NDA Exam Guide — Eligibility, Syllabus, and Selection Process

What is the NDA Exam?

The National Defence Academy (NDA) exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice a year to select candidates for admission to the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy and the Indian Naval Academy. It is one of the most prestigious defence entrance exams in India.

After clearing the written exam and SSB (Services Selection Board) interview, selected candidates undergo training at the NDA in Khadakwasla, Pune, for three years, followed by specialized training at their respective service academies.

Who is Eligible?

Nationality

• Must be a citizen of India

Age Limit

• 16.5 to 19.5 years on the first day of the course commencement
• Born between specific dates as mentioned in the notification

Educational Qualification

• Army Wing: Class 12 pass or appearing from any recognized board
• Air Force & Navy Wings: Class 12 pass or appearing with Physics and Mathematics as mandatory subjects

Gender

• Both male and female candidates can apply (after Supreme Court ruling)

Marital Status

• Must be unmarried at the time of joining

NDA Exam Pattern

The NDA written exam has two papers:

SSB Interview

• 900 marks (equal to written exam)
• Total merit: Written (900) + SSB (900) = 1,800 marks

Marking Scheme

• Paper I: +2.5 for correct, -0.83 for wrong
• Paper II: +4 for correct, -1.33 for wrong

NDA Syllabus

Paper I — Mathematics

• Algebra — quadratic equations, complex numbers, binomial theorem
• Matrices and Determinants
• Trigonometry — identities, heights and distances
• Analytical Geometry (2D and 3D)
• Differential Calculus
• Integral Calculus and Differential Equations
• Vector Algebra
• Statistics and Probability

Paper II — General Ability Test

Part A — English (200 marks)

• Grammar and usage
• Vocabulary and comprehension
• Cohesion and coherence in writing

Part B — General Knowledge (400 marks)

• Physics (Class 11-12 level)
• Chemistry (Class 11-12 level)
• General Science
• History — Indian freedom movement, world history
• Geography — India and world geography
• Current Events — national and international

Step-by-Step Application Process

How to Apply

1. Visit upsc.gov.in when the notification is released
2. Click on "Online Application for Various Examinations"
3. Register with a valid email ID and phone number
4. Fill Part I of the application form — basic details
5. Fill Part II — detailed information, photo, and signature upload
6. Pay the application fee online
7. Download the confirmation page

Application Fees

Selection Process

Stage 1: Written Exam

• UPSC conducts the written exam at centres across India
• Results are declared on upsc.gov.in

Stage 2: SSB Interview (5 Days)

• Day 1: Screening test — Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) and Picture Perception & Discussion Test (PPDT)
• Days 2-5: Psychological tests, Group Testing Officer (GTO) tasks, and personal interview
• Conference: Final assessment on the last day

Stage 3: Medical Examination

• Candidates recommended by SSB undergo a thorough medical exam
• Must meet medical standards for the chosen service

Stage 4: Merit List

• Final merit based on written exam + SSB marks
• Allocation to Army/Navy/Air Force based on merit and preference

Important Dates (Annual Cycle)

NDA Training

• Duration: 3 years at NDA, Khadakwasla, Pune
• Degree: BA or BSc from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU)
• Stipend: Cadets receive a monthly stipend during training
• After NDA: 1 year at respective service academy (IMA for Army, INA for Navy, AFA for Air Force)
• Commission: Permanent Commission as Lieutenant / Sub-Lieutenant / Flying Officer

Important Tips

• Start early — begin preparing in Class 11 to cover the vast syllabus
• Physical fitness matters — SSB tests physical endurance; maintain a fitness routine
• Read newspapers — current affairs is a significant part of GAT
• Practice math daily — Paper I (Mathematics) is the differentiator for most candidates
• SSB is not just knowledge — it tests leadership, team spirit, and officer-like qualities

Frequently Asked Questions

Can girls apply for NDA?

Yes, after the Supreme Court's landmark decision, female candidates can apply for NDA. They are eligible for all three wings — Army, Navy, and Air Force.

How many attempts are allowed for NDA?

You can attempt NDA as long as you meet the age criteria (16.5 to 19.5 years). Typically, candidates get 2-3 attempts based on their age.

What is the salary after NDA?

After commissioning as a Lieutenant, the starting salary is approximately ₹56,100 (Level 10 of 7th CPC) plus Military Service Pay, DA, and other allowances totaling around ₹80,000-90,000 per month.

Is coaching necessary for NDA?

Self-study with NCERT books (Class 11-12) and previous year papers is sufficient for the written exam. For SSB, mock interview practice and personality development help.

Can NDA cadets choose their regiment or branch?

Branch allocation (Infantry, Artillery, Engineering, etc.) happens based on merit and preference during training. Top performers get priority in choice.

What if I clear the written exam but fail SSB?

You need to clear both the written exam and SSB to join NDA. If you fail SSB, you must reappear for the written exam in a subsequent attempt. See our CDS exam guide for alternative defence entry routes.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. CitizenNest is not affiliated with UPSC or the Indian Armed Forces. Visit upsc.gov.in for official notifications.