Nigerian Defence Academy 78th Regular Course Admission 2026/2027: Complete Application Guide and Requirements
Nigerian Defence Academy opens portal for 78th Regular Course: Complete guide on eligibility requirements, application process, UTME subject combinations, and available programs across 5 faculties.
Nigerian Defence Academy 78th Regular Course Admission 2026/2027
The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) has officially opened its application portal for the 78th Regular Course admission for the 2026/2027 academic session.
This listing provides all the essential information prospective cadets need to successfully apply for admission into one of Nigeria’s premier military training institutions.
Application Timeline and Portal Information
The application process for the 78th Regular Course runs from November 28, 2025, through April 30, 2026. Interested candidates can apply through the official NDA applications portal at www.ndaapplications.net. The portal provides a streamlined application process designed to make submission easier for qualified applicants.
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General Eligibility Requirements
Before applying, candidates must ensure they meet all the fundamental requirements established by the Academy. These requirements are non-negotiable and designed to identify individuals with the physical, academic, and moral qualifications necessary for military service.
Age and Physical Requirements
Applicants must be between 17 and 21 years old as of August 2026, which is the official entry date into the Academy. Male candidates must be at least 1.68 meters tall, while female candidates must be at least 1.65 meters tall. All applicants must be medically and physically fit, demonstrating the stamina and health necessary for rigorous military training.
Marital Status and Citizenship
Only single male and female Nigerian citizens are eligible for admission. Candidates must not have any legal obligation to support a child or other individuals. Applicants must present a valid Certificate of Indigeneship from their state government or local government area as proof of Nigerian citizenship.
Academic Qualifications
The academic requirements are specific and must be satisfied before application submission. Candidates must possess a minimum of five credit passes at the Ordinary Level, obtained through GCE, SSCE (WAEC, NECO, NBAIS, or NABTEB) examinations. These five credits must include English Language and Mathematics, plus three other subjects relevant to the intended program of study. These results must be obtained in not more than two sittings.
Additionally, candidates must have passed the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and achieved the minimum national standard determined by JAMB’s annual policy meeting. Results must be current, with only O-Level examination results from the past five years being accepted. Candidates awaiting results are not qualified to apply.
Additional Advantages
While not mandatory, knowledge of French, Arabic, or Mandarin language provides candidates with an added advantage during the selection process.
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Available Academic Programs by Faculty
The Nigerian Defence Academy offers diverse academic programs across five faculties, allowing cadets to pursue their academic interests while receiving military training.
Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science offers five programs: BSc Biological Science, BSc Biotechnology, BSc Chemistry, BSc Mathematics, and BSc Physics. For Biological Science and Biotechnology, candidates need credits in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, and Chemistry, plus one subject from Physics, Further Mathematics, Agricultural Science, Geography, or Health Education.
Chemistry students require credits in English Language, Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry, with an additional subject from Biology, Further Mathematics, or Agricultural Science. Mathematics candidates need English Language, Mathematics, Physics, and any two subjects from Chemistry, Further Mathematics, Biology, Computer Science, Technical Drawing, Basic Electronics, or Basic Electricity.
Physics students must have credits in English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and one subject from Biology, Further Mathematics, Technical Drawing, Agricultural Science, Basic Electronics, or Basic Electricity.
Faculty of Engineering and Technology
This faculty provides four engineering programs: BEng Civil Engineering, BEng Electrical and Electronics Engineering, BEng Mechanical Engineering, and BEng Mechatronics Engineering. All engineering programs require five credits including English Language, Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry. The fifth credit varies by program, with Technical Drawing and Further Mathematics being particularly relevant for most engineering disciplines.
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
This faculty offers eight diverse programs including BA English, BA French, BSc Geography, BA History and War Studies, BSc Political Science, BSc Defence and Security Studies, BSc Psychology, and BA Arabic. Each program has specific subject requirements tailored to its academic focus. For instance, English requires Literature in English as a compulsory subject, while French requires French language credits.
Geography can be approached from either a science or arts perspective, accepting credits from Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Agricultural Science, or from Arts and Social Sciences subjects. Psychology requires Biology and Mathematics along with other relevant subjects.
Faculty of Management Sciences
Four programs are available in this faculty: BSc Accounting, BSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management, BSc Economics, and BSc Management Studies. Accounting requires Financial Accounting, while Economics demands Economics as a compulsory credit subject. All management programs require Mathematics and Economics, alongside other relevant social science subjects.
Faculty of Military Science and Interdisciplinary Studies
This faculty offers cutting-edge programs including BSc Computer Science, BSc Cyber Security, BSc Intelligence and Security Science, and BSc Military Science. Computer Science and Cyber Security require Mathematics and Physics as compulsory subjects, while Intelligence and Security Science focuses on social science subjects like Government, Economics, Geography, and History.
UTME Subject Combinations
The UTME subject combination varies by faculty and chosen course. Science and Engineering candidates must typically take Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry. Arts and Social Sciences candidates have more flexibility, selecting from subjects like Literature in English, Government, Economics, Geography, and History, depending on their chosen program.
Management Science candidates generally take Mathematics, Economics, and another Social Science subject. Military Science and Interdisciplinary Studies candidates combine Mathematics and Physics with one of Biology, Chemistry, Economics, or Geography, depending on their specific program.
NDA Screening Test Subjects
After meeting UTME requirements, candidates must prepare for the NDA Screening Test, which assesses their suitability for their chosen program.
All candidates answer Use of English questions, plus three additional subjects based on their faculty. Arts and Social Sciences candidates select from Mathematics, Economics, Geography, History, Government, French, Biology, and Arabic, with Psychology candidates required to take Mathematics and Biology.
Science candidates take Mathematics and two other subjects from Physics, Chemistry, Biology, or Economics, depending on their chosen course. Engineering candidates answer questions in Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry. Management Science candidates tackle Economics and two subjects from Government, Mathematics, Geography, or History.
Military Science and Interdisciplinary Studies candidates answer Mathematics, Physics, and one subject from Biology, Chemistry, Economics, or Geography for most programs. Intelligence and Security Science candidates take Government and two subjects from Economics, Geography, and History.
Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Download and Review Requirements
Before creating an account, download and thoroughly read the official advertisement and entry requirements from the portal. Understanding all requirements prevents errors during application submission.
Step 2: Create Your Account
New applicants must create an account using a valid email address. The system sends activation instructions to this email. Check your inbox and spam folder for the activation email, then follow the provided instructions to activate your account and log in.
Step 3: Generate Payment RRR and Make Payment
After logging in, carefully read the payment instructions provided on the portal. Generate your Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR) number through the portal. You can complete payment directly through the portal or copy the RRR number to make payment through your bank. Ensure payment is completed before proceeding to the next step.
Step 4: Complete Your Application Form
Enter your valid biodata and all other required information accurately. Required information typically includes personal details, educational qualifications, O-Level results, UTME scores, and other relevant data. Take your time to ensure all information is accurate and complete.
Step 5: Confirm Your Information
Before submitting, carefully review all information provided. This step is critical because you cannot edit information after submission. Double-check names, dates, examination numbers, grades, and all other data for accuracy.
Step 6: Attest and Submit Your Application
Once satisfied that all information is correct and complete, attest to the truthfulness of your application and submit it. Submission marks the completion of your online application process.
Step 7: Download Required Forms
After successfully submitting your application, download your acknowledgement form and parent consent form. Keep these documents safe as they may be required during subsequent stages of the admission process.
Step 8: Select Examination Venue
If your application is shortlisted for the screening examination, you will receive notification to log into the portal and choose an examination venue. Select a venue that is convenient and accessible for you.
Important Notes for Applicants
Candidates must be aware of several critical points that could affect their application status. Applications submitted without O-Level results will not be accepted under any circumstances. This requirement is absolute and non-negotiable.
The Academy only accepts O-Level results obtained within the past five years from the examination date. Results older than this will not be considered valid for admission purposes.
Cadets admitted to the NDA are full-time students, not employees in training. Upon admission, cadets cannot claim any employment rights or engagement whatsoever with the institution or Federal Government of Nigeria should they be dismissed or withdraw from the Academy.
Character assessment is taken seriously throughout the selection process. Candidates must be of good moral character, as any indication of questionable behavior could result in disqualification at any stage of the admission process.
Why Choose the Nigerian Defence Academy
The Nigerian Defence Academy stands as Nigeria’s premier institution for training commissioned officers for the Armed Forces. Located in Kaduna, the Academy combines rigorous military training with quality academic education, producing graduates who are both intellectually capable and militarily competent.
Cadets receive comprehensive training in leadership, discipline, physical fitness, and military tactics while pursuing accredited undergraduate degrees. The institution’s unique blend of military and academic excellence prepares graduates for successful careers in the Nigerian Armed Forces and beyond.
The Academy’s modern facilities, experienced faculty, and structured curriculum ensure that cadets receive world-class education and training. Graduates emerge as officers who are well-equipped to serve Nigeria with distinction and honor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the age requirement for NDA 78th Regular Course? Candidates must be at least 17 years old and not more than 21 years old as of August 2026.
Can married people apply to NDA? No, only single candidates without any legal obligation to support a child or other individuals are eligible.
How many O-Level sittings are allowed? Candidates must obtain their five credit passes, including English and Mathematics, in not more than two sittings.
Are candidates awaiting results eligible to apply? No, candidates awaiting results are not qualified to apply. You must have your complete O-Level results before submission.
What is the minimum height requirement? Male candidates must be at least 1.68 meters tall, while female candidates must be at least 1.65 meters tall.
How old can my O-Level results be? Only O-Level examination results from the past five years will be accepted for admission purposes.
Can I edit my application after submission? No, you cannot edit any information after submitting your application. Review carefully before final submission.
What happens after I submit my application? Download your acknowledgement form and parent consent form. If shortlisted, you will be notified to select an examination venue.
Do NDA cadets receive salaries? No, cadets are full-time students, not employees in training, and do not receive salaries during their studies.
Which JAMB subjects should I register for Engineering? Engineering candidates should register for Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics in their UTME examination.
Contact Information
For inquiries and additional information, contact the Nigerian Defence Academy at their Kaduna campus. The official application portal at www.ndaapplications.net also provides contact details and support for applicants experiencing difficulties during the application process.
Prospective candidates are encouraged to visit the portal regularly for updates, announcements, and important information regarding the admission process. Early preparation and careful attention to all requirements significantly improve chances of successful admission into the prestigious 78th Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy.
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