AbdulThe Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, is Nigeria’s premier military university responsible for training officers for the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Every year, thousands of young Nigerians apply for admission into the academy’s highly competitive Regular Course (RC). As anticipation builds, prospective candidates are actively searching for verified information about the NDA Admission Application Form for the 78th Regular Course (2026).
This comprehensive guide provides accurate, up-to-date, and student-friendly information on the NDA 78th Regular Course admission, including eligibility criteria, application procedures, screening stages, important dates, and career benefits.
About the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna
Established in 1964, the Nigerian Defence Academy is a degree-awarding military institution that combines academic education with military training. NDA graduates earn a Bachelor’s degree and are commissioned as officers into one of the Nigerian Armed Forces after successful completion of training.
The academy is known for:
- High academic and military standards
- Leadership and character development
- Structured discipline and professionalism
- Career stability and national service
What Is the NDA Regular Course?
The Regular Course (RC) is a full-time programme designed for civilians who aspire to become commissioned officers in the Nigerian Armed Forces. The programme lasts:
- 5 years for Army cadets
- 4 years for Navy and Air Force cadets
The 78th Regular Course (2026) is expected to follow the academy’s established admission structure.
Is the NDA 78th Regular Course Application Form for 2026 Out?
Online applications are open for admission into the 78th Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna. The application window runs from Friday, 28 November 2025 to 30 April 2026. The offer is open to Nigerian males and females who meet the set conditions.
All successful Regular Course cadets will train within the Academy. The Federal Government of Nigeria will handle training costs, administration, and logistics. Cadets do not pay for schooling while undergoing training, which many students find helpful.
Admitted candidates will participate in both military and academic training for a period offive years. At the end of the programme, graduates earn an honours degree such as BSc, BEng, or BA, depending on their field. They also receive a Presidential Commission into the Armed Forces of Nigeria. It is a long road, yes, but many past cadets say the structure helps shape discipline early.
Admission Requirements
Details for each undergraduate course are available on the NDA website and application portal. Information on eligibility, degree options, and screening centres is also listed there. Knowledge of French, Arabic, or Mandarin may help applicants, though it is not compulsory. Ordinary level results like SSCE or NECO must not be older than five years at the time of admission.
To qualify for the 78th Regular Course, candidates must meet these conditions:
- Be medically and physically fit, with good moral conduct.
- Be single, male or female, with no legal duty to support a child or another person.
- Present a valid Certificate of Indigeneship from a state or local government.
- Be 17 years old, and not above 21 years by August 2026.
- Have at least five O’level credits at not more than two sittings. These must include English Language, Mathematics, and three subjects related to the chosen course.
- Have written the UTME and reached the approved national cut-off score set by JAMB.
- Meet the height rule: 1.68 metres for males and 1.65 metres for females.
- Any background in French, Arabic, or Mandarin counts as an added point.
For more details, see the NDA Courses and Requirements.
Notes for Applicants
Candidates should keep the following in mind:
- Forms sent without O’level results will not be accepted.
- Candidates awaiting results are not eligible.
- Only O’level results that are not more than five years old will be accepted.
- Subjects for the NDA Screening Test must match the listed subject combinations on the portal.
Missing any of these can stop an application early, even if other parts look fine.
Method of Application
Applicants are to visit the NDA application portal at www.ndaapplications.net and select Purchase Access Code. Payment of ₦7,000 is made through REMITA. Only payments made with an RRR code generated from the portal will count.
After payment, candidates should complete the online form carefully and read all instructions provided. Applicants must also apply through JAMB, select NDA as first choice, and sit for the UTME.
See JAMB UTME updates for more details.
Completed forms must be submitted online with scanned copies of SSCE, NECO, or equivalent results. After submission, candidates should download and keep the Acknowledgement Form. Some students forget this part and later regret it.
Screening Test Conditions
Only candidates who meet the admission rules and score 210 for Engineering courses or 180 for other faculties in UTME will be allowed to print the Screening Test Admission Card and attend the test.
Find out more about the NDA entrance exam.
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 are expected to come with:
- Acknowledgement Form
- Screening Test Admission Card
- JAMB result slip
- Two postcard-sized photographs (3.5 x 5 inches)
The photos should show the chest upwards. At the back, candidates must write their name, exam number, state, exam centre, course, and add a signature. Only candidates who pass this stage will be invited for the Armed Forces Selection Board, which is Phase Two. After that, the list of admitted candidates will be released.
Shortlisting and Screening Process
Shortlisted candidates are invited for:
- Armed Forces Selection Board (AFSB) screening
- Physical fitness tests
- Medical examinations
- Oral interviews
Final admission is based on overall performance and merit.
Training and Benefits of NDA Cadetship
1. Fully Sponsored Education
Cadets receive tuition-free education, accommodation, feeding, and uniforms.
2. Monthly Allowance
Cadets earn stipends throughout training.
3. Career Security
Graduates are commissioned into the Nigerian Armed Forces.
4. Leadership Development
Training focuses on discipline, leadership, and patriotism.
Important Tips for NDA Applicants
- Apply early to avoid portal congestion
- Prepare adequately for the entrance examination
- Maintain physical fitness
- Use accurate personal and academic details
- Regularly check official updates
Reference Materials
The Academy provides a Compendium of Past Questions and Answers for interested applicants at a small fee. This can be purchased from the Registry, NDA. Many candidates find it useful for practice, though it takes steady reading.
For further details, visit the NDA official website or email info@ndaapplications.net.
Conclusion
The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna Admission Application Form for the 78th Regular Course 2026 offers a unique opportunity for young Nigerians seeking a fully funded education, leadership training, and a respected military career. The admission process is competitive and merit-based, requiring academic excellence, discipline, and physical fitness.
Interested candidates are encouraged to stay informed through official NDA communication channels and prepare thoroughly for each stage of the selection process.
Abdul
