Nigerian Defence Academy has opened online applications for admission into its 78th Regular Course for the 2026 academic session. The application period runs from Friday, 28 November 2025 to 30 April 2026.
The admission is open to qualified Nigerian males and females who meet the approved requirements. Successful candidates will undergo five years of combined military and academic training at the Academy in Kaduna.
All training, accommodation, feeding, and administration costs are fully covered by the Federal Government of Nigeria. Cadets do not pay tuition fees throughout the programme.
At graduation, cadets earn an honours degree such as BSc, BEng, or BA, depending on their course. They also receive a Presidential Commission into the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
NDA 78th Regular Course Admission Requirements
Applicants must meet all the conditions below:
- Be medically and physically fit with good moral character
- Be single, male or female, with no legal responsibility for a child or dependent
- Present a valid Certificate of Indigeneship from a state or local government
- Be at least 17 years old and not above 21 years by August 2026
- Possess at least five O-Level credits in not more than two sittings
- O-Level subjects must include English Language, Mathematics, and three relevant subjects related to the chosen course
- O-Level results must be WAEC or NECO and not older than five years
- Have written UTME and met the approved JAMB cut-off mark
- Meet the height requirement:
- 1.68 metres for males
- 1.65 metres for females
- Knowledge of French, Arabic, or Mandarin is an added advantage but not compulsory
Important Notes for Applicants
Candidates should note the following:
- Applications submitted without O-Level results will not be accepted
- Awaiting result candidates are not eligible
- Only O-Level results obtained within five years are valid
- UTME subject combinations must match those listed on the NDA portal
- Missing any requirement can stop an application, even if other conditions are met
How to Apply for NDA 78th Regular Course
All applications must be completed online.
Application Steps
- Visit www.ndaapplications.net
- Select Purchase Access Code
- Pay the ₦7,000 application fee through REMITA
- Use only the RRR code generated from the portal
- Complete the online application form carefully
- Apply through JAMB, choosing NDA as first choice
- Sit for the UTME examination
After submission, applicants must download and keep the Acknowledgement Form.
NDA Screening Test Requirements
Only candidates who meet the admission conditions and score:
- 210 and above for Engineering courses, or
- 180 and above for other faculties
will be allowed to print the Screening Test Admission Card and attend the test.
NDA Screening Test Date and What to Bring
The NDA Screening Test, which serves as Phase One of the Post-UTME, is scheduled for:
Saturday, 6 June 2026
Candidates must come with:
- Acknowledgement Form
- Screening Test Admission Card
- JAMB result slip
- Two postcard-sized photographs (3.5 × 5 inches)
Each photograph must show the chest upwards. At the back, candidates must write their name, exam number, state of origin, exam centre, chosen course, and signature.
Only candidates who pass this stage will be invited for the Armed Forces Selection Board (Phase Two). The final admission list will be released after the selection process.
NDA Past Questions and Study Materials
The Academy provides a Compendium of Past Questions and Answers, available for purchase at the NDA Registry. Many candidates use it for focused preparation.
Official NDA Contact and Updates
For official updates, visit https://nda.edu.ng/
Email enquiries: [email protected]
For more NDA admission updates, JAMB cut-off guides, and 2026 application news, continue to visit universities.ng.
