified_gmt":"2026-01-12T07:48:35","slug":"what-is-nda-and-na-eligibility-criteria-for-joining","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.trishuldefenceacademy.in\/blog\/what-is-nda-and-na-eligibility-criteria-for-joining","title":{"rendered":"What Is the NDA Eligibility Criteria for NDA & NA Exam?"},"content":{"rendered":"

The National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA) exams are highly competitive exams in India, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for candidates who wish to join the Indian Armed Forces. These academies train young men to become officers in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. In this blog,<\/span> we will discuss in detail the NDA eligibility criteria for joining the NDA and the NA.<\/span><\/p>\n

Age Limits<\/h2>\n

One of the most important aspects of the NDA eligibility criteria candidates must first meet the eligibility criteria set by the UPSC. The first criterion is the age limit, which requires candidates to be between 16.5 and 19.5 years of age at the time of application. Candidates who are older or younger than this age range will not be eligible to apply for the NDA and NA exams.<\/span><\/p>\n

Educational qualification<\/h2>\n

The second criterion is educational qualification. Candidates must have passed 10+2 or equivalent examinations from a recognized board. Meeting the correct NDA qualifications is mandatory to apply for the NDA exam.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nationality and Marital Status<\/h2>\n

The third criterion is nationality, which requires candidates to be Indian citizens or subjects of Nepal, Bhutan, or Tibetan refugees who came to India before January 1, 1962. Only unmarried male or female candidates are eligible to apply for the NDA and NA exams.<\/span><\/p>\n

Physical fitness<\/h2>\n

As per the\u00a0 NDA Eligibility criteria, candidates must also be physically fit and meet the medical standards set by the Armed Forces. The selection process consists of a written exam, followed by an interview, and successful candidates are then admitted to the National Defence Academy or the Naval Academy for training.<\/span><\/p>\n

Written examination syllabus<\/h2>\n

The written exam for the NDA and NA consists of two papers, namely Mathematics and General Ability Test. The Mathematics paper is of 300 marks, and the General Ability Test is of 600 marks. The General Ability Test paper consists of questions from English, General Knowledge, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, History, Geography, and Current Affairs. The duration of each paper is 2.5 hours<\/span><\/p>\n

SSB Interview – The Key to Final Selection<\/h2>\n

Candidates who qualify in the written exam are then called for an interview conducted by the Service Selection Board (SSB). The SSB interview is a five-day process that includes psychological tests, group tasks, and personal interviews. The SSB interview is designed to test the candidate\u2019s personality, leadership, and communication skills. Clearing the SSB is essential to fulfilling the NDA eligibility criteria.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Why Choose Trishul Defence Academy for NDA and NA Training Program<\/h2>\n

Trishul Defence Academy is a trusted choice for aspirants aiming to join the NDA and NA, offering structured guidelines on how to succeed on every stage of selection. <\/span>We provide the best<\/span> NDA coaching in India<\/span><\/a> as the course is being taught by fully qualified former defence officers, offering real military experience and genuine practical advice in every class. Hence, students develop an understanding of what it takes to join the Indian Armed Forces<\/span><\/p>\n

FAQ\u2019S<\/h2>\n