Is the NDA Exam Only for Science Students?
Is the NDA Exam Only for Science Students: The NDA exam is not only for science students. While candidates for the Air Force and Naval Wings need a science background, non-science students can apply for the Army Wing.
Parul Rishi19 Dec, 2024
Share
Is the NDA Exam Only for Science Students: The National Defence Academy (NDA) exam is one of the most important exams in India, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The NDA exam provides an opportunity for young individuals to serve the country by becoming part of the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force.
A common misconception is that the NDA exam is only for science students. However, this is not entirely true. This article will explore the details of the NDA exam, including the NDA Exam 2025, NDA syllabus, NDA eligibility criteria, and the NDA selection process, to clarify who can apply.NDA Exam 2025
The NDA exam is held twice a year, typically in April and September. It helps candidates to enter the National Defence Academy, where they undergo rigorous training before being commissioned into the Indian Armed Forces. The NDA Exam 2025 is expected to follow the same pattern and schedule, continuing the tradition of selecting the best candidates for the defence forces.NDA Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for the NDA exam are crucial to understanding who can apply. Here are the main points:- Nationality : The candidate must be a citizen of India, a subject of Bhutan, a subject of Nepal, or a Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962, intending to settle permanently.
- Age Limit : For NDA I, aspirants must be born between 2nd July 2006 to 1st July 2009. To apply for NDA II, the candidate must be born in between 2nd January 2007 to 1st January 2010.
- Educational Qualifications :
| NDA Qualification 2025 | |
| Post Name | UPSC NDA Educational Qualification 2025 |
| For the Army Wing of the National Defence Academy | 12th Class pass or equivalent examination conducted by a State Education Board or a University. |
| For Air Force and Naval Wings of National Defence Academy and the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at the Indian Naval Academy | 12th Class pass with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics or equivalent conducted by a State Education Board or a University. |
NDA Syllabus
The NDA syllabus is designed to test a candidate's knowledge and aptitude. It consists of two papers:- Mathematics : This paper includes topics from Algebra, Matrices and Determinants, Trigonometry, Calculus, Probability, Complex Numbers, Analytical Geometry, Vector Algebra, Statistics, and Differential Equations. The Maths paper is crucial for candidates aiming for the Air Force & Naval Wings.
-
General Ability Test (GAT)
: GAT paper is divided into two main sections:
- English : Covers grammar, comprehension, and vocabulary.
- General Knowledge : Includes Chemistry, Physics, Science, Geography, Social Studies, and Current Affairs.
NDA Selection Process
The NDA selection process involves multiple stages to ensure only the most capable candidates are chosen:- Written Examination : This is the first stage, comprising two papers – Mathematics (300 marks) and General Ability Test (600 marks). The total marks for the NDA written exam are 900 having the duration of 2.5 hrs for each paper.
-
SSB Interview
: Candidates who clear the NDA written exam are called for the Service Selection Board (SSB) interview. Candidates have to go through the SSB interview is conducted in two stages:
- Stage I : This includes the Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception & Description Test (PP&DT).
- Stage II : This includes psychological tests, group testing officer tasks, and a personal interview.
- Medical Examination : Candidates recommended by the SSB are required to undergo a medical examination to ensure they meet the medical standards set by the armed forces.
- Final Merit List : The final merit list will be created based on the candidate's performance in the written examination and the SSB interview. A merit list is prepared, and candidates are selected based on their ranks and the number of vacancies available.
Is the NDA Exam Only for Science Students?
The myth that the NDA exam is only for science students likely stems from the educational requirements for the Air Force and Naval Wings, which mandate a background in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. However, this requirement does not apply to candidates aspiring to join the Army Wing. Therefore, students from non-science backgrounds can also apply for the NDA exam, provided they meet the other eligibility criteria. Moreover, the General Ability Test (GAT) paper in the NDA exam is designed to be inclusive, covering topics that do not require specialized science knowledge. Subjects such as English, General Science, Social Studies, and Current Affairs are accessible to students from all streams, making the NDA exam a viable option for non-science students aiming to join the Indian Army. While it is true that candidates aspiring to join the Air Force and Naval Wings need a science background, the NDA exam is not exclusively for science students. Non-science students can also apply, particularly if they are aiming for the Army Wing. Understanding the NDA syllabus, NDA eligibility criteria and the NDA selection process is crucial for effective preparation. With dedication, a clear strategy, and consistent effort, candidates from all streams can aspire to and achieve success in the NDA exam.
Is the NDA Exam Only for Science Students? FAQs
Q1: Can non-science students apply for the NDA exam?
A1: Yes, non-science students can apply for the Army Wing of the NDA, but for the Air Force and Naval Wings, candidates need a background in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
Q2: What subjects are covered in the NDA General Ability Test (GAT)?
A2: The GAT includes English, General Knowledge (Physics, Chemistry, General Science, Social Studies, Geography), and Current Affairs, making it accessible to students from all streams.
Q3: What is the educational qualification required for the NDA exam?
A3: For the Army Wing, candidates must pass the 12th grade from a recognized board. For the Air Force and Naval Wings, candidates must have 12th-grade qualifications with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
Q4: What is the selection process for the NDA exam?
A4: The selection process includes a written exam, SSB interview, and medical examination. The final merit list is based on performance in both the written exam and the SSB interview.
Talk to a counsellorHave doubts? Our support team will be happy to assist you!
Check out these Related Articles
Join 15 Million students on the app today!
Live & recorded classes available at easeDashboard for progress trackingMillions of practice questions at your fingertips
Free Learning Resources
PW Books
Notes (Class 10-12)
PW Study Materials
Notes (Class 6-9)
Ncert Solutions
Govt Exams
Class 6th to 12th Online Courses
Govt Job Exams Courses
UPSC Coaching
Defence Exam Coaching
Gate Exam Coaching
Other Exams
Know about Physics Wallah
Physics Wallah is an Indian edtech platform that provides accessible & comprehensive learning experiences to students from Class 6th to postgraduate level. We also provide extensive NCERT solutions, sample paper, NEET, JEE Mains, BITSAT previous year papers & more such resources to students. Physics Wallah also caters to over 3.5 million registered students and over 78 lakh+ Youtube subscribers with 4.8 rating on its app.
We Stand Out because
We provide students with intensive courses with India’s qualified & experienced faculties & mentors. PW strives to make the learning experience comprehensive and accessible for students of all sections of society. We believe in empowering every single student who couldn't dream of a good career in engineering and medical field earlier.
Our Key Focus Areas
Physics Wallah's main focus is to make the learning experience as economical as possible for all students. With our affordable courses like Lakshya, Udaan and Arjuna and many others, we have been able to provide a platform for lakhs of aspirants. From providing Chemistry, Maths, Physics formula to giving e-books of eminent authors like RD Sharma, RS Aggarwal and Lakhmir Singh, PW focuses on every single student's need for preparation.
What Makes Us Different
Physics Wallah strives to develop a comprehensive pedagogical structure for students, where they get a state-of-the-art learning experience with study material and resources. Apart from catering students preparing for JEE Mains and NEET, PW also provides study material for each state board like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and others
Copyright © 2025 Physicswallah Limited All rights reserved.