NDA 1 2027 Notification: UPSC Exam Date, Age Limits & SSB

Key Highlights of the NDA 1 2027 Notification

For young aspirants seeking a career as a commissioned officer in the Indian Armed Forces, the release of the NDA 1 2027 notification by the Union Public Service Commission represents the premier national milestone. The National Defence Academy (NDA) in Khadakwasla, Pune, is the world's first tri-service academy, training future leadership for the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Following the historic Supreme Court directives, both male and female candidates are equally eligible to apply, compete in the written examination, undergo Service Selection Board (SSB) interviews, and join the prestigious academy.

Age Limitations, Marital Status, and Educational Norms

UPSC enforces rigid age and educational criteria. Candidates must satisfy each requirement without exception:

• Age Bracket: Candidates must be between 16.5 and 19.5 years of age during the course commencement window. For NDA 1 2027, candidates born typically between 2 July 2008 and 1 July 2011 are eligible.
• Marital Status: Only unmarried male and female candidates are eligible. Candidates must agree not to marry until completing their full training at NDA and the respective finishing academies (IMA, INA, or AFA).
• Army Wing Education: 12th Class pass of the 10+2 pattern of school education or equivalent examination conducted by a State Board or a University.
• Air Force and Naval Wings Education: 12th Class pass with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics of the 10+2 pattern of school education.

Written Examination Blueprint (900 Marks) and SSB Stages

Related Competitive Examination Frameworks

Physical Fitness Standards and Medical Regulations

Passing the written examination and SSB interview leads to mandatory military medical board evaluation at service hospitals:

• Height Criteria: Minimum 157 cm for Army and Navy wings (162.5 cm with leg length 99–120 cm for Air Force flying branch). Concessions apply for Gorkha, Garhwal, and North-Eastern candidates.
• Visual Acuity: Uncorrected vision 6/60 in both eyes, correctable with spectacles to 6/6 in better eye and 6/9 in worse eye for Army. Air Force enforces stringent uncorrected 6/6 norms for pilot entry.
• Body Tattoos: Permanent body tattoos are strictly prohibited on any part of the body, except on the inner face of the forearms (from inside of elbow to wrist) and on the reverse side of palm/back of hand. Tribals with customary markings are permitted subject to commanding officer validation.

Cadet Training at Khadakwasla and Officer Career Progression

Cadets undergo 3 years of joint military training alongside academic education leading to a B.A., B.Sc., or B.Tech degree awarded by Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). Following graduation, cadets spend 1 year at their service finishing academy (IMA Dehradun for Army, INA Ezhimala for Navy, or AFA Dundigal for Air Force). During the final academy year, officer gentlemen/ladies receive a monthly stipend of ₹56,100 (Level 10) before commissioning as Lieutenants, Sub-Lieutenants, or Flying Officers.