NDA age limit at a glance
The NDA and Naval Academy exam is held twice a year. Each notice gives a three-year window of birth dates, which works out to about 16½ to 19½ years at the start of the course. Only unmarried candidates can apply, and the limit is the same for every category, with no relaxation.
Dates of birth for each exam
NDA (I) 2027 Expected, not yet notified
Not notified yet. UPSC's calendar puts the notification on 2 December 2026 and the exam on 11 April 2027. Dates assume the NDA (II) 2026 pattern, six months later.
| Entry | Born between (both dates included) | Who can apply |
|---|---|---|
| Army, Navy and Air Force wings of NDA, and Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry) | 1 Jul 2008 – 1 Jul 2011 | Unmarried men and women. |
NDA (II) 2027 Expected, not yet notified
Not notified yet. UPSC's calendar puts the notification on 12 May 2027 and the exam on 19 September 2027. Dates assume the NDA (II) 2026 pattern, one year later.
| Entry | Born between (both dates included) | Who can apply |
|---|---|---|
| Army, Navy and Air Force wings of NDA, and Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry) | 1 Jan 2009 – 1 Jan 2012 | Unmarried men and women. |
NDA (II) 2026 Official
UPSC Examination Notice No. 10/2026-NDA-II, 20 May 2026
| Entry | Born between (both dates included) | Who can apply |
|---|---|---|
| Army, Navy and Air Force wings of NDA, and Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry) | 1 Jan 2008 – 1 Jan 2011 | Unmarried men and women. |
Planning your attempts
Because the window moves forward six months with every exam, most candidates fit five or six NDA exams in total. Enter your date of birth above and switch between exams to see which ones you can take.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions
Clear answers about this calculator and how to understand its results.
What is the age limit for NDA?
Roughly 16½ to 19½ years at the start of the course. UPSC gives the exact range as dates of birth in each notice: for NDA (II) 2026, born between 1 January 2008 and 1 January 2011, both dates included.
Which NDA can I write if I was born in 2009?
If the usual pattern holds, a 2009 birth date fits NDA (I) 2027 and NDA (II) 2027 (born 1 July 2008 to 1 July 2011 and 1 January 2009 to 1 January 2012, expected). Enter your exact date above to check.
Is there any age relaxation for SC, ST or OBC in NDA?
No. The NDA age limit is the same for every category.
Can girls apply for NDA?
Yes. Unmarried women and men can both apply, and must not marry until training is complete.
Can I apply while in Class 12?
Yes. Students appearing in Class 12 can apply, as long as they pass before the deadline given in the notice.
Sources
- UPSC: NDA and NA Examination (II) 2026, Examination Notice No. 10/2026-NDA-II, 20 May 2026.
- UPSC calendar 2027: NDA (I) 2027 notification 2 December 2026, exam 11 April 2027; NDA (II) 2027 notification 12 May 2027, exam 19 September 2027.