The details provided below is basic information on a career in defence as NDA. For more information, you can visit the UPSC website. You should join one of the best NDA coaching in India with SSB for high defence selection chances.
The National Defence Academy (NDA) is the Joint Services academy of the Indian Armed Forces that provide training to 3 sectors of the Indian Armed forces, the Army, the Navy and the Air Force. The NDA is located in Khadakwasla near Pune, Maharashtra. It is the first tri-service academy in the world. Apart from it, there is also an entry to Naval Academy (NA) which is located in Ezhimula, Kerala. The candidates willing to join Indian Navy as a technical Officer can opt for Naval Academy as their first choice.
NDA alumni have led and fought in every major conflict in which the Indian Armed Forces has been called to action since the academy was established. The alumni include 3 Param Vir Chakra recipients and 9 Ashoka Chakra recipients.
The objective of NDA is to provide high quality academic as well as technological training to its cadets in order to enable them to provide the best service in their respective careers. Furthermore, the pay and benefits start along with their training itself.
The training at NDA is rigorous. In addition to service training for the Army, Navy and Air Force, the cadets are also taught academics to cover the graduation level degree in Arts, Sciences or Computers. The training at NDA is broken into six terms and the total duration of training is three years. Once their training is concluded, the cadets are awarded their bachelor’s degree at the passing out parade of NDA. Doon Indian Defence Academy will guide you to achieve your NDA dream by one of the best faculties of NDA coaching in India. Doon Indian Defence Academy is popularly known as Doon Academy or Doon IDA.
What is the Eligibility of appearing for NDA?
| CRITERIA | Army | Navy | Airforce | Naval Academy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age | 16.5-19.5 Years as on Commencement Date of Course (generally 01 Jan / 01 July) | |||
| Gender | Male | |||
| Educational Qualification | 12th Class Pass of 10+2 pattern school or equivalent exam conducted by State Board / Universities | 12th Class Pass with Maths and Physics as subjects in 10+2 pattern school or equivalent exam conducted by State Board / Universities | ||
| Height and Weight | Minimum height: 152 cms, weight: 42.5 Kg for 16-Year-Old candidate | Minimum height: 152 cms, weight: 44 Kg for 16-Year-Old candidate | Minimum height: 152 cms, weight: 42.5 Kg for the 16-Year-Old candidate. Leg Length: Min – 99 cms. Max – 120 cms.Thigh Length : Max – 64 cm Sitting Height : Min – 81.5 cms.Max – 96 cms. |
Minimum height: 152 cms, weight: 44 Kg for the 16-Year-Old candidate |
| Vision | Uncorrected Without Glass: 6/6 6/9
Corrected with Glass: 6/6 6/6 Limits of Myopia: -2.5D Limits of Hypermetropia: +3.5 Limits of Color Perception: CP III Binocular Vision III |
Uncorrected Without Glass: 6/6 6/9
Corrected with Glass: 6/6 6/6 Limits of Myopia: -0.75 Limits of Hypermetropia: +1.5 Limits of Color Perception: CP I Binocular Vision III |
Minimum distant vision 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in other correctable to 6/6 only in Hypermetropia
Limits of Color Perception: CP I Limits of Myopia: Nil Limits of Hypermetropia: +2.0D |
Uncorrected Without Glass: 6/6 6/9
Corrected with Glass: 6/6 6/6 Limits of Myopia: -0.75 Limits of Hypermetropia: +1.5 Limits of Color Perception: CP I Binocular Vision III |
What is Naval Academy?
Naval Academy (NA) is another wing of Indian Defence where the candidates willing to join the Indian Navy in the Technical domain are selected. The cadets for the 10+2 Cadet Entry scheme will be awarded B. Tech Degree (4 Years) on successful completion of training at Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala, Kerala.
What is there any relaxation/reservation given to candidates?
There is absolutely no exemption in any eligibility pattern for any candidate whether belonging to any caste. The only FEE exemption provided to SC / ST Candidates, Son of JCO’s, NCO’s, OR’s.
What is there any minimum percentage required in Class XII?
No, To appear for NDA Exam you need to score passing marks in Class 12th, whereas students with Commerce background are also eligible for NDA Exam, but the entrance exam will comprise all subjects, i.e. Maths, Physics, Chemistry, General Science, GK, etc.
Though there isno minimum marks required to appear for NDA but we recommend that the candidate should score a good percentage of marks in their board exams for a better prospect of Selection.
What is the Process of Examination / Selection?
The candidates can apply for the NDA exam only through Online Mode through UPSC website (www.upsc.gov.in). The NDA entry involves a Written Exam, SSB, Medical and then the final merit list is made for the recommended candidates. To crack the NDA exam Join us we are on the way to be the best NDA coaching in India.
Phase 1. Written Exam is a common entrance exam for all candidates opting for NDA or NA, which comprises of two separate Tests which are conducted on the same day.
Paper I is Mathematics and comprises of 120 Questions of 2.5 Marks each. Negative marking of 0.33 mark is also there for every wrong answer.
Paper II is General Ability Test and comprises of 150 Questions of 4 Marks each. Negative marking of 1 mark is also there for every wrong answer.
Phase 2. The qualified candidates of the written exam are then called for SSB process at the Service Selection Board Centers. After having cleared the written examination the candidates should log on to the following websites for their SSB Center & Date of Interview:-
www.joinindianarmy.nic.in
www.joinindiannavy.gov.in
www.careerindianairforce.cdac.in
SSB is an extensive 5-day process which comprises of Screening Test, GTO, Individual Test, Interview.
Candidates with Air Force as one of the choice would also undergo CPSS if they qualify SSB and are willing.
Phase 3. Those candidates who qualify the SSB process are then called for Medical Examination by Air Force Selection Board.
Phase 4. The Final Merit is prepared on the basis of Written Exam, SSB Interview and Medical Test.
What is Application Fees for the NDA Exam?
The Exam application fees are Rs.100 for general and OBC category but SC, ST candidates are exempted from Exam Application fee.
| NDA | 100/- |
| SC/ST/ Son of JCOs / NCOs / NRs | NIL |
When is the NDA Form available and other important dates?
| Important Dates | NDA I | NDA II |
|---|---|---|
| Application Date | December / January | May / June |
| Exam Date | April | September |
| Result announcement | May/June | October/November |
| SSB Process | June | December |
| Commission Begins | July | January |
- Please note Exam date has been changed by UPSC for NDA II w.e.f. 2020 (Please refer the notification)
What is Tentative Vacancies in NDA?
| Type of Entry / Branch | Permanent Commission |
|---|---|
| Army | 208 |
| Airforce | 120 |
| Navy | 42 |
| Naval Academy | 45 |
| Total | 415 |
- Vacancies are provisional and may change depending on the availability of training capacity of National Defence Academy and Indian Naval Academy
What is the Mode of Written Exam?
NDA Exam is held in OFFLINE mode at the authorized Examination Centers available in 40 Cities (Approx) across India.
Join Us - to crack written exam in NDA (A written NDA Exam coaching by Doon Indian Defence Academy - To be the top NDA coaching India).
What is the Pattern of NDA Exam?
- NDA written exam is comprised of two tests. The duration of each test is two and a half hours and both are conducted on the same day, consecutively. The examination is set by the UPSC.
- For each correct answer, you are awarded 5 marks in Maths and 4 Marks in General Science
- There is a negative marking of 33 marks for every wrong answer in Maths whereas 1.33 marks in General Knowledge
- Questions are Objective
- Most of the paper is bilingual i.e Hindi and English
- The qualifying marks for the written examination are fixed by UPSC as per its discretion and selected students then qualify for written examination
| NDA EXAM PATTERN | Mathematics (Paper – I) | General Ability Test (Paper – II) |
|---|---|---|
| Total no of Questions in Exam | 120 | 150 |
| Time allowed for the Exam | 2.5 Hours | 2.5 Hours |
| Marking Scheme | 1.5 Marks for each correct answer
0.33 Marks penalty for each wrong answer |
4 Marks for each correct answer
1 Mark penalty for each wrong answer |
| Maximum Marks of Exam | 300 | 600 |
| Cut Off Marks (Previous Year) | 342 (NDA I 2019), Whereas Sectional Cut off was 25% | |
What is the Syllabus for NDA?
| Subject | Topics |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | Algebra, Matrices and Determinant, Trigonometry, Analytical Geometry of two and three dimension, Differential Calculus, Integral Calculus and Differential Equations, Vector Algebra, Statistics and Probability, |
| General Ability Test | |
| English | The syllabus covers various aspects like Grammar and usage, vocabulary,
comprehension and cohesion in extended text to test the candidate’s proficiency in English. |
| Physics | Physical Properties and States of Matter, Mass, Weight, Volume, Density and Specific Gravity, Principle of Archimedes, Pressure Barometer.
The motion of objects, Velocity and Acceleration, Newton’s Laws of Motion, Force and Momentum, Parallelogram of Forces, Stability and Equilibrium of bodies, Gravitation, elementary ideas of work, Power and Energy. Effects of Heat, Measurement of Temperature and Heat, change of State and Latent Heat, Modes of transference of Heat. Sound waves and their properties, Simple musical instruments. Rectilinear propagation of Light, Reflection and refraction. Spherical mirrors and Lenses, Human Eye. Natural and Artificial Magnets, Properties of a Magnet, Earth as a Magnet. Static and Current Electricity, conductors and Non-conductors, Ohm’s Law, Simple Electrical Circuits, Heating, Lighting and Magnetic effects of Current, Measurement of Electrical Power, Primary and Secondary Cells, Use of X-Rays. General Principles in the working of the following: Simple Pendulum, Simple Pulleys, Siphon, Levers, Balloon, Pumps, Hydrometer, Pressure Cooker, Thermos Flask, Gramophone, Telegraphs, Telephone, Periscope, Telescope, Microscope, Mariner’s Compass; Lightening Conductors, Safety Fuses. |
| Chemistry | Physical and Chemical changes. Elements, Mixtures and Compounds, Symbols, Formulae and simple Chemical Equations, Law of Chemical Combination (excluding problems). Properties of Air and Water. Preparation and Properties of Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen and Carbon dioxide, Oxidation and Reduction. Acids, bases and salts. Carbon different forms. Fertilizers—Natural and Artificial. Material used in the preparation of substances like Soap, Glass, Ink, Paper, Cement, Paints,
Safety Matches and Gun-Powder. Elementary ideas about the structure of Atom, Atomic Equivalent and Molecular Weights, Valency. |
| General Science | Difference between the living and non-living. Basis of Life—Cells,
Protoplasms and Tissues. Growth and Reproduction in Plants and Animals. Elementary knowledge of Human Body and its important organs. Common Epidemics, their causes and prevention. Food—Source of Energy for man. Constituents of food, Balanced Diet. The Solar System—Meteors and Comets, Eclipses. Achievements of Eminent Scientists. |
| History | A broad survey of Indian History, with emphasis on Culture and
Civilisation. Freedom Movement in India. Elementary study of Indian Constitution and Administration. Elementary knowledge of Five Year Plans of India. Panchayati Raj, Co-operatives and Community Development. Bhoodan, Sarvodaya, National Integration and Welfare State, Basic Teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. Forces shaping the modern world; Renaissance, Exploration and Discovery; War of American Independence. French Revolution, Industrial Revolution and the Russian Revolution. Impact of Science and Technology on Society. Concept of one World, United Nations, Panchsheel, Democracy, Socialism and Communism. Role of India in the present world. |
| Geography | The Earth, its shape and size. Latitudes and Longitudes, Concept of time. International Date Line. Movements of Earth and their effects. Origin of Earth. Rocks and their classification; Weathering—Mechanical and Chemical, Earthquakes and Volcanoes. Ocean Currents and Tides Atmosphere and its composition; Temperature and Atmospheric Pressure,
Planetary Winds, Cyclones and Anti-cyclones; Humidity; Condensation and Precipitation; Types of Climate, Major Natural regions of the World. Regional Geography of India—Climate, Natural vegetation. Mineral and Power resources; location and distribution of agricultural and Industrial activities. Important Sea ports and main sea, land and air routes of India. Main items of Imports and Exports of India. |
| Current Events | Knowledge of Important events that have happened in India in recent years. Current important world events. Prominent personalities— both Indian and International including those connected with cultural activities and sports. |
What is the Type of Commission?
NDA given Officer an Opportunity to join Indian Army, Indian Air Force and Indian Army as a Permanent Commission.
Permanent Commission (PC) – This commission is only for Men and only for Ground Duty Branch. In this type of commission, the Officer will serve the Indian Defence Force till the age of superannuation as per branch and rank.
What is the Process of SSB for NDA?
5 Days Procedure of AFSB Interview
Day 1: This is the screening day in Service Selection Board (Army / Navy / Airforce) and you are generally asked to report early morning by 6:45 AM – 7 AM at the railway station. You will board in a bus to reach the selection center.
First, you will be welcomed at the SSB by a senior officer and briefed about the rules and regulations, later you will be asked to fill in some forms followed by a quick breakfast but we suggest having your breakfast prior to that because the testing will be a long process.
Once the paper formalities are done, you will be facing the first test of the SSB interview and that is Officer Intelligence Rating Test (OIR).
After which Picture Perception and Description Test (PPDT) is conducted.
Based on the strength, the results are announced by afternoon and the selected candidates go to the testing room again for the document verification. The remaining candidates are dropped back to the railway station. The document checks followed for the selected candidates immediately and If you have an issue with documents and you are not eligible for the entry, you will be sent back too or asked to report later in a different batch with complete documents.
Once the document verification is done, all the successful candidates will be facing a long psychological test till night.
Day 2, 3 and 4: Your interview and GTO tests might fall on any of these days. Generally, you get one free day in AFSB. Some of you might have your GTO/Interview on the last day also. Some may have GTO/Interview on the same day but the timings won’t clash for the two. You might go directly from GTO for the interview. You are required to carry the folder and all certificates, academics and extra-curricular to the interview, make sure whatever you claim in your PIQ form, you must have proper certificates to verify that, you cannot simply say that you left the certificates at home. The interview is generally a 30 minutes-60 minutes procedure. You’ll be informed well in advance through a notice placed on the notice board about the schedule of your tests.
Day 5: This is the conference day. Some may have their interview/GTO scheduled before the conference also. The conference is a place where you get to see all the board members in uniform. Your result is discussed there. You are called in the conference hall and the process is of hardly a minute, it may stretch for borderline cases. After the conference your results are announced, it’s lunchtime by now. Those who make through are asked to stay back for the remaining formalities and others are taken back to the railway's station.
Flying Branch Candidates Only: Flying candidates will go for Computerized Pilot Selection System (CPSS) and Pilot Aptitude Battery Test (PABT) tests.
Computerized Pilot Selection System (CPSS) will replace the old PABT test and instruments that were in use for decades. Though there is no clear confirmation till now as to when CPSS test will replace the PABT test completely.
Like PABT test, the candidate will get only one chance to clear the CPSS test, if failed, would never be eligible for flying in the armed forces, be it Air force, army, navy or coast guard. Aspirants will get only one chance to take the test under the Computerized Pilot Selection System. CPSS places special emphasis on psychomotor skills and cognitive abilities of aspirants. It ensures objectivity in results. The system will be used to screen pilots for IAF, Army, Navy and the Coast Guard.
It has 2 parts.
- 1st there will be a MCQ test. They will first give you instructions on how to read 6 kinds of dials present in an aircraft, based on that there will be a number of MCQ tests which include dial reading questions along with IQ, pattern matching, basic maths, tests (around 15 small quizzes in total). It is fairly simple and anyone with basic school level physics knowledge will clear it.
- After the 1st test, you will be made to sit in a CPSS machine which is like a cockpit with a joystick, pedals and a lever (like in an aircraft) with a screen in front of you. You will be made to play a number of games similar to a video game with a joystick and you have to get a certain score in all games combined to clear this test. Anyone who drives or has played video games can clear this one easily. You just need hand leg coordination. You get 3 chances in each game and your best score is taken out of the 3, so if you mess up in the 1st attempt you can make up for it in the other 2 attempts
The CPSS test is simple. Elaborate instructions are given before the commencement of both these test so there will be no confusion. So don't worry, you should focus more on the SSB part as that is the main challenge.
Medical: In SSB the medical may not take place immediately after the selection. You will be given a date for the medical.
What is the Training Period after the Final recommendation?
The selected candidates for the three services viz, Army, Navy and Air Force are given preliminary training both academic and physical for a period of 3 years at the National Defence Academy which is an Inter-Service Institution. The training during the first two and half years is common to the cadets of three wings. All the cadets on passing out will be awarded degrees from Jawaharlal Nehru University Delhi as under:-
(a) Army Cadets - B.Sc./ B.Sc. (Computer)/ B.A
(b) Naval Cadets - B. Tech Degree*
(c) Air Force Cadets - B. Tech Degree*/ B.Sc./B.Sc.(Computer)
Designation upon commission:
For Army – Lieutenant
For Navy – Sub Lieutenant
For Airforce – Flying Officer
The selected candidates of the Naval Academy will be given preliminary training both academic and physical, for a period of 04 years at Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala. The cadets of 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme will be awarded a B. Tech Degree on successful completion of training.
On passing out from the National Defence Academy, Army Cadets go to the Indian Military Academy, Dehra Dun, Naval Cadets to Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala and Air Force cadets to AIR FORCE ACADEMY, HYDERABAD.
- ARMY CADETS: At the I.M.A. Army Cadets are known as Gentlemen Cadets and are given strenuous military training for a period of one year aimed at turning them into officer capable of leading infantry Sub-units. On successful completion of training, Gentlemen Cadets are granted Permanent Commission in the rank of Lt subject to being medically fit in "SHAPE" one.
- NAVAL CADETS (NDA): The Naval cadets are selected for the Executive Branch of the Navy, on passing out from the National Defence Academy and are given further training at Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala for a period of one year on successful completion of which they are promoted to the rank of Sub Lieutenants.
- NAVAL CADETS (NA): Selected candidates for the Naval Academy under (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme) will be inducted as Cadets for four-year B.Tech course in Applied Electronics & Communication Engineering (for Executive Branch), Mechanical Engineering (for Engineering Branch including Naval Architect specialization) or Electronics & Communication Engineering (for Electrical Branch) as per Naval requirements. On completion of the course, B. Tech Degree will be awarded by Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).
- AIRFORCE CADETS (FLYING): Air Force Cadets receive flying training for a period of 1½ years. However, at the end of 1 year of training they are given provisional Commission in the rank of Flying Officer. After successful completion of further training of six months they are absorbed as permanent commissioned officers on probation for a period of one year.
- AIRFORCE CADETS (GROUND DUTY): Air Force Ground Duties Branch Cadets receive streamwise specialist training for a period of one year. At the end of one year of training, they are given a provisional Commission in the rank of Flying Officer. Subsequently, they are absorbed as permanent commissioned officers on probation of one year.
What is the Payscale of NDA / NA Officers?
Stipend to Gentlemen Cadets during the entire duration of training in Service Academies i.e. during the training period at IMA/INA/AFA is INR 56200/- per month.
Army Aviators (Pilot) serving in Army Aviation Corps are entitled to a flying allowance of 25000/- per month.
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