DETAILS ABOUT NDA EXAM

🇮🇳 Your Journey to the National Defence Academy Starts Here

🚀 Conquer Mathematics (Paper I)

This is the first and most critical hurdle. Master every topic from Algebra to Trigonometry with R.S. Aggarwal's time-tested guide, building the speed and accuracy needed to clear the cutoff with ease.

Master Maths

🌍 Dominate General Ability (GAT Paper II)

Cover the vast syllabus of the GAT paper, from History and Geography to Science and Current Affairs, with this comprehensive and targeted guide by Ankit Bhati.

Ace GAT

📚 Ace the English Section

The English section carries 200 crucial marks. Build an unbeatable command of grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension with Jaideep Singh's expert-recommended guide for defence exams.

Boost English Score

ℹ️Full Form

National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination.

✅Eligibility

Nationality: Must be a citizen of India (or subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or Tibetan refugee).
Gender & Marital Status: Unmarried male and female candidates.
For Army Wing: 10+2 Pass or equivalent examination from a recognized Board.
For Air Force and Naval Wings: 10+2 Pass with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics from a recognized Board.

🎂Age Limit

The candidate's age must be between **16.5 and 19.5 years** on the date of commencement of the course. This is a very strict criterion.

📖Detailed Syllabus

Paper I - Mathematics: Algebra, Matrices and Determinants, Trigonometry, Analytical Geometry (2D and 3D), Differential Calculus, Integral Calculus and Differential Equations, Vector Algebra, Statistics and Probability. (Class XI & XII level).
Paper II - General Ability Test (GAT):
- Part A (English): Grammar and usage, vocabulary, comprehension, and cohesion.
- Part B (General Knowledge): Covers Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History & Freedom Movement, Geography, and Current Events. The weightage is highest for Physics and English.

⚙️Selection Process

The selection is a two-stage process conducted by UPSC and the Services Selection Board (SSB):

Step 1: Written Examination. Candidates are first shortlisted based on their performance in the written NDA exam conducted by UPSC.
Step 2: SSB Interview. Shortlisted candidates undergo a comprehensive 5-day interview process at an SSB center. This includes psychological tests, group tasks, and a personal interview to assess "Officer Like Qualities" (OLQs).
Step 3: Medical Examination. Candidates recommended by the SSB undergo a rigorous medical examination.

💰Starting Salary Potential (After Commissioning)

During the 3-year training at NDA, cadets receive a fixed monthly stipend. After commissioning as an officer, the starting rank is Lieutenant in the Army (or equivalent) in Pay Level 10. The starting salary, including all allowances, is approximately ₹85,000 - ₹1,00,000 per month.

🎖️Starting Post & Department

After 3 years at NDA and 1 year at the respective service academy (IMA, INA, AFA), cadets are commissioned as officers:

Indian Army: Lieutenant
Indian Navy: Sub-Lieutenant
Indian Air Force: Flying Officer

📋Job Profile

The job of an armed forces officer is the epitome of leadership. It involves leading soldiers, sailors, or airmen, managing sophisticated military equipment, strategic planning, and serving in various terrains and conditions, both in peace and during conflict. It is a life of honor, discipline, and adventure.

🎁Facilities After Selection (At NDA)

World-class academic infrastructure (B.Sc./B.A./B.Tech degrees are awarded).
State-of-the-art sports and adventure facilities (sailing, horse riding, fencing, etc.).
Cadets' accommodation and mess facilities.
Comprehensive medical care.
A disciplined and structured environment fostering camaraderie and leadership.

🎯Scope

NDA is the premier joint services training institution in the world. It is the most prestigious pathway for a young student to become a commissioned officer in the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force. It provides a fully funded, world-class education and a guaranteed, respected career dedicated to the service of the nation.

🗓️Exam Dates & Frequency

Frequency: The NDA exam is conducted twice a year by UPSC.
Exam Months: NDA (I) is typically held in April, and NDA (II) is held in September.

📝How to Apply

Candidates must apply online through the official UPSC website. The process involves a two-part registration, filling the application form, uploading documents, and paying the fee.

📊Exam Structure & Score Pattern

Paper	Subject	Max Marks	Duration
Paper I	Mathematics	300	2.5 Hours
Paper II	General Ability Test (GAT)	600	2.5 Hours
Total (Written)		900
SSB Interview		900

Scoring Pattern: There is **negative marking** for incorrect answers in the objective written tests (1/3rd of the marks for the question).

⏱️Duration of the Exam

Each of the two written papers (Mathematics and GAT) is 2.5 hours (150 minutes) long, held on the same day.

⏳Result Time

The results of the written examination are typically declared within 30 to 40 days.

💸Fees

The application fee is ₹100 for General/OBC candidates. Female candidates and candidates belonging to SC/ST categories are exempted from fee payment.

🌐Official Website

For all official notifications and application forms, always refer to the official UPSC website: upsc.gov.in