NDA & NA (National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination) is conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) - the gateway for unmarried young men and women (women allowed since 2022) to join the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force as commissioned officers after Class 12. Approximately 4-5 lakh candidates apply for around 400 seats in each session, making it one of India's toughest defence entrances. Selected candidates undergo a 3-year training at the National Defence Academy (Khadakwasla, Pune), Indian Naval Academy (Ezhimala) or Air Force Academy (Hyderabad), graduating with a B.A./B.Sc./B.Tech degree from Jawaharlal Nehru University before final commissioning.
Exam Pattern
Mode:Offline (pen & paper, OMR)
Duration:2.5 hours per paper (5 hours total)
Total Marks:900 (written) + 900 (SSB interview) = 1800
Marking Scheme:Mathematics: +2.5 for correct, -0.83 for wrong; GAT: +4 for correct, -1.33 for wrong (1/3 negative marking)
Sections
Paper I - Mathematics
120 Questions•300 Marks
Paper II - General Ability Test (GAT): English
50 Questions•200 Marks
Paper II - GAT: General Knowledge (Physics, Chemistry, GS, History, Geography, Current Events)
Physics - Class 10 level (mechanics, optics, electricity)
Chemistry - basics of bonding, organic, inorganic
General Science, History (Indian + World), Geography (India focus)
Current Events, Indian polity, defence-related awareness
Eligibility Criteria
Unmarried male/female candidates (women allowed for NDA since the 2022 Supreme Court order)
Age 16.5-19.5 years on the date of joining the course (cut-off as per UPSC notification)
Class 12 pass or appearing for Army wing; Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics for Navy/Air Force wings
Indian citizen or specified eligibility categories (refer UPSC notification)
Physical and medical standards as per defence requirements
Important Dates
NDA I notification
December 2026 (tentative - confirm on UPSC website)
NDA I last date to apply
January 2027 (tentative)
NDA I exam date
April 2027 (tentative)
NDA II notification
May 2027 (tentative)
NDA II exam date
September 2027 (tentative)
SSB Interview
1-5 months after written result, depending on service preference
Application Process
Register on upsconline.nic.in (One-Time Registration first)
Fill the NDA & NA application form with personal, academic, choice of service (Army/Navy/Air Force/Naval Academy) details
Upload photograph, signature, photo ID proof
Pay the examination fee (Rs. 100 for general; SC/ST/female exempted)
Download admit card 3 weeks before exam
Appear for written exam; qualified candidates undergo 5-day SSB Interview at Selection Centres
Medical examination at military hospital after SSB clearance
Final merit list and joining instructions
💡 Preparation Tips
Master Class 11-12 Mathematics NCERT - the maths paper is direct but extensive
Build a daily current affairs habit (read The Hindu, PIB, defence news) - GAT awards 400 marks for general knowledge
Practice previous-year NDA papers - the pattern repeats heavily
Time management is critical - 120 maths questions in 150 minutes means strong calculation speed
For SSB Interview, focus on personality development, communication, group dynamics - written is just the gateway
Maintain physical fitness from the start - the SSB and medical screen out unfit candidates regardless of written marks
❓ FAQs
Can girls apply for NDA?
Yes. Following the August 2021 Supreme Court order, women are permitted to appear for NDA & NA Exam from NDA-II 2021 onwards. Currently a limited number of seats are reserved for women across all three services.
What is the difference between NDA-Army and NDA-Naval Academy?
NDA Army cadets train at NDA Khadakwasla for 3 years then move to IMA Dehradun. NDA Navy cadets train at NDA then INA Ezhimala. NDA Air Force cadets train at NDA then AFA Hyderabad. The exam is the same; service preference is filled in the application.
Is there negative marking?
Yes. UPSC NDA has 1/3rd negative marking for every wrong answer in both Maths and GAT papers.
What happens after clearing NDA written?
Qualified candidates are called for a 5-day SSB Interview (worth 900 marks). It includes a Screening Test (Day 1), Psychology Tests (Day 2), Group Testing Officer tasks (Days 3-4), and Personal Interview, followed by a Conference. Recommended candidates then undergo medical examination.
What degree do NDA cadets get?
After 3 years at NDA + 1 year at IMA/INA/AFA, cadets receive a B.A./B.Sc./B.Sc. (Computer Science)/B.Tech degree from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). NDA is the only military academy in the world to grant a tri-service degree.