UPSC - N.D.A. & N.A. EXAM.(I)

Eligibility Criteria

• Educational Qualification: Candidates must have passed 10+2 or equivalent exam with Physics and Chemistry as compulsory subjects along with one of the Mathematics or Biology subjects.
• Age Limit: Only unmarried male candidates born between 2nd July 2003 and 1st July 2006 (both dates inclusive) are eligible.
• Nationality: Candidate must be a citizen of India, or a subject of Bhutan, Nepal, or a Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1st January 1962 with the intention of permanent settlement, or a person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries, etc. with the intention of permanent settlement in India.

Exam Pattern

• Mode of Exam: Offline (Pen and Paper-based Test)
• Number of Questions: 120 questions in total
• Marking Scheme: Each correct answer carries 4 marks; 1 mark is deducted for each wrong answer (negative marking).
• Subjects Covered:
  • Mathematics – 60 questions
  • General Ability Test – 60 questions divided into:
    • English, General Knowledge, Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, Current Events
• Exam Schedule: The exam is usually held annually in April or May, with official notification released around February or March.

Syllabus

• Mathematics:
  • Algebra
  • Matrices and Determinants
  • Trigonometry
  • Analytical Geometry of two and three dimensions
  • Differential Calculus
  • Integral Calculus and Differential Equations
  • Vector Algebra
• General Ability Test:
  • English: Grammar, Vocabulary, Comprehension, Usage
  • General Knowledge: Current affairs, Sports, Awards and Honors
  • Physics: Physical properties and states of matter, Mechanics, Heat and Thermodynamics, Sound, Light, Electricity and Magnetism
  • Chemistry: Atomic Structure, Chemical Bonding, Chemical Reactions, Organic and Inorganic Chemistry
  • General Science: Basic biology, human body, environment
  • History: Indian History (Ancient, Medieval, Modern), Important events and personalities
  • Geography: Physical, Social and Economic Geography of India and the World

Other Content

Application Process

1. Visit the official UPSC website and go to the "Apply Online for Various Examinations" section.
2. Register yourself by creating a profile with a valid email and phone number.
3. Fill in the NDA & NA (I) examination application form with personal, educational, and communication details.
4. Upload scanned documents including photograph and signature as per specifications.
5. Pay the application fee online via net banking/credit card/debit card or offline through designated bank challans.
6. Submit the application form and take a printout for future reference.

Courses Offered

• Entry into National Defence Academy (NDA) for Army, Navy, and Air Force wings.
• Entry into Naval Academy (NA) for 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme for Indian Navy.

Facts about the Entrance Exam

• The exam is only for unmarried male candidates.
• The written test is followed by the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview and medical examination.
• The NDA exam is one of the oldest and most prestigious military entrance exams in India.

Admit Card

• Admit cards are released online on the UPSC official website about three weeks before the exam date.
• Download admit card using the registration ID and date of birth.
• Carry the admit card along with a valid photo ID to the exam center.
• Read all instructions on the admit card carefully including exam timing and reporting time.

Results & Cut-Offs

• Results are declared on the UPSC official website within 2-3 months after the exam.
• Cut-off marks vary each year based on exam difficulty and number of candidates.
• Only candidates who meet the written exam cut-off qualify for the SSB interview round.

Preparation Tips

• Understand the detailed syllabus and exam pattern thoroughly.
• Practice previous years' question papers and sample tests.
• Refer to recommended books such as NCERT textbooks for 10+2 level, Arihant's NDA guides.
• Focus on time management and accuracy, especially for the mathematics section.
• Stay updated with daily current affairs and general knowledge.

FAQs

• Is the exam open to female candidates?
  No, currently the NDA exam is only for unmarried male candidates.
• What is the selection process?
  Written exam followed by SSB interview and medical tests.
• Can I apply offline?
  No, applications are accepted online only through UPSC website.
• How many times a year is the exam conducted?
  Twice a year (NDA I and NDA II), but this entry is about NDA (I).
• Is there any age relaxation?
  No age relaxation is provided for NDA exam.