Overview
Overview
NDA (National Defence Academy) entrance exam is conducted by UPSC for admission to the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the NDA at Khandala, Pune.
Key Facts
- Conducted by UPSC — twice a year (April & September)
- After Class XII (any stream for Army; PCM for Air Force/Navy)
- Age: 16.5–19.5 years
- Only unmarried males (females eligible from NDA-I 2024 onwards per Supreme Court direction)
- 3-year training at NDA followed by 1-year at respective Service Academy
- ~400 vacancies per entry
Exam Pattern
Exam Pattern
| Paper | Subjects | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Mathematics | 120 | 300 | 2.5 hours |
| Paper II | General Ability (English + GK) | 150 | 600 | 2.5 hours |
Total written: 900 marks
SSB Interview
- 900 marks (personality, intelligence, group task, interview)
- Total selection marks: 1800
Written + SSB Selection Flow and Training Path
Stages / Rounds
- NDA selection combines written exam and multi-day SSB evaluation.
- Wing eligibility differs by Class 12 subjects (Army vs Air Force/Navy).
- Always verify current UPSC cycle age and medical standards before applying.