Eligibility Criteria for NDA Exam 2024
The National Defence Academy (NDA) is a prestigious institution that trains cadets for the Indian Armed Forces. To be eligible for the NDA exam, candidates must meet certain criteria. These criteria are outlined below:
Nationality
- The candidate must be a citizen of India.
- Candidates of Nepal and Bhutan are also eligible to apply.
Age Limit
- For the NDA (I) Examination (conducted in April/May), the candidate must have been born not earlier than 2nd January 2005 and not later than 1st January 2008.
- For the NDA (II) Examination (conducted in September/October), the candidate must have been born not earlier than 2nd July 2005 and not later than 1st July 2008.
Table 1: Age Limit for NDA Exam 2024
| Examination | Date of Birth |
|---|---|
| NDA (I) | 2nd January 2005 to 1st January 2008 |
| NDA (II) | 2nd July 2005 to 1st July 2008 |
Educational Qualification
- For Army Wing: The candidate must have passed the 12th standard examination of the 10+2 pattern or equivalent examination conducted by a recognized Board or University.
- For Air Force and Naval Wings: The candidate must have passed the 12th standard examination of the 10+2 pattern or equivalent examination conducted by a recognized Board or University with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects.
Table 2: Educational Qualification for NDA Exam 2024
| Wing | Educational Qualification |
|---|---|
| Army | 12th standard or equivalent |
| Air Force and Naval | 12th standard or equivalent with Physics and Mathematics |
Physical Standards
- Height:
- For Army Wing: Minimum height of 157 cm.
- For Air Force and Naval Wings: Minimum height of 162.5 cm.
- Chest:
- For Army Wing: Minimum chest expansion of 5 cm.
- For Air Force and Naval Wings: Minimum chest expansion of 5 cm.
- Weight: The candidate must be proportionate to their height and build.
- Medical Standards: The candidate must be medically fit as per the standards prescribed by the Medical Board of the Armed Forces.
Other Eligibility Criteria
- Marital Status: The candidate must be unmarried.
- Number of Attempts: There is no limit on the number of attempts for the NDA exam.
- Physical Fitness Test (PFT): Candidates who qualify in the written exam will have to undergo a Physical Fitness Test (PFT). The PFT consists of:
- Running: 1.6 km in 6 minutes 30 seconds.
- Pull-ups: Minimum 8 pull-ups.
- Chin-ups: Minimum 10 chin-ups.
- Push-ups: Minimum 20 push-ups.
- Medical Examination: Candidates who clear the PFT will have to undergo a medical examination. The medical examination is conducted by a Medical Board of the Armed Forces.
Important Points to Remember
- The eligibility criteria for the NDA exam may vary from time to time. It is therefore advisable to check the official website of the UPSC for the latest eligibility criteria.
- Candidates are advised to ensure that they meet all the eligibility criteria before applying for the NDA exam.
- Candidates who do not meet the eligibility criteria will not be considered for the exam.
Relaxation in Eligibility Criteria
- Relaxation in Age Limit:
- For SC/ST candidates: 5 years relaxation in the upper age limit.
- For OBC candidates: 3 years relaxation in the upper age limit.
- For Persons with Disabilities (PwD): 10 years relaxation in the upper age limit.
- Relaxation in Educational Qualification:
- For candidates from certain states: Relaxation in the educational qualification may be granted by the UPSC.
How to Apply for the NDA Exam
- Candidates can apply for the NDA exam online through the official website of the UPSC.
- The application form must be filled out completely and accurately.
- The application form must be submitted along with the required documents.
- The application fee must be paid online through a debit card, credit card, or net banking.
Important Documents Required for Application
- Scanned copy of recent passport-sized photograph.
- Scanned copy of signature.
- Scanned copy of 10th and 12th standard mark sheets.
- Scanned copy of caste certificate (if applicable).
- Scanned copy of disability certificate (if applicable).
Conclusion
The NDA exam is a challenging but rewarding exam. Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria and are determined to succeed can achieve their dream of joining the Indian Armed Forces. By preparing well and following the guidelines mentioned above, candidates can increase their chances of clearing the exam and securing a place in the prestigious National Defence Academy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the age limit for the NDA exam?
The age limit for the NDA exam varies depending on the exam cycle. For NDA (I), the candidate must have been born between 2nd January 2005 and 1st January 2008. For NDA (II), the candidate must have been born between 2nd July 2005 and 1st July 2008.
2. What are the educational qualifications required for the NDA exam?
For the Army Wing, candidates must have passed the 12th standard or equivalent. For the Air Force and Naval Wings, candidates must have passed the 12th standard or equivalent with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects.
3. Is there any relaxation in the age limit for reserved categories?
Yes, there is age relaxation for SC/ST candidates (5 years), OBC candidates (3 years), and Persons with Disabilities (PwD) (10 years).
4. What is the physical fitness test (PFT) for the NDA exam?
The PFT consists of running 1.6 km in 6 minutes 30 seconds, minimum 8 pull-ups, minimum 10 chin-ups, and minimum 20 push-ups.
5. What is the medical examination for the NDA exam?
The medical examination is conducted by a Medical Board of the Armed Forces. Candidates must be medically fit as per the standards prescribed by the Board.
6. What is the marital status requirement for the NDA exam?
Candidates must be unmarried.
7. Is there any limit on the number of attempts for the NDA exam?
No, there is no limit on the number of attempts for the NDA exam.
8. How can I apply for the NDA exam?
Candidates can apply for the NDA exam online through the official website of the UPSC.
9. What are the important documents required for the NDA exam application?
Candidates need to submit a scanned copy of their recent passport-sized photograph, signature, 10th and 12th standard mark sheets, caste certificate (if applicable), and disability certificate (if applicable).
10. What is the application fee for the NDA exam?
The application fee for the NDA exam can be paid online through a debit card, credit card, or net banking. The exact fee amount can be found on the UPSC website.