NDA Admission Form 2026 (78th Regular Course) — Deadline Extended to May 15, Requirements and How to
NDA Admission Form 2026 — 78th Regular Course Is Open, Deadline Is May 15
The Nigerian Defence Academy NDA opened its 78th Regular Course application on Friday 28th November 2025 and the original deadline of April 30, 2026 has been officially extended to Friday, May 15, 2026. This extension was confirmed by the Academy Registrar through an official statement and it gives candidates who missed the original deadline additional time to apply. Do not assume further extensions will follow May 15 is the final confirmed date and candidates should complete their applications before then.
The NDA application is done entirely online through the official portal at www.ndaapplications.net. After May 15, the portal will close and no further applications will be accepted for the 78th Regular Course.
Is the NDA 1 2026 Application Form Out?
Yes. The NDA 78th Regular Course application form for 2026 has been out since November 28, 2025. The application portal is live at www.ndaapplications.net and candidates can currently access the portal, create their account, make payment, and submit their application before the May 15 deadline.
When Is the NDA Entrance Exam 2026?
The NDA Screening Test — which serves as Phase One of the Post UTME — is scheduled for Saturday, 6th June 2026. Candidates who pass this phase will then be invited for the Armed Forces Selection Board, which is Phase Two. Only candidates who complete Phase One successfully proceed to Phase Two. After that, the final list of admitted candidates is released.
How Much Is the NDA Admission Form?
The NDA 78th Regular Course application form costs. Payment is made through Remita using the Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR) code generated on the official NDA application portal. Payment can be made online through the portal or at any Nigerian bank using the RRR code. Only payment against RRR codes generated through the official portal is accepted — do not pay through any other channel.
NDA Admission Requirements 2026 — Full List
To be eligible for the 78th Regular Course, candidates must meet all of the following:
- Be a Nigerian citizen — both male and female Nigerians are eligible
- Be single without legal obligation to support any child or other individuals
- Be medically and physically fit with proof
- Be of good moral character
- Present a Certificate of Indigeneship from the state government or local government area
- Be at least 17 years old and not more than 21 years old by August 2026
- Have a minimum of five O'Level credit passes in GCE, SSCE (WAEC, NECO, NBAIS, NABTEB) including English Language, Mathematics, and three subjects relevant to the intended programme, in not more than two sittings
- O'Level results must not be more than five years old — results older than five years will not be accepted
- Have written the 2026 JAMB UTME — only candidates with a 2026 JAMB Registration Number can write the screening test
- Selected NDA as first choice institution on JAMB
- For Science and Arts courses, attain a UTME score of at least 180
- For Engineering courses, attain a UTME score of at least 210
- Meet the height requirements: at least 1.68 metres for males and 1.65 metres for females
- Candidates awaiting O'Level results are NOT eligible — completed results are mandatory
Additional advantage: background in French, Arabic, or Mandarin is noted as a positive factor for applicants.
How to Apply for NDA 2026 — Step by Step
Here is the exact process:
- Visit the official application portal: www.ndaapplications.net
- Select "Purchase Access Code" on the portal
- Fill in your details to generate your ORDER ID and Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR) code
- Pay N7,000 through Remita — either online through the portal or at any Nigerian bank using the RRR code
- Log back into the portal using the credentials sent after payment
- Complete your bio-data, contact details, and personal information
- Upload your passport photograph — the photo should show the chest upwards and must have your name, exam number, state, exam centre, course, and signature written on the back
- Ensure all information is accurate before submission — you cannot edit after submitting
- Attest and submit your completed application
What Happens After Applying?
After submitting your application, eligible candidates — those who meet all requirements including the JAMB score thresholds — can print their Screening Test Admission Card from the portal. This card is required on the day of the NDA Screening Test on June 6, 2026.
Candidates must also bring the following on screening day: - Valid Acknowledgement Form - Screening Test Admission Card - JAMB registration and result slip - Two passport-sized photographs (3.5" x 5")
How Long Is NDA Training?
Cadets admitted into NDA for Regular Course undergo military and academic training as Officer Cadets for 5 years for Nigerian Army cadets and 4 years for Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Air Force cadets. On successful completion, graduates earn an honours degree (BSc, BEng, or BA) in a core discipline and receive a Presidential Commission into the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
The Federal Government of Nigeria handles all training costs, accommodation, and logistics — admitted cadets do not pay for schooling while undergoing training. This makes NDA one of the few degree programmes in Nigeria that is entirely government-funded for admitted students.
Is NDA Past Question Available?
Yes. The NDA provides a Compendium of Past Questions and Answers for candidates preparing for the screening test. This is available at the Academy Registry at the NDA permanent site in Afaka, Kaduna, for a small fee. Candidates preparing for the June 6 screening test should obtain this resource directly from the NDA Registry.
For help with any part of the NDA application process before the May 15 deadline, reach out now.
Is the NDA admission form out for 2026?
Yes. The NDA 78th Regular Course application has been open since November 28, 2025, with the deadline officially extended to May 15, 2026.
When is the NDA entrance exam 2026?
The NDA Screening Test (Phase One) is scheduled for Saturday, 6th June 2026.
What are the NDA admission requirements?
Key requirements include being Nigerian, single, aged 17-21 by August 2026, medically fit, minimum five O'Level credits including English and Mathematics, 2026 JAMB score of 180 (Arts/Science) or 210 (Engineering), NDA as first choice on JAMB, height minimum of 1.68m (male) or 1.65m (female), and completed O'Level results not older than five years.
Can I apply for NDA 2 2026?
The current active application is for the 78th Regular Course closing May 15, 2026. There is no separate NDA 2 application within this cycle.
How do I register for NDA and get help with the application?
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