National Defence Academy (NDA) Exam

The NDA Exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for candidates who wish to join the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force as officers. It is held twice a year as NDA-I and NDA-II.

Exam Overview

• Conducting Body: UPSC
• Exam Frequency: Twice a year (NDA-I and NDA-II)
• Mode of Exam: Offline (Pen & Paper-based)
• Selection Process:
  1. Written Examination (Mathematics & General Ability Test)
  2. SSB Interview (5-day assessment)
  3. Medical Examination

Eligibility Criteria

• Nationality: Indian citizen or specified categories
• Age Limit: 16.5 to 19.5 years
• Educational Qualification:
  • Army: 12th pass (any stream)
  • Navy & Air Force: 12th pass with Physics & Mathematics
• Marital Status: Only unmarried male and female candidates can apply.

Exam Pattern

Subject	Marks	Duration
Mathematics	300	2.5 hours
General Ability Test (GAT)	600	2.5 hours

Physical Standards

• Minimum height: Army (157 cm males, 152 cm females), Navy (157 cm), Air Force (162.5 cm)
• 6/6 vision standard for Navy & Air Force

Application Process

Apply online at UPSC Official Website

Category	Application Fee
General/OBC	₹100
SC/ST/Female	Exempted

Important Dates (NDA 2025)

Event	NDA-I	NDA-II
Notification Release	December 2024	May 2025
Exam Date	April 2025	September 2025

Career & Training

After training at NDA, Pune, candidates proceed to specialized academies and are commissioned as officers.