NDA Full Form, What is the Full Form of NDA?
NDA full form is National Defence Academy. Learn about NDA's history, eligibility, admission process, exam details, training, and career opportunities in India’s armed forces.
Nigam Sharma27 Aug, 2025
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NDA Full Form: NDA Exam is organized by the UPSC to recruit individuals into Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The NDA Exam allows young candidates to realize their aspirations of serving the nation in military uniform. This highly competitive examination evaluates candidates based on their academic proficiency, intelligence, and physical fitness.
Conducted twice a year, successful candidates undergo intensive training at the NDA before commencing their journey in their respective academies. Aspirants need to prepare diligently for the written examination, covering subjects such as Mathematics and General Ability. Successfully clearing the NDA Exam opens the pathway to a gratifying and esteemed career in the Indian Armed Forces.NDA Full Form Overview
The Union Public Service Commission conducts the NDA exam twice a year for admission to the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the NDA. The NDA Notification has been released for 406 vacancies. Here is the detailed overview of the UPSC NDA Exam Date 2025 shared below for the ease of the candidates.
| UPSC NDA Full Form Overview | |
| Exam Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission |
| NDA Full Form | National Defence Academy |
| Exam Name | NDA & NA Examination, 2025 |
| Exam Level | National |
| Frequency | Twice a Year |
| NDA Eligibility | 12th Pass |
| Selection Process | Written Exam and SSB Interview |
| Eligibility Criteria | Age limit: 16.5 to 19.5 years Educational Qualification: Class 12 |
| Job Location | Anywhere in India |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
What is the full form of NDA?
The full form of NDA is the National Defence Academy. It is a premier institution in India that trains candidates for entry into the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Established in Khadakwasla, Pune, Maharashtra, the NDA is the world's first tri-service academy, offering joint training to cadets from all three services before they proceed to their respective service academies for specialized training. The NDA exam is a highly competitive examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). It serves as a gateway for young aspirants who dream of joining the Indian Armed Forces. The examination assesses candidates in subjects like Mathematics and General Ability Test. Successful candidates undergo rigorous training at the NDA, shaping them into well-rounded officers capable of leading with integrity and valor in the defense of the nation.NDA Full Form in Hindi
The full form of NDA in Hindi is राष्ट्रीय रक्षा अकादमी. It is a prestigious joint defence training institute in India where cadets of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force receive their training together before moving to their respective service academies. NDA plays a vital role in preparing future officers for the Indian Armed Forces through its rigorous training program. The entrance exam for NDA is conducted by UPSC, and many aspirants appear every year to join this esteemed academy.
NDA Full Form: Selection Process
Candidates must clear all the stages of NDA Selection Process to be eligible for the provisional appointment. To ace the NDA 2025 exam in one attempt, enroll in the Physics Wallah NDA Shaurya Warrior . The NDA 2025 selection process comprises various stages. Check NDA Selection Process below :-|
NDA Selection Process |
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| Written Exam |
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| SSB Interview |
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NDA Full Form: Exam Pattern
The NDA exam pattern is released through the NDA Notification. It will provide insights into the exam requirements, question type, number of sections, and marking scheme specified in the NDA Notification PDF. Check the detailed NDA Exam Pattern below.- The NDA exam is conducted offline and comprises objective-type questions.
- The medium of the NDA 2025 exam is English and Hindi.
| NDA Full Form: Exam Pattern | ||
| Subject | Duration | Maximum Marks |
| Mathematics | 2½ Hours | 300 |
| General Ability Test | 2½ Hours | 600 |
| Total | 900 | |
| SSB Test/Interview | 900 | |
NDA Full Form: Salary
According to the latest NDA Notification, male and female cadets will receive a fixed stipend as part of the NDA salary throughout the entire training period at service academies.- Individuals chosen for Cadet Training via the NDA examination will be entitled to a fixed stipend of Rs 56,100 per month in pay level 10.
NDA Full Form: Training
At the National Defence Academy (NDA), candidates from the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force undergo joint training. The NDA, situated in Khadakwasla, Pune, Maharashtra, serves as a consolidated defense service training facility for the Indian Armed Forces. After completing initial training at the NDA, cadets move on to their specific service academies for additional pre-commission training. Interestingly, NDA holds the distinction of being the world's first tri-service academy.| Parameter | NDA Training |
|---|---|
| Duration of training | Four to four and a half years |
| - Initial three years at the National Defence Academy | |
| - Army cadets: one year at IMA | |
| - Naval cadets: one year at Naval Academy | |
| - Air Force cadets: One and a half years at AFA | |
| Academies | - National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, Pune |
| - Indian Military Academy, Dehradun | |
| - Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala | |
| - Indian Air Force Academy, Hyderabad | |
| Degrees Provided | - Army Cadets: BSc/BSc (Computer)/BA/BTech degree |
| - Naval Cadets: BTech degree | |
| - Air Force Cadets: BTech degree | |
| Nature of Commission | Permanent |
How to Prepare for NDA?
Check these tips given by experts to know NDA Strategy:-- Understand NDA Syllabus and Exam Pattern: Analyze the NDA syllabus and exam pattern to comprehend the requirements, format, and topics covered. This provides a roadmap for focused preparation.
- Clear Basic Concepts: Gain conceptual clarity for all subjects. Understanding foundational concepts is crucial for tackling advanced topics and questions effectively.
- Choose Best NDA Books: Select recommended books and study materials for effective coverage of the syllabus. Expert advice and insights from previous toppers can guide book selection.
- Solve Mock Tests and Previous Papers: Practice with NDA Previous Year Question Papers and mock tests to familiarize yourself with the exam pattern, identify strengths and weaknesses, and improve time management.
- Read Newspapers and Magazines: Develop a habit of reading newspapers and magazines to stay updated on current affairs. Prepare notes for regular revision to score well in the General Knowledge section.
- Manage Time Effectively: Incorporate time management skills into your study routine. Allocate more time to higher-weightage topics, and take regular breaks to maintain focus.
- Revise Regularly: Create short notes for important topics and revise them regularly. Short notes aid in quick revision, helping you retain concepts for a longer duration.
- Subject-Wise NDA Preparation Tips: Understand the specific preparation strategies for each subject, including Mathematics and General Ability Test. Tailor your study plan to address the nuances of each subject.
- NDA Study Plan 2025: Develop a comprehensive study plan based on the syllabus. Allocate dedicated time to each subject, emphasizing key topics. Include regular revisions and mock test practice in your schedule.
- Prepare at Home: Leverage online resources, gain conceptual clarity, and solve practice questions. Familiarity with the syllabus, dedicated study hours, and self-discipline are key to effective at-home preparation.
- Important Topics for NDA Preparation: Focus on high-priority topics identified for each subject. Prioritize topics with greater weightage to maximize your preparation efficiency.
- Best NDA Preparation Books: Choose recommended books for Mathematics, General Knowledge, and other subjects. Books like "Shaurya NDA/NA Mathematics Book" and others cater to NDA exam preparation needs.
NDA Full Form FAQs
Q1. What does NDA stand for?
Ans. NDA stands for the National Defence Academy.
Q2. What is the purpose of the NDA exam?
Ans. The NDA exam, conducted by UPSC, recruits individuals into the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, serving as a gateway for a career in the Indian Armed Forces.
Q3. How often is the NDA exam conducted?
Ans. The NDA exam is conducted twice a year.
Q4. What is the training duration at the NDA?
Ans. The NDA training duration is four to four and a half years, including initial training at the National Defence Academy.
Q5. Where is the NDA located?
Ans. The NDA is located in Khadakwasla, Pune, Maharashtra.
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