Union Public Service Commission
National Defence Academy
NDA is India's premier joint defence training institution at Khadakwasla, Pune. Pass the UPSC NDA written exam, clear SSB, and begin a 3-year tri-service training — the foundation of India's finest officers.
Study by Paper
Mathematics
Class 11–12 level
Algebra, Matrices & Determinants, Trigonometry, Analytical Geometry, Differential Calculus, Integral Calculus, Vector Algebra, Statistics, Probability
General Ability Test
Broad knowledge test
Part A: English (200 marks) — Grammar, Vocabulary, RC. Part B: GK (400 marks) — Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, Current Events
Service Wings at NDA
Army Wing
Dehradun NDA — after 3 years at NDA, training at IMA Dehradun. Commissioned as Lieutenant in Indian Army.
Naval Wing
Dehradun NDA + Naval Academy Ezhimala — Commissioned as Sub-Lieutenant in Indian Navy.
Air Force Wing
Dehradun NDA + AFA Dundigal — Commissioned as Flying Officer/Ground Duty Officer in Indian Air Force.
NDA Exam Pattern & Eligibility
Written Examination
- Paper I — Mathematics: 300 marks / 120 Q / 2.5 hours
- Paper II — GAT: 600 marks / 150 Q / 2.5 hours
- Negative marking: 0.83 per wrong answer (Maths), 1.33 per wrong (GAT)
- Merit: written marks + SSB marks (total 1800)
Eligibility
- Age: 16.5 to 19.5 years (unmarried males)
- Education: Class 12 (or appearing) for Army; PCM mandatory for Navy/AF
- Physical: Height min. 157 cm; weight proportional; eyesight standards apply
- Medical: Fitness board at Allahabad Military Hospital