NDA Entrance Exam
1. Eligibility Criteria
1. Nationality :Indian citizens, or specific categories of Nepali/Bhutanese/Tibetan refugees or PIO migrants.
2. Gender : Male and female candidates are eligible.
3. Marital Status : Must be unmarried.
4. Age Limit: 16.5 to 19.5 years.
- For NDA I (2025): Born between July 2, 2006, and July 1, 2003.
5. Educational Qualification :
- Army Wing : Class 12 or equivalent.
- Navy, Air Force, INA : Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
6. Physical Standards:
- Minimum height: 157 cm (male), 152 cm (female).
- Fit as per NDA medical standards.
2. Exam Pattern
1. Mode: Offline (Pen-and-paper).
2. Papers:
- Mathematics: 300 marks.
- GAT (English + General Knowledge): 600 marks.
3. Duration: 2.5 hours per paper.
4. Marking Scheme: Negative marking (-0.83 for Math, -1.33 for GAT).
3. Selection Process
1. Written Exam: 900 marks (Mathematics + GAT).
2. SSB Interview: 900 marks (psychological, intelligence, and personality tests).
3. Medical Examination: Fitness and medical standards verification.
4. Final Merit List: Based on written + SSB scores.
4. Application Process
1. Apply Online: UPSC website ([upsc.gov.in](https://upsc.gov.in)).
2. Fee: ₹100 (General/OBC), free for SC/ST/Females.
3. Documents: Photo, signature, Class 10 certificate (age proof).
The National Defence Academy (NDA) Exam is a national-level entrance test conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for admission into the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the NDA and Indian Naval Academy (INA). It is the gateway for young aspirants to join the Indian Armed Forces as officers after completing their 12th grade.
The NDA exam consists of a written test (Mathematics & General Ability Test) followed by SSB (Services Selection Board) interviews, which assess a candidate’s intelligence, personality, and leadership skills. Candidates who qualify undergo rigorous training at NDA, Pune, before commissioning into their respective branches of the Indian Armed Forces. It is one of the most prestigious exams for students aiming for a career in national defense.