The National Defence Academy (NDA) is one of the top military academies in India, offering training for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces. The NDA exam is conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to select candidates for the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Indian Naval Academy (INA). Every year, around 2.5 lakh aspirants appear for the exam.
The NDA selection process consists of two rounds: a written exam and a Service Selection Board (SSB) interview. Only candidates who pass both rounds are considered for final admission. While the exam was initially open only to unmarried males, female candidates are now also eligible to apply.
It is important to note that the NDA exam is different from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which is a political alliance in India.
NDA Exam Overview
Here’s a quick overview of the NDA exam details:
| Exam Name | UPSC NDA & NA Exam |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Full Form | National Defence Academy & Naval Academy |
| Exam Level | National |
| Frequency | Twice a year |
| Participating Organizations | Indian Military Academy (IMA), Air Force Academy (AFA), Indian Naval Academy (INA) |
| Age Limit | 16.5 to 19.5 years |
| Educational Qualification | 10+2 (Class 12) |
| Selection Process | Written Exam, SSB Interview |
| Written Exam Papers | Paper 1: Mathematics, Paper 2: General Ability Test (GAT) |
History of the NDA
The National Defence Academy is an esteemed institution that has been shaping leaders for the Indian Armed Forces for over seven decades. It trains cadets in various fields such as mountaineering, space exploration, sports, and the arts, with many of its alumni excelling at national and international levels. NDA’s motto, “Seva Paramo Dharma” (Service Before Self), is reflected in its alumni’s contributions to both the Armed Forces and civil society.
Vision and Mission
Vision: The NDA aims to remain the global leader in joint training, preparing junior leaders for the Indian Armed Forces and allied nations. It strives to equip them with the mental, moral, and physical qualities necessary for future battlefield challenges.
Mission: The NDA provides top-notch training in professional, intellectual, physical, leadership, and moral development. Using innovative methods and modern technologies, it aims to develop competent, ethical leaders who will lead troops to victory.
NDA Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the NDA exam, candidates must meet specific eligibility requirements:
- Age Limit: For the NDA 2 2024 exam, only unmarried male and female candidates born between January 2, 2006, and January 1, 2009, are eligible to apply.
- Educational Qualification:
- For the Army Wing: Candidates must have passed the 12th class (10+2) examination or equivalent from a recognized board.
- For the Air Force and Naval Wings: Candidates must have passed the 12th class examination with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM).
- Physical Standards: Candidates must meet certain physical standards related to height and weight, varying for male and female candidates across different Defence Forces.
NDA Selection Process
The NDA selection process includes:
- Written Exam (900 Marks):
- Subjects:
- Mathematics (300 marks)
- General Ability Test (600 marks)
- Duration: 5 hours in total, split between 2.5 hours for each paper.
- Marking Scheme: Candidates earn 2.5 marks for each correct answer and lose 0.83 marks for each incorrect one.
- Subjects:
- SSB Interview (900 Marks): The SSB interview is a five-day process, consisting of:
- Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests
- Picture Perception and Description Test (PP&DT)
- Group Testing Officer tasks
- Group Discussions (GD)
- Personal Interviews and psychological tests
NDA Admission and Courses
After passing the written exam and SSB interview, candidates are ranked based on their performance. They are then admitted to one of the following academies, depending on their rank:
- Indian Military Academy (IMA)
- Air Force Academy (AFA)
- Indian Naval Academy (INA)
The courses offered are Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Technology. Candidates pursuing a B.Tech will complete the first three years at NDA, with the final year completed at AFA or INA.
NDA Salary Structure
Upon completing the NDA course and being commissioned as a Lieutenant, candidates will receive a salary as per the 7th pay commission. Below is the salary structure for NDA cadets:
| Rank | Level | Salary (In INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Lieutenant | Level 10 | 56,100 – 1,77,500 |
| Captain | Level 10 B | 61,300 – 1,93,900 |
| Major | Level 11 | 69,400 – 2,07,200 |
| Lieutenant Colonel | Level 12A | 1,21,200 – 2,12,400 |
| Colonel | Level 13 | 1,30,600 – 2,15,900 |
| Brigadier | Level 13A | 1,39,600 – 2,17,600 |
| Major General | Level 14 | 1,44,200 – 2,18,200 |
| Lieutenant General (HAG Scale) | Level 15 | 1,82,200 – 2,24,100 |
| COAS (Chief of Army Staff) | Level 18 | 2,50,000 (fixed) |
