UPSC-NDA Examination ?

 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

Criteria	General requirement
Nationality	As specified in the UPSC notification; Indian citizens are eligible.
Gender / marital status	Unmarried male and female candidates, subject to the notification.
Age	Generally 16½ to 19½ years; the exact date-of-birth range is stated in each notification.
Army Wing	Class 12 pass or appearing; any stream.
Navy and Air Force Wings	Class 12 pass or appearing with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics, as applicable under the notification.

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

Paper	Subject	Maximum marks	Duration
Paper I	Mathematics	300	2½ hours
Paper II	General Ability Test (GAT)	600	2½ hours
Total	Written examination	900	5 hours

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

1. UPSC written examination

2. Services Selection Board (SSB) assessment

3. Medical examination

4. Final merit list and service allocation, subject to vacancies and eligibility

5. 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

Subject / area	Suggested preparation
Mathematics	Strengthen school-level concepts; practise problem-solving and previous question papers.
English	Read regularly; practise grammar, vocabulary and comprehension.
Physics and Chemistry	Build a clear understanding of fundamental concepts and applications.
History and Geography	Study school textbooks and revise important facts, maps and concepts.
Current Affairs	Follow reliable news sources and revise important national and international events.
Personality and fitness	Develop communication, teamwork, discipline and healthy physical fitness habits.

9. Official Websites

UPSC official website: https://www.upsc.gov.in/

UPSC online application portal: https://upsconline.nic.in/