Entry to Indian Army, Navy & Air Force (Officer Cadre)

🧭 1. Introduction

The National Defence Academy (NDA) is India’s premier tri-service academy that trains cadets of the Army, Navy, and Air Force together before they join their respective academies (IMA, INA, AFA).
Selection is done through the UPSC NDA written exam, followed by the SSB Interview and medical tests.

The NDA exam is conducted twice a year (NDA I & NDA II) by UPSC.

🛡️ 2. Eligibility Criteria

1. Nationality

Indian citizen
Subjects of Nepal/Bhutan or Tibetan refugees meeting prescribed norms

2. Age Limit

Typically 16.5 to 19.5 years
Exact dates vary per NDA I/II notification

3. Educational Qualification

Wing	Qualification
Army	Passed/appearing Class 12
Navy & Air Force	Class 12 with Physics & Mathematics

4. Marital Status

Unmarried male & female candidates only

🧪 3. NDA Selection Process

Stage 1: UPSC Written Examination

Two papers, same day:

Mathematics – 300 marks
GAT (General Ability Test) – 600 marks
- Includes English + General Knowledge

Total: 900 marks

Stage 2: SSB Interview (Services Selection Board)

OIR + PPDT screening
Psychology tests
Group testing
Personal interview

Total: 900 marks

Stage 3: Medical Examination

As per defence service standards (vision, height, physical health, etc.)

Final Merit List

Based on Written (900) + SSB (900) = 1800 marks

📘 4. NDA Exam Pattern

Mathematics

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Marks: 300
Level: Class 11–12

GAT (General Ability Test)

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Marks: 600
Sections:
- English – 200 marks
- General Knowledge – 400 marks

Negative Marking

1/3rd marks deducted for wrong answers

📚 5. NDA Syllabus (Detailed)

A. Mathematics

Algebra
Matrices & Determinants
Trigonometry
Analytical Geometry
Differential & Integral Calculus
Vector Algebra
Statistics & Probability

B. GAT – English

Grammar
Vocabulary
Reading comprehension
Usage & sentence improvement

C. GAT – General Knowledge

Physics (Class 11–12 level)
Chemistry
General Science
History & Indian Freedom Movement
Geography
Current Affairs
Defence-related awareness

🪖 6. Physical Fitness Requirements

Although not part of the written exam, candidates must be fit for SSB and medical:

Running: Good stamina
Push-ups, sit-ups, rope climbing
Height & weight: As per standards
Vision: 6/6 (with/without correction depending on branch)

🎯 7. Training After Selection

After clearing SSB + medical and joining NDA:

3 years training at NDA, Khadakwasla
Awarded B.Sc/B.A/B.Tech (depending on wing)
Followed by
- Army → Indian Military Academy (IMA)
- Navy → Indian Naval Academy (INA)
- Air Force → Air Force Academy (AFA)

🔗 8. Official Links (Only Official Ones)

👉 UPSC – NDA Exam Official Page
https://www.upsc.gov.in
👉 Apply Online (UPSC OTR Portal)
https://upsconline.nic.in
👉 Official Indian Army/Navy/Air Force Training Info
https://www.nda.nic.in

National Defence Academy (India ...

🇮🇳 NDA – National Defence Academy (UPSC NDA Exam) 2025–26