NDA

Eligibility Criteria

• Educational Qualification: Candidates must have passed 10+2 (Intermediate) or equivalent examination from a recognized board. For Air Force and Naval wings, candidates should have passed 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics.
• Age Limit: Candidates must be between 16.5 to 19.5 years of age on the 1st January of the year of examination.
• Nationality: Candidates must be Indian citizens, or subjects of Nepal/Bhutan, or Tibetan refugees who came to India before 1st January 1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India.

Exam Pattern

• Mode of Exam: Offline (Pen and Paper-based test)
• Subjects Covered:
  • Mathematics
  • General Ability Test (GAT) - includes English, General Knowledge (Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, Current Events)
• Number of Questions: Approximately 150 questions combined.
• Marking Scheme: Mathematics - 300 marks; General Ability Test - 600 marks; Total - 900 marks.
• Notification: Usually released twice a year, in January and June.
• Exam Months: NDA 1 is generally held in April, NDA 2 in September.

Syllabus

Mathematics

• Algebra (including quadratic equations, sequences and series)
• Matrix and determinants
• Trigonometry
• Analytical Geometry of two and three dimensions
• Differential Calculus
• Integral Calculus and Differential Equations
• Vector Algebra
• Statistics and Probability

General Ability Test

• English: Grammar, Vocabulary, Comprehension, and Usage
• General Knowledge:
  • Physics (Basic concepts and phenomena)
  • Chemistry (Basic concepts and daily life applications)
  • General Science
  • History (Indian and World)
  • Geography (Physical, Social, Economic Geography)
  • Current Events (National and International)

Other Important Information

Application Process

1. Visit the official UPSC website: https://www.upsc.gov.in/
2. Find the NDA exam notification under 'Examination' tab.
3. Register for an account in the UPSC online application system.
4. Fill in the personal and educational details accurately.
5. Upload scanned photograph and signature as per specifications.
6. Pay the application fee online (fee exemptions as applicable).
7. Submit the completed application form and take a printout for future reference.

Courses Offered

• Army Wing of National Defence Academy
• Air Force Wing of National Defence Academy
• Naval Wing of National Defence Academy

Facts about the NDA Exam

• It is one of the most prestigious defense entrance exams in India.
• The exam is conducted twice a year for selection into the National Defence Academy, Pune.
• Selection involves written exam, SSB interview, and medical examination.

Admit Card

• Admit cards are issued on the official UPSC website about 3 weeks before the examination date.
• Candidates must download the admit card using their registration ID and Date of Birth.
• Important instructions on the admit card must be followed, including carrying valid photo ID and the admit card to the exam center.

Results & Cut-Offs

• Results are declared on the official UPSC website.
• Qualified candidates in the written exam are called for SSB interviews.
• Cut-off marks vary each year based on number of vacancies and difficulty level.

Preparation Tips

• Focus on understanding basic concepts in Mathematics and General Ability.
• Practice previous years' question papers and take mock tests.
• Recommended books include NCERT textbooks for 10+2, "Pathfinder for NDA & NA" by Arihant Publications, and "General Knowledge" by Lucent.
• Use online platforms for current affairs and subject-specific tutorials.

FAQs

• Q: How many attempts are allowed in NDA?
  A: There is no fixed limit on attempts; candidates must fulfill the age and education criteria.
• Q: Is there any negative marking?
  A: Yes, there is negative marking for wrong answers in the written exam.
• Q: Can female candidates apply for NDA exam?
  A: As of current rules, NDA exam is open to male candidates only. However, this policy may vary in the future.
• Q: What is the physical standard required?
  A: Candidates must meet specified physical and medical standards for acceptance.
• Q: How can I prepare for the SSB interview?
  A: Practice group discussions, personal interviews, and psychological tests; attend coaching if possible.