6 questions about National Defence Academy
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.
Physics and Mathematics at 12th level is mandatory only for the Navy and Air Force wings. For the Army wing, any stream (Science, Arts, or Commerce) at 12th standard is acceptable. However, since the written exam Paper I is entirely Mathematics (300 marks), candidates from all streams must be strong in Mathematics regardless of their chosen wing.
Candidates who clear the written exam are called for SSB (Services Selection Board) interview. SSB is a 4–5 day process covering psychological tests, group tasks (outdoor and indoor), and a personal interview. It assesses officer-like qualities (OLQs), leadership potential, and personality. Only candidates who clear both written exam and SSB are recommended for medical examination and final selection.
Start with NCERT Mathematics textbooks for Classes 11 and 12 — cover all chapters thoroughly. Then practice from previous year NDA question papers (past 10 years). Focus heavily on algebra, trigonometry, and calculus as they carry the most weight. Solve at least 50–60 questions daily from mock tests. Time management is critical since 120 questions must be attempted in 150 minutes.