The National Defence Academy (NDA) exam is a competitive entrance examination in India for admission to the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice a year, and eligible candidates can take the exam after completing 10+2 or equivalent education.
The NDA exam consists of two parts: a written examination and an interview process. The written examination includes two papers:
- Mathematics: The paper consists of objective-type questions on topics such as algebra, trigonometry, geometry, statistics, and probability. The duration of the paper is 2 hours and 30 minutes, and the maximum marks are 300.
- General Ability Test (GAT): The paper consists of objective-type questions on English, general knowledge, and current events. The duration of the paper is 2 hours and 30 minutes, and the maximum marks are 600.
To be eligible for the NDA exam, candidates must meet certain age and educational qualifications.
Age qualifications:
- Army: Candidates must be born between July 2nd, 2001 and July 1st, 2004.
- Navy/ Air Force: Candidates must be born between July 2nd, 2001 and July 1st, 2003
Education Qualification: Candidates must have completed 10+2 or equivalent education with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects.
The selection process includes a written examination and a subsequent interview process conducted by the Service Selection Board (SSB). Candidates who pass the written examination will be called for SSB interview, which includes various tests such as intelligence and personality tests, group testing, and an interview by a panel of officers.
The NDA exam is considered to be one of the most competitive entrance examinations in India, with a large number of candidates competing for a limited number of seats. The final selection is based on the candidate’s performance in both the written examination and the SSB interview.
The training of the cadets starts after the successful completion of the selection process. The training for the Army, Navy and Air Force are different and are held at different institutes and locations. On successful completion of the training cadet will get commissioned as an officer in Indian Army, Navy, Airforce respectively.