NDA Height Weight Chart 2026: Official Standards for Army, Navy & Air Force
Entering the National Defence Academy (NDA) requires passing both a written exam and strict physical standards. Among the physical criteria, candidate height, weight, and age proportions are frequently evaluated.
Understanding the official NDA height weight chart ensures you prepare effectively without facing medical disqualification during the Services Selection Board (SSB) medical examination.
What is the NDA Height Weight Standard?
The Armed Forces demand candidates who can handle rigorous training and operational demands. Height and weight must be proportionate (ideally BMI in the healthy range of roughly 18.5–25). Being underweight or overweight often leads to Temporary Unfit (TU) status, requiring correction before final merit. Weight is assessed against height and age at entry, with limited variation allowed (commonly up to 10% on the higher side in many references, though boards evaluate overall fitness).
Always cross-check the latest UPSC NDA/NA notification, as minor updates occur. Standards apply at the time of medical examination.
Minimum Height Requirements for NDA
Height is measured without shoes, standing straight.
Male candidates
- Army and Navy: Minimum 157 cm
- Air Force Flying Branch: Generally 162.5 cm (exact figure may appear as 162–163 cm across sections; confirm notification)
- Ground Duty branches: Around 157–157.5 cm
Female candidates
- Army and Navy: Minimum 152 cm
- Air Force Flying Branch: Same higher anthropometric standards as males (around 162.5 cm)
Regional relaxations (widely applicable):
- Gorkhas, candidates from hills of North-Eastern India, Garhwal, and Kumaon: Males 152 cm; Females 148 cm.
- Certain island or tribal categories (e.g., Lakshadweep, Andaman & Nicobar, Ladakh tribals) may receive 2 cm further reduction in some notifications.
A growth allowance of about 2 cm is sometimes considered for candidates under 18 years if the medical board expects natural increase during training.
Flying Branch additional measurements (critical for pilots):
- Sitting height: 81.5 cm to 96.0 cm
- Leg length: 99.0 cm to 120.0 cm
- Thigh length: Maximum 64.0 cm
Official NDA Height Weight Chart – Males (At Entry)
Below is the standard height and weight acceptable range for male candidates as prescribed for NDA entrants:
| Height (cm) | Weight (kg): 15–17 Years | Weight (kg): 17–18 Years | Weight (kg): 18–19+ Years |
| 157 | 43 – 45 | 45 – 47 | 47 – 49 |
| 160 | 45 – 47 | 47 – 49 | 48 – 51 |
| 162.5 | 47 – 49 | 49 – 51 | 50 – 53 |
| 165 | 48 – 50 | 50 – 52 | 52 – 55 |
| 167.5 | 50 – 52 | 52 – 54 | 53 – 56 |
| 170 | 51 – 53 | 53 – 55 | 55 – 58 |
| 172.5 | 53 – 55 | 55 – 57 | 57 – 60 |
| 175 | 54 – 56 | 56 – 58 | 59 – 62 |
| 177.5 | 56 – 58 | 58 – 60 | 60 – 63 |
| 180 | 58 – 60 | 60 – 62 | 62 – 65 |
| 182.5 | 60 – 62 | 62 – 64 | 64 – 67 |
| 185 | 61 – 63 | 63 – 65 | 65 – 68 |
Note: A variation of ±10% from the baseline chart weight is generally permissible, provided it is supported by healthy muscle mass rather than excess body fat.
Official NDA Height Weight Chart – Females (At Entry)
Since female entry was introduced for the National Defence Academy, separate physical parameters apply:
Minimum Height Required: 152 cm for Army and Navy.
Minimum Height for Flying Branch (IAF): 162.5 cm.
Relaxation for Specific Regions: Candidates from Lakshadweep, the North-Eastern region, Garhwal, and Kumaon receive a 2 cm reduction in minimum height.
| Height (cm) | Weight (kg): 17 Years | Weight (kg): 18 Years | Weight (kg): 19 Years |
| 152 | 38 – 40 | 40 – 42 | 41 – 43 |
| 155 | 40 – 42 | 42 – 44 | 43 – 45 |
| 157 | 41 – 43 | 43 – 45 | 44 – 46 |
| 160 | 43 – 45 | 45 – 47 | 46 – 48 |
| 162.5 | 44 – 46 | 46 – 48 | 47 – 49 |
| 165 | 46 – 48 | 48 – 50 | 49 – 51 |
Height Relaxations for NDA Candidates
Special height relaxations are provided to candidates belonging to specific regions or categories:
Gorkhas and Candidates belonging to Hills of North-Eastern regions, Garhwal, and Kumaon: Minimum height relaxation of 5 cm.
Candidates from Lakshadweep: Minimum height relaxation of 2 cm.
Age & Growth Factor: Candidates who are under 18 years at the time of entry may be granted a slight waiver if the medical board anticipates ongoing physical growth.
Common Reasons for Medical Disqualification in NDA
Failing to align with the NDA height weight standards can result in temporary or permanent medical rejection:
Overweight / Obesity: Weight exceeding 10% above the maximum limit for height and age.
Underweight: Weight falling below 10% of the minimum limit without sufficient muscle mass.
Chest Expansion: Less than 5 cm expansion capacity regardless of chest measurement.
Postural Issues: Knock knees, flat feet, lordosis, or scoliosis.
Tips to Achieve Ideal NDA Height Weight Proportions
Calculate Your BMI & Target Weight: Track your target weight based on your exact age group and height bracket.
Structured Nutrition: Focus on balanced lean protein, fiber, and clean carbs to build healthy muscle mass rather than pure body weight.
Cardio & Strength Training: Engage in running, swimming, and bodyweight exercises to maintain body fat percentage within military limits.
Hydration and Posture: Practice core exercises and posture alignment routines to maximize measured height during medical board examinations.
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Prepare effectively for your written examinations and medical tests with expert guidance at Indian Defence Institute—the Best NDA Coaching in Dehradun.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – NDA Height & Weight Standards
Q1: What is the minimum height required for NDA for male and female candidates?
Answer: The general minimum height required for male candidates in NDA (Army and Navy) is 157 cm, whereas for female candidates it is 152 cm. For the Indian Air Force Flying Branch, both male and female candidates must have a minimum height of 162.5 cm along with specific leg length, sitting height, and thigh length parameters.
Q2: How much weight variation (margin) is allowed in the NDA SSB Medical Exam?
Answer: The Medical Board usually permits a ±10% weight variation from the official NDA height-weight chart, provided the candidate exhibits healthy body composition with lean muscle mass rather than high body fat.
Q3: What happens if a candidate is overweight or underweight during the Medical Test?
Answer: Candidates who exceed or fall short of the allowable weight range (beyond the permissible 10% margin) are given a Temporary Unfitness (TU) status. They are granted approximately 42 days to adjust their weight according to the official chart and reappear for a Appeal Medical Board (AMB).
Q4: Is there any height relaxation given for candidates from specific regions?
Answer: Yes, candidates belonging to North-Eastern regions, Garhwal, Kumaon, and Gorkhas receive a 5 cm height relaxation (minimum 152 cm for males and 147 cm for females). Candidates from Lakshadweep receive a 2 cm height relaxation.
Q5: Can I gain height or manage body weight while preparing for the NDA written exam?
Answer: Yes. While skeletal height is largely genetic, posture correction, spinal decompression exercises, and proper stretching can help candidates maximize their measured natural height. For weight management, structured physical training alongside NDA written preparation—such as daily running, core strength drills, and a balanced diet—ensures candidates meet SSB medical standards effortlessly.
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