The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, has announced the commencement of applications for admission into its 78th Regular Course. Interested Nigerians who meet the required criteria can apply online between Friday, 28 November 2025 and Tuesday, 30 April 2026.

Both male and female candidates are eligible to apply, provided they satisfy the Academy’s academic, physical, and age requirements.

What the NDA Regular Course Offers

Candidates admitted into the Regular Course undergo five years of intensive military and academic training within the Academy. Throughout this period, the Federal Government of Nigeria fully sponsors their education, accommodation, feeding, training, and other logistics.

At the end of the programme, successful cadets graduate with an honours degree (BSc, BEng, or BA, depending on their chosen discipline) and are commissioned as officers into the Armed Forces of Nigeria by the President.

General Admission Requirements

Detailed course-specific requirements are available on the NDA application portal. Applicants can also find information on degree options and screening centres there.

To be eligible for the 78th Regular Course, applicants must:

Be medically and physically fit and of good character
Be single and free from any legal obligation to support a child or dependent
Possess a valid Certificate of Indigeneship from a recognised local or state authority
Be at least 17 years old and not more than 21 years by August 2026
Have five O’Level credits in not more than two sittings, including English Language, Mathematics, and three subjects relevant to the chosen course
Have sat for the UTME and met the approved JAMB cut-off mark
Meet the minimum height requirement: 1.68m for males and 1.65m for females

Knowledge of French, Arabic, or Mandarin is an added advantage but not compulsory. O’Level results must also be not more than five years old at the time of application.

Important Notes for Applicants

Candidates are to pay close attention to the following points:

Applications submitted without O’Level results will be rejected
Awaiting results candidates are not eligible
Only O’Level results obtained within the last five years are accepted
Subject combinations for the NDA Screening Test must match those listed on the portal

Failure to meet any of these conditions may lead to disqualification, even if other requirements are satisfied.

How to Apply for NDA Admission

All applications must be completed online via the NDA application portal.

Application Steps

Visit www.ndaapplications.net
Click on “Purchase Access Code”
Pay the sum of ₦7,000 through REMITA using an RRR generated from the portal
Complete the online application form carefully
Apply through JAMB, choose NDA as first choice, and sit for the UTME

Only payments made through the official portal are recognised.

After submission, applicants must download and keep the Acknowledgement Form, as it will be required later.

UTME Cut-Off Marks for Screening

Only candidates who meet the required UTME scores will be invited for the NDA Screening Test:

Engineering courses: 210 and above
Other faculties: 180 and above

Eligible candidates will be able to print their Screening Test Admission Card from the portal.

NDA Screening Test Date and Requirements

The NDA Screening Test (Phase One of the Post-UTME process) will take place on:

Saturday, 6 June 2026

Items to Bring to the Test Venue

Candidates must come with:

Acknowledgement Form
Screening Test Admission Card
JAMB result slip
Two postcard-size photographs (3.5 × 5 inches)

Each photograph should show the candidate from the chest upward. At the back, candidates must write their name, exam number, state of origin, exam centre, chosen course, and add a signature.

Only candidates who pass this phase will be invited for Phase Two, the Armed Forces Selection Board. Final admission lists will be released after the conclusion of all screening stages.

Recommended Study Materials

The NDA makes available a Compendium of Past Questions and Answers, which can be purchased from the Academy’s Registry at a subsidised rate. Many candidates use this material to prepare effectively for the screening test.

Need More Information?

Applicants are advised to visit the official NDA website for updates or direct enquiries to:
info@ndaapplications.net

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