National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination
Join the Army, Navy, or Air Force
The NDA exam is the gateway for candidates to join the elite Indian Armed Forces as commissioned officers. Conducted twice a year by UPSC, it selects students for training at the National Defence Academy and the Indian Naval Academy. It involves a rigorous written test followed by an extensive personality and intelligence assessment by the SSB.
Exam Level
National
Frequency
Twice (NDA 1 & 2)
Mode
Offline (OMR)
Conducted By
UPSC
About NDA
What is the NDA Exam?
The National Defence Academy examination is a national-level competitive test for undergraduate candidates seeking a career in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. It is a dual-stage selection process: a written exam (Maths & GAT) and a 5-day SSB interview.
Why Join the NDA?
The NDA offers a premier leadership and military training environment with a full scholarship. Cadets receive a stipend during training and are commissioned as Lieutenants (or equivalent) upon graduation. It provides a lifestyle of discipline, adventure, and the highest level of job security and pride.
Key Highlights
Tri-Service Training Environment
Full Government Scholarship
Commissioned Officer Status
Global Leadership Standards
Full Government Scholarship
Tri-Service Training Environment
Sectional time limits enforced
3.5 Lakh+
Applicants per Session
900
Written Exam Total
390+
Vacancies per Cycle
100%
Merit-Based Selection
Eligibility Criteria
Mandatory
Marital Status
Only unmarried male and female candidates are eligible to apply for the admission course.
Mandatory
Age Bracket
Candidates must fall within the age range of 16.5 to 19.5 years as of the course commencement.
Mandatory
Army Wing Qualification
For the Army wing, a simple 10+2 pass from any stream (Arts/Science/Commerce) is required.
Mandatory
Air Force & Navy PCM
Candidates for the Air Force and Navy wings must have passed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
Relaxed Rule
Board Percentage
UPSC does not prescribe a minimum percentage requirement in Class 12 boards to appear for the exam.
Flexible
Gender Neutrality
Both male and female aspirants are now fully eligible to apply for all wings of the Armed Forces.
Application Process
Create Universal Registration (URN)
Select Preferred Defence Wing
Capture Live Photo on Portal
Login and Fill Personal Details
Application Process
Upload Photograph & Signature
Documents Required
Keep these documents ready before starting your application
Aadhaar Card (Recommended)
Class 10 Certificate (DOB)
Class 12 Marksheet (or appearing certificate)
PwD Certificate (if applicable)
Voter ID / PAN / Passport
Class 12 Marks/Appearing Proof
Live Captured Photograph
Scribe Request Letter (if required)
Exam Pattern
Understanding the structure and marking scheme
Paper 1: Mathematics (120 Qs)
Paper 2: General Ability (150 Qs)
Section: General Knowledge (400)
2.5/4 Correct, -0.83/1.33 Wrong
900 Marks
Section: English (200 Marks)
5 Hours (2.5 Hrs each)
Confused About Exam Selection?
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Important Dates
Keep note of the important dates regarding the examination.
May 20 – June 9, 2026 (NDA 2)
Apr 12 & Sept 13, 2026
SSB: May–June / Oct–Nov
March/September 2026
May & October 2026
Preparation
Tips
Master 11th/12th Mathematics
Improve English Vocabulary
Solve 10 years of UPSC PYQs
Start Prep
Practice OMR Speed Marking
Stay Physically & Medically Fit
Improve English Vocabulary
Improve English Vocabulary
Top Colleges
NDA Khadakwasla (Pune)
Indian Naval Academy (Ezhimala)
Air Force Academy (Dundigal)
Indian Military Academy (IMA)
OTA Chennai (Post-Grad)
SSB Selection Centres
AFMC Pune (Medical Branch)
College of Military Engineering
INS Shivaji (Technical)
Naval College of Engineering
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