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NDA Exam: Highlights, Important Dates & Syllabus

The National Defence Academy is a premier institution of the Indian armed forces that trains the officers of all three services, namely the army, navy and air force. The NDA is located in Pune, Maharashtra and is one of the largest military academies in the world. The NDA selection process includes a written examination, an interview, a medical examination and service-specific training.

NDA Exam Highlights

The NDA curriculum is designed to provide cadets with a sound academic foundation and prepare them for the challenges of military life. The academic Programme at the NDA includes subjects like English, mathematics, physics, chemistry, general studies and military studies. The NDA also provides training in physical fitness, sports and extracurricular activities.

The NDA provides an excellent opportunity for India’s young men to serve their country with distinction. The NDA alumni have been at the forefront of every major conflict India has fought and have significantly contributed to the nation’s defence.

NDA Exam Syllabus

The NDA exam syllabus is divided into two sections, Mathematics and General Ability Test. The Mathematics section tests the candidate’s arithmetic, algebra, geometry and trigonometry knowledge. The General Ability Test measures the candidate’s ability to communicate effectively and solve problems.

Subject

Topic Names

Arithmetic

Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, percentages, square roots, basic algebra, and basic geometry.

Geometry

Basic concepts of geometry, lines and angles, triangles, quadrilaterals, circles, areas of plane figures, and volumes of solids.

Algebra

Linear equations, quadratic equations, simultaneous equations, inequalities, polynomials, progressions.

Trigonometry

Basic concepts, angles and their measures, trigonometric functions, inverse trigonometric functions, heights and distances.

Verbal and non-verbal communication

Understanding and responding to verbal and non-verbal communication, active listening, and reading comprehension.

Problem-solving:

Identifying and solving problems, using logic and reasoning, and making decisions.

Creativity

Generating new ideas, thinking creatively.

Interpersonal Skills

Working effectively with others, managing conflicts

NDA Exam pattern

The written examination for the NDA consists of two papers – Mathematics and General Ability Test.

The Mathematics paper is 300 marks and consists of 120 questions. The General Ability Test is 600 marks and consists of 150 questions. The total duration of the examination is 5 hours.

The Mathematics paper is of objective type and consists of questions from Algebra, Matrices and Determinants, Trigonometry, Analytical Geometry of Three Dimensions, Differential Calculus and Integral Calculus.

The General Ability Test is of objective type and consists of questions from English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics.

The Union Public Service Commission conducts the examination.

NDA Exam Eligibility

  • Nationality
  1. The candidate must be a citizen of India, Nepal, or Bhutan.
  2. A Tibetan refugee who came to India before the 1st of January 1962 intending to settle in India permanently.
  • Age
  1. The candidate must have attained the age of 17 years and not have attained the age of 22 on the 1st of July of the year of his/her examination.
  2. The upper age limit for candidates belonging to the Scheduled Tribes is relaxable by five years, and that for candidates belonging to the Scheduled Castes is relaxable by three years.
  • Educational Qualification
  1. The candidate must have passed the 10+2 Examination or equivalent with Mathematics and Physics as the main subjects.
  2. The candidates appearing in the 10+2 Examination or its equivalent with Mathematics and Physics as main subjects are also eligible to apply.
  3. The candidates who have passed the 10+2 Examination or its equivalent with Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry as main subjects are also eligible to apply for the Air Force Wing of the National Defence Academy.
  4. The candidates who have passed the 10+2 Examination from Open School or as private candidates are not eligible to apply.

NDA Exam Admit Card

The details mentioned in the NDA exam admit card includes the name of the candidate, roll number, registration number, photograph, signature, date of birth, category, gender, examination name, paper name, the language of the paper, reporting time, examination time, and important instructions.

NDA Exam Selection Process

The National Defence Academy (NDA) selection process is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The selection process consists of two stages:

  • Stage I: Written Examination
  • Stage II: Interview/ Personality Test

The examination is held twice a year, in April and September. The examination is held at various centres across the country.

faq

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common queries related to the NDA Examination Preparation.

How many attempts for NDA are allowed?

Answer: NDA is held twice a year, and candidates are allowed to attempt NDA a maximum of six times....Read full

Is NDA difficult to qualify?

Answer: NDA is not difficult to qualify if the candidate is dedicated and willing to do the hard wo...Read full

What type of questions are asked in the NDA exam?

Answer: The NDA exam consists of objective type questi...Read full

What are passing marks in NDA?

Answer: UPSC decides on cut-off marks for NDA. Candidates need to score minimum marks in each secti...Read full

What is the NDA's final cut-off?

Answer: UPSC decides the final cut-off marks for NDA based on the number of vacancies, the difficul...Read full