UPSC NDA Age Limit 2026 — Check Your Eligibility by Category
The UPSC National Defence Academy (NDA) (2026) sets the age limit at 16.5–19 years for General category candidates, calculated as on 1 January 2026. Reserved categories receive relaxation: OBC candidates get 19 years, SC/ST candidates 19 years upper limit.
Category-Wise Age Limits
| Category | Min Age | Max Age | Relaxation |
|---|---|---|---|
| General / Unreserved | 16.5 years | 19 years | - |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 16.5 years | 19 years | - |
| SC / ST | 16.5 years | 19 years | - |
Eligible Date of Birth (DOB) Range for UPSC NDA 2026
To qualify for the 2026 cycle, your birth date must fall within the dates specified below for your category (calculated as of the age count date: 1 January 2026).
General / EWS (Unreserved) 16.5-19 Years
📅 Candidate must be born between:
2 January 2007 to 1 January 2009
(Both dates inclusive)
OBC Category (3 Year Relaxation) 16.5-19 Years
📅 Candidate must be born between:
2 January 2007 to 1 January 2009
(Both dates inclusive)
SC / ST Category (5 Year Relaxation) 16.5-19 Years
📅 Candidate must be born between:
2 January 2007 to 1 January 2009
(Both dates inclusive)
💡 Enter your DOB to check if YOU are eligible for UPSC NDA 2026
Check Your Eligibility →Detailed Age Limit Information
📋 Age Criteria
- Minimum Age: 16.5 years
- Maximum Age (General): 19 years
- Age Calculation Date: 1 January 2026
- Conducting Body: Union Public Service Commission
🎯 Attempts Limit
- General: No limit
- OBC: No limit
- SC/ST: No limit
Age Relaxation Rules
Standard Relaxations
- OBC (NCL): 3 years relaxation
- SC/ST: 5 years relaxation
- PwD: 10 years relaxation
Important Notes
- • Relaxations are applied on the upper age limit only
- • Minimum age remains same for all categories
- • Cumulative relaxations apply for eligible candidates
- • Always verify with official notification
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the age limit for UPSC NDA 2026?
A: The UPSC NDA 2026 age limit is 16.5-19.5 years for ALL categories. NDA does not provide any age relaxation for OBC, SC/ST or any other category. Only unmarried male candidates can apply.
Q: Is there age relaxation in NDA for OBC/SC/ST?
A: No. UPSC NDA does not provide any age relaxation for any reserved category including OBC, SC, or ST. All candidates must be between 16.5-19.5 years of age.
Q: What is the NDA age limit for general category?
A: The NDA age limit for General category is 16.5-19.5 years. This is the same for all categories as NDA does not offer any category-based age relaxation.
Q: What is the maximum age limit for NDA?
A: The maximum age limit for NDA is 19.5 years (19 years and 6 months) for all categories. The page displays 19 years as the upper limit; the exact half-year boundary is specified in the official notification's born-between date range.
Q: What is the UPSC NDA attempt limit?
A: There is no attempt limit for UPSC NDA examination. Candidates can appear for NDA as many times as they wish, as long as they are within the age limit of 16.5-19.5 years.
Q: On which date is age calculated for UPSC NDA?
A: Age for NDA is calculated based on the course commencement date. UPSC specifies a 'born between' date range in the notification. For NDA 2026, the reference date is typically 1st January or 1st July depending on NDA I or NDA II.
Q: What is the NDA 2026 age limit date of birth?
A: For NDA 1 2026, candidates must be born between 02-01-2007 and 01-01-2010 (approximately). For NDA 2 2026, the born-between range shifts by 6 months. Always check the exact dates in the official UPSC notification.
Q: Can I apply for NDA if I am 19 years old?
A: Yes, if you have not exceeded 19.5 years of age as per the notification's born-between date range, you are eligible for NDA. Check the exact date range in the official notification.
Q: What is the minimum age for UPSC NDA?
A: The minimum age for UPSC NDA is 16.5 years. You must have completed 10+2 or be appearing in 12th class.
Q: Is there PwD reservation in NDA?
A: No. There is no PwD reservation in UPSC NDA as physical fitness is mandatory for defence services. Candidates must meet the prescribed physical standards.
Browse all UPSC NDA FAQs in the FAQ hub · Eligibility calculator
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Use our Age Calculator for a personalised eligibility verdict and see if you qualify for UPSC NDA 2026
Try the Age Calculator →Age limits are based on the 2026 official notification released by Union Public Service Commission. Last verified: 2026-02-04. Always check the official notification at Union Public Service Commission website