Everything You Need to Know About the NDA Entrance Exam

Are you dreaming of serving the nation as an officer in the Indian Armed Forces? The National Defence Academy (NDA) is the perfect gateway to realize that dream. Every year, thousands of aspirants appear for the NDA entrance exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to join the prestigious tri-services training academy. Here’s a comprehensive guide for students who wish to crack the NDA exam.

What is NDA?

The National Defence Academy (NDA) is a joint training institution for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Located in Khadakwasla, Pune, NDA is the first tri-service academy in the world. Cadets undergo rigorous physical, academic, and leadership training before being commissioned into their respective services after further training at specialized academies (IMA, INA, or AFA).

The NDA Entrance Exam is held twice a year by the UPSC and serves as the selection test for students (mostly after 12th standard) who want to join the Indian Armed Forces as officers.

NDA Syllabus

The NDA exam consists of two papers conducted on the same day:

1. Mathematics – 300 Marks

Topics Covered:

• Algebra
• Trigonometry
• Matrices and Determinants
• Analytical Geometry
• Differential Calculus
• Integral Calculus
• Vector Algebra
• Statistics and Probability

2. General Ability Test (GAT) – 600 Marks

It is further divided into two sections:

• English (200 marks):
• Grammar
• Vocabulary
• Comprehension
• General Knowledge (400 marks):
• Physics
• Chemistry
• General Science
• History
• Geography
• Current Events

Approximate Date of Notification

The NDA exam is held twice a year as:

NDA (I): Notification around December, Exam in April

NDA (II): Notification around May/June, Exam in September

For example, the NDA II 2025 Notification is expected to be released in May 2025, and the exam will likely be held in September 2025.

Eligibility Criteria

• Nationality:

Must be a citizen of India, or a subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or a Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962.

• Age Limit:

Only unmarried male and female candidates aged between 16.5 and 19.5 years can apply.

For NDA II 2025, candidates must be born between January 2, 2007, and January 1, 2010 (tentative).

• Educational Qualification:

Army Wing: Passed 12th Class from a recognized board.

Air Force & Navy: Passed 12th Class with Physics and Mathematics.

• Physical Standards:

Candidates must be physically and medically fit as per the NDA standards.

Marking Scheme

• Mathematics: 120 questions, 300 marks
• Correct answer: +2.5 marks
• Wrong answer: –0.83 marks
• GAT: 150 questions, 600 marks
• English Section: +4 marks per correct answer, –1.33 for incorrect
• General Knowledge Section: +4 marks per correct answer, –1.33 for incorrect

Final Words

Cracking the NDA exam requires dedication, strategic preparation, and physical fitness. The selection process doesn’t end with the written exam; qualified candidates are called for an SSB interview, which is a five-day personality and intelligence assessment. If you’re passionate about serving the country, NDA offers a prestigious career and a chance to be part of India’s elite defense forces.

Start preparing early, stay consistent, and aim high!

 

Team Coach India IITians

Phone: 8156876668