The NDA exam is one of the most prestigious entrance exams for students who aspire to serve the nation as officers in the armed forces. With increasing awareness and opportunities, students across Maharashtra are actively preparing for the NDA Exam 2026.
If you are searching for complete NDA information, eligibility details, age limits, and preparation guidance, this guide covers everything you need to know.
What Is the NDA Exam?
The National Defence Academy (NDA) exam is conducted by UPSC twice a year. It is one of the primary exams to join the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force as commissioned officers.
Selected candidates undergo training at the NDA campus before moving to respective service academies such as the Indian Military Academy (IMA).
NDA Army Eligibility for 2026
Before applying, candidates must understand NDA army eligibility and general army eligibility requirements.
✔ Educational Qualification
- 12th pass (any stream for Army Wing)
- Physics & Mathematics required for Air Force & Navy
Students planning NDA after 10th should start early preparation to build academic and physical readiness.
NDA Age Limit 2026
The NDA age limit generally falls between 16.5 to 19.5 years, depending on official notification.
Understanding the Indian Army joining age and age limit to join the Indian Army is critical to avoid missing application windows.
Can Girls Apply for NDA Exam 2026?
Yes. Following Supreme Court reforms, girls can now appear for the NDA exam for girls.
If you are wondering:
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Can girls join the Indian Army?
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How to join the Indian Army for girls?
The process remains the same – written exam, SSB interview, medical test, and training.
NDA Registration Process 2026
Candidates must complete NDA registration online through UPSC’s official portal.
Steps include:
- Online application form submission
- Document upload
- Application fee payment
- Admit card download
Students planning to Indian Army apply must ensure correct details during the army application process.
NDA Coaching vs NDA Academy: What Should You Choose?
Many students search for:
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NDA coaching near me
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NDA coaching centre
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NDA coaching centre near me
While coaching helps in exam preparation, a structured NDA academy environment builds discipline, fitness, and leadership qualities essential for selection.
Institutions functioning similar to an army training centre in Maharashtra provide integrated preparation combining academics and physical conditioning.
NDA Campus & Training Structure
After clearing the exam and SSB, selected NDA cadets undergo rigorous training at the NDA campus.
Training includes:
- Physical endurance drills
- Academic sessions
- Leadership exercises
- Military orientation
Later, candidates move to respective service academies such as:
- Indian Military Academy
- Naval Academy
- Air Force Academy
How to Become an Officer in the Army Through NDA
If you’re asking how to become an officer in the army, here is the roadmap:
1️. Clear NDA written exam
2️. Qualify SSB interview
3️. Pass medical standards
4️. Complete academy training
5️. Commission as officer
This pathway is different from a soldier application, which has separate recruitment criteria.
Join Indian Military: Eligibility & Application
To join Indian military forces, students must meet:
- Age criteria
- Educational qualification
- Physical standards
- Medical fitness
Understanding join Indian Army eligibility and official procedures under Join Indian Army Government of India notifications ensures proper compliance.
Why Early Preparation in Maharashtra Matters
Students in Maharashtra benefit from disciplined academic institutions that function similarly to an army academy model.
Starting preparation after Class 10 provides:
- Better exam readiness
- Physical training foundation
- Leadership exposure
- Clear understanding of NDA details
Conclusion: Prepare Smart for NDA Exam 2026
The NDA exam 2026 offers a prestigious pathway for students who dream of serving the nation
Understanding eligibility, age limits, and application processes early helps students avoid last-minute confusion.For structured guidance in Maharashtra, Trimurti Pawan Pratishthan,a reputed Military Boarding School in Ahmednagar, provides disciplined academic and physical preparation that aligns with defence career aspirations.