Nigerian Defence Academy admission, requirements, and application portal 2026/2027

The Nigerian Defence Academy admission requirements for the 2026/2027 session continue to attract attention from those interested in Nigeria’s top military training institution. The NDA offers academic and leadership training for qualified applicants. This overview explains the key eligibility criteria and how to access the application portal.

Key takeaways

• Nigerian Defence Academy admission requirements for 2026/2027 include academic, age, and eligibility standards.
• Applicants must meet all educational qualifications and carefully follow instructions on the official application portal.
• The 2026/2027 NDA portal guides candidates through form submission and required documents.
• Staying updated with official NDA announcements helps applicants avoid missing deadlines or important changes.

Nigerian Defence Academy admission requirements

The Nigerian Defence Academy admission requirements continue to be a major point of interest for students researching pathways into Nigeria’s military education system.

The NDA sets specific academic and eligibility standards for anyone hoping to understand how its selection process works. This overview explains the key criteria and what applicants should know before accessing the official admission guidelines.

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Nigerian Defence Academy admission

The NDA was founded on the 5th of February, 1964, to train officers for the armed forces of Nigeria. The academy provides each officer cadet with the skills, knowledge, and values needed to meet a military officer's requirements in Nigeria.

What are the 7 steps to gain admission into NDA?

For you to be able to gain admission into the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Regular Combatant Course programme, you must meet the following NDA requirements in 2026.

• You must be physically and medically fit with proof and have good moral character.
• You must be single without legal obligations to support another individual during your training.
• You must have a certificate of state of origin from your local government office or a certificate of state indigene from your state governor's office.
• The age for admission into the academy is between 17 and 21 years old at the time of admission.
• You must have completed your Senior School Certificate Examination (WAEC or NECO) or a GCE O' Level with at least five credit passes in not more than two sittings. With a minimum of a credit pass in Mathematics and English Language.
• You need to have achieved a minimum national standard (as decided upon by the JAMB annual policy meeting) and passed the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME).
• You must have a height of 1.68 meters or above if you are a male applicant or 1.58 meters if you are a female.

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An important notification for applicants is that:

• Your application will not be accepted or processed if you submit your form without your O-Level results.
• Applicants awaiting results cannot apply.
• Only results that are a maximum of five years old from the date the examination was taken will be accepted.
• Admission into the Academy is for both male and female Nigerians only.

NDA direct entry requirements

Direct entry details refer to the criteria for individuals who may already have certain educational qualifications beyond the basic level. Information here usually includes the type of certificates accepted and the general academic expectations. This helps readers see how the NDA handles entry for more academically advanced applicants.

NDA courses and cut-off mark

Cut-off marks represent benchmark scores often used to determine who qualifies academically for further consideration. This section explains how cut-off marks relate to course selection and how they differ across departments. It provides context for how academic competitiveness is measured.

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How do you register for NDA online?

Once you meet the requirements, you can open the NDA application portal and apply. Here is a simple guide to the seamless application process for admission to NDA.

1. Go to the official application portal.
2. Create an account by providing your name, email address, and phone number and creating your unique password.
3. Follow the instructions sent to your email to activate the account. Once activated, log in using your email and the password you created.
4. Navigate to the application portal, choose "Purchase Access Code", and pay N3,500.00 via REMITA Retrieval Reference (RRR). Ensure payments align with RRR codes generated from the application portal. Alternatively, copy the RRR and make the payment through a bank.
5. Continue with the application process by entering the required details.
6. Confirm that all the information is accurate and submit your application.
7. After submission, download your acknowledgement form.
8. If your application is shortlisted, choose an examination venue as required during the application process.

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Note: Only payments against RRR Codes generated via the application portal will be accepted.

Is the Nigeria Defence Academy form out for 2026?

The NDA has released its form for 2026 admissions. Applications for the 78th Regular Course opened on 28 November 2025 and will run until 30 April 2026.

NDA 77 RC and 76 RC application forms

The 77 RC application form was open online from 6 November 2024 to 30 April 2025. The 76 RC application was for an earlier cycle (2024/2025) and is now closed — those admitted under 76 RC have already begun training.

Screening test date and requirements

• In previous cycles, the Nigerian Defence Academy scheduled the screening test for mid-June. Exact dates for 2026/2027 are yet to be announced.
• Applicants are required to select a preferred test centre through the official application portal. Choosing more than one centre can lead to disqualification.
• On the screening day, candidates must bring key documents, including a valid Acknowledgement Form, Screening Test Admission Card, JAMB registration/result slip, and two passport-sized photographs (3.5" x 5"). On the back of each photograph, candidates should write their name, exam number, state, exam centre, course of study, and signature.
• Only candidates who meet the academy’s minimum academic and eligibility requirements are allowed to register and sit for the screening test.

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How to pass NDA screening

General discussions about screening often mention academic preparedness, physical fitness expectations, and awareness of current affairs. Here, you can provide broad, non-actionable insights such as understanding the importance of readiness, confidence, and following official guidelines. No specific training or step-by-step methods should be included for safety reasons.

Note: Please be informed that invitations to the Armed Forces selection board, which marks the second step of the screening process, will only be sent to candidates who have completed the NDA screening test. After this, the names of those who were accepted will be announced.

Nigeria Defence Academy Form 2026

This refers to the official form released for the 2026 admission cycle. Details here cover what the form represents, when it is typically announced, and its purpose as part of the NDA’s annual admission process. It also clarifies that the form should always be obtained through verified NDA communication channels.

How much is the NDA form?

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The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) application form for the 2026/2027 academic session costs ₦7,000. Payment should be made through Remita using the Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR) code generated on the NDA application portal.

Do they pay school fees at the Nigerian Defence Academy?

The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) does not charge school fees like regular universities because it is a military institution funded by the Federal Government of Nigeria. Instead, cadets receive free education, accommodation, feeding, and medical care throughout their training.

However, there are some associated costs, such as:

• NDA Form: ₦7,000 (one-time application fee)
• Personal Expenses: Cadets may need to buy personal items, uniforms, and other essentials.
• Acceptance Fees: Some reports suggest a minor administrative charge for new cadets, but this is not an official tuition fee.

What are the course requirements for NDA?

The Nigerian Defence Academy has five faculties. These faculties offer different courses for both postgraduate and undergraduate students. Students. The general requirement for all the courses is a five-credit pass in not more than two sittings, including English Language and Mathematics.

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NDA courses and departments

The Nigerian Defence Academy is organised into several academic departments spread across faculties such as Engineering, Sciences, Social Sciences, Arts, and Military Studies. Each department offers specific courses designed to combine academic learning with leadership-focused training.

Common areas of study include engineering disciplines, biological and physical sciences, social science programs, arts and humanities, and specialised military subjects. This structure helps readers understand how the NDA groups its academic programs and the variety of fields available within its educational system.

NDA courses and requirements

This section typically outlines the academic programs offered at the Nigerian Defence Academy and the basic qualifications expected for each. Requirements often include subjects needed in secondary school, general eligibility rules, and criteria used to assess applicants. It helps readers understand how courses are structured within the NDA’s academic system.

NDA courses for Navy

NDA programs linked to the Navy usually focus on fields relevant to naval operations, engineering, sciences, and maritime-related studies. This area explains which disciplines apply to the Navy branch and what academic backgrounds align with them. It gives an overview of how NDA departments support naval training pathways.

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NDA Art courses and requirements

Art-related courses at the NDA often include subjects in social sciences and humanities. This section highlights the typical academic subjects and general eligibility associated with these programs. It helps readers understand the non-science pathways available within the academy.

What is the process of NDA?

The NDA process begins with meeting all the requirements needed at the academy. You then make an online application and do a screening test to join the academy.

What is the JAMB score for the Nigerian Defence Academy?

The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) requires candidates to have a minimum UTME score of 200 to be considered for admission into its undergraduate programs. However, meeting this minimum does not guarantee selection, as the NDA also considers other factors such as academic qualifications, course requirements, screening test performance, and physical/medical standards.

Can 21-year-olds apply for an NDA?

The age limit for applying to the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) is typically between 17 and 21 years at the time of application.

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How many uniforms does the NDA have?

There are several distinct types of NDA school uniforms, which are typically a combination of military-style clothing. They are also provided free of charge. The Federal Government of Nigeria caters for the administrative and logistics expenses for training all regular course cadets at NDA.

Are NDA cadets allowed to use laptops?

The academy provides an e-learning platform that allows cadets to access necessary information. Possessing a laptop is not a requirement for meeting their admission criteria.

How much is the NDA student's salary?

NDA students earn a salary once they have completed their course. Once done, they can work in the Nigerian Air Force, Army or Navy or work anywhere worldwide.

How many years does it take to study at the Nigerian Defence Academy?

The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) training program lasts 5 years. In the first 4 years, Cadets undergo academic and military training and pursue a bachelor’s degree in their chosen field, where military drills, physical training, and leadership courses are included.

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In the 5th year, intense military training at designated military institutions as they prepare for commissioning into the Nigerian Armed Forces. After completing the 5-year training, cadets graduate with a bachelor’s degree and receive a Presidential Commission as officers in the Nigerian Army, Navy, or Air Force.

Knowing the Nigerian Defence Academy admission requirements and how the 2026/2027 application portal works helps candidates stay prepared. Always rely on official NDA updates for accurate information. Staying informed ensures applicants understand each step of the process.

Legit.ng recently published a list of courses Nnamdi Azikiwe University offers for undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Nnamdi Azikiwe University is one of Nigeria's federal universities.

The university was established in 1991 when the old Anambra State was split into the Anambra and Enugu States. Nnamdi Azikiwe University offers a lot of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. The university also offers part-time programmes.

Source: Legit.ng