The UPSC holds entrance Examination twice a year for entry into the NDA and NA. Candidates on completion of 10+2 examination or while in the 12th standard are eligible to compete. Having cleared UPSC written examination, eligible candidates undergo Service Selection Board (SSB) interview for five days. On being medically fit and coming in NDA merit list, successful candidates join the NDA or NA as per their option of service exercised at the time of applying. On completion of the course, they are sent to the respective Service Academies for their pre-commissioning training.
Eligibility Criteria | |
Age | 16 ½ to 19½ yrs as on first day of the month in which course is due to commence |
Qualification | 12th Class of 10+2 System of Education of Equivalent for Army and with Physics and Maths for AF/Navy |
Marital Status | Un Married |
How to Apply | Apply Online on UPSC Website as per dates given in the Notification in the months of Jun and Dec. |
Likely SSB Date | Sep to Oct for Jan Course and Jan to Apr for Jul Course |
Date Commencement of Training | Jan and Jul |
Training Academy | NDA , Khadakwasla, Pune |
Duration of Training | 3 Yrs at NDA and 1 Yr at IMA |
NATIONALITY
A candidate must either be:
EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
For Army Wing of National Defence Academy
12th Class pass of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent examination conducted by a State Education Board or a University
For Air Force and Naval Wings of National Defence Academy and For the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at the Indian Naval Academy
12th Class pass of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent with Physics and Mathematics conducted by a State Education Board or a University.
NOTE- Candidates who are appearing in the 12th Class under the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent examination can also apply for this examination.
SELECTION PROCEDURE
EXAMINATION DETAILS
Exam | Release Notification | Submission of online application | Written Exam | SSB Interview |
NDA - I | Dec | Jan - Feb | Apr | Sep - Oct |
NDA - II | Jun | Aug - Sep | Nov | Mar - APR |
The exam is comprised of two papers i.e. Paper I (Mathematics) Paper II (General Ability Test). General Ability Test is further divided into two parts that include English and General Knowledge (including Science). All questions are objective type with negative marking for the wrong answers.
Subject | No of Questions | Marks | Duration |
Mathematics | 120 | 300 | 2.5 Hrs |
General Ability Test (GAT) | 150 | 600 | 2.5 Hrs |
Total | 270 | 900 | 5 Hrs |
SSB Interview | 5 Days |
General Ability Test
SNo. | Subject | No of Questions | Marks |
1. | English | 50 | 200 |
2. | Physics | 25 | 100 |
3. | Chemistry & Biology | 25 | 100 |
4. | His/Geo/Eco/Polity/Current/Defence | 50 | 200 |
5. | Total | 150 | 600 |
Marking Pattern
Negative Marking
SUBJECTS/TOPICS COVERED
PAPER-I (MATH) | PAPER-II (GENERAL ABILITY) |
Algebra | Biology |
Trigonometry | Chemistry |
Probability | Physics |
Matrices determinants | History |
Analytical geometry | Civics |
Differential calculus | Geography |
Integral calculus | English |
Vector algebra | Current Affairs |
EXAM PREPARATION
In NDA written exams the questions are asked from 10+2 level. Hence, it is advisable that candidates practice and solve questions from 10th to 12th classes. For Maths paper working on key section such as Algebra, Trigonometry and Geometry is advised. Try to read newspapers daily to improve reading skills. English paper broadly covers grammar, synonyms, antonyms and reading Comprehensions. For Physics, Chemistry, Biology and General Science, try to stick with the basics that have been taught from 10th to 12th classes.
CourseDuration | Course Code | Admission Dates | Batch Start Dates | Classes Schedule |
12 months | NDA 012 | Open | 1st and 15th of each month | 3 to 4 hours every day (six days a week) |
6 months | NDA 006 | Open | 1st and 15th of each month | 4 hours every day (six days a week) |
3 months | NDA 003 | Open | 1st and 15th of each month | 4 to 5 hours every day (six days a week) |
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