Hello Aspirant,

Yes, you can likely give the NDA exam next year (2026) if you meet the age and educational criteria.

Age Eligibility

The NDA age limit is generally 16.5 to 19.5 years at the time the course commences.

• For NDA 1 2026 (exam in April 2026), candidates should typically be born between July 2, 2007, and July 1, 2010 .

• For NDA 2 2026 (exam in September 2026), candidates should typically be born between January 2, 2008, and January 1, 2011 .

Since you are 16 now and will be going to your second year of intermediate in 2026, you will likely fall within these age brackets.

Educational Eligibility

You need to be appearing in or have passed Class 12 (Intermediate) or an equivalent examination. Since you'll be in your second year of intermediate in 2026, you will be eligible.

• For the Army Wing , candidates from any stream (Arts, Commerce, Science) are eligible.

• For the Air Force and Naval Wings , you must have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics in your 12th standard.

Always check the official UPSC NDA notification for 2026 when it is released for the exact and confirmed dates and eligibility criteria.

Yes — if you turn at least 16.5 years old by the time the NDA course begins and are in Class 12 or have passed it, you can apply.

Since you’ll be in Intermediate 2nd year in 2026, you can appear for NDA 1 (April) or NDA 2 (September) in 2026, provided your date of birth fits UPSC’s eligibility range for that session.

For most NDA exams, the age range is roughly 16.5 to 19.5 years, and you can apply while still in 12th — just make sure you’ll pass before joining the academy.

Hello,

No, you are not eligible next year.
For NDA, you must have passed 12th class and be at least 16.5 years old. You can apply only when you are in your final year of intermediate or after completing it, if your age is between 16.5 and 19.5 years.

Hope it helps !

Hello student,

According to NDA eligibility criteria, candidates who are between 16.5 years to 19.5 years and have completed or are appearing in Class 12 can apply for the exam.

NDA Eligibility for females is the same as males; however, there are certain differences in the height & weight parameters.

Thank you!!

Hello,

Sorry, but according to NDA eligibility criteria, you don't fall under their age and education criteria. An NDA candidate needs to be between 16.5 years and 19.5 years old and have completed or be appearing in class 12. But, according to your details, you don't appear to fit for this exam eligibility.

I hope it will clear your query!!

As long as you are in Intermediate 1st year and 16 right now, you will not be eligible for NDA this year. To apply for NDA, you must be in Intermediate 2nd year/12th passed, and your age must be 16½ to 19½ years as per UPSC. Accordingly, you can apply when you are in your 2nd year (if you meet the age).

Hey Laxmi:)

Thanks for reaching out!

To be eligible for the NDA exam you must meet two main criteria:

1.Age: you need to be between 16.5 and 19.5 years old on the exam date.

2.Education: you must have completed or be appearing for your 12th class.

Since you'll be in 12th next year and will turn 17 you meet the education requirement and the age limit if you are atleast 16.5 years old on the day of exam.The exam will most likely be held on April if you turn 16.5 before that then you'll be eligible if not, you'll not be eligible .So,your eligibility depends on your birthdate.

Hope this resolves your query!