National Defence Academy
The NDA examination is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice a year to select candidates for the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy and Indian Naval Academy Course. It is one of the most prestigious and physically demanding entrance exams for defence services in India. Successful candidates undergo training at NDA, Khadakwasla, Pune, before being commissioned as officers in the Indian Armed Forces.
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Age Limit | 16.5 to 19.5 years. Candidates must not be born before a specified date and not after a specified date as per each notification. Exact dates vary by cycle. |
| Marital Status | Must be unmarried at the time of application and throughout training at NDA. |
| Educational Qualification | 12th Standard (or appearing) from a recognised board for Army wing. Physics and Mathematics at 12th level required for Navy and Air Force wings. |
| Gender | Both male and female candidates are eligible. Female candidates may apply for Army and other wings as per the latest Supreme Court ruling and UPSC notification guidelines. |
| Physical Standards | Candidates must meet minimum height (157 cm for Army, 157 cm for Navy/Air Force), weight, and vision standards. Detailed physical standards are specified in each notification. |
| Nationality | Indian citizen, or a subject of Bhutan or Nepal, or a person of Indian origin migrated from specified countries with intention to permanently settle in India. |
120 objective-type questions. Negative marking: -0.83 marks for each wrong answer. Covers Class 11–12 Mathematics syllabus.
150 objective-type questions. Negative marking: -1.33 marks for each wrong answer. Tests English language proficiency and broad general awareness.
Algebra, trigonometry, calculus, statistics, and probability at Class 11–12 level. This is the entire Paper I (300 marks) and requires strong conceptual grounding.
Grammar, comprehension, vocabulary, and language usage. Tested in GAT Part A (200 marks). English is also the medium of SSB interview assessments.
Physical world, kinematics, laws of motion, work-energy, gravitation, thermodynamics, waves, and electromagnetism at CBSE Class 11–12 level.
States of matter, atomic structure, chemical equilibrium, electrochemistry, and organic chemistry basics as per the Class 11–12 syllabus.
Cell biology, genetics, ecology, human physiology, and biotechnology basics. Tests general science awareness relevant for modern warfare and health in field conditions.
Dates marked as Tentative are based on previous year patterns and subject to official notification. Always verify with the official NDA website.
NDA (National Defence Academy) examination is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice a year — NDA I (April) and NDA II (September). It selects candidates for training at the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, Pune, and Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala, Kerala, for commissioning as officers in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Yes. Following the Supreme Court of India's landmark judgment in 2021, female candidates are now eligible to apply for NDA examination. They can be selected for all three wings — Army, Navy, and Air Force — subject to fulfilling the prescribed physical standards and other eligibility criteria mentioned in each UPSC notification.
The NDA written exam has two papers: Mathematics (300 marks, 120 questions, 2.5 hours) and General Ability Test/GAT (600 marks, 150 questions, 2.5 hours). Total written exam marks = 900. Negative marking applies: -0.83 per wrong answer in Maths and -1.33 per wrong answer in GAT. SSB interview carries 900 marks, making the total selection marks 1800.
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Shortlisted candidates appear before SSB. Assesses personality, leadership, and officer-like qualities. Conducted at SSB centres across India.
Indian history from ancient to modern era, freedom movement, and world history including major wars that shaped geopolitics relevant to defence strategy.
Physical, political, and economic geography of India and the world. Includes climate, natural resources, and strategic geography relevant to military operations.
Constitution, governance, defence policy, international relations, and current events with focus on India's strategic environment and armed forces developments.