Candidates aiming for the National Defence Academy must meet stringent physical fitness standards, including specific height-to-weight ratios, visual acuity (6/6), and cardiovascular endurance. The selection process evaluates physical and medical fitness, ensuring candidates are fit for rigorous military training. Official UPSC guidelines mandate strict health compliance to qualify for service.
What is the Exam?
The National Defence Academy (NDA) examination, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), serves as the gateway for young aspirants to join the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. It is a highly prestigious national-level entrance exam designed to identify candidates with the physical robustness, mental agility, and leadership potential required for a career in the armed forces. We at Exam Bhai view this as more than just a test; it is the first step toward a lifelong commitment to national service.
Key Highlights 2026
- Exam Conducting Body: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
- Entry Level: Post-12th Standard
- Selection Stages: Written Examination followed by the Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview and Medical Examination.
- Physical Fitness Requirement: Mandatory adherence to height, weight, chest expansion, and visual standards as per official military medical guidelines.
- Age Limit: Generally between 16.5 and 19.5 years at the time of commencement of the course.
Syllabus 2026
To clear the hurdle of the written exam, candidates must master the following topics. Success requires a balanced approach to both Mathematics and General Ability.
| Subject | Key Topics |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | Algebra, Calculus, Matrices, Determinants, Trigonometry, Analytical Geometry, Vector Algebra, Statistics & Probability |
| General Ability Part A (English) | Grammar, Vocabulary, Comprehension, Synonyms, Antonyms, Sentence Completion |
| General Ability Part B (GK) | Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, Current Events |
Exam Pattern
The written exam is objective in nature. When preparing, we recommend that you practice free mock tests for Defence on Exam Bhai to familiarize yourself with the time constraints and question difficulty level.
| Paper | Subject | Duration | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | Mathematics | 2.5 Hours | 300 |
| II | General Ability Test | 2.5 Hours | 600 |
Total marks for the written examination are 900. After qualifying, the SSB interview carries an additional 900 marks. Regular usage of our portal allows you to simulate the actual exam environment for Defence to boost your confidence.
Eligibility Criteria
As per the official notification available on upsc.gov.in, the eligibility criteria for physical standards are rigorous.
- Height: Minimum height required for the Army and Air Force is 157 cm. For the Navy, it is 157 cm, though some relaxations apply for specific regions (e.g., Gorkhas, hilly regions).
- Weight: Weight must be proportional to height as per the Body Mass Index (BMI) charts provided by the medical board.
- Vision: Distant vision should be 6/6 in the better eye and 6/9 in the worse eye, correctable to 6/6 with glasses (for some branches). Color vision must be CP-II or CP-I.
- Health: Candidates must be free from any disease of the bone, joint, or any chronic infection. Dental health is also strictly inspected.
Application Process
The application process is strictly online. Candidates must follow these steps:
- Visit the official upsc.gov.in website.
- Complete the two-part registration process.
- Upload necessary documents, including a scanned photograph and signature.
- Pay the application fee (exempted for SC/ST candidates and wards of JCOs/NCOs/ORs).
- Submit and print the application receipt for future reference.
Preparation Strategy
Consistent preparation is the key to clearing both the written exam and the physical requirements. We advise candidates to access top-tier study material for Defence on Exam Bhai to streamline their efforts. Focus on building endurance through daily exercise and maintaining a healthy BMI. Balancing physical activity with academic study is vital, as a healthy body supports a sharp mind.
Cut-Off Trends
Cut-off trends are derived from historical data published on upsc.gov.in. Historically, the written exam cut-off for the NDA fluctuates between 340 and 360 marks out of 900. However, the final cut-off (including the SSB interview) typically settles in the range of 700–725. Candidates should target a minimum of 400 in the written round to have a comfortable buffer for the final merit list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is there any height relaxation for candidates from hilly regions? Yes, as per official government guidelines, a relaxation of 5 cm is provided for candidates from specific regions like Gorkha, Garhwal, and Kumaon.
Q2: Can I wear contact lenses during the medical examination? No, candidates are not allowed to wear contact lenses during the medical board evaluation. Only spectacles are permitted if the vision falls within the allowed limits.
Q3: Does a tattoo disqualify me from the NDA? Only permanent tattoos are a potential ground for disqualification. Small, inconspicuous tattoos on the inner face of the forearm or religious symbols may be considered at the discretion of the Medical Board.
Q4: Is it mandatory to clear the physical fitness test at the NDA entrance stage? While the primary physical screening happens during the medical board phase after the written exam, maintaining physical fitness is essential to pass the intense medical examination.
Q5: What is the minimum weight requirement? There is no specific minimum weight, but your weight must be proportionate to your height according to the standardized medical charts used by the Indian Armed Forces.
Q6: What happens if I fail the medical test? If found medically unfit, candidates can appeal for a 'Review Medical Board' (RMB) within a stipulated time frame, provided they have valid medical evidence to counter the initial findings.
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