7 major NDA scholarships

There are a number of scholarships or schemes for financial assistance available to cadets who become a part of the National Defence Academy. The scholarships are based either on domicile or merit of the cadet. Shiksha list seven major scholarships for NDA cadets.

Cadets, who become a part of the National Defence Academy (NDA), have the opportunity of availing various scholarships or schemes for financial assistance. Most of these scholarships are based either on domicile or merit of the cadet. Shiksha list seven major scholarships for NDA cadets.

Haryana Government's Financial Assistance

The Haryana state government provides financial assistance to candidates of Haryana domicile undergoing training at NDA.

Under this initiative, candidates of Haryana domicile, who successfully complete training at the Indian Military Academy (IMA), the Officers Training Academy (OTA), NDA and other Defence academies of national standing, are awarded Rs 1 lakh in cash.

Financial Aid for Ex-servicemen of Maharashtra

The Maharashtra state government offers Rs 50,000 as a one-time incentive to the wards of Maharashtrian ex-servicemen/officers undertaking training as cadets at NDA. The guardians/parents of the wards are required to apply at the particular Zilla Sainik Welfare Office. They will need to furnish certificates attained from the academy with the application. The terms and conditions of the scholarships can be obtained from NDA's head office in Pune.

Tamil Nadu Government Scholarship

The Government of Tamil Nadu offers a scholarship  of Rs 30 per month per course and an additional one-time outfit allowance of Rs 400 over the period of cadet’s training. The scholarship is awarded to a cadet who belongs to the state of Tamil Nadu and whose guardian’s/parent’s monthly income is not more than Rs 500. Eligible cadets can apply to the Commandant, National Defence Academy on their arrival at the academy.

Kerala Government Scholarship

The government of Kerala has instituted a merit scholarship of Rs 480 per annum for the period of training at NDA. The scholarship is awarded to a cadet who is domiciled state resident and who tops the All India UPSC Entrance Examination to get admission in NDA. The candidate may have passed from the Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC) or from any other Sainik Schools in India. Also, the cadet’s guardian/father’s financial position is of not considered for the award of the scholarship.

Orissa Government Scholarship         

The scholarships, one each for the Army, Navy and Air Force, carry a value of Rs 80 each per month. These are meant for the permanent residents of Odisha. One of the scholarships is merit-based and will be given to the best cadet irrespective of the income of the parents or guardian, while the other two require that the parent’s/guardian’s income does not exceed Rs 5,000 per annum.

Assam government scholarship

The government of Assam awards two scholarships to cadets from the state who joint the academy. The scholarships are valued at Rs 30 per month and cover the duration of a cadet’s stay at the Academy. The scholarships are awarded to the two best cadets from the state. The scholarships do not carry any eligibility conditions as regards the income of parents/guardians. The cadets who are granted this scholarship are eligible for any other financial assistance from the government.

Uttar Pradesh Government Scholarship

The Uttar Pradesh government awards two cadets from the state Rs 30 per month and an outfit remuneration of Rs 400. The scholarships are awarded on a merit-cum-means basis and are tenable for a three-year period subject to the satisfactory performance of the cadets at the academy. Cadets who are given these scholarships are not eligible for any other financial support from the government.

Kaur Singh Memorial Scholarship

Cadets from Bihar are eligible for two scholarships awarded by the Bihar government. The cadets must secure top positions among candidates from the state. The scholarships are valued at Rs. 37 per month and are tenable for a maximum period of four years during training at the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla. The scholarships will continue to cover further training at the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, the Air Force Flying College and Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala, subject to maintaining good progress at the respective institutions.