What is the NDA exam?
The National Defence Academy and Naval Academy (NDA and NA) Examination is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission. It selects young candidates for the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy at Khadakwasla, Pune, and for the Indian Naval Academy Course (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme). UPSC holds it twice a year as NDA and NA (I) and (II), each with its own notice.
Eligibility basics
- Who: unmarried male and female candidates who are citizens of India or fall under the other categories named in the notice.
- Age: about 16 and a half to 19 and a half years. The exact birth-date window is printed in each notice.
- Army wing of NDA: Class 12 pass in the 10+2 pattern or equivalent.
- Air Force and Navy wings of NDA, and the Naval Academy: Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.
- Students who are still in Class 12 can apply and must submit proof of passing by the date in the notice.
Stages and selection process
| Stage | What it tests | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics paper | Class 11-12 level maths | 300 |
| General Ability Test | English and general knowledge | 600 |
| SSB interview | Intelligence and personality tests by a Services Selection Board | 900 |
The written exam is held on one day, with the two papers in separate sessions. Both papers are objective and last two and a half hours each. One-third of the marks for a question is deducted for a wrong answer. Candidates who clear the written cut-off are called to the SSB, which runs over several days. The final merit list combines written and SSB marks, out of 1,800 in all, and candidates must also be declared fit in the medical examination. A low score in either paper can keep you out even if your total looks fine, because the notice can set minimum marks for each part. Candidates who opt for the Air Force wing also take the Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS) test.
How to apply
- Read the NDA and NA notice on upsc.gov.in for dates, the birth-date window, the number of vacancies and medical standards.
- Register on the UPSC online application portal and fill the form for that exam.
- Give your order of preference for the services, choose an exam centre, upload your photo and signature, and pay the fee unless you are exempt.
- Download the e-admit card from the UPSC website when it is issued before the written exam.
After the written result, qualified candidates follow the notice's instructions to register on the recruiting website of their service, and SSB dates are then allotted. Those finally selected join the course at the National Defence Academy or the Indian Naval Academy and train before commissioning as officers.
NDA guides on HindiScope
- Every chapter of the maths paper and the six parts of the GAT general knowledge section are listed in our NDA syllabus and exam pattern guide.
- Topic lists for other national exams are on the syllabus hub .
Related exams
Graduates who want a government career through UPSC can look at the UPSC Civil Services exam . For a uniformed role soon after Class 10, the SSC GD Constable exam recruits for the central armed police forces.
HindiScope is not an official site; confirm every detail on upsc.gov.in.