UPSC – NDA EXAMINATION
National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination
The National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA) Examination is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). It provides eligible candidates an opportunity to begin officer training for a career in the Indian Armed Forces after Class 12.
1. Wings of the Armed Forces
Indian Army
Indian Navy
Indian Air Force
2. Eligibility Criteria
Important: Candidates must check the relevant UPSC notification for the exact age limits, educational requirements, nationality conditions and other eligibility rules.
3. Written Examination Pattern
The written papers consist of objective-type questions. Negative marking applies for incorrect answers, according to UPSC rules.
SSB Interview: 900 marks. Total marks for the written examination and SSB: 1,800.
4. Syllabus
Paper I – Mathematics (300 marks)
Algebra
Matrices and Determinants
Trigonometry
Analytical Geometry (two and three dimensions)
Differential Calculus
Integral Calculus and Differential Equations
Vector Algebra
Statistics and Probability
Paper II – General Ability Test (600 marks)
Part A – English (200 marks)
Grammar and usage
Vocabulary
Comprehension
Sentence structure and correct usage
Part B – General Knowledge (400 marks)
Physics
Chemistry
General Science
History and the freedom movement
Geography
Current events
5. Selection Process
UPSC written examination
Services Selection Board (SSB) assessment
Medical examination
Final merit list and service allocation, subject to vacancies and eligibility
Admission to the relevant academy and training
6. SSB Interview
The SSB process assesses a candidate’s suitability for officer training. It may include:
Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests
Picture Perception and Discussion Test (PPDT)
Psychological tests
Group Testing Officer (GTO) tasks
Personal interview
Conference
7. Training Institutions
National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla: joint training for cadets of the Army, Navy and Air Force.
Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala: naval training as applicable to the entry and course.
Air Force and other specialised training establishments: further branch-specific training after the relevant academy stage.
8. Preparation Strategy for Class 11 and 12 Students
9. Official Websites
UPSC official website: https://www.upsc.gov.in/
UPSC online application portal: https://upsconline.nic.in/












