The Complete NDA Entrance Exam Guide: Your Gateway to Serving the Indian Armed Forces

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Executive Overview

2. Understanding NDA – The Tri-Service Academy

3. Eligibility Criteria

4. Application Process

5. NDA Written Examination

6. NDA Syllabus in Detail

7. Preparation Strategy

8. SSB Interview Process

9. Medical Standards and Physical Fitness

10. Training at NDA and Service Academies

11. Career Progression in Defence Forces

12. Pay Scale and Benefits

13. Important Guidelines and Instructions

14. Frequently Asked Questions

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1. Executive Overview

The National Defence Academy (NDA) examination represents one of India's most prestigious recruitment channels for officers in the Indian Armed Forces. Conducted twice yearly by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), the NDA exam opens doors to careers in the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force.

Key Highlights at a Glance

Why Choose NDA?

The NDA pathway offers:

• Permanent Commission and a secure career in the defence forces

• Structured career progression with defined rank advancement

• Competitive salary and allowances from the moment of commissioning

• World-class professional training at prestigious academies

• Opportunity to serve the nation in a position of responsibility

• Holistic development combining academics, physical training, and leadership

• Postings across India and international assignments

• Comprehensive medical and family benefits

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2. Understanding NDA – The Tri-Service Academy

What is NDA?

The National Defence Academy (NDA), located in Khadakwasla, Pune, Maharashtra, is the first tri-service academy in the world. It serves as the joint training establishment where cadets from the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force train together before proceeding to their respective service academies.

Historical Significance

Established as India's premier defence training institution, the NDA has produced thousands of officers who have led the Indian Armed Forces. The academy's motto, "Service Before Self", reflects the core values it instills in every cadet. The tri-service model at NDA promotes inter-service cooperation and joint operational thinking—a critical aspect of modern military strategy.

The Three Defence Forces

1. Indian Army

• Responsibilities: Border security, internal security operations, and humanitarian assistance

• Officers wear: Khaki uniforms

• Entry rank upon commissioning: Lieutenant

2. Indian Navy

• Responsibilities: Securing India's 7,517 km coastline, maintaining naval presence in the Indian Ocean Region

• Officers wear: White/tropical uniforms

• Entry rank upon commissioning: Sub-Lieutenant

• Unique aspect: Includes submarines, aircraft carriers, destroyers, and frigates

3. Indian Air Force

• Responsibilities: Air superiority, aerial reconnaissance, air defence, and airlifting

• Officers wear: Light blue uniforms

• Entry rank upon commissioning: Flying Officer

• Unique aspect: Opportunities for flying duties and technical specializations

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3. Eligibility Criteria

Nationality Requirements

Eligible candidates must be:

• Indian Citizens, as per the Constitution of India, OR

• Subjects of Nepal or Bhutan, OR

• Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) from specific countries as notified by UPSC

Note: PIO candidates require a Certificate of Eligibility from the Government of India. Gorkha subjects of Nepal do not require this certificate.

Age Limit

No age relaxation is provided to any category of candidates.

For NDA Examination I 2026

• Minimum Age: 16.5 years

• Maximum Age: 19.5 years

• Birth Date Range: Born between 2nd July 2007 and 1st July 2010 (inclusive)

For NDA Examination II 2026

• Minimum Age: 16.5 years

• Maximum Age: 19.5 years

• Birth Date Range: Born between 2nd January 2008 and 1st January 2011 (inclusive)

Marital Status

• Only unmarried male and female candidates are eligible

• Candidates who marry during the selection process or training will be disqualified

• Marriage during training will lead to immediate discharge with liability to refund all government expenditure

Educational Qualifications

For the Indian Army Wing

• Passed Class 12 examination (10+2) in any stream

• Candidates appearing for the final year examination are also eligible

For the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force Wings

• Passed Class 12 examination (10+2)

• Physics and Mathematics are mandatory subjects at the Class 12 level

• Candidates appearing for the final year examination with Physics and Mathematics are also eligible

Important Note: For candidates appearing in Class 12 final examination, a certificate indicating that they have appeared for the final examination and will complete it before the date specified in the notification must be submitted.

Physical and Mental Fitness

Candidates must be:

• Physically fit according to prescribed physical standards

• Mentally fit without any significant psychiatric disorders or emotional instability

• Free from conditions that would hamper their ability to serve in the Armed Forces

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4. Application Process

Step 1: One-Time Registration (OTR) with UPSC

1. Visit the official UPSC portal: https://upsconline.nic.in

2. Create your account by clicking "Register Here"

3. Provide personal details: Full Name, Date of Birth, Email, Mobile Number

4. Create a unique Username and Password

5. Verify your email and mobile number through OTP

Step 2: Apply for NDA & NA I Examination

1. Log in using your UPSC credentials

2. Click on the NDA & NA I 2026 application link

3. Fill in your personal information accurately

Step 3: Upload Required Documents

Personal Photograph: Recent colour passport-size, 50-200 KB, JPG/JPEG
Signature: Recent signature on white paper, 20-100 KB, JPG/JPEG
Thumb Impression: Left hand thumb (male), right hand thumb (female)
Proof of Age: Birth Certificate OR Class 10 Certificate OR Passport OR Aadhaar Card

Step 4: Provide Educational Qualification Details

• Board/University name, Year of passing, Percentage/CGPA, School/College details

Step 5: Pay the Application Fee

Step 6: Review and Submit

• Carefully review all information

• Verify uploaded documents are clear

• Save the Application Number and download the confirmation page

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5. NDA Written Examination

Exam Format Overview

Paper 1: Mathematics (300 marks)

• 120 questions × 2.5 marks = 300

• Correct answer: +2.5 marks

• Wrong answer: -0.83 marks (1/3rd deduction)

• Unattempted: 0 marks

Paper 2: GAT (600 marks)

• 150 questions × 4 marks = 600

• Correct answer: +4 marks

• Wrong answer: -1.33 marks (1/3rd deduction)

• Unattempted: 0 marks

Paper Structure

Paper 1: Mathematics

• Maximum Marks: 300

• Number of Questions: 120

• Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

Paper 2: General Ability Test (GAT)

• Maximum Marks: 600

• Number of Questions: 150

• Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

• Part A: English (200 marks)

• Part B: General Knowledge (400 marks)

Exam Day Guidelines

Mandatory Items: Admit Card, Photo ID, Black ball pen
Prohibited: Electronic devices, calculators, study material

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6. NDA Syllabus in Detail

PAPER 1: MATHEMATICS (300 Marks)

Algebra

• Sets, Relations, Functions

• Complex Numbers

• Quadratic Equations

• Permutations and Combinations

• Binomial Theorem

• Sequences and Series

• Logarithms

Matrices and Determinants

• Types of matrices

• Operations on matrices

• Adjoint and inverse

• Solving linear equations

Trigonometry

• Trigonometric ratios

• Identities and equations

• Heights and distances

• Properties of triangles

Analytical Geometry (2D)

• Straight lines and circles

• Conic sections (parabola, ellipse, hyperbola)

Analytical Geometry (3D)

• 3D coordinates

• Distance and direction cosines

• Equation of a plane and a line

Differential Calculus

• Limits, continuity, derivatives

• Applications of derivatives

• Maxima and minima

Integral Calculus and Differential Equations

• Integration techniques

• Definite integrals

• Applications of integration

• First order differential equations

Vector Algebra

• Vectors in 2D and 3D

• Scalar and vector products

Statistics and Probability

• Measures of central tendency

• Probability theory

PAPER 2: GENERAL ABILITY TEST (600 Marks)

Part A: English (200 marks)

• Grammar and usage

• Vocabulary

• Comprehension

• Cohesion and coherence

Part B: General Knowledge (400 marks)

• Physics (100 marks): Mechanics, Heat, Light, Sound, Electricity
• Chemistry (60 marks): Physical, Organic, Inorganic Chemistry
• General Science (40 marks): Biology, Everyday Science
• History (80 marks): India and World History
• Geography (80 marks): Physical, Social, Economic Geography
• Current Events (40 marks): National and International

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7. Preparation Strategy

Assessment and Goal Setting

Realistic Targets:

• Minimum: 200-220 marks (qualifying)

• Good: 250-280 marks (safe selection)

• Excellent: 300+ marks (top percentile)

8-Month Preparation Timeline

Phase 1: Foundation Building (Jan-Feb, 8 weeks)

Daily Schedule:

• Mathematics: 4-5 hours

• English: 1.5 hours

• GK: 2-3 hours

Phase 2: Intensive Learning (Mar-May, 12 weeks)

• Complete syllabus coverage

• Topic-wise tests begin

• Error analysis and correction

Phase 3: Advanced Practice (Jun-Jul, 8 weeks)

• Full-length mock tests (2-3 per week)

• Weak area focus

• Speed and accuracy drills

Phase 4: Final Revision (Aug onwards, 4 weeks)

• 20+ full-length tests

• Formula revision

• Current affairs consolidation

Subject-Wise Strategy

Mathematics:

• High-weightage: Calculus (20%), Algebra (20%), Trigonometry (15%)

• Practice 100+ questions daily in later phases

• Create formula sheets

English:

• Daily newspaper reading (The Hindu/Indian Express)

• 20 new words daily

• 3 comprehension passages daily

GK:

• NCERT Class 6-12 foundation

• Monthly current affairs magazine

• Static GK + Dynamic GK balance

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8. SSB Interview Process

5-Day SSB Structure

Day 1: Screening

• Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test

• Picture Perception & Discussion Test (PPDT)

Day 2: Psychological Tests

• Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) – 12 pictures

• Word Association Test (WAT) – 60 words

• Situation Reaction Test (SRT) – 60 situations

• Self Description (SD)

Day 3-4: GTO Tasks

• Group Discussion

• Group Planning Exercise

• Progressive Group Tasks

• Half Group Tasks

• Individual Obstacles (10 obstacles)

• Command Task

• Lecturette

• Final Group Task

• Snake Race

Day 4-5: Personal Interview & Conference

• Personal Interview (45-60 mins)

• Board Conference

Total Marks: 900 (same as written exam)

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9. Medical Standards and Physical Fitness

Height Standards

Vision Standards

Common Disqualifications

• Color blindness (for flying branch)

• Severe dental issues

• Chronic skin conditions

• Psychiatric history

• Height/weight disproportion

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10. Training at NDA and Service Academies

NDA Training (3 Years)

• Academic: B.Sc/B.A/B.Tech degree (JNU affiliated)

• Military: Weapon training, tactics, leadership

• Physical: Cross-country, boxing, PT, sports

• Routine: 5:30 AM reveille to 9:30 PM lights off

Service Academy Training (Post-NDA)

• IMA (Dehradun): 1.5 years (Army)

• INA (Ezhimala): 1 year (Navy)

• AFA (Dundigal): 1 year + flying training (Air Force)

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11. Career Progression in Defence Forces

Indian Army

Lieutenant → Captain (2 yrs) → Major (6 yrs) → Lt Colonel (13 yrs) → Colonel

Indian Navy

Sub-Lieutenant → Lieutenant (2 yrs) → Lt Commander (7 yrs) → Commander

Indian Air Force

Flying Officer → Flight Lieutenant (2 yrs) → Squadron Leader (6 yrs) → Wing Commander

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12. Pay Scale and Benefits

Starting Pay (Level 10)

• Basic Pay: ₹56,100 + Military Service Pay ₹15,500 + allowances
• Total Monthly Package: ₹80,000-1,00,000 (approx.)

Lifetime Benefits

• Pension (50% of last pay after 20 years)

• Free medical for family

• CSD canteen facilities

• Subsidized housing

• Leave passage concessions

• Children education allowance

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13. Important Guidelines and Instructions

1. Age: Strictly 16.5-19.5 years, no relaxation

2. Photos: Must match exactly what you carry to the exam/SSB

3. Negative Marking: 1/3rd deduction – attempt wisely

4. Documents: Keep originals ready for SSB verification

5. Prohibited Items: Zero tolerance in exam hall

6. Medical: Get a preliminary check-up before applying

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14. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can Commerce students apply?
A: Yes, only for the Army wing. Navy/Air Force needs PCM.

Q: Is there negative marking?
A: Yes – 0.83 marks (Maths), 1.33 marks (GAT) per wrong answer.

Q: Can girls apply?
A: Yes, unmarried female candidates are eligible for all wings.

Q: How many attempts allowed?
A: No limit, but must be within age criteria (max 3 attempts typically).

Q: What if I fail medical after SSB?
A: You get another chance at Appeal Medical Board (AMB).

Q: Can I change exam centre after applying?
A: No, finalised on first-come-first-serve basis.

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Final Note: Always verify the latest details from upsc.gov.in. Dates, vacancies, and patterns are subject to official notification. Preparation must begin 8-12 months in advance for optimal results. Good luck!

Official Sources

This guide is based on verified information from the following official Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) sources (accessed January 2026):

1. UPSC NDA & NA Examination (I), 2026 – Official Page
   https://upsc.gov.in/examinations/National%20Defence%20Academy%20and%20Naval%20Academy%20Examination%20(I),%202026[1]
   Contains exam dates, notification download, and application details.

2. UPSC Official Notification PDF – NDA 1 2026
   https://upsc.gov.in/sites/default/files/Notific-NDA-NA-I-2025-Engl-11122024F.pdf
   Official PDF with eligibility, vacancies (394), age limits, and complete exam details.

3. UPSC Online Application Portal
   https://upsconline.nic.in/exam-apply
   Official portal for One-Time Registration (OTR) and NDA application.

4. UPSC NDA & NA Examination (I), 2025 – Reference
   https://upsc.gov.in/examinations/National%20Defence%20Academy%20and%20Naval%20Academy%20Examination%20(I),%202025[4]
   Previous year notification for pattern consistency (exam date, syllabus, etc.).

5. UPSC Main Website – Examinations Section
   https://upsc.gov.in
   Primary source for all notifications, results, and updates.

Note: Candidates must always refer to the latest notification on upsc.gov.in for the most current details, as dates and requirements may be updated annually. All content has been cross-verified against these official documents.