NDA 2025: Registration Form Last Date, Notification, Exam Dates, Syllabus, Eligibility & Vacancies

NDA 2 2025 notification was released on May 28, 2025. The application form is available till June 17, 2025. NDA 2 2025 exam will be conducted on September 14, 2025. The official notification for NDA 1 2025 exam along with the application form was released on December 11, 2024. The last date to apply for the exam was extended till January 1, 2025. Candidates need to fill the application form online. The application fees can be paid both online and offline. The steps to fill NDA application form 2025 are given below.

• Visit the official website of UPSC
• Register online by filling the Part I of application
• Login with the registration number to fill Part II of the application form
• Fill all the details in Part II application form
• Submit the fees and take printout of the application form

NDA syllabus is prescribed by the examination authority so that candidates can know what they need to prepare for the exam. The standard of NDA syllabus is of Class 10, 11 and 12 levels. NDA syllabus is divided into two parts-Maths and GAT. NDA Maths syllabus carries questions from Algebra Calculus, Matrices and Determinants Integral Calculus and Differential Equations Trigonometry Vector Algebra Analytical Geometry Of Two and Three Dimension and Statistics and Probability.. NDA GAT syllabus carries questions from topics such as Usage, Vocabulary, Comprehension, and Cohesion. Questions in General Knowledge are asked from Physics Chemistry Social Studies, General Science, Geography, and Current Events.

 

The written exam of NDA comprises two papers-Mathematics and General Ability Tests (GAT). The Maths paper carries 120 questions and the GAT carries 150 questions. Total marks allotted to the written exam are 900. Candidates qualifying the written exam are called for SSB interview. SSB Interview is divided into two stages. Candidates qualifying the Stage 1 are called for the Stage 2 exam. Stage 1 of the SSB Interview comprises Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception and Description Test (PP&DT). Stage 2 comprises Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests, and the Conference

A total of 404 vacancies have been announced for NDA 2 2025 exam. The vacancy 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)
	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)	-	36 (including 04 for female candidates)
Total		404

NDA 2 2025 exam will be conducted on September 14, 2025. NDA 2 2025 notification will be released on May 28, 2025. The application form will be available till June 17, 2025. NDA 2 notification 2025 will be released to select candidates for admission to the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of NDA and Indian Naval Academy Courses beginning in July 2025.

Around two to three Lacs candidates apply for NDA exam. The written exam of NDA is cleared by around 8000 to 10,000 candidates. Such candidates are called for SSB interview. The pass percentage in SSB interview is around 10 to 15 per cent. Many students are rejected on medical ground as well. After the medicals, a merit list is prepared which features around 580 to 650 candidates. First 350 to 380 candidates are invited for admission to NDA and INAC. Some candidates do not join and some are not able to cope up with the tough training process. NDA selection process is bit tough therefore it takes about six months preparation to crack the exam.

JEE Main rank is not considered for the NDA exam. The NDA exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission UPSC for selection of candidates for admission to Army, Navy and Air Force wings of NDA and Indian Naval Academy Course. JEE Main is a separate exam which is conducted for admission to BE/B.Tech and B.Arch/Plan courses at NITs, IIITs, other Centrally Funded Technical Institutions (CFTIs), Institutions/Universities funded/recognised by participating State Governments. Candidates for NDA are selected based on their performance in the written exam and interview. Besides, the physical and medical fitness of candidates are also checked.

No, you cannot apply for NDA exam while studying in Class 11. According to the eligibility criteria, candidates who have passed or are appearing in Class 12 are only eligible to apply NDA exam. The educational qualification prescribed for the Army wing of NDA is that candidates who have passed or are appearing in Class 12 or equivalent exam from a recognised board can apply for the exam. The educational qualification prescribed for Air Force and Naval wings of NDA and 10+2 Cadet entry scheme at INA is that candidates who have passed or are appearing in Class 12 or equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics can apply for the exam.

 

NDA exam is conducted twice a year by UPSC. Candidates can appear for both the sessions of NDA exam. NDA 1 exam is conducted for admission to the courses commencing in January. NDA 2 exam is conducted for admission to the courses commencing in July. To qualify each section of the NDA exam, candidates need to secure 25 per cent in each subject. NDA exam is conducted to select candidates for admission to the Army, Navy and Air Fotce wings of National Defence Academy and Indian Naval Academy.

NDA 1 2025 exam was conducted on April 13, 2025. The official notification for NDA 1 2025 exam along with the application form was released on December 11, 2024. The last date to apply for the exam was December 31, 2024.

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.

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. 

There is no difference between UPSC NDA 1 and 2 exams. NDA 1 exam is conducted for admission to the January batch. Whereas, NDA 2 exam is conducted for admission to July batch.

National Defence Academy or NDA exam is conducted twice a year by Union Public Service Commission for admission to  Army, Navy and Air Force wings of NDA and Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC). It is the most sought-after defence entrance exams in the country where both male and female candidates can apply.

The exam is conducted in two stages: written exam and SSB Interview. In 2020, a total of 5.3 Lacs candidates had applied for the exam, out of which 2.4 Lacs candidates appeared for the exam. UPSC prepares a list of candidates who obtain minimum qualifying marks in the written exam. Such candidates are called for SSB Interview for Intelligence and Personality Test.

Also Read: Know the difference between NDA & NA I and II Exams

No, biology is not a compulsory subject for the National Defence Academy (NDA) exam. The NDA exam is a competitive examination in India conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for admission to the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. The exam consists of two parts: a written test and an interview. The written test includes subjects such as mathematics, English and general knowledge. Candidates are not required to have studied biology to be eligible for the NDA exam. 

Though both are defence exams, there are many similarities and differences in the recruitment process, exam pattern, training, salary, perks, promotion, eligibility, etc. NDA is conducted for candidates who wish to join the defence services after Class 12. CDS is the exam conducted for the graduate candidates for training at Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Air Force Academy (AFA), Officers Training Academy (OTA) and Indian Naval Academy (INA). NDA exam is conducted for Class 12 pass candidates. Whereas, CDS exam is conducted for graduate-level candidates. NDA exam carries two subjects-GAT and Maths. CDS exam carries three papers-Maths, English and GK. English and GK section is conducted for OTA, IMA, INA and AFA. Maths paper is conducted for IMA, INA and AFA. The total marks allotted to the written exam of NDA is 900 whereas it is 300 for CDS.

Candidates seeking reservation / relaxation benefits available for Scheduled Castes/ Scheduled Tribes / Other Backward Classes / Economically Weaker Sections / Persons with Benchmark disabilities / Ex-Servicemen must ensure that they are entitled to such reservation / relaxation in accordance with the eligibility prescribed in the Examination Rules/Notice. They should be in possession of all the requisite certificates in the prescribed format in support of their claims for availing reservation before applying for the examination, and these certificates should be dated earlier than the closing date for receipt of applications for the examination, unless otherwise prescribed in the Examination Notice/Rules.

Agnipath scheme is conducted for JCO entry whereas NDA exam is conducted for Officer entry. Agnipath scheme is restricted to the recruitment of soldiers. This is just a four-year scheme. NDA exam is conducted for permanent service commission. Therefore, NDA exam is not affected by Agneepath scheme. NDA exam is conducted by UPSC to select eligible candidates for admission to the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of NDA and Indian Naval Academy courses. Both male and female candidates are eligible to apply for the exam. Through NDA exam, candidates are selected as Commissioned Officers in armed forces. The selection process of NDA comprises written exam and SSB interview. The written exam is conducted for 900 marks and SSB interview carries 900 marks. The final merit list is prepared out of 1800. 

NDA 2 2025 result will be announced in September 2025. The result will be announced on the official website. However, we will  provide the direct link to check the result. The result will be made available in PDF form and comprises the roll numbers of qualified candidates. Those who qualified the exam will appear for the SSB Interview.

NDA1 admit card 2025 was released on April 13, 2025. The link to download the admit card is made available on the official website. Candidates can access their admit cards by logging with either registration number or roll number. The admit card comprises candidate's name, roll number, date of birth, address of exam centres, scanned photograph, signature, etc. Candidates need to carry the printed copy of their admit cards to the exam centre. Along with the admit card, candidates are required to take one photo-identity proof to the exam centre for verification process. 

NDA 2 admit card 2025 will be released in the first week of September 2025 by UPSC. The admit card will be released for all the registered candidates. The link to download the NDA admit card is activated on the official website. However, the direct link to download the admit card is provided on this page. Candidates can download their admit cards by logging with the required credentials. The hard copy of the admit card is not sent to candidates by post.

NDA 1 2025 result was announced on April 28, 2025. The result was announced on the official website. However, the direct link to check the result is provided on this page. NDA result is announced name-wise and roll number-wise. The result PDF displays the roll numbers of qualified candidates. Those qualifying the written exam of NDA are called for SSB Interview. The marks of written exam are calculated out of 900 marks. The final selection of candidates is done based on the written exam and SSB interview. The SSB interview carries 900 marks. 

Hi, Eligibility Criteria to write NDA exam- (a) Nationality : A candidate must either be : i) a citizen of India, or ii) a subject of Bhutan, or iii) a subject of Nepal, or iv) a Tibetan refugee who came over to India with the intention of permanently settling in India, or v) a person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka and East African Countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire and Ethiopia and Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India. Provided that a candidate belonging to categories (ii), (iii), (iv) and (v) above shall be a person in whose favor a certificate of eligibility has been issued by the Government of India. Certificate of eligibility will not, however, be necessary in the case of candidates who are Gorkha subjects of Nepal. (b) Age Limits, Sex and Marital Status : A candidate must be an unmarried male and have attained the age of 16 1/2 years and must not have attained the age 19 years on the 1st January or 1st of July of the year succeeding the year of examination. Candidates must not marry until they complete their full training. A candidate who marries subsequent to the date of his application, though successful will not be selected for training. A candidate who marries during training shall be discharged and will be liable to refund all expenditure incurred on him by the Government. (c) Educational Qualifications : For Army wing of National Defence Academy :- 12th Class pass of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent examination conducted by a State Education Board or a University. For Air Force and Naval Wings of National Defence Academy and for the 10+2 (Executive Branch) Course at the Naval Academy :- 12th Class pass of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent with Physics and Mathematics conducted by a State Education Board or a University. Candidates who are appearing in the 12th Class under the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent examination can also apply.

The ideal time required for NDA preparation is one year to six months. During the preparation phase, candidates must focus on all subjects and topics relevant to the exam. Candidates must consider solving the NDA question papers. They should also attempt mock tests to increase speed and accuracy. Candidates must be thorough with the exam pattern and syllabus. The tips and tricks to prepare for NDA exam are given below:

• To begin with the preparation, candidates need to understand the syllabus and exam pattern
• Candidates can clear their basic concepts of the topics from the Class 10, 11 and 12 books
• To improve speed and accuracy, candidates can attempt mock tests
• After completing the syllabus, candidates must practice previous years' question papers to know the types of questions asked in the exam
• Candidates must work on improving their weak areas

The number of candidates who apply and appear for NDA exam is given below:

Exam Sessions	Number of Registered Candidates	Number of Appeared Candidates
NDA/NA  (I) & (II) Exam 2020	5,301,85	2,404,45
NDA/NA (I) Exam 2018	4,506,41	2,946,88
NDA/NA (II) Exam 2018	3,487,85	2,405,76
NDA/NA (I) Exam 2017	4,169,61	2,680,12
NDA/NA (II) Exam 2017	3,442,02	2,321,20

 

 

 

Yes, NDA age limit for females and males is same. For NDA 1 exam, both male and female candidates must have been born not earlier than July 2, 2005 and not later than July 1, 2008. For NDA 2 exam, only unmarried male/female candidates born not earlier than January 2, 2006 and not later than January 1, 2009 are eligible.

NDA official notification is released by UPSC. NDA notification PDF download is made available on this page after it is released. The notification PDF comprises the important details related to the exam such as the important dates, selection process, exam pattern, syllabus and many more information.

Yes, medical students are eligible to apply for the NDA (National Defence Academy) exam, provided they meet the other eligibility criteria. The eligibility criteria for the NDA exam are as follows: Age: Candidates must be between 16.5 to 19.5 years of age on the first day of the month in which the course is scheduled to begin. Educational qualification: Candidates must have passed the 10+2 examination or its equivalent from a recognised board. Medical students who have completed their 10+2 with Science subjects are also eligible to apply. Nationality: Candidates must be Indian citizens or subject of Bhutan, Nepal or a Tibetan refugee who came over to India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanently settling in India. Marital status: Candidates must be unmarried. Physical standards: Candidates must meet the prescribed physical standards. So, if you meet the above-mentioned eligibility criteria, you can apply for the NDA exam. The exam is conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). You can check the UPSC's official website for more details on the exam and its application procedure.

Yes, women candidates can now apply for NDA exam. In 2021, Supreme Court of India has allowed women candidates to appear for NDA exam. The eligibility criteria of women candidates are same as male candidates. Women candidates aged between 16.5 years to 19.5 years can apply for NDA exam. They must have passed Class 12 or equivalent from a recognised board. Candidates who are appearing in Class 12 exam can also apply for NDA. Now women candidates are also eligible for applying to the Indian Naval Academy course. Earlier, they were not allowed to apply for Indian Naval Academy. The eligibility for the women candidates are same as their male counterparts. However, there is a difference in the medical standards of women candidates.

You can abbreviate your name within 30 characters and fill it in the name column of NDA application form. You need to send a signed written request to Joint Secretary (Examination), UPSC Dholpur House, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi 110069 by speed-post or fax by giving details of the full name and reasons for abbreviation in this regard. Applicants need to fill NDA application form online. Candidates are not required to sent the hard copy of the NDA application form. The application form can be filled in two parts. In Part 1 of NDA application form, candidates need to fill register for the exam, choose the preferred branch, verify the details and generate the registration ID. In Part 2, candidates need to select the exam centre, upload scanned images of photograph and signature. Before filling the application form, candidates need to complete the one time registration.

If your have changed your Name, select "Yes" for "Have your ever changed Name" option while registering in OTR, then mention your Changed Name in the column "Changed Name".

You are required to clear cache of your browser (all time) from the browser settings and complete your application form (Part-I & Part-II Registration). After clearing the cache, begin with filling the application form again.

Candidate should also have details of one photo ID such as Aadhar Card/ Voter Card/ PAN Card/ Passport/ Driving License/School Photo ID/Any other photo ID Card issued by the State/Central Government while filling the application form. Besides photo-identity proof, candidates are also required to upload their scanned photographs and signatures. Candidates need to bring the same photo-identity proof along with the admit card to the exam centre for appearing the written exam and SSB interview. The photo-identity proof that candidates upload during registration is used for all future reference by UPSC.The application form needs to be filled online only.  Candidates must have their photographs and signatures duly scanned in the .jpg format in such a manner that each file should not exceed 300 KB each and must not be less than 20 KB in size for the photograph and signature. Candidates scan their photo-identity proof in PDF only. The size of the PDF file should not exceed 300 KB and must not be less than 20 KB.

Due to security reasons, some reserved words and special characters like (!, @, #, $, %, ^, &, *, (, ), <, >? , /, ~, ', etc.) are not acceptable in the Name and Address fields of the Online System. Please retry after deleting special characters.

A total of 404 vacancies were announced for NDA 2 2024 exam. The vacancy break-up is given below.

Academy	Wings	No. of Vacancies
NDA	Army	208 (including 10 for female candidates)
	Navy	42 (including 06 for female candidates)
	Air Force	Flying- 92  (including 02 for female candidates) Ground Duties (Tech)-18  (including 02 for female candidates) Ground Duties (Non Tech)-10  (including 02 for female candidates)
Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme)	-	34 (including 05 for female candidate)
Total		404

The selection process of NDA includes the written exam and SSB Interview. The written exam is held for 900 marks and the SSB interview is conducted for 900 marks. The final selection of candidates is done based on the written exam and SSB interview. Candidates are required to secure separate qualifying marks in the written exam and interview. The final merit list is prepared out of 1800 marks.

NDA 1 2025 vacancies were announced along with the notification. A total of 404 vacancies were announced for NDA 1 2025 exam. A total of 208 vacancies were announced for Army, 42 for Navy, 120 for Air Force and 36 for Indian Naval Academy. The vacancy break-up of NDA 1 is given below.

Academy	Wings	No. of Vacancies
NDA	Army	208 (including 10 for female candidates)
	Navy	42 (including 06 for female candidates)
	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)	-	36 (including 05 for female candidates)
Total		404

 

The following NDA 2 vacancies in 2024 for females were announced.

Academy	Wings	No. of Vacancies
NDA	Army	10
	Navy	6
	Air Force	(i) Flying-2 (ii) Ground Duties (Tech)-2 (iii) Ground Duties (Non-Tech)-2
Indian Naval Academy	-	5

UPSC  announced 395 vacancies for NDA 1 2023. A total of 208 (including 10 for female candidates) were announced for Army, 42 (including 03 for female candidates) for Navy and 120 for Air Force (two vacancies each were earmarked for Flying and Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical Branches). NDA exam is conducted for admission of candidates to the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of NDA and Indian Naval Academy courses.

NDA select cadet based on service vacancy. It is according to the number of officers required at that time. But the academy accommodation also plays a role. The existing infrastructure at the academy can accommodate a certain number of cadets each term. If it is extended or the intake is greater than the capacity, the training standards will drop.

A total of 395 vacancies were announced for NDA 2 2023 exam. Out of total vacancies, 208 vacancies were announced for Army, 42 for Navy, 120 for Air Force and 25 for Indian Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme). A total of 35 vacancies were announced for women candidates.

No, it is not compulsory to take the colour printout of NDA admit card to the exam centre. According to the official notice, candidates need to bring the printout of the admit along with the (original) Photo Identity Card, whose number is mentioned in the admit card. They need to bring the admit card in each session to secure admission to exam centre. Candidates need to preserve the admit card till the declaration of the final result as it is required for the SSB Interview.

NDA1 admit card 2025 was released on April 13, 2025. The link to download the admit card is made available on the official website. Candidates can access their admit cards by logging with either registration number or roll number. The admit card comprises candidate's name, roll number, date of birth, address of exam centres, scanned photograph, signature, etc. Candidates need to carry the printed copy of their admit cards to the exam centre. Along with the admit card, candidates are required to take one photo-identity proof to the exam centre for verification process. 

NDA admit card for the written exam is released online by UPSC. The admit card can be downloaded by entering the required credentials. The hard copy of the admit card is not sent to candidates by post. NDA admit card can be downloaded by following the steps given below:

1) Visit the official website of UPSC

 2) Click the NDA admit card download link'

3) Candidates can download their admit cards by either logging with registration number or roll number

4) After submitting the details, NDA admit card appears on the screen

5) Download the admit card and take its printout

After downloading the admit card, candidates should take printout of it. Candidates need to carry the printout of the admit card to the exam centre.

NDA admit card is released online only. The hard copy of the admit card is not sent to candidates by post. The admit card can be downloaded by logging with registration number or roll number. The steps to download the admit card are given below:

• Visit the official website
• On the home page, find ‘E-admit card National Defence Academy Examination, ’ link
• The login page opens in a new tab
• Read the instructions carefully before downloading the admit card
• Agree to the terms and conditions
• Select any of the options-registration number or roll number
• If candidates select the registration number option, they need to enter the registration number, date of birth, and random image
• If candidates select the roll number option, they need to enter the roll number, date of birth, and random image
• Click the ‘Submit’ button
• NDA admit card appears on the screen
• Download the admit card and take its printout

NDA admit card is released online by the Union Public Service Commission. The admit card is released on the official website-upsc.gov.in. To download the admit card, candidates need to enter registration number or roll number, date of birth and captcha code. The hard copy of the admit card is not sent to candidates by post. Candidates need to carry the printed copy of the admit card along with one photo-identity proof to the exam centre. The following details are printed on the admit card:

• Candidate’s Name
• Date of birth
• Roll number
• Photograph and signature
• Exam Date
• Exam time
• Reporting time
• Name of exam centre
• Address of exam centre
• City
• Centre code (if any)

Candidates are required to score a minimum of around 25 per cent marks in each subject to clear the NDA written exam. The total marks allotted to the written exam are 900. Besides the subject-wise cut off marks, the examination authority also decides overall cut off marks for different defence services. Candidates are required to secure both section-wise and overall cut off marks. To be in the final merit list, candidates are required to secure separate qualifying marks in the written exam and SSB interview.

NDA marking scheme is prescribed by UPSC. The marking scheme highlights the marks awarded for correct answers and marks deducted for wrong answers. In Maths 2.5 marks are awarded for correct answers and 0.83 marks are deducted for wrong answers. In GAT four marks are awarded for correct answers and 1.33 marks are deducted for the wrong answers. The score of the written exam is calculated out of 900 marks. The examination authority calculates the scores of candidates based on the marking scheme. The structure of NDA marking scheme is given below.

Sections	Marks for correct answer	NDA Negative Marking
GAT	4	1.33
Mathematics	2.5	0.83

According to the NDA Exam Pattern, the NDA Exam will be conducted in offline mode, and all questions will be MCQ type. The exam is given in both English and Hindi. The question paper will consist of two sections: Mathematics and GAT. The total marks allotted to the written exam are 900. Candidates qualifying the written exam are called for SSB interview. The SSB Interview carries 900 marks.

NDA exam is conducted twice a year and comprises written exam and SSB interview.  NDA written examination is divided into two papers: Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT). Both papers feature objective-type questions, totaling 270 questions in the entire exam. Specifically, the Mathematics paper comprises 120 questions, while the GAT paper contains 150 questions. The total marks allocated for the NDA exam is 900 marks. The difficulty level of the NDA exam is usually moderate. Candidates can crack the exam with good preparation.

NDA exam is conducted offline across various cities spread throughout the country. The exam is conducted in two shifts-morning and afternoon. The Maths paper is held in the morning shift- 10:00 AM-12:30 PM and GAT is held in the afternoon shift from 10:00 AM-12:30 PM. Candidates are required to appear in both the shifts. The total marks allotted to the exam are 900. Candidates need to secure 25 per cent in each paper.

The SSB Interview of NDA exam is conducted in two stages. Stage 1 of the SSB Interview comprises Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception and Description Test (PP&DT). Stage 2 comprises Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests, and the Conference. The SSB interview is conducted for candidates who qualify the written exam. Candidates need to secure the minimum qualifying marks in SSB interview. The total marks allotted to the SSB interview are 900. SSB interview is also taken into consideration for preparing the final merit list.

NDA Maths syllabus covers the topics from higher secondary Mathematics on Trigonometry Algebra Differential Calculus, 2D and 3D Geometry, Matrix and Determinants etc. A total of 120 questions are asked in the Maths section and carry 300 marks. Candidates must clear their basics from Class 10, 11 and 12 Maths books. NDA syllabus for Maths is given below:

Algebra: Sets, Venn diagrams, De Morgan laws, Cartesian product, relation, equivalence relation. Real numbers, Complex numbers, Modulus, Cube roots, Conversion of a number in Binary system to Decimals and vice-versa. Arithmetic, Geometric and Harmonic progressions. Quadratic equations, Linear inequations, Permutation and Combination, Binomial theorem and Logarithms.

Calculus: Concept of a real valued function, domain, range and graph of a function. Composite functions, one to one, onto and inverse functions. Notion of limit, Standard limits, Continuity of functions, algebraic operations on continuous functions. Derivative of function at a point, geometrical and physical interpretation of a derivative-application. Derivatives of sum, product and quotient of functions, derivative of a function with respect to another function, derivative of a composite function. Second order derivatives. Increasing and decreasing functions. Application of derivatives in problems of maxima and minima

Matrices and Determinants: Types of matrices, operations on matrices. Determinant of a matrix, basic properties of determinants. Adjoint and inverse of a square matrix, Applications-Solution of a system of linear equations in two or three unknowns by Cramer’s rule and by Matrix Method.

Integral Calculus and Differential Equations: Integration as inverse of differentiation, integration by substitution and by parts, standard integrals involving algebraic expressions, trigonometric, exponential and hyperbolic functions. Evaluation of definite integrals—determination of areas of plane regions bounded by curves-applications.

Definition of order and degree of a differential equation, formation of a differential equation by examples. General and particular solution of differential equations, solution of first order and first-degree differential equations of various types—examples. Application in problems of growth and decay.

Trigonometry: Angles and their measures in degrees and in radians. Trigonometric ratios. Trigonometric identities Sum and difference formulae. Multiple and Sub-multiple angles. Inverse trigonometric functions. Applications-Height and distance, properties of triangles.

Vector Algebra: Vectors in two and three dimensions, magnitude, and direction of a vector. Unit and null vectors, the addition of vectors, scalar multiplication of a vector, scalar product, or dot product of two vectors. Vector product or cross product of two vectors. Applications—work done by a force and moment of a force and in geometrical problems.

Analytical Geometry Of Two and Three Dimension: Rectangular Cartesian Coordinate system, Distance formula, Equation of a line in various forms. The angle between two lines. Distance of a point from a line. Equation of a circle in standard and in a general form. Standard forms of parabola, ellipse, and hyperbola. Eccentricity and axis of a conic. Point in a three-dimensional space, the distance between two points. Direction Cosines and direction ratios. Equation two points. Direction Cosines and direction ratios. Equation of a plane and a line in various forms. Angle between two lines and angle between two planes. Equation of a sphere.

Statistics and Probability: Probability: Random experiment, outcomes, and associated sample space, events, mutually exclusive and exhaustive events, impossible and certain events. Union and Intersection of events. Complementary, elementary, and composite events. Definition of probability—classical and statistical—examples. Elementary theorems on probability-simple problems. Conditional probability, Bayes’ theorem—simple problems. Random variable as function on a sample space. Binomial distribution, examples of random experiments giving rise to Binomial distribution.

The Paper 1 of NDA Maths section carries 300 marks. The exam comprises of 120 questions in maths from Class 12 level. For each correct answer,   candidate get 2.5 marks. Additionally, 0.83 mark is deducted for wrong response. Questions in Maths are asked from Algebra, Calculus,  Matrices and Determinants,  Integral Calculus and Differential Equations, Trigonometry,  Vector Algebra, Analytical Geometry Of Two and Three Dimension and Statistics and  Probability. 

NDA syllabus is prescribed by UPSC. The syllabus is mentioned on the notification. NDA syllabus is divided into Maths and GAT. The standard of NDA syllabus is of Class 10, 11 and 12 levels. The total marks allotted to the written exam are 900. NDA Maths syllabus comprises topics such as Algebra, Calculus, Matrices and Determinants, Integral Calculus and Differential Equations, Trigonometry, Vector Algebra, Analytical Geometry Of Two and Three Dimension and Statistics and  Probability. NDA GAT syllabus comprises topics such as Grammar and Usage, Vocabulary, Comprehension, and Cohesion, Physics, Chemistry, Social Studies, General Science, Geography, and Current Events.

Questions in this section of NDA exam are asked from General Science, Indian history, Physics Geography, Chemistry and Current Events. Candidates must read the newspapers and watch news channels to know about the national and international events. Candidates must refer to the six months Current Affairs for NDA exam.

NDA syllabus PDF is provided on this page. The syllabus PDF comprises the important topics related to the exam. Candidates can download the syllabus PDF and start preparing for the exam. With good practice, candidates can ace the exam. 

NDA exam is conducted for admission to the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of National Defence Academy and Indian Naval Academy Course. CDS exam is conducted to select eligible candidates for Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA) and Officers Training Academy (OTA).

NDA and CDS syllabus are different. Candidates can check below in detail:

The level of NDA syllabus is of Class 10, 11 and 12 levels. Whereas, the standard of CDS syllabus is of graduation level. NDA syllabus is divided into Maths and GAT. CDS syllabus is divided into Elementary Maths, English and General Awareness. The total marks allotted to the NDA written exam are 900. The total marks allotted to the written exam of CDS are 300 for IMA, INA and AFA and 200 for OTA. 

NDA GAT paper carries questions from English, General Knowledge, General Science, Current Affairs, History, Geography, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, etc. NDA 2 2023 GAT answer key comprises the correct answers to the questions asked in the exam. Total marks allotted this paper are 600. 

NDA exam is conducted offline across various cities spread throughout the country. The exam is conducted in two shifts-morning and afternoon. The Maths paper is held in the morning shift- 10:00 AM-12:30 PM and GAT is held in the afternoon shift from 10:00 AM-12:30 PM. Candidates are required to appear in both the shifts. The total marks allotted to the exam are 900. Candidates need to secure 25 per cent in each paper.

NDA answer key is released separately for Maths and GAT within few hours after the exam is conducted. The answer key is released online and candidates can use it to compare the responses marked in the exam. The benefits of NDA answer key are given below: NDA answer keys are used to compare the responses marked in the exam Comparing the answers with the NDA answer key, candidates will be able to calculate the probable score The probable score help candidates to know their chances of selection for the further rounds.

NDA answer key is released online by UPSC separately for Maths and GAT. Candidates can download the answer keys for all Sets of test booklets such as A, B, C and D. The steps to download NDA answer key are given below: Visit the official website of UPSC From the 'Examination' tab on the home page, candidates need to go to the 'Answer Keys' tab Click the NDA answer key' links Clicking the links, the answer keys for different subjects appears on the screen Download the answer key and save the file.

Candidates can raise objections against the question papers through QPRep portal. The process to raise objections against the question paper is given below: Visit the official website of UPSC Go to the tab 'Representation on Question Papers' Click the link 'National Defence Academy and Naval Academy examination' Enter roll number, date of birth, and verification code to login Submit your representations to UPSC against the question papers.

NDA Maths question paper comprises questions from questions from Algebra, Calculus, Matrices and Determinants, Integral Calculus and  Differential Equations, Trigonometry, Vector Algebra, Analytical Geometry Of Two and Three Dimension, and Statistics and  Probability. NDA 2 Maths question paper carries 120 objective-type multiple-choice questions. Total marks allotted to the Maths paper are 300. 

Everyday candidates should study for two to three hours on regular basis. Categorize the course as per your comfort and start preparing. Practice previous year question paper as much as possible. Candidates must be thorough with the syllabus and exam pattern. They should prepare study routine and follow it seriously. Candidates must also solve mock test.

Past years' question papers can be a valuable resource for preparing for the NDA exam. They can provide candidates with an understanding of the types of questions that may be asked, the format of the exam, and the level of difficulty. However, it is important to note that the NDA exam is constantly evolving, and the questions may change from year to year. Therefore, it is important to use past years' question papers in along with other study materials and resources, such as practice tests, study guides, and tutorials.

Yes, solving NDA question papers is an important part of preparation. Solving the question papers helps candidates to assess their level of preparation for the exam. Candidates will also be able to find out their strengths and weakness and plan for the exam accordingly. Candidates must solve NDA question papers after completing the syllabus. They should fix a timetable for solving the question papers. Candidates at least one question paper regularly while preparing for NDA exam. Besides solving NDA question papers, you need to attempt mock tests to improve your speed and accuracy. Practising NDA question papers and solving mock tests should go hand in hand.

Yes, UPSC allows candidates to take NDA question paper home. NDA exam is conducted in two shifts-afternoon and forenoon. Candidates can carry their question papers of Maths and GAT to their homes. However, UPSC also released NDA question papers online on its official website. The question papers are released online in PDF form. Aspirants can download the question papers and start preparing for the exam.

NDA question papers are released by UPSC within two to three days after the question papers are released. NDA 2 question paper is available now. NDA question papers are made available on the official website of UPSC in PDF. Candidates can download NDA question papers for different subjects-Maths and GAT. Practising the question papers, candidates can know the type of questions asked in the exam.

UPSC also provides the facility to raise objections against NDA question papers. After checking the NDA question papers 2023, if candidates find any wrong questions, they can raise objections within the prescribed deadline. The objection can be raised through UPSC Online Question Paper Representation Portal. To access the question paper representation portal, candidates need to login with roll number, date of birth and captcha code. The steps to raise objections against NDA question papers are given below:

• Visit the official website of UPSC 
• Go to the tab 'Representation on Question Papers'
• Click the link 'National Defence Academy and Naval Academy examination'
• Enter roll number, date of birth, and verification code to login
• Submit your representations to UPSC against the question papers

The tips and tricks to prepare for NDA exam at home are given below:

• While preparing for the NDA exam the first thing candidates need to do is to make themselves acquainted with the NDA syllabus and NDA exam pattern
• Candidates need to make a study plan and follow that dilligently
• Divide topics into easy and difficult ones
• Also, set weekly and monthly goals to keep a track of performance to cover the entire syllabus in time
• Candidates need to clear their basic concepts
• Candidates need to make notes of important topics
• Candidates must solve previous years' question papers and mock tests
• Candidates must stay consistent and focus

With just three months left for NDA exam, candidates must pull up their socks and start preparing for the exam dedicatedly. The competition for this exam is high and without a good preparation, it is not possible to crack it. Candidates must prepare a proper study plan and follow it diligently. Besides, candidates must solve previous years’ question papers and mock tests to get themselves familiar with the actual test and find out the strong and weak areas. 

Also Read: How to prepare for NDA 2023 in 3 months?

NDA syllabus mostly comprises the topics/subjects that candidates have studied in Class 12. The preparation for Class 12 and NDA can go hand-in-hand. Some of the preparation tips or NDA exam after 12th are given below:

• Candidates must go through the complete subject-wise syllabus
• Create a proper study plan and dedicate time for each subject
• Be consistent with the study plan Refer to good NDA books
• Candidates must review the fundamentals of each subject. They should consult the books from Classes 6 to 12
• Candidates must read the newspaper daily to enhance their English. Additionally, candidates must practice grammar and learn new words
• Candidates must practice the previous years' question papers to get an idea about the exam structure

It is not difficult to crack NDA exam with six months of preparation but the thing which is needed is determination, focus, and self-belief. To clear NDA exam in six months, candidates need to work really very hard. They cannot waste a single day. It is better to stay focused on the studies. Study regularly as the syllabus is vast. Atleast do self-study of four to six hours daily. Candidates must solve previous years' question papers to improve speed and accuracy. Candidates must also get themselves acquainted with the syllabus and exam pattern.

The ideal time required for NDA preparation is one year to six months. During the preparation phase, candidates must focus on all subjects and topics relevant to the exam. Candidates must consider solving the NDA question papers. They should also attempt mock tests to increase speed and accuracy. Candidates must be thorough with the exam pattern and syllabus. The tips and tricks to prepare for NDA exam are given below:

• To begin with the preparation, candidates need to understand the syllabus and exam pattern
• Candidates can clear their basic concepts of the topics from the Class 10, 11 and 12 books
• To improve speed and accuracy, candidates can attempt mock tests
• After completing the syllabus, candidates must practice previous years' question papers to know the types of questions asked in the exam
• Candidates must work on improving their weak areas

The difficulty level of NDA Maths paper is usually moderate while GAT was easy. The English Language paper of NDA is usually easy where questions are asked on grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension. The General Awareness section of NDA is moderate. Candidates need to keep themselves updated with the latest events in India and the world. To ace the exam, candidates need to understand the exam pattern and syllabus, practice mock test, solve previous years' question papers, etc. With hard work and dedication, candidates can crack the exam easily. The total marks allotted to the written exam of NDA are 900. Candidates need to secure 25 per cent in each subject to qualify the exam. Candidates qualifying the written exam of NDA are called for SSB Interview. 

Candidates are required to score a minimum of around 25 per cent marks in each subject to clear the NDA written exam. The total marks allotted to the written exam are 900. Besides the subject-wise cut off marks, the examination authority also decides overall cut off marks for different defence services. Candidates are required to secure both section-wise and overall cut off marks. To be in the final merit list, candidates are required to secure separate qualifying marks in the written exam and SSB interview.

NDA exam is known to be highly challenging and competitive exam. The exam tests the knowledge and aptitude of candidates in subjects such as Mathematics, General Ability and English . However, with proper preparation and practice, it is possible to crack the exam. It is important to note that success in the NDA exam also depends on factors such as dedication, focus, and time management.

The Maths paper is common for Army, Navy and Air Force wings in NDA exam. The standard of questions is basically of Class 10, 11, and 12 levels. The Maths paper carries 300 marks. 0.83 marks are deducted for wrong answers in Maths and 2.5 marks are awarded for correct answers. The Maths section carries 120 questions. The test paper carries questions from Algebra Calculus, Matrices and Determinants Integral Calculus and Differential Equations Trigonometry Vector Algebra Analytical Geometry Of Two and Three Dimension and Statistics and Probability.

GAT paper of NDA comprises a total of 150 questions. The GAT section is divided into two parts. Part A comprises English while Part B consists of General Knowledge. The number of questions in the Maths section of NDA exam is 120. Questions in the Maths section are asked from Algebra Calculus, Matrices and Determinants Integral Calculus and Differential Equations Trigonometry Vector Algebra Analytical Geometry Of Two and Three Dimension and Statistics and Probability. NDA question papers are framed in both English and Hindi by the examination authority.

NDA 2 2025 result will be announced in September 2025. The result will be announced on the official website. However, we will  provide the direct link to check the result. The result will be made available in PDF form and comprises the roll numbers of qualified candidates. Those who qualified the exam will appear for the SSB Interview.

The NDA written examination is the first stage of the NDA. After you clear stage one, you will be called for the second stage, which is SSB. The SSB consists of intelligence and personality tests and lasts for five days. It goes like this: 1. Day one consists of a screening test. 2. Day two consists of two psychological tests: TAT and What. 3. Days three and four consist of group testing officer (GTO) tasks such as group discussion. 4. The fifth and final day will consist of a conference round. There is an elimination of candidates for each task, and finally, after this, the selected candidates will have to undergo medical testing.

NDA 1 2025 result was announced on April 28, 2025. The result was announced on the official website. However, the direct link to check the result is provided on this page. NDA result is announced name-wise and roll number-wise. The result PDF displays the roll numbers of qualified candidates. Those qualifying the written exam of NDA are called for SSB Interview. The marks of written exam are calculated out of 900 marks. The final selection of candidates is done based on the written exam and SSB interview. The SSB interview carries 900 marks. 

NDA marksheet is made available on the official website within 15 days from the date of publication of NDA final result. NDA scorecard is available to download for a period of 30 days. Candidates can download their marksheet by logging with the required credentials. The marksheet displays the candidate’s name, roll numbers and sectional and overall scores. The steps to download the scorecard are given below:

• Visit the official website of UPSC
• Click the NDA marksheet link on the home page
• Enter the login credentials
• NDA marksheet appears on the screen
• Download the marksheet and save it

NDA result is announced online by UPSC. The link to check the result is made available on the official website in PDF form. The result PDF displays the roll numbers of qualified candidates. The steps given below will help candidates to check the result:

Candidates need to visit the official website of UPSC

Candidates need to click on the NDA result link on the home page

 Clicking the link, the result PDF opens in a new page

Candidates need to Search their roll numbers in the result PDF

Download the result PDF and save it

UPSC also releases NDA result name-wise. The name-wise result PDF displays the names of candidates qualified for the next round of selection process. NDA marks for the written exam is calculated out of 900. The final merit list is prepared based on the marks secured in the written exam and SSB interview. The marks of the SSB interview is calculated out of 900. Selection of candidates is done based on merit-cum-preference.

NDA result is prepared based on the official answer keys. However, the official NDA answer keys are published by UPSC after the completion of the recruitment process. The unofficial answer keys are released by the coaching institutes within few hours after the exam is conducted so that candidates can get an idea of the correct answers. The unofficial answer key might vary slightly from official keys. You can refer to the unofficial answer keys while checking the result. However, there is no any point to refer to the unofficial answer keys to check the result.

NDA cut off is the minimum qualifying marks that candidates need to secure in the written exam and SSB interview. UPSC prescribes cut off marks for written exam and final selection. Candidates need to secure separate qualifying marks in written exam and SSB interview. Candidates securing the NDA cut off marks are called for subsequent rounds of selection process. NDA exam is conducted to select eligible candidates for admission to Army, Navy and Air Force wings of National Defence Academy and Indian Naval Academy course. NDA selection process comprises written exa and SSB interview. Candidates qualifying the written exam by securing the required cut off are called for the SSB interview. Candidates need to secure the cut off marks in the SSB interview also. 

No, NDA cut offs are the same for all armed forces - Army, Navy, Air Force and Naval Academy. The cut off for the written exam is calculated out of 900 marks. Moreover, candidates are also required to secure the sectional cut off marks in the exam. Candidates need to secure separate cut off marks in the written exam and final selection. NDA Cut Off is released after completion of the NDA exam along with the NDA Result. NDA cutoff is will be released separately for the written exam and the final selection. The written exam cutoff is calculated out of 900 marks. The last selected candidates’ scores are used to determine the final selection cutoff, which is based on their performance out of 1800 marks (900 for the written exam and 900 for the SSB interview).

NDA cutoffs are released on the official website in PDF form after the declaration of the final result. The cutoff marks are also provided on this page after it is announced by the examination authority. The cut off are released separately for written exam and final selection. Candidates need to secure the cut off marks inorder to get selected in the exam. The steps to check NDA cut off marks are given below:

• Visit the official website of UPSC 
• From the 'Examination' tab, candidates need to go to the 'Cut off' tab
• In the cut off page, candidates will find the NDA cut off marks
• Check the cut off marks 

Wherever two or more candidates have secured equal aggregate marks in NDA & NA exam, the ties are resolved in accordance with the following principles approved by the Commission:

• In case of equal marks in aggregate, the candidate senior in age may be placed at higher rank and
• In case of the candidates having same age and same aggregate marks, the candidate getting higher aggregate score in written papers may be placed at higher rank

NDA cutoff is determined based on factors such as the number of test takers, total vacancies, and exam difficulty level. NDA cut off for written exam and final selection is released after the completion of the selection process. Separate cutoff marks are announced for written exam and final selection. NDA cut off marks are the minimum qualifying marks that candidates need to secure inorder to qualify the exam. The written exam cutoff is calculated out of 900 marks. The last selected candidates’ scores are used to determine the final selection cutoff, which is based on their performance out of 1800 marks (900 for the written exam and 900 for the SSB interview). The prescribed qualifying NDA cutoff marks for each subject were 25 per cent.

NDA cut off is released after the completion of the exam. The cut off is released separately for the written exam and final selection. There are also sectional cut off marks for the exam. Candidates need to secure 25 per cent in each subject of NDA exam. Based on the cut off marks of the written exam, candidates are selected for the SSB Interview. The final cut off is decided based on the written exam and SSB interview. 

The salary that candidates will get after completing their course in NDA is given below. Lt to Major: Lt: Level 10 (56100-177500) Capt: Level 10 B (61,300-193900) Maj: Level 11 (69400-207200) Lt Colonel to Major General: Lt Col: Level 12A (121200-212400) Col: Level 13 (130600-215900) Brig: Level 13A (139600-217600) Maj Gen: Level 14 (144200-218200) Lt Gen AG Scale: Level 15 (182200-224100) HAG + Scale: Level 16 (205400 224400) VCOAS/ Army Cdr/ Lt Gen (NFSG): Level 17 (225000) (fixed) COAS: Level 18 (250000) (fixed). .

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.

The highest NDA salary of an Officer is Level 18 which is INR 2,50,000. This salary is offered to Chief of Army Staff. The highest salary varies for different posts. The salary for the post of Lieutenant is INR 1,77,500 per month. The salary for Major General is INR 2,18,200 per month.

Aspirants are always interested in knowing NDA salary while preparing for the exam. The salary provides details regarding the compensation that employees get after joining NDA. The stipend given to the Gentlemen Cadets during training is INR 56,100. After the successful training, the NDA salary of the Officer Commissioned will be fixed in the first Cell of Level 10.

There are multiple allowances offered to the Officers along with NDA salary such as Uniform Allowance, Dearness and Transport Allowance, Para Reserve Allowance, Technical Allowance, Children Education Allowance, Hostel Subsidy, High Altitude Allowance, etc. The Army Aviators (Pilots) in Lt and above in Level 10 and above serving in the Army Aviation Corps are entitled to flying allowance of INR 25,000 (R1H1 of Risk and Hardship Matrix).. .

NDA grade pay depend on the post to which they are selected. NDA salary is based on the 10th pay scale as per 7th pay commission. NDA grade pay for different posts is given below.

NDA Rank	NDA Grade Pay (in INR)
Captain	6,100
Major	6,600
Lieutenant	5,400
Lieutenant Colonel	8,000
Brigadier	8,900
Colonel	8,700
Major General	10,000

The questions that are asked in an NDA SSB interview are given below: 1) What is the meaning of your name? 2) How did your GTO and Psychology go, how many individual obstacles could you do, were you able to answer all the questions in psychology. 3) Why the IAF over the Army and Navy? 4) Tell me about your education background, the schools you've studied in (8th grade onwards), your marks, your favourite teacher, the teacher you disliked, favourite subject, disliked subject. 5) Tell me about the extracurricular and sport activities you actively took part in, your achievements, reason for taking part in those particular activities, level at which you participated. 6) Name few of your best friends from childhood, what do you like in them, what do you dislike in them, who supported you the most, what do they like in you, what do they dislike in you, who was your role model at school, reason for drop in percentage. 7) What are your weaknesses, how do you deal with them, is there any short coming you recently over came, how did you do so. 8) Tell me about your family background, the members of your family, what is their occupation, what do you like in each one of them, what do you dislike, what do they like in you, what do they dislike in you, which parent are you the closest to, why. 9) What is your routine on a holiday, how much pocket money do you get, how do you spend your money. 10) Tell me any 2 national and international news which you've come across recently. 11) Tell me how does an aircraft fly? What's the mechanism and principle. 12) What are your roles and responsibilities in your family, how do you help your family members and friends.

Yes, medical students are eligible to apply for the NDA (National Defence Academy) exam, provided they meet the other eligibility criteria. The eligibility criteria for the NDA exam are as follows: Age: Candidates must be between 16.5 to 19.5 years of age on the first day of the month in which the course is scheduled to begin. Educational qualification: Candidates must have passed the 10+2 examination or its equivalent from a recognised board. Medical students who have completed their 10+2 with Science subjects are also eligible to apply. Nationality: Candidates must be Indian citizens or subject of Bhutan, Nepal or a Tibetan refugee who came over to India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanently settling in India. Marital status: Candidates must be unmarried. Physical standards: Candidates must meet the prescribed physical standards. So, if you meet the above-mentioned eligibility criteria, you can apply for the NDA exam. The exam is conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). You can check the UPSC's official website for more details on the exam and its application procedure.

NDA selection process comprises written exam and SSB interview. Candidates need to secure qualifying marks separately in the written exam and SSB interview. Qualified candidates will be placed in a single combined list on the basis of total marks secure in the written exam and SSB interview. Final allocation is done based on the number of vacancies, eligibility, medical fitness and merit-cum-preference of the candidates. The written exam of NDA is conducted for 900 marks. The sectional cutoff marks for the written exam is 25 per cent. The SSB interview carries 900 marks. The SSB interview is conducted in two stages. Stage 1 comprises Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception and Description Test (PP&DT) whereas Stage 2 comprises Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests, and the Conference.

The selected candidates for the three services-Army,  Navy and Air Force are given preliminary training both academic and physical for a period of three years at the National Defence Academy which is an Inter-Service Institution. The training during
the first two and half years is common to the cadets of three wings. All the cadets on passing out are awarded degrees from Jawaharlal Nehru University Delhi as under:
(a) Army Cadets: BSc/ BSc (Computer)/ BA
(b) Naval Cadets: B Tech Degree
(c) Air Force Cadets: B Tech Degree /B Sc/BSc  (Computer)
All the cadets undergoing B.Sc/B.Sc (Computer)/BA Degree programme are awarded the degree on the successful completion of Academics, Physical and Service Training at NDA.
All the cadets undergoing B Tech programme are awarded the B Tech degree on the subsequent Pre Commissioning Training
Academies/ Institutions/ Ships/ Air Craft
The selected candidates of the Naval Academy are given preliminary training both academic and physical, for a period of four years at Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala. The cadets of 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme are awarded a B Tech Degree on successful completion of training.

Yes, there is an age limit for appearing in NDA exam. Candidates need to be between 16.5 and 19.5 years. For NDA 1 exam, both male and female candidates must have been born not earlier than July 2, 2004, and not later than July 1, 2007. For NDA 2 exam, both male and female candidates must have been born not earlier than January 2, 2004, and not later than January 1, 2007.

Yes, candidates need to secure 20 to 25 per cent in each subject of NDA exam. Besides, candidates need to secure the NDA cut off separately in the written exam and qualifying marks. The total marks allotted to the written exam are 900, the GAT section carries 600 marks and Mathematics section carries 300 marks. The SSB Interview carries 900 marks.

Around two to three Lacs candidates apply for NDA exam. The written exam of NDA is cleared by around 8000 to 10,000 candidates. Such candidates are called for SSB interview. The pass percentage in SSB interview is around 10 to 15 per cent. Many students are rejected on medical ground as well. After the medicals, a merit list is prepared which features around 580 to 650 candidates. First 350 to 380 candidates are invited for admission to NDA and INAC. Some candidates do not join and some are not able to cope up with the tough training process. NDA selection process is bit tough therefore it takes about six months preparation to crack the exam.