Shikha
Shikha Goyal
Assistant Manager
Updated on Apr 24, 2024 14:26 IST
The NDA is one of the most prestigious defence academies in the country. Pursuing a career in the NDA is a matter of pride. NDA selection process comprises written exam and SSB interview. Check below for more about the NDA exam and why the NDA is the best career option to join defence.

Over the years, the National Defence Academy (NDA) has emerged as an iconic military academy that attracts not only the finest youngsters from all corners of the country but also from friendly foreign countries. Scroll down to know more about NDA and why it is the best career option to join defence.

 NDA 2022

Why is NDA the best career option to join Defence?

Why is NDA the best career option to join Defence?: Since its existence, the National Defence Academy (NDA) has grown both in grace and grandeur. It is one of the most prestigious defence academies in the country. Every year, thousands of people join the Indian Armed Forces to serve the country. It is considered a matter of pride and honour. Defending a country is the best reward that we can have. Selection of candidates for admission to the prestigious defence academies is done based on the NDA exam which is conducted by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

Nowadays, young people know what is best for their careers, and many choose NDA not only for pride and honour but also because it is regarded as spectacular and respectable by the general public. For students who have completed their schooling or graduation and are searching for jobs after 12th in defence, NDA offers a bright future for them. Take a look at why the NDA is the best career option to join defence.

Q:   What is the difference between NDA 1 and 2 exams?
A:

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

Q:   Who earns more- NDA officer or IAS officer?
A:
The NDA Cadets receive a fixed stipend of INR 56,100 per month. An IAS Officer earn between INR 56,100 and INR 2,50,000.
Table of contents
  • What is National Defence Academy (NDA)?
  • Why is NDA the best career option to join defence?
  • NDA Selection Process

What is National Defence Academy (NDA)?

The Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi since 1973, has recognized NDA.  The ‘Cradle’ has indeed rocked the nascent youth and groomed them into ‘Leaders’ who have lived up to its ethos: ‘सेवा परमो धर्म:’ (Service Before Self).

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The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the NDA exam twice a year for admission to the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy and Indian Naval Academy courses. The National Defence Academy is located at Khadakwasla, Pune, Maharashtra. The Supreme Court of India allowed female candidates to join the NDA in 2021.

Candidates who apply for NDA are selected through a written examination and an SSB interview that comprises general aptitude, psychological testing, team skills, as well as physical and social skills, along with medical tests. Candidates who join the Air Force through the flying branch also go through a test known as the Computerized Pilot Selection System (CPSS).

Also Read:NDA eligibility criteria

Why is NDA the best career option to join defence?

NDA is considered the best career option for those who want to serve their country. No doubt, it is a challenging career with lots of responsibilities and duties. Every year more than four lakh students apply for the NDA exam, so from this we come to know the craze among students for this exam.

Serving the nation is one of the biggest reasons to join the NDA, and so is a good career option. Candidates who join the Indian Army provide their country with selfless service and give them a sense of pride. The Indian Army protects the country by defending it from the enemy's armed forces.

Skills and Training

The academy's education and training programmes are designed in such a way that they broaden the cadet's worldview, teach them to think analytically and critically, and also develop their leadership qualities. The main objective of the training is to impart academic and technological knowledge of the highest quality in order to equip cadets with appropriate qualifications as a foundation for their service careers. It also focuses on the overall personality development of a cadet, which is achieved by inculcating a sense of self-discipline, honour, integrity, duty, camaraderie, etc.

Also Read:NDA Exam Pattern

It provides an opportunity to travel and explore various parts of the country

A cadet gets an opportunity to travel and explore various parts of the country. In this way, a person learns about different cultures and customs. India is a diverse country, which makes itself unique. You will also meet different people from all over the country and make new friends.

High Salary 

NDA salary has witnessed several changes since the 7th Pay Commision. Candidates who join the NDA are offered attractive payscales and allowances. Benefits start from the training period itself. The stipend provided to cadets during the entire duration of training in service academies is INR 56,100 at IMA. After the successful training, the salary of the Officer Commissioned will be fixed in the first Cell of Level 10. Cadet salaries are listed below by rank. 

Rank

Level

Grade Pay (INR)

Lieutenant

Level 10

56,100-1,77,500

Captain

Level 10 B

6,13,00-1,93,900

Major

Level 11

6,94,00-2,07,200

Lieutenant Colonel

Level 12A

1,21,200-2,12400

Colonel

Level 13

1,30,600-2,15,900

Brigadier

Level 13A

1,39,600-2,17,600

Major General

Level 14

1,44,200-2,18,200

Lieutenant General HAG Scale

Level 15

1, 82, 200-2,24,100

HAG+Scale

Level 16

2,05,400-2,24,400

VCOAS/Army Cdr/ Lieutenant General (NFSG)

Level 17

2,25,000 (fixed)

COAS

Level 18

2,50,000 (fixed)

Also Read: NDA Preparation Tips

Job Security, Satisfaction and Economic Stability

NDA provides high job security and assurance for a bright future. Everyone wants job satisfaction. It is a positive emotion that makes an employee feel good about their job. The Indian Army provides job satisfaction and pride with responsibility.

An Indian Army officer receives numerous benefits, including free schooling for their children, excellent housing, free medical care for dependents, loan facilities, and free air tickets for you and your family members once a year. They also provide some good clubs, golf courses, horse riding courses, etc. Apart from such attractions as mentioned above, joining the Indian Armed Forces also assures you of living a healthier lifestyle than before.

Safety for the family 

Employees and their dependents are entitled to a variety of benefits. These benefits will continue to exist after retirement. 

Also Read: NDA Selection Process

It provides foreign courses and postings

Pursuing a job in the Indian Army is a matter of pride and you are entitled to various opportunities to travel and serve the country. Those cadets who are selected to the Indian Army sent to different country's Military Academies. Officers also get a chance to go on United Peacekeeping Missions. They may also get an opportunity to be posted at the United Nations. Further, the Indian Army also sends a large number of officers for training abroad.

Therefore, we can say that making a career in NDA not only provides various opportunities, quality life, job security, satisfaction, and professional advancement, but on the other hand, it is a matter of pride and also provides a chance to serve the nation. A few of us would desire to have a life like this, which is not surprising.

NDA Selection Process

The selection process of NDA comprises written exam and SSB interview. The written exam is conducted for 900 marks and comprises two subjects-Maths and GAT. The SSB interview is conducted in two stages and carries 900 marks. 

Read More:

 

About the Author
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Shikha Goyal
Assistant Manager

Role: Editorial Domain

Education: Mass Com & Journalism, MSC Mathematics

Expertise: Sarkari Exam Expert

About

Shikha Goyal is a double post graduate with more than 12 years of experience in education domain, journal

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Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered a week ago

Here's a forum-style post tailored for the NDA 2 2026 result query:


Waiting for the NDA 2 2026 results can be quite nerve-wracking, especially after months of preparation and anticipation. Many aspirants are anxious to know exactly when the results will be declared and how their efforts translate int

...Read more

A

Aashish Upadhyay

Beginner-Level 5

Answered a week ago

NDA 2 2024 cut off marks are given below.

Sl.No.Name of the WingVacanciesNumber                                of Recommended candidatesMinimum qualifying standard                        at                         the written stage (out of 900 marks)Marks secured by last recommended candidate                                at Final Stage (out of 1800 marks)

1.

Army, Air Force, Indian Navy and Indian Naval Academy Courses

208 (including  10  for 

 

792

 

 

 

 

 

 

305 (With at least 25% marks in each subject)

 

 

 

 

 

 

673

M

Mani Shukla

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a week ago

NDA 1 2025 cut off marks are given below.

Name of the WingMinimum qualifying standard                        at                         the written stage (out of 900 marks)Marks secured by last recommended candidate                                at Final Stage (out of 1800 marks)

Army, Air Force, Indian Navy and Indian Naval Academy Courses

334 (With at least  25% marks in each subject)

699 

I

Ishita Aggarwal

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a week ago

NDA 2 is hard in terms of difficulty level. It is conducted for candidates who have passed Class 12. The test comprises two papers. The total marks allotted are 900. Selection is done based on the written exam and SSB Interview.

B

Bhumika Lama

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a week ago

NDA marks are rounded off up to two decimal digits for all stages. This done by applying the standard rounding off principle,
wherever applicable. While applying the tie-breaking principles, the rounded-off marks upto two decimal digits are considered for resolving all tie cases.

A

Anangsha Patra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

In case the aggregate final marks are equal then securing more marks in the written exam are placed in higher rank. Candidates securing more marks in Paper 2 (GAT) are placed in higher rank. Age is also given preference while resolving the ties.

 

C

Chanchal Jain

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a week ago

To be acceptable, candidates for the Army/Navy/Naval Academy and Air Force are required to secure qualifying marks separately in written exam and SSB. Candidates for the Air Force,  and all the SSB qualified candidates as per their willingness, eligibility and preference for flying branch of Air For

...Read more

J

Jasleen Harsha

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a week ago

NDA 1 result 2026 will be announced in the third week of April. The result will be made available roll-number and name-wise. Candidates need to secure the qualifying marks in the exam.

I

Indrani Thakur

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 2 weeks ago

A total of 394 vacancies were announced for NDA 1 2026 exam. The break-up is given below.

AcademyWingsNo. 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

C

Chanchal Jain

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a month ago

The NDA application form for 2026 will be released on December 10, 2025. Here's a summary of the key dates ¹ ²:

- *NDA 1 Application Form:*

    - Release Date: December 10, 2025

    - Last Date to Apply: December 30, 2025

    - Exam Date: April 12, 2026

- *NDA 2 Application Form:*

    - Release Date:

...Read more

Y

YUVASRI

Beginner-Level 1