NDA Attempt Calculator – Check Your NDA Exam Eligibility, Age & Attempts Left
If you are preparing for the NDA examination, one of the most common questions is : (How many attempts do I have left? Am I eligible for the upcoming NDA exam?) To make this easy for aspirants, we have created a NDA Attempt Calculator Tool. With this free and simple tool, you can instantly check your eligibility, age, attempts left, and upcoming NDA exams.
What is NDA Attempt Calculator?
The NDA Attempt Calculator is an online tool designed for NDA aspirants to calculate:
- Current age (in years, months, and days)
- Eligibility status for NDA (based on official age criteria)
- Number of attempts left from today
- List of upcoming NDA I and NDA II exams with years
Instead of manually calculating your age and checking exam notifications, this calculator gives you results instantly.
Features of Our NDA Attempt Calculator
Accurate Age Calculation
Shows your exact age in years, months, and days instantly.
Eligibility Status
Instantly checks if you are eligible according to the NDA age limit (16.5 – 19.5 years).
Attempts Left
Calculates how many future NDA exams you can still appear in from today.
Upcoming Exams List
Displays all possible NDA I & NDA II exams with years (e.g., NDA I 2026, NDA II 2026, NDA I 2027, etc.).
All About NDA Exam
The National Defence Academy (NDA) is a premier institution that trains young individuals to become officers in the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy. The NDA exam, conducted twice a year by the UPSC, is a highly competitive test that assesses candidates’ academic knowledge and leadership potential. Clearing this exam is the first step toward joining the NDA, followed by a rigorous Service Selection Board (SSB) interview and medical evaluation.
This exam is unique because it allows candidates as young as 16.5 years to start their journey toward becoming officers, making it one of the most prestigious opportunities for young aspirants. Whether you’re in Class 12 or have just passed it, the NDA exam is your chance to serve the nation with pride.
Who Can Apply for the NDA Exam?
To ensure you’re eligible, here’s a quick breakdown of the NDA eligibility criteria:
- Age Limit: Candidates must be between 16.5 and 19.5 years old.
- Educational Qualification:
- Candidates must have passed Class 12 or be appearing for it.
- For the Air Force and Navy wings, Physics and Mathematics in Class 12 are mandatory.
- Height Requirements:
- Male Candidates: Minimum height of 157 cm.
- Female Candidates: Minimum height of 152.5 cm (approximately 153 cm).
- Nationality: Must be an Indian citizen or meet specific UPSC nationality criteria.
- Application Fee: ₹100 for male candidates; free for SC/ST and female candidates.
NDA Exam Pattern : What to Expect
The NDA exam consists of two papers, designed to test both your academic knowledge and general aptitude:
| Paper | Details | Marks | Questions | Marking Scheme | Negative Marking | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | Tests mathematical skills up to Class 12 level | 300 | 120 | 2.5 marks per question | -0.83 marks | 2.5 hours |
| General Ability Test (GAT) | Covers English, General Knowledge, and Current Affairs | 600 | 150 | 4 marks per question | -1.33 marks | 2.5 hours |
The total written exam is worth 900 marks, and candidates who qualify proceed to the SSB interview, which is also worth 900 marks. The SSB is a five-day process that evaluates your personality, leadership, and physical fitness.
The SSB Interview : A Five-Day Journey
Once you clear the written exam, the SSB interview is the next hurdle. This five-day process is designed to assess your officer-like qualities (OLQs) through various tests:
- Day 1: Picture Perception and Description Test (PPDT) – Candidates analyze a picture and write a story, followed by a group discussion.
- Day 2: Psychological Tests – Includes Thematic Apperception Test (TAT), Word Association Test (WAT), and Situation Reaction Test (SRT).
- Day 3: Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks – Involves group discussions, obstacle courses, and command tasks.
- Day 4: Personal Interview – A one-on-one interview to assess your personality and goals.
- Day 5: Conference – The final evaluation where assessors decide your suitability.
After the SSB, candidates undergo a two-day medical examination to ensure they meet the physical and mental standards required for the armed forces.
⚠️Important Note : Avoid permanent tattoos, as they can lead to disqualification during the medical test. Also, refrain from activities that risk physical injuries, such as reckless driving, to maintain your fitness.
NDA Salary and Benefits
One of the most common questions aspirants ask is, “What is the salary of an NDA officer?” Upon joining the NDA as a cadet, you receive a stipend during training. After commissioning as an officer, the starting salary ranges from ₹56,100 to ₹1,77,500 per month, depending on rank, allowances, and increments. Over time, with promotions, your salary can increase significantly, along with perks like free medical care, travel allowances, and housing.
Fun Fact: When you travel for the SSB interview, your third AC train fare is reimbursed, making the process accessible for all candidates.
How to Prepare for the NDA Exam
Preparing for the NDA — Actionable Tips
(FAQs) Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is eligible to apply for the NDA exam?
Candidates aged 16.5 to 19.5 years who have passed or are appearing for Class 12 can apply. Physics and Mathematics are required for Air Force and Navy wings.
2. What is the minimum height for NDA candidates?
Male candidates need a minimum height of 157 cm, while female candidates require 152.5 cm.
3. What is the salary of an NDA officer?
The starting salary ranges from ₹56,100 to ₹1,77,500 per month, with additional benefits and increments over time.
4. How many attempts for NDA?
There is no fixed attempt limit for NDA. Candidates can apply as many times as they want, as long as they are within the age limit (16.5 – 19.5 years).
5. How can I calculate my NDA age?
You can use our NDA Attempt Calculator Tool to instantly calculate your exact age in years, months, and days, and check eligibility.
6. Can 2008 born apply for NDA 1 2027?
Yes, if your age in April 2027 falls between 16.5 and 19.5 years, then you are eligible for NDA I 2027. Use the calculator to confirm based on your exact date of birth.
7. Is 75 marks good in NDA Maths?
Scoring 75 marks in Maths alone may not be sufficient. You must also perform well in the GAT (General Ability Test). Final selection depends on overall score and cutoff.
8. Can I skip Maths for NDA?
No, Maths is compulsory in the NDA written exam. You need to attempt both Mathematics and GAT papers to qualify.
9. Does NDA have an age relaxation?
No, there is no age relaxation in NDA exams. Only candidates within 16.5 to 19.5 years are eligible.
10. What is the age limit for NDA 2026?
For NDA exams in 2026, candidates must be born between 2nd July 2006 and 1st July 2009 (exact dates may vary as per UPSC notification).