NDA

National Defence Academy

Army · Navy · Air Force Officer Commission

NDA (National Defence Academy) exam is conducted by UPSC twice a year to select candidates for the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. Successful candidates train at NDA, Khadakwasla, Pune — one of India's most prestigious military academies.

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Conducted by
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Frequency
Twice a year (April & September)
Total Marks
900 (Written) + 900 (SSB) = 1800
Prep Time
6–12 months
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Eligibility
10+2 for Army; PCM in 10+2 for Navy & Air Force
Age Limit
16.5 to 19.5 years (born between specific dates as per notification)
Attempts
No specific limit during age eligibility window

Exam Pattern & Stages

Stage 1
Written Exam
900 marks
Pen & Paper OMR

Mathematics (300 marks, 2.5 hrs) and General Ability Test — GAT (600 marks, 2.5 hrs). Negative marking of 0.83 (Math) and 1.33 (GAT) per wrong answer.

Stage 2
SSB Interview
900 marks
5-Day Selection Board

5-day process at Services Selection Board. Day 1: Screening (OIR + PPDT). Days 2–4: Psychology tests, GTO tasks, Group Discussions. Day 5: Conference. Tests officer-like qualities.

Stage 3
Medical Examination
Qualifying
Medical Board

Comprehensive medical examination at designated Military Hospitals. Specific standards for vision, height, weight and overall fitness for each service branch.

Syllabus Breakdown

Mathematics
  • Algebra — Sets, Matrices, Determinants
  • Trigonometry
  • Analytical Geometry (2D & 3D)
  • Differential & Integral Calculus
  • Statistics & Probability
  • Vector Algebra
GAT — English
  • Grammar & Usage
  • Vocabulary & Comprehension
  • Spotting Errors
  • Para Jumbles
  • Précis Writing concepts
GAT — General Knowledge
  • Physics — Laws and applications
  • Chemistry — Everyday chemistry
  • Biology — Human body basics
  • History — Modern India focus
  • Geography — Physical & Indian
  • Current Events & Defence

Career Outcomes & Posts

Army — commissioned as Lieutenant
Navy — Sub-Lieutenant
Air Force — Flying Officer
Naval Academy — B.Tech degree + Commission
All three services: 4-year training at NDA followed by 1-year at IMA/INA/AFA

Expert Preparation Tips

1

Mathematics carries 300 marks — prepare it like a board exam; do not take it lightly

2

GAT General Knowledge section covers Physics and Chemistry at 10+2 level — NCERT is sufficient

3

For SSB, work on communication skills, leadership instincts and self-awareness well in advance

4

Start physical fitness training 3–4 months before SSB: running, swimming, obstacle courses

5

Read newspapers regularly — Current Affairs and Defence news appear every year in GAT

6

Join NDA mock SSBs (offered by coaching institutes) to experience the 5-day process before the real one

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