Last Updated on 2 days ago by Haruna Ayuba
The Nigerian Defence Academy has announced that the NDA Screening Test (NDAST) for the 78 Regular Course will hold on Saturday, 13 June 2026, simultaneously in every state of Nigeria including the Federal Capital Territory. Eligible candidates — those who scored 180 and above in the April 2026 JAMB UTME and selected NDA as their first-choice institution — must select their preferred state of test location by 24 May 2026. The email prompting that selection was sent out on 20 May 2026.
Key Highlights
- Exam date: Saturday, 13 June 2026
- Exam name: NDA Screening Test (NDAST) — 78 Regular Course
- Minimum JAMB score required: 180 (April 2026 UTME)
- First-choice requirement: NDA must have been selected as first-choice institution on JAMB
- Location selection deadline: 24 May 2026 (via email link sent 20 May 2026)
- Test centre notification: First week of June 2026
- Venue coverage: Nationwide — all 36 states + FCT
- Official website: nda.edu.com.ng
- Source: Official NDA announcement signed by the Academy Registrar, 19 May 2026
About the Nigerian Defence Academy
The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), located in Kaduna, is Nigeria’s premier military institution for the training of officer cadets for the Nigerian Armed Forces — the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Admission into the NDA is among the most competitive processes in Nigerian higher education, combining academic screening, physical fitness assessment, and security vetting.
The 78 Regular Course is the latest intake cycle, open to Nigerian citizens seeking commissioned officer careers in the Armed Forces. The NDAST is the first formal academic hurdle — candidates who pass proceed to further stages of the selection process.
Who Is Eligible for the NDAST (78 Regular Course)?
Two conditions must both be true for a candidate to be eligible:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| JAMB Score | 180 and above in the April 2026 UTME |
| First-choice institution | NDA must have been selected as first-choice on JAMB |
Candidates who meet both conditions were sent an email on 20 May 2026 with a link to select their preferred state for the test. If you believe you are eligible and did not receive this email by 20 May, check your spam/junk folder immediately, then contact the NDA through the official channels listed at the bottom of this article.
What You Must Do Before 24 May 2026
This is urgent. The deadline to select your state of test location is 24 May 2026 — just days away from the date of this announcement.
Step 1: Check Your Email
Open the email account you used for your 2026 JAMB registration. Look for an official NDA email sent on or around 20 May 2026. Check your spam and promotions folders if you do not see it in your inbox.
Step 2: Select Your State of Residence
Click the link in the email and select your state of residence as your preferred test location. The NDA has explicitly advised that candidates should choose their state of residence — not necessarily the state with the closest NDA facility — because the test holds nationwide. Choosing a different state unnecessarily complicates your logistics without any advantage.
Step 3: Submit Before the Deadline
Complete the location selection by 24 May 2026. Submissions after this date may not be accommodated.
Step 4: Wait for Your Test Centre Allocation
The NDA will notify all eligible candidates of their specific allocated test centre by the first week of June 2026. This notification will also come via email and will include further instructions for the exam day.
⚠️ Do not travel to any centre without receiving your official allocation notice. Showing up at an unallocated centre will not grant you access to the exam.
What to Expect on Exam Day — 13 June 2026
The NDAST is an academic screening examination that tests candidates across subjects relevant to degree-level study. While the NDA has not published the full exam format in this announcement, the NDAST typically covers English Language, Mathematics, and one or two science or arts subjects depending on the candidate’s intended course of study at the academy.
Candidates should prepare to bring:
- A valid means of identification (JAMB registration slip, national ID, or international passport)
- Their NDA exam allocation notice (to be sent in the first week of June)
- Stationery as instructed in the allocation email
The full list of requirements and exam day instructions will be communicated via email to all eligible candidates.
Timeline at a Glance
| Date | What Happens |
|---|---|
| April 2026 | JAMB UTME conducted — eligibility period |
| 20 May 2026 | NDA sends location selection email to eligible candidates |
| 24 May 2026 | Deadline to select state of test location |
| First week of June 2026 | NDA sends test centre allocation to each candidate |
| 13 June 2026 | NDAST holds nationwide |
Frequently Asked Questions — NDA Screening Test 2026
When is the NDA Screening Test for the 78 Regular Course?
The NDAST for the 78 Regular Course holds on Saturday, 13 June 2026. It takes place simultaneously in every state of Nigeria and the FCT.
What is the minimum JAMB score for the NDA 78 Regular Course?
Candidates must have scored 180 and above in the April 2026 JAMB UTME and must have selected NDA as their first-choice institution at the time of registration.
I didn’t receive the NDA location selection email — what do I do?
Check your spam and junk folders first. If the email is still not there, contact the NDA directly through their official channels: website at nda.edu.com.ng, or their official social media pages on Facebook (Nigerian Defence Academy), X (@Ndefenceacademy), or Instagram (@Nigeriandefenceacademy).
What state should I choose for the NDAST location?
The NDA has specifically advised candidates to select their state of residence. The test is nationwide, so choosing your home state is the practical and recommended option.
When will I know my NDAST test centre?
Allocated test centres will be communicated to candidates by the first week of June 2026 via email. Do not attempt to go to any centre before receiving this allocation.
What happens after the NDAST?
Candidates who pass the NDAST typically proceed to further stages of the NDA selection process, which includes a medical examination, physical fitness test, and security screening. The NDA will communicate next steps to candidates who are successful at the screening test stage.
Can I take the NDAST if I chose NDA as my second choice on JAMB?
No. The official announcement states that eligible candidates are those who selected NDA as their first-choice institution on JAMB. Second-choice candidates are not eligible for the 78 Regular Course NDAST.
Is the NDA NDAST held in all states?
Yes. The announcement confirms that the NDAST will hold in every state of Nigeria including the Federal Capital Territory. Candidates do not need to travel to Kaduna or any other specific state for the exam.
Final Thoughts
The NDAST for the NDA 78 Regular Course is a time-sensitive process with an immediate deadline of 24 May 2026 for location selection. If you scored 180 or above on the April 2026 JAMB and chose NDA as your first choice, check your email right now, select your state of residence, and submit before the deadline. Your test centre allocation will arrive in the first week of June — after that, prepare for the exam on 13 June 2026.
Source: This article is based on the official NDA announcement signed by the Academy Registrar on 19 May 2026 and published on the NDA’s official social media platforms. This page will be updated when test centre allocations are announced or further instructions are published. For anything not covered here, visit nda.edu.com.ng or the NDA’s official social media channels.
⚠️ Disclaimer: Admission and screening details are subject to change by the institution. CampusNinja is not affiliated with the Nigerian Defence Academy and cannot be held responsible for changes made after our last update. Always verify the latest information at nda.edu.com.ng.
