What is NDA Exam? A Complete Beginner’s Guide to Know NDA
What is NDA Exam: NDA Exam is a national-level entrance exam conducted by UPSC for admission to National Defence Academy, which trains cadets for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Check complete guide to understand NDA Exam.
Parul Rishi16 Jun, 2025
Share
What is the NDA Exam: The National Defence Academy (NDA) Exam is one of the most important entrance exams in India, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The NDA entrance exam is conducted twice annually, referred to as NDA-I and NDA-II. The first notification is released in January, followed by the second in June.
Correspondingly, the NDA-I exam takes place around April, and the NDA-II in September. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) administers the examination, and interested candidates can submit their applications online through the official UPSC website: http://www.upsconline.nic.in. If you are a beginner and want to know about the NDA exam, this article will provide you with all the important aspects of the NDA Exam, including its purpose, exam pattern, dates, syllabus, paper format, and eligibility criteria.What is the NDA Entrance Exam?
The NDA entrance exam is used to evaluate the academic proficiency, general knowledge, and physical fitness of candidates aspiring to join the National Defence Academy. The exam is conducted twice a year, usually in April and September. Successful candidates are admitted to the NDA, where they undergo rigorous training that prepares them for various roles in the Indian Armed Forces. The NDA Exam is crucial as it determines the initial selection of officers who will go on to serve and protect the nation.| NDA Exam | |
|---|---|
| Exam Particulars | Exam Details |
| Exam Name | NDA |
| Conducting Body | UPSC |
| Exam Level | National |
| Exam Frequency | Two times a year (April & September) |
| Exam Stages | Written exam and SSB Interview |
| Exam Duration | GAT: 2 ½ hours Mathematics: 2 ½ hours |
| Total Marks | Written Exam: 900 SSB Interview: 900 |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
| Contact Details | 011-23385271/011-23381125/011- 23098543 |
What is the NDA Exam in India?
The NDA Exam in India is an entrance test designed to select candidates for the National Defence Academy, which is located in Pune, Maharashtra. The NDA is a joint services academy where cadets of the Army, Navy, and Air Force are trained together before they proceed to their respective service academies for further training. The NDA Exam aims to identify and recruit the most capable and dedicated young individuals to serve in the Indian Armed Forces.What is the NDA Exam Used For?
The NDA Exam, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), is used to select candidates for admission to the National Defence Academy (NDA). The exam is conducted for young aspirants to join the Indian Armed Forces, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Successful candidates undergo rigorous training at the NDA, which prepares them for leadership roles and various military operations. The NDA Exam evaluates candidates' academic proficiency, general knowledge, and physical fitness, ensuring that only the most capable and dedicated individuals are chosen to serve and protect the nation.NDA Exam Eligibility
The NDA Exam is a highly competitive examination that opens a career in the Indian Armed Forces. Aspiring candidates must prepare thoroughly, keeping in mind the exam pattern, syllabus, and eligibility criteria. Regular practice, staying updated with current affairs, and maintaining physical fitness are key to succeeding in the NDA Exam. With dedication and hard work, candidates can achieve their goal of serving the nation through the National Defence Academy. The eligibility criteria for the NDA Exam are as follows:- Nationality: Candidates must be citizens of India, Nepal, Bhutan, or Tibetan refugees who came to India before January 1, 1962, to permanently settle in India.
- Age Limit: 16.5 to 19.5 years. The exact age limit is specified in the official notification for each exam cycle.
- Educational Qualification :
- For Army Wing: Candidates must have completed their 10+2 or equivalent examination from a recognised board.
- For Air Force and Naval Wings: Candidates must have completed their 10+2 or equivalent examination with Physics and Mathematics.
- Marital Status: Only unmarried candidates are eligible to apply for the NDA exam.
- Physical Standards: Candidates must meet the physical standards set by the NDA, which include specific requirements for height, weight, and vision.
NDA Exam Date
The NDA Exam is conducted twice a year. The official dates are announced by the UPSC on their website. Generally, the exams are held in April (NDA I) and September (NDA II). It is important for candidates to regularly check the UPSC website for the exact dates and updates related to the exam schedule. NDA 2 2025 Exam will be conducted on 14th September 2025 in two shifts for General Ability Test and Mathematics subjects.NDA Selection Process
Conduct of the Board The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) administers the written examination for the NDA and compiles a list of candidates who achieve the minimum qualifying marks as determined by the Commission. Selected candidates are required to appear before the Services Selection Board (SSB) for Intelligence & Personality Tests. Candidates for the Army and Navy wings are evaluated on their Officer Potentiality, while candidates for the Air Force must also pass the Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS).
Services Selection Board (SSB) The selection process at the SSB involves a two-stage procedure based on Psychological Aptitude and Intelligence Tests. On the first day at the Selection Centre, all candidates undergo stage one tests. Those who pass stage one proceed to stage two for further testing.
Preparation of Merit List and Service Allocation. Candidates who meet the above criteria are placed in a single combined merit list based on their total marks from the written examination and the SSB tests. The final allocation to the Army, Navy, or Air Force is based on the number of vacancies available, along with the candidates' eligibility, medical fitness, and preference.
NDA Exam Pattern
The NDA Exam pattern is structured to assess the overall aptitude and intelligence of the candidates. The exam consists of two papers. Both papers are objective type (multiple choice questions) and are conducted on the same day. The total marks for the written examination are 900. Candidates who qualify in the written exam are then called for the SSB (Services Selection Board) Interview, which carries 900 marks, making the total selection process out of 1800 marks.| NDA Exam Pattern | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper | Total Marks | Sections | Duration |
| Mathematics | 300 | Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, Geometry | 2.5 hours |
| General Ability Test | 600 | English (200 marks), General Knowledge (400 marks) - Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, Current Affairs | 2.5 hours |
NDA Exam Paper
The NDA exam paper is divided into two sections as mentioned above: Mathematics and GAT. Each section includes multiple-choice questions. Candidates must practice previous years' question papers and sample papers to get a good understanding of the exam format and the type of questions asked.NDA Exam Syllabus
The NDA Exam syllabus is vast and covers various subjects to test the candidate's knowledge and aptitude. The syllabus for the NDA exam is as follows:| NDA Exam Syllabus | ||
| Mathematics | General Ability Test (GAT): English | General Ability Test (GAT): General Knowledge |
|
|
|
What is the NDA Exam? A Complete Beginner’s Guide FAQs
1. What is the NDA Exam in India?
The NDA Exam is an entrance test conducted by UPSC for admission to the National Defence Academy, which trains candidates for the Indian Armed Forces: Army, Navy, and Air Force.
2. What is the NDA Exam used for?
The NDA Exam is used to select candidates for training at the National Defence Academy, preparing them for commissioning as officers in the Indian Armed Forces.
3. What are the eligibility criteria for the NDA Exam?
Candidates must be Indian citizens, unmarried males or females, aged 16.5 to 19.5 years, and must have completed or be appearing in the 12th grade.
4. What is the pattern of the NDA Exam?
The NDA Exam consists of two papers: Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT). It includes objective-type questions and is conducted in a written format followed by an SSB interview.
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.
