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Sudan Block building at the National Defence Academy (NDA) campus in Pune. The National Defence Academy (NDA) exam is one of the most prestigious national-level entrance tests for youth aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces. It is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice a year – commonly referred to as NDA (I) and NDA (II) – to select candidates for admission to the National Defence Academy (in Pune) and the associated Naval Academy training program. Successful candidates go through rigorous training at NDA, which is a joint services academy for the Army, Navy, and Air Force, before proceeding to their respective service academies. The NDA selection process is highly competitive, consisting of a written exam followed by a comprehensive Services Selection Board (SSB) interview that tests candidates’ physical fitness, personality, and aptitude for a military career. In this detailed guide, we cover all important aspects of the NDA exam – including eligibility criteria, exam pattern, syllabus, key dates, and preparation tips – to help students, parents, and even coaching institutes better understand this examination.

What is the NDA Exam?

The NDA exam is a national-level entrance examination for recruiting officers into the Indian Armed Forces via the National Defence Academy. NDA is the first tri-service academy in the world, where cadets of the Army, Navy, and Air Force train together for three years. The exam offers a gateway for young aspirants (typically 16–19 years old) to join the Army, Navy, or Air Force right after Class 12. It is conducted by UPSC and held twice every year – usually in the spring (April) and autumn (September) cycles – as NDA (I) and NDA (II) respectively. For example, in 2025 the NDA (I) exam was scheduled in April and NDA (II) in September. Each NDA exam fills around 370–400 cadet vacancies across the three wings of NDA (Army, Navy, and Air Force) and the Indian Naval Academy, making it a highly competitive examination that sees hundreds of thousands of applicants nationwide.

Upon clearing the NDA exam (written test) and the subsequent SSB interview, selected candidates join the National Defence Academy in Khadakwasla, Pune. At NDA, cadets undergo academic as well as physical and military training together for three years, earning a Bachelor’s degree while also being groomed for their respective service. After graduating from NDA, Army cadets go on to the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Naval cadets to the Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Air Force cadets to the Air Force Academy (AFA) for their final phase of pre-commissioning training. A career through NDA is therefore a coveted opportunity for students right out of high school to become commissioned officers in the Armed Forces, which is why the NDA exam holds great prestige among students and parents alike.

NDA Exam Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the NDA exam, candidates must satisfy several eligibility criteria related to nationality, age, education, gender, and physical fitness. Below are the key eligibility requirements for NDA:

• Nationality: The candidate must be an Indian citizen. (Certain other candidates – e.g. subjects of Nepal or Bhutan, or Tibetan refugees long-settled in India – are also eligible as per official norms, but primarily NDA is open to Indian nationals.)

• Age Limit: Aspiring candidates must be 16.5 to 19.5 years old at the time of the course commencement. In practice, this is defined by a birth date range in the official notification of each exam. For instance, for NDA exams in 2025, eligible applicants were those born between approximately July 2, 2006 and July 1, 2009 (for NDA I 2025). There is no relaxation in the age limit for any category, and candidates must also be unmarried. Both male and female candidates are eligible to apply, following a 2021 Supreme Court ruling that opened NDA for women as well. Notably, candidates cannot be married during the selection process or training, as a strict unmarried status is required until completion of training.

• Educational Qualification: A Class 12 pass (10+2) or equivalent is the minimum educational requirement. Students in their final year of 10+2 (i.e., Class 12 appearing) are also eligible to apply, provided they will complete the exam by the time of joining. For the Army Wing of NDA, candidates from any stream (Arts/Commerce/Science) who have passed 12th are eligible. However, for admission to the Air Force and Naval Wings of NDA, as well as the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme of Naval Academy, a candidate must have passed 12th with Physics and Mathematics as subjects. This means science stream (with PCM) is required for those opting for Air Force or Navy, whereas Army wing does not mandate Physics/Math if applying only for Army. It’s important to note that there is no percentage cutoff – the requirement is simply to have passed (or be appearing for) the 12th standard exam from a recognized board.

• Marital Status and Gender: Only unmarried candidates can apply for NDA. This applies to both males and females. Marriage is not permitted during the training period as well, and a candidate would be disqualified if he/she marries before completion of training. Female candidates have been allowed to take the NDA exam in recent years, and they are subject to the same eligibility conditions (age, education, etc.) as their male counterparts.

• Physical & Medical Fitness: Candidates must meet the physical standards specified by UPSC and the Defence Services. There are rigorous fitness and medical criteria to ensure candidates are capable of handling the demands of military training. For instance, candidates should have a minimum acceptable height (around 152 cm for female candidates and slightly more for males depending on service), with weight proportional to height. They must have good eyesight (a certain minimum visual acuity, with color blindness or night blindness being disqualifiers for some branches), normal hearing, and overall a healthy constitution free from diseases or abnormalities that can impede military duties. Physical conditioning (through sports, exercise, running, etc.) is highly recommended for applicants to meet training challenges. Additionally, candidates will undergo a thorough medical examination by military doctors after the SSB stage; failing the medical tests can eliminate even academically qualified candidates. Some specific conditions (like previous fracture with pins, asthma history, etc.) can be cause for medical unfitness. Therefore, meeting the prescribed physical and medical standards is as important as meeting academic criteria.

In summary, NDA eligibility demands that an aspirant be unmarried, 16½–19½ years old, Class 12-qualified (with science subjects for certain branches), medically fit, and an Indian national. Candidates are advised to carefully read the detailed eligibility criteria in the official UPSC NDA notification PDF before applying, to ensure they fulfill all conditions.

NDA Exam Pattern and Selection Process

Understanding the exam pattern of NDA is crucial for effective preparation. The NDA selection process consists of two stages:

1. Written Examination, conducted by UPSC.

2. SSB Interview (Service Selection Board), conducted by the Defence authorities.

Written Exam Pattern: The written exam has two papers, both of which consist of objective multiple-choice questions and are administered in a single day. The papers are: Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT). Key details of the written exam pattern are as follows:

• Mathematics Paper: 300 marks, 2½ hours duration. This paper has 120 questions testing mathematical ability up to the Class 11–12 level. Each correct answer yields 2.5 marks, and 0.83 marks are deducted for each wrong answer (one-third negative marking).

• General Ability Test (GAT) Paper: 600 marks, 2½ hours duration. This paper has 150 questions covering a broad range of subjects. Each question is worth 4 marks, and 1.33 marks are deducted for a wrong answer (again one-third negative marking). The GAT paper is further divided into two sections: Part A: English and Part B: General Knowledge. The English section (typically 200 marks worth of questions) assesses grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. The General Knowledge section (400 marks) covers subjects like Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, Current Affairs, etc.

• Mode of Exam: The NDA written test is conducted offline (pen-and-paper) in designated exam centers across India. Candidates mark their answers on OMR sheets. The questions are set in bilingual format (English and Hindi) except for the English section of GAT which is only in English.

• Overall Marks: The written exam thus totals 900 marks (300 + 600). To qualify for the next stage, a candidate must clear the cut-off as decided by UPSC for that particular NDA exam (the cut-off is out of 900 and varies each term). It’s also required to separately secure the minimum qualifying marks in each paper (usually around 25-30% in each subject) as specified in the notification.

The NDA written exam consists of two papers – Mathematics (300 marks) and General Ability Test (600 marks) – each of 2½ hours duration, making a total of 900 marks. Both papers have negative marking for incorrect answers (one-third of the mark of that question is deducted for a wrong response). Candidates should practice filling the OMR correctly and manage time, as both papers must be attempted back-to-back with only a short break in between.

SSB Interview: Candidates who obtain the cut-off marks or above in the written exam are shortlisted for the SSB interview stage. The SSB is a comprehensive five-day assessment process conducted at designated SSB centers by the Army/Navy/Air Force selection boards. This stage is crucial and carries equal importance in the final merit. The SSB process evaluates a candidate’s officer-like qualities and suitability for a career in the armed forces. It includes:

• Stage I (Screening tests on Day 1): an Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) test (verbal and non-verbal reasoning) and Picture Perception & Discussion Test (PPDT). Candidates who do not clear Stage I are sent back on the first day.

• Stage II (Days 2–5): a series of psychological tests (Thematic Apperception Test, Word Association Test, Situation Reaction Test, Self-Description), group testing tasks (group discussion, group planning exercise, progressive group tasks, obstacle course, command task, etc.), and personal interviews by senior officers. These tests gauge leadership, teamwork, communication, decision-making and physical courage.

• Medical Examination: After the SSB interview, recommended candidates undergo a thorough medical exam at a military hospital. This is not a part of SSB per se but is the final hurdle to ensure the candidate meets all medical fitness requirements.

The SSB interview process also is assigned marks (usually 900 marks separate from the written exam’s 900). The final merit list for NDA selection is prepared by UPSC by combining the scores of the written exam and SSB interview (out of 1800 total). Only those high in the merit and medically fit are selected for admission to NDA/NA.

Training and Commission: Candidates who make it to the final merit list join NDA as cadets. The training at NDA is for three years, split into six semesters, during which cadets undergo academic studies for a graduation degree in Arts/Science/Computer Science from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) along with physical and military training. On completion, cadets transfer to their respective service academies for one more year of training specific to Army, Navy, or Air Force, before commissioning as officers (Lieutenants or equivalent rank). Thus, the NDA pathway involves a 4-year training journey in total after clearing the exam.

For aspirants, it’s important to prepare for both stages of the exam. The written test requires strong academic knowledge and test-taking skills, while the SSB demands leadership qualities, confidence, and fitness. The overall process is lengthy and challenging, but it is designed to ensure the Armed Forces get well-rounded candidates with the right aptitude and attitude.

NDA Exam Syllabus

The NDA exam syllabus is prescribed by UPSC and broadly corresponds to the 10+2 level (up to Class 12) for most subjects. Knowing the syllabus in detail is vital for targeted preparation. As mentioned in the pattern, the syllabus is divided into two papers – Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT), with GAT further split into English and General Knowledge sections. Below is an overview of the NDA syllabus for each part:

• Mathematics Syllabus: The math paper covers a wide range of topics from the Class 11 and 12 standard mathematics curriculum. Major areas include: Algebra, Matrices and Determinants, Trigonometry, Analytical Geometry (2D and 3D coordinate geometry), Differential Calculus, Integral Calculus and Differential Equations, Vector Algebra, Statistics, and Probability. In Algebra, questions may involve concepts like complex numbers, quadratic equations, sequences and series, binomial theorem, logarithms, etc. Trigonometry includes trigonometric identities, ratios, equations, and properties of triangles. Geometry covers straight lines, circles, conic sections in 2D, and basics of 3D geometry. Calculus topics range from limits, derivatives, application of derivatives, to integrals and solutions of differential equations. Statistics & Probability includes probability theory, probability distributions, mean/median/mode, variance, etc. The level of questions is roughly equivalent to CBSE or state board 12th standard Mathematics. Strong conceptual understanding and plenty of practice problems (especially from NCERT textbooks) are key to scoring well in this paper. Calculators are not allowed in the exam, so students should be comfortable doing calculations manually.

• English Syllabus (GAT Part A): The English section aims to test the candidate’s proficiency in English language, which is important for an officer to have effective communication. The syllabus includes Grammar and Usage (rules of grammar, sentence structure, error spotting, fill in the blanks with appropriate words, etc.), Vocabulary (synonyms, antonyms, meaning of idioms and phrases, one-word substitutions), Comprehension (reading passages followed by questions), and Cohesion or sentence rearrangement. Essentially, it covers high-school level English grammar and reading skills. A good vocabulary and basic grammar knowledge are needed to do well. Regular reading of English newspapers, books, and practicing grammar exercises can help improve this area.

• General Knowledge Syllabus (GAT Part B): This section is quite extensive and encompasses diverse subjects to test a candidate’s general awareness and knowledge of scientific and social topics. The General Knowledge syllabus can be broken down into the following broad fields:

  • Physics: Topics from high school physics such as motion, Newton’s laws, work & energy, properties of matter, sound, light, basic electricity and magnetism, heat and thermodynamics, etc. Conceptual questions based on Class 11–12 Physics (without heavy emphasis on derivations or formulas) can be expected.

  • Chemistry: Basic concepts from Class 11–12 chemistry like matter and its states, atomic structure, chemical bonding, acids and bases, oxidation-reduction, carbon compounds, etc., as well as daily-life chemistry (like chemistry in food, detergents, etc.).

  • General Science: This includes biology (human body systems, plants and animals, life processes), as well as some questions on environmental science, biotechnology, etc. It is essentially general biology and science applied to everyday life.

  • History: Broad history of India and the world, focusing on important events. Indian history topics include ancient civilizations, medieval history (major kingdoms, Mughal era), and modern history (colonial rule, freedom movement, Gandhian era). World history could include industrial revolution, world wars, etc., though the focus is usually on Indian context.

  • Geography: Physical geography (earth’s structure, climate, weather, soil, etc.), geographical features of India (rivers, mountains, mineral resources), and basic world geography. Economic geography and environment (like distribution of key crops, industries, etc.) can also be included.

  • Current Events: Recent current affairs of national and international importance. This includes major developments in the sports field, awards and honors, important political events, government schemes, defense exercises, scientific breakthroughs, etc., especially in the last 6–8 months before the exam. Keeping up with news through newspapers or monthly current affairs magazines is essential.

  • Polity and Economy: (Often grouped under general knowledge) – Basic understanding of the Indian Constitution, political system, governance, and economic concepts. For example, questions on fundamental rights, Parliament, panchayati raj, etc., and very basic economic ideas like GDP, inflation, budget, etc., might appear.

  In summary, the GAT (Part B) tests a wide scope of general knowledge. According to the UPSC syllabus, General Knowledge “comprises of Physics, Chemistry, General Science, Social Studies, Geography and Current Events”. Essentially, it spans what a well-informed 17–18-year-old is expected to know about his/her country and the world. Tip: Focusing on NCERT textbooks of Science and Social Studies (Classes 6–10 for basics, and 11–12 for some subjects like Physics) is a good way to cover the static portion of the syllabus, while regularly reading a newspaper or current affairs periodical will cover the dynamic portion.

It’s worth noting that the difficulty level of NDA questions is not beyond what is taught in higher-secondary (Class 12) curriculum; however, the breadth of the syllabus requires consistent study. UPSC’s official notification provides a detailed list of sub-topics under each subject for the NDA syllabus. Candidates should use that as a checklist to ensure all areas are prepared. Solving past NDA question papers is highly beneficial to understand the depth of questions from each topic and to gauge one’s preparation level. The NDA written exam rewards balanced preparation across subjects – one cannot neglect any major section because there are individual cut-offs for each paper (e.g., scoring very high in Math won’t compensate if one fails to clear the minimum marks in GAT, and vice versa). Thus, a holistic coverage of the syllabus is needed.

NDA Exam Dates and Application Process

The NDA exam schedule is fairly consistent year to year. As mentioned, UPSC conducts NDA twice annually. Typically, NDA (I) is held in the first half of the year (commonly April) and NDA (II) in the second half (commonly September). For example, the NDA (I) 2025 exam took place on 16 April 2025, and NDA (II) 2025 is scheduled for 14 September 2025. UPSC usually releases the NDA (I) notification in December of the previous year (e.g., Dec 2024 for NDA 1 2025) and the NDA (II) notification around May of the same year. These notifications outline all important dates, including the application period, exam date, result date, etc.

Key timelines for the NDA exam process generally are:

• Notification Release: Published on the UPSC official website (upsc.gov.in). NDA (I) notice around December and NDA (II) around May, as noted. The notification is a detailed document containing eligibility, syllabus, exam pattern, instructions, etc., and aspirants should read it carefully.

• Application Window: Right after the notification, the online application form is activated on the UPSC website (upsconline.nic.in). Candidates usually get around 2–3 weeks to submit their applications. For instance, the NDA 2 2025 online application was open from May 28, 2025 to June 17, 2025. One must fill the form within the given deadline, as late applications are not accepted.

• Application Process: UPSC has an online application process. A one-time registration (OTR) on the UPSC portal may be required first. The NDA application form is filled in two parts – Part I involves basic registration details and selection of branch preferences, while Part II involves fee payment (₹100 for general male candidates; females and certain categories like SC/ST or sons of servicemen are exempt), choosing exam center, and uploading scanned documents (photo, signature, etc.). Detailed instructions for filling the form are provided in the notification and on the application portal. Candidates must ensure all information is accurate and pay the fee on time (if applicable) to successfully submit the form.

• Admit Card: About 3 weeks before the exam, UPSC releases the NDA admit cards on its website. Candidates must download their admit card and take a printout to carry to the exam center along with a valid photo ID.

• Examination Day: NDA written exam is usually conducted on a Sunday, in a single day (Mathematics paper in the morning session and GAT in afternoon, typically).

• Result and SSB Interview: UPSC declares the written exam result (a list of roll numbers of qualified candidates) typically 1.5–2 months after the exam. Qualifiers then register for SSB interviews which are scheduled in the subsequent months at various selection centers (like Bhopal, Bangalore, Allahabad, etc.). Each candidate is allotted an SSB center and date via call letter.

• Final Merit List: After SSBs and medical exams, a final merit list of selected candidates is released by UPSC. This list is arranged in order of merit (combining written + SSB scores) and those who come within the number of vacancies (and are medically fit) are invited to join NDA. For example, if 400 vacancies are there and you rank in top 400 of the merit (and clear medicals), you get the call to join. The entire process from notification to joining NDA takes nearly a year.

For the application, remember that applicants must be careful in filling details like date of birth, name, etc., as per their matriculation certificates. They also have to indicate their preferences for service (Army/Navy/Air Force) in the form. It’s advisable to apply early and not wait for the last day to avoid technical glitches. Also, candidates should download and save a copy of their submitted application and the admit card for reference.

Note: Since the question of “How to apply” will be covered in a separate blog, we have kept the above overview brief. The main points to remember are the exam frequency (biannual), typical exam months (April & September), and using the official UPSC online portal for application within deadlines.

NDA Exam Preparation Tips

Preparing for the NDA exam requires a balanced strategy, as one needs to excel in both the written test and the SSB interview. Here are some preparation tips and guidelines for NDA aspirants:

• Start Early and Cover the Basics: It is recommended to start preparation at least 6–12 months before the exam. The syllabus is vast, so an early start helps in covering all topics. Build a strong foundation by thoroughly studying NCERT textbooks (Classes 9–12) for Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies, as these cover most of the fundamental concepts asked in NDA. Clear understanding of basics is crucial – for example, ensure you grasp fundamental formulas in algebra/calculus and grammar rules in English.

• Follow a Structured Study Plan: Divide your study time to cover all subjects – allocate daily time for Mathematics practice, English, and one or two areas of General Knowledge. A structured timetable can help cover each subject systematically and leave time for revision. Identify your weak subjects early (for instance, some students might find Physics or math integration difficult) and spend extra time strengthening those.

• Practice Previous Papers and Mock Tests: Solving previous years’ NDA question papers and taking regular mock tests is one of the most effective ways to prepare. This familiarizes you with the exam pattern and the level of questions, and helps improve speed and accuracy. Timed practice is important because each paper has to be completed in 2½ hours. By solving past papers, candidates can also identify recurring topics and gauge the weightage of different sections. Importantly, it improves time management skills and confidence. Analyze your performance in each mock – see where you made mistakes or took too long, and work on those areas.

• Focus on English and General Knowledge daily: Make reading and revising a part of your daily routine. For English, read newspapers, magazines or good novels to enhance comprehension skills and vocabulary. Practice grammar questions (error spotting, fill in the blanks, etc.) from standard preparatory books. For GK/Current Affairs, read a daily newspaper (like The Hindu, Indian Express, etc.) or follow a monthly current affairs magazine. Keep notes of important events, dates, and facts. Revising these regularly will help in retaining information. Also, for static subjects like History or Geography, make concise notes or flashcards of key points (e.g., list of major battles and years, constitutional articles, a map of important national parks, etc.) for quick revision.

• Mathematics – Practice is Key: Mathematics can be high-scoring if prepared well. Practice a variety of problems from each topic. Focus on conceptual clarity first, then speed. Topics like Calculus and Trigonometry often carry heavy weight, so ensure you’re comfortable with derivatives, integrals, trigonometric identities, equations, etc. Remember there’s negative marking – so accuracy matters as much as speed. Work on mental math and avoid careless mistakes. If needed, refer to additional problem books or enroll in a coaching class for doubt clearance, but NCERTs should be your starting point.

• Physical Fitness and Personality Development: Alongside academic prep, maintain a routine for physical exercise – jogging, sports, basic body-weight exercises – to ensure you are in good shape for the SSB’s physical tests and the rigorous training ahead. This also improves mental stamina. Practice speaking in English on various topics to build confidence for the SSB interview and group discussions. You can do this by participating in debates, giving mock interviews, or simply speaking in front of a mirror. The SSB looks at your overall personality – qualities like leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and confidence. Engage in group activities or NCC (if possible) to develop these traits. Also, be aware of your surroundings and develop opinions on issues – SSB often involves discussion on current topics.

• Time Management and Exam Strategy: Learn to manage your time both in preparation and during the exam. During the actual exam, do not spend too much time on any one question. It’s wiser to skip and come back if time permits, rather than getting stuck. Typically, in Math, some questions can be solved very quickly while others might be lengthy – identify and attempt the easier ones first. In GAT, the English part is usually quicker to solve (if you know the answers), whereas some GK questions might require thought – so balance accordingly. Mark answers carefully on the OMR to avoid misalignments. During preparation, stick to your schedule but also take short breaks to avoid burnout.

• Revision and Consistency: The months of preparation can be intense, but consistency is crucial. Revise regularly, especially formulas, vocab words, and dates/events. As the exam approaches, focus on consolidating what you have learned rather than trying completely new material at the last minute. It’s better to revise the known topics and practice papers in the final weeks.

While the above tips are a brief overview (each of these can be elaborated into a detailed strategy), following them will give a solid direction to your NDA preparation. Remember that hard work combined with smart strategy is the key. Many successful NDA candidates say that balancing school studies with NDA prep, and doing a little bit every day, helped them crack the exam. Even if one is taking NDA after 12th graduation, a disciplined approach over several months yields results. Finally, maintain a positive attitude – confidence and motivation go a long way in both the written exam and the SSB. As the motto of NDA says, “Service Before Self,” imbibing such values and staying committed will guide you through the journey.

(We will cover more detailed NDA preparation strategies, book lists, and subject-wise tips in a separate blog post.)

Conclusion

The NDA exam is not just an entrance test, but the first step towards a proud career in the Indian Armed Forces. This exam holds significant importance for students (and their parents) who dream of seeing themselves in uniform as officers of the Army, Navy, or Air Force. In this comprehensive guide, we discussed the crucial facets of the NDA exam – from understanding what the exam entails, to the eligibility conditions you must meet, the exam pattern and syllabus to prepare for, the timeline of the selection process, and some preparation pointers for aspiring candidates.

In summary, clearing the NDA exam requires dedication, proper planning, and a clear awareness of the exam requirements. Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria before applying, and if you do, start your preparation well in advance focusing on the complete syllabus (Mathematics, English, Science, Social Studies, Current Affairs, etc.). Use authentic resources and possibly guidance from teachers or mentors to strengthen your preparation. Remember that both the academic and personality aspects are tested – so work on your knowledge as well as your confidence, communication, and fitness.

For students preparing for NDA, parental support and guidance can be a huge boon – whether it’s in scheduling study time effectively or encouraging physical fitness. Coaching institutes too can use this information to guide their students in a structured manner, focusing on key areas of the syllabus and the overall development required for SSB. Ultimately, success in NDA comes from a balanced approach: sound academics, consistent practice, and a resilient personality.

We hope this detailed overview has helped clarify all major points about the NDA exam, NDA eligibility, and NDA syllabus. If becoming an officer is your goal, NDA is a golden opportunity at a young age – grab it with both hands. Good luck to all aspirants for the upcoming NDA exams! Stay focused and motivated, and you can surely secure your place in the National Defence Academy and embark on a distinguished career of service before self.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):

• Q: How many times is the NDA exam conducted and when?
  A: NDA is conducted twice a year, usually once around April (NDA I) and once around September (NDA II). The exact dates are announced in the UPSC notification. For instance, NDA I 2025 was in mid-April and NDA II 2025 in mid-September.

• Q: Can women candidates apply for NDA?
  A: Yes. As of recent years, female candidates are allowed to take the NDA exam (following a 2021 court decision). They must fulfill the same eligibility criteria of age (16.5–19.5 years, unmarried) and education (10+2 with Physics & Math required for Navy/Air Force) as male candidates. The training standards at NDA are also the same for both genders.

• Q: What is the educational qualification needed for NDA exam?
  A: The basic qualification is 12th pass (10+2) or equivalent. For the Army wing of NDA, you can be from any stream in 12th. For the Air Force or Naval wings and the Naval Academy, you need to have studied Physics and Mathematics in Class 12. Students in Class 12 can apply provisionally, but they must pass the final exam by the time of admission.

• Q: What is the syllabus for NDA written exam?
  A: The NDA syllabus includes Mathematics (covering algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus, statistics, etc. of 10+2 level) and GAT – General Ability Test. GAT has two parts: English (grammar, vocabulary, comprehension) and General Knowledge (covering Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, Current Affairs, etc.). The questions are of 12th standard level for Math and of broad high-school level for English/GK.

• Q: Is there any physical test in the NDA selection?
  A: There is no physical exam in the written stage, but after clearing the written exam, candidates go through the SSB process which includes some group obstacle tasks and assessments of physical fitness. Additionally, a thorough medical examination is conducted to check if the candidate meets the physical standards (height, weight, eyesight, etc.) required for defence services. It’s important for candidates to be in good physical health and free of major ailments. While preparing for NDA, one should also engage in fitness activities to build stamina and ensure they meet the physical criteria.

• Q: How can I apply for the NDA exam?
  A: You can apply online via the UPSC website during the application window. The steps include registering on the UPSC portal, filling the NDA application form (Part I and II), paying the fee (if applicable), and uploading your documents as per instructions. Always refer to the official notification for the detailed procedure and do not wait till the last date to apply.

• Q: What is the cut-off or passing mark for NDA written exam?
  A: The cut-off marks for NDA written exam (out of 900) vary each year based on the difficulty and number of candidates. In recent years, the cut-off has ranged roughly between 340 to 360 marks out of 900 for the written test. However, candidates also need to score at least around 25% in each paper (Math and GAT) to qualify. Only those who clear the overall cut-off are called for SSB. It’s best not to fixate on the cut-off; instead aim to score as high as possible to secure your place in the merit list. UPSC publishes the official cut-off of the exam after the entire selection process is over (when final results are declared).

• Q: How should I prepare for the SSB interview after NDA written exam?
  A: SSB preparation involves developing your personality, communication, and analytical skills. Practice public speaking and group discussions to be articulate in expressing your thoughts. Stay updated with current affairs (since group discussions or lecture topics often relate to these). Work on basic psychological test preparation – for example, you can practice writing quick responses to words (WAT) or stories for pictures (TAT) from various online resources or books on SSB. Physical fitness is also important, as tasks like group obstacle races require stamina and team spirit. If possible, attend a short SSB coaching or workshop to get an idea of the tasks. Most importantly, be confident and be yourself – the assessors at SSB look for genuine personality traits and your potential as a future officer, not rote-learned responses. Good interpersonal skills, confidence, and a positive attitude go a long way in SSB.

Each aspirant’s journey may be unique, but the goal is the same: earning a seat at NDA and a commission in the Armed Forces. With sincere effort, proper guidance, and perseverance, the NDA exam can certainly be cracked. We wish all NDA aspirants the very best in their endeavors. Jai Hind!