Board Thread:Episode Discussions/@comment-1181222-20170802095306/@comment-1512913-20170807162629

I believe that in the Narutoverse the Ninja Academy can really last only 1 year, as there have been characters who were said to have graduated in just 1 year. Basically, if a student is highly exceptional, then after 1 year he/she may become Genin, if not, more years are spent in the Academy.