What is NDA Exam? - Complete NDA Exam Details 2025

What is the NDA Exam? The NDA exam (National Defence Academy Examination) is a two-stage selection process run by the UPSC to select 10+2 qualified candidates for the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of the NDA. The selection includes:

• Written examination (two objective papers: Mathematics and General Ability Test) and

• Services Selection Board (SSB) interview (personality & intelligence tests, including CPSS for Air Force pilot selection, where applicable).

What is the NDA Exam Used For? (Purpose)

The NDA exam is used to identify academically strong, physically fit, and leadership-oriented young candidates who can be developed into officers of the Indian Armed Forces. Successful candidates join the NDA for academic and military training, then proceed to the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, or Air Force Academy for professional training.

NDA Exam Details - Overview

Notes: The written exam carries 900 marks in total, and the SSB carries 900 marks — the combined weight is 1800 marks. This structure is confirmed in UPSC notifications and official NDA material.

NDA Entrance Exam Overview

• When: Twice a year (NDA-I ~ April; NDA-II ~ September). For 2026, the NDA-I notification was published on 10 Dec 2026, and the NDA-I examination date is 12 April 2026. Candidates applied online through UPSC’s portal as per the notification.

• Mode: Offline, pen-and-paper objective test (OFT/OMR-based).

• Papers on same day: Mathematics (Paper I) and General Ability Test (Paper II), every 2.5 hours.

NDA Exam Eligibility

(Keep an eye on the official notification for any minor wording changes; preserved facts below are consistent with UPSC notifications.)

• Nationality: Citizen of India, or subject of Nepal or Bhutan, or Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1 Jan 1962 with the intention to settle permanently.

• Age Limit: Generally 16½ to 19½ years (exact birthdate windows are specified per notification — always confirm against the specific NDA cycle).

• Education:

• Army Wing: 10+2 pass in any recognized board

• Air Force & Naval Wings: 10+2 with Physics & Mathematics.

• Marital Status: Unmarried candidates only.

• Physical Standards: Candidates must meet NDA physical & medical standards specified by the UPSC/NDA (vision, height, weight, etc.). Medical standards are checked during the SSB/medical exam.

NDA Selection Process (Step-by-step)

1. UPSC Written Exam - Objective MCQ papers on the same day (Mathematics + GAT).

2. Shortlisting - Candidates who meet the minimum marks and cutoffs are shortlisted for SSB (Services Selection Board).
   

3. SSB Interviews - Two-stage process: Stage I (screening) and Stage II (psychology, group tasks, personal interview). Air Force pilot candidates additionally appear for CPSS or related tests.

4. Medical Examination - Only medically fit candidates are considered for final merit.

5. Merit List & Service Allocation - Final combined merit list prepared from written + SSB scores; allocation to Army/Navy/Air Force depends on vacancies, candidate preference, and medical eligibility.

NDA Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme

Written exam breakdown

Marking: The typical scheme is fixed marks per correct answer (e.g., 2.5 marks per Mathematics MCQ, 4 marks per GAT MCQ) with negative marking for incorrect answers as specified in the notification; always confirm the exact negative marking clause in the current UPSC notification.

NDA Syllabus - What topics to cover

Mathematics (major topics)

• Algebra, Matrices & Determinants

• Trigonometry

• Analytical Geometry (2D & 3D)

• Differential & Integral Calculus

• Vector Algebra

• Statistics & Probability

General Ability Test (GAT)

• English: Grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, usage.

• General Knowledge: Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History (Indian & World), Geography, Current Affairs, Environment, and Defence basics.

Prepare previous-year papers and mock tests to internalize question style and improve speed and accuracy.

NDA Exam Date - 2025

• NDA-I 2026: 12 April 2026 (Notification published 10 Dec 2026; last date to apply and other timelines were provided in the UPSC notification). Always check the UPSC NDA/NA examination page for official documents and admit-card announcements.
  

NDA Exam Paper - Tips & Strategy

• Mathematics: Practice previous years’ problems; focus on formula retention and step reduction. Time per question must be monitored — many questions are computation heavy.

• GAT: Strengthen English basics and keep a factual current-affairs log. Physics and basic science questions can be direct; revise NCERT 11/12 concepts for science & math fundamentals.

• Negative marking: Attempt questions selectively — accuracy > guessing.

• SSB Prep: Work on communication, group tasks, personality traits, and general awareness. Physical fitness is important.