How To Easily Apply For Nda In 2025: Admission Requirements For Aspiring Officers

The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna is the top military university in Nigeria and West Africa. It is the prestigious institution where young Nigerians are trained to become officers in the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force. NDA combines rigorous military training with top-quality academic education.

For candidates who dream of a military career, gaining admission into NDA is a crucial first step. This 2025 guide will walk you through how to apply, the admission requirements, courses offered, and tips to prepare successfully.

Overview of NDA

• Established: 1964

• Location: Kaduna, Nigeria

• Type: Military University

• Duration: 5 years (4 years academics + 1 year military training)

• Degree Awarded: Bachelor’s Degree + Presidential Commission as an Officer

• Service Arms: Army, Navy, Air Force

• Gender: Open to both male and female candidates

Available Courses at NDA (2025)

NDA offers over 25 accredited degree programs under the following faculties:

1. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

• BSc Political Science & Defence Studies

• BSc International Relations

• BSc Psychology

• BSc Geography

• BSc History & War Studies

• BSc French

2. Faculty of Engineering

• BEng Civil Engineering

• BEng Electrical/Electronics Engineering

• BEng Mechanical Engineering

• BEng Mechatronics

• BEng Computer Engineering

3. Faculty of Science

• BSc Biological Sciences

• BSc Chemistry

• BSc Mathematics

• BSc Physics

• BSc Computer Science

4. Faculty of Military Science & Interdisciplinary Studies

• BSc Intelligence & Cyber Security Studies

• BSc Logistics & Supply Chain Management

• BSc Defence & Security Studies

Admission Requirements for NDA 2025

To be eligible for NDA Regular Combatant Course (RC), candidates must meet academic, physical, and citizenshiprequirements.

1. Academic Requirements

• Minimum 5 O’Level Credits in not more than two sittings (WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB)

• Subjects must include English Language, Mathematics, and 3 other relevant subjects to the course

• Minimum JAMB Score: 180 (220+ recommended for Engineering & competitive courses)

• Only candidates who select NDA as their first choice in JAMB will be eligible

2. Age and Marital Status

• Must be between 17 and 21 years old as of September 2025

• Must be single, with no legal obligations to support a child or spouse

3. Height and Physical Fitness

• Minimum Height: 1.68m for males, 1.65m for females

• Must be medically and physically fit

• Must pass a Physical Fitness Test and Armed Forces Medical Examination

4. Nationality

• Must be a Nigerian citizen by birth

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for NDA Admission 2025

Step 1: Purchase JAMB Form and Select NDA as First Choice

• Register for JAMB UTME 2025

• Choose NDA (Nigerian Defence Academy) as your first choice institution

• Score at least 180 (200+ for Engineering or competitive courses)

Step 2: Visit NDA Application Portal

• Go to the official portal: https://rcapplications.nda.edu.ng

• Create an account and log in

Step 3: Purchase NDA Application Form

• NDA application form fee: ₦3,500

• Pay via Remita using a debit card or bank payment

Step 4: Fill in Online Application

• Enter your bio-data, course of study, and academic qualifications

• Upload required documents:

• Passport photograph

• O’Level results

• Birth certificate

• Local government certificate of origin

• JAMB result slip

Step 5: Submit and Print Acknowledgment

• After submitting the form, print the Acknowledgement Form

• Also print Examination Admission Card, which you’ll bring to the entrance exam

NDA Entrance Exam 2025

• NDA conducts its own entrance examination known as NDA Screening Test

• Subjects tested are based on JAMB subject combination

• Shortlisted candidates proceed to Armed Forces Selection Board (AFSB) for interview, medicals, and fitness tests

Important Documents for NDA Screening

• Acknowledgement Form

• NDA Exam Admission Card

• JAMB Result Slip

• Birth Certificate

• Certificate of Origin

• O’Level Certificate or Result

• Completed Attestation and Parent/Guardian Consent Form

• Letter of Identification signed by your LGA Chairman

Training Duration and What to Expect

• NDA program lasts for 5 years

• First 4 years are for academic training

• Final year is military training at NDA and other Nigerian Armed Forces training institutions

• Graduates are awarded a Bachelor’s Degree and commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, Flying Officer, or Midshipman

Why Choose NDA in 2025?

• Free education (fully sponsored by the Federal Government)

• Monthly allowance for cadets

• Guaranteed employment as a commissioned officer

• Prestigious and disciplined environment

• World-class military and academic training

Tips for a Successful NDA Application

• Study hard for JAMB and NDA entrance exams

• Choose less competitive but related courses if your JAMB score is low

• Begin physical fitness training early

• Keep your documents in a safe and accessible place

• Follow all NDA instructions to the letter

• Join NDA forums or WhatsApp groups for updates

FAQs about NDA Admission 2025

1. Can females apply to NDA in 2025?

Yes. NDA accepts both male and female candidates.

2. Is NDA form different from JAMB?

Yes. You must apply for NDA separately on their portal, in addition to JAMB.

3. What is NDA's cut-off mark for 2025?

Generally 180, but courses like Engineering may require 200+.

4. Is there an NDA part-time program?

No. NDA offers only full-time, regular military training.

5. Is NDA admission very competitive?

Yes. Thousands apply yearly for limited slots, so proper preparation is key.

6. Do NDA cadets get paid?

Yes. Cadets receive monthly stipends throughout their training.

Conclusion

Applying to the Nigerian Defence Academy in 2025 is a rewarding but challenging process. It requires academic excellence, physical fitness, patriotism, and discipline. If you meet the requirements and prepare properly, NDA could be your gateway to an honourable career in the Nigerian military.

Start early, follow the steps outlined above, and keep your eyes on the goal—becoming a commissioned officer serving Nigeria with pride and integrity.