What is NDA marking scheme?

There are negative marks for wrong answers in NDA exam. 1/3 of the marks allotted to each question are deducted for the incorrect answer. There is no deduction in marks for unanswered questions.

How the candidates are selected against NDA vacancies?

Candidates for NDA exam are selected as per the vacancies. The written exam is held for 900 marks. The SSB interview is conducted for 900 marks. The final selection of candidates is done based on both the stages.

Is NDA exam conducted every year?

NDA exam is conducted every year twice in a year. The exam is conducted to select candidates for admission to Army, Navy and Air Force wings of NDA and Indian Naval Academy courses. The selection process comprises written exam and SSB Interview. The total marks allotted to the written exam are 900. The SSB interview carries 900 marks.

What is the full form of NDA?

NDA stands for National Defence Academy. NDA is situated at Khadakwasla, Pune, Maharashtra and it is one of the most prestigious military training institutions in the world. NDA trains cadets for Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. The cadets are trained to become officers in the Indian Armed Forces upon graduation. Cadets are received a Bachelor's degree in the field of engineering or technology or any other field. NDA exam is conducted for two courses every year, one starting in January and the other starting in July. The courses are of three years duration and cadets are trained in various aspects of military and academic education. NDA exam comprises written exam and SSB interview.

What is the per month salary for NDA Officers?

NDA salary per month is INR 56,100 during the training period. After joining NDA, candidates get the starting salary. Over the time, the NDA salary increases based on the experience and performance. NDA salary per month for Lieutenant is between INR 56,100-1,77,500. The highest NDA salary for Officer is INR 2,50,000 per month for the Chief of Army Staff. The month-wise NDA salary is given below: Captain: INR 61,300-1,93,900 Major: INR 6,94,00-2,07,200 Lieutenant Colonel: INR 1,21,200-2,12,400

What are the ranks given to the candidates on successful commissioning?

On successful commissioning in Army, candidates are given the rank of Lieutenant. In Navy, candidates are given the rank of Sub Lieutenant. In Air Force, candidates are given the rank of Flying Officer. The starting NDA salary of an Officer is INR 56,100. This is the stipend offered to the candidates during the training period and the minimum salary that a Lieutenant gets. It keeps on increasing as per the level of the post.

What is the current NDA salary during the entire duration of training in Service academies?

NDA salary during the entire duration of training is INR 56,100. Candidates starting salary during the training period and in the initial phase of their job. Over time, the post and salary of NDA officers keep increasing based on their performance and experience. The NDA salary per month for the Lieutenant post ranges from INR 56,100 to 1,77,500, while the highest salary for NDA Officer is INR 2,50,000 per month for the Chief of Army Staff.

What is pre-commissioning stipend for NDA Gentlemen Cadets?

The Lady/Gentlemen Cadets during pre commission trg when in receipt of stipend are insured for INR One Cr as applicable to officers of the regular Army. Monthly AGIF subscription will be deducted directly by PCDA (O), Pune. For those who are invalidated out by Invalidated Medical Board (IMB) on account of disability and not entitled to any pension will be provided INR 25 Lacs for 100 percent disability. This will be proportionately reduced to INR 5 Lacs for 20 percent disability. However, for less than 20 percent disability, an ex-gratia grant of INR 50,000 only will be paid. Disability due to alcoholism, drug addiction and due to the diseases of pre-enrolment origin will not qualify for disability benefit and ExGratia Grant. In addition, Lady/Gentleman Cadets withdrawn on disciplinary grounds, expelled as an undesirable or leaving the Academy voluntarily will not be eligible for disability benefits and Ex-Gratia.

What is the insurance policy given to the selected cadets in NDA?

Army group insurance fund cover is INR 15 Lakh. An ex-gratia amount of INR 12.5 Lacs or INR 9,000 per month is paid to the NoK.

What is the process of training in NDA Pune?

NDA is the joint training institute for all three services-Army, Navy and Air Force. After joining the NDA cadet undergo training for three years. After graduating from NDA candidates are sent to their respective training academies for one year of training before commissioning. Army cadets are sent to the Indian Military Academy (Dehradun), naval cadets to the Indian Naval Academy (Ezhimala), and Air Force cadets to the Air Force Academy (Dundigal, Hyderabad).

What after final selection in NDA?

The selected candidates undergo training at NDA. After passing out from NDA, cadets go to the respective defence academies for further training.

What is the complete selection process of NDA exam?

The step-by-step selection process of NDA exam is explained below: Filling the Application Form The application process is completely online. Interested candidates need to apply from the official website. The application fees are INR 100, however, SC/ST candidates/Sons of JCOs/NCOs/ORs were exempted from paying the fees. NDA application form comprises two parts: Part I (Registration) and Part II (Filling the application form). Release of Admit Card NDA admit card is released online three weeks before the exam. All registered candidates can download the admit card by logging with either registration number or roll number. The hard copy of the NDA admit card is not sent to candidates by post. Appearing in Written Exam The written exam comprises two sections: Mathematics and General Ability Test. The total marks of the written exam are 900. Each paper is held for 2 ½ hours. Total questions asked in GAT are 150 while it is 120 in Mathematics. Declaration of Result NDA result is declared in two stages: written and final. The result of both the stages is declared online. The results are made available in PDF format. NDA result displays the roll numbers of qualified candidates. NDA Cutoff is announced after the completion of selection process. Appearing in SSB Interview SSB Interview comprises two stages. Stage I comprise Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception Description Test (PP&DT). The candidates will be shortlisted based on the combination of performance in OIR Test and PP&DT. Stage II comprises Interview, Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests and the Conference. These tests are conducted over four days. Final Selection To be acceptable should secure the minimum qualifying marks separately in written exam and SSB Interview. Subject to these conditions the qualified candidates will be placed in a single combined list on the basis of total marks secured by them in the written exam and SSB Interview.

How much will the NDA salary be fixed after the successful training of the Officer Commissioned?

NDA salary to be fixed after the successful training of the Officer Commissioned is given below. NDA Salary After 7th Pay Commission NDA Posts NDA Pay Scale NDA Pay Level Stipend during training at IMA 56,100 Level 10 Lieutenant 56,100 -1,77,500 Level 10 Captain 61,300- 1,93,900 Level 10 B Major 69,400-2,07,200 Level 11 Lieutenant Colonel 1,21,200-2,12,400 Level 12A Colonel 1,30,600-2,15,900 Level 13 Brigadier 1,39,600-2,17,600 Level 13A Major General 1,44,200-2,18,200 Level 14 LT General HAG Scale 1,82,200-2,24,100 Level 15 HAG + Scale 2,05,400-2,24,400 Level 16 VCOAS/Army CDr/Lt Gen (NFSG) 2,25,000 (fixed) Level 17 COAS 2,50,000 (fixed) Level 18

What are the monetary benefits given to NDA Officers in case of mishap?

The monetary benefits given to NDA Officers in case of mishap are given below: In case of disability Monthly Ex-gratia amount of INR 9,000 per month. Ex-gratia disability award of INR 16,200 per month Constant Attendant Allowance (CCA of INR 6, 750 per month for 100 per cent disable on the recommendation of Invaliding Medical Board (IBM). In case of death Ex-gratia amount of INR 12.5 Lacs to the NoK. The Ex-gratia amount of INR 9,000 per month to the NoK. The Ex-gratia awards to Cadets (Direct)/NoK, will be sanctioned purely on ex-gratia basis and the same should not be treated as pension for any purpose.

How many vacancies were announced for NDA 1 2026 exam?

A total of 394 vacancies were announced for NDA 1 2026 exam. The break-up is given below. Academy Wings No. of Vacancies NDA Army 208 (including 10 for female candidates) Navy 42 (including 05 for female candidates) (All Executive Branch) Air Force (i) Flying –92 (including 02 for female candidates) (ii) Ground Duties (Tech) –18 (including 02 for female candidates) (iii) Ground Duties (Non Tech) –10 (including 02 for female candidates) Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme) - 24 (including 03 for female candidates) (All Executive Branch) Total 394

Can women candidates apply for Indian Naval Academy courses for NDA exam?

Women candidates can apply for Indian Naval Academy courses for NDA exam. In 2024, vacancies were released for women candidates for admission to Indian Naval Academy courses.

UPSC NDA 2026 Selection Process, Written Exam & SSB Interview

2.1K Students Q&A

Exam On - 12 Apr '26

Updated on Jan 9, 2026 13:31 IST

By Anangsha Patra, Deputy Manager – Editorial

NDA Selection Process 2026: Union Public Service Commission conducts NDA exam to select candidates for admission to the Army, Navy, Air Force wings of National Defence Academy and Indian Naval Academy Courses. NDA Selection Process 2026 comprises written exam and SSB Interview. Both male and female candidates can apply for the exam. Candidates between16.5 to 19.5 years and who have passed Class 12 pass can apply for the exam. The written exam of NDA carries 900 marks. Those qualifying the written exam are called for SSB Interview. The SSB interview carries 900 marks.

NDA 2026 selection process started with the release of notification. A total of 394 vacancies are announced for NDA 1 2026 exam. The application form was available from December 10 to 30. The exam will be conducted on April 12, 2026. Read below for more details on NDA selection process.

Table of contents

NDA Selection Process 2026
Training Process of Girl Cadets in NDA
NDA Salary
NDA Vacancies 2026
NDA Selection Process FAQs

NDA Selection Process 2026

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NDA Salary

NDA Vacancies 2026

NDA Selection Process FAQs

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