Complete Guide to UPSC NDA & NA Examination

Your comprehensive roadmap to joining the Indian Armed Forces through National Defence Academy and Naval Academy

What is the National Defence Academy (NDA)?

The National Defence Academy (NDA) is the joint defense service training institute of the Indian Armed Forces, where cadets of the three services (Army, Navy, and Air Force) train together before they go on to respective service academies for further pre-commissioning training.

NDA is located in Khadakwasla, Pune, Maharashtra, and is one of the most prestigious defense academies in the world. It aims to develop leadership qualities, physical fitness, and military skills in young officers who will serve the nation.

Key Objectives

  • Leadership development and character building
  • Military training and discipline
  • Physical fitness and endurance building
  • Academic excellence in defense studies
  • Service before self philosophy

Eligibility Criteria

Nationality

Indian Citizenship required

Education

12th Pass from recognized board

Age Limit

16.5 - 19.5 years (relaxation for reserved categories)

Physical Fitness

Meet medical and physical standards

Age Relaxation Details

OBC: 3 years relaxation
SC/ST: 5 years relaxation
PwD: 10 years relaxation (where applicable)

NDA Examination Structure

Written Examination

2.5 hours each
Mathematics & General Ability Test
600 Marks (300 each)
Objective Type (MCQ)
Merit based selection

Services Selection Board (SSB)

5 Days
Psychological Tests, Group Tasks, Interview
900 Marks
Practical Assessment
Personality & Leadership evaluation

Medical Examination

3-5 Days
Complete Medical Check-up
Qualifying
Medical Standards
Fitness for military service

Key Study Areas

Mathematics (Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry)
Physics (Mechanics, Heat, Light, Sound)
Chemistry (Organic, Inorganic, Physical)
General Science & Technology
History (Indian & World)
Geography (Physical & Human)
Current Affairs & General Knowledge
English Language & Comprehension
Logical Reasoning
Basic Computer Knowledge

Military Services & Corps

Indian Army
Indian Navy
Indian Air Force
Military Intelligence Corps
Army Service Corps
Army Ordnance Corps
Corps of Engineers
Corps of Signals
Army Medical Corps
Army Education Corps
Judge Advocate General
Army Aviation Corps

Training Phases After NDA

Indian Military Academy (IMA)

18 months
Dehradun
Military training and leadership development for Army

Indian Naval Academy (INA)

22 months
Ezhimala, Kerala
Naval training and seamanship for Navy officers

Air Force Academy (AFA)

74 weeks
Hyderabad
Flying training and air force operations

Officers Training Academy (OTA)

49 weeks
Chennai
Short service commission training

Military Career Progression

Lieutenant

Military leadership and operational command responsibility

Experience
0-2 years
Pay Scale
₹56,100 - ₹1,77,500
Level
Officer Entry

Captain

Military leadership and operational command responsibility

Experience
2-6 years
Pay Scale
₹61,300 - ₹1,93,900
Level
Company Commander

Major

Military leadership and operational command responsibility

Experience
6-13 years
Pay Scale
₹69,400 - ₹2,07,200
Level
Battalion Staff

Lieutenant Colonel

Military leadership and operational command responsibility

Experience
13-18 years
Pay Scale
₹1,21,200 - ₹2,12,400
Level
Commanding Officer

Colonel

Military leadership and operational command responsibility

Experience
18-26 years
Pay Scale
₹1,30,600 - ₹2,15,900
Level
Brigade Staff

Brigadier

Military leadership and operational command responsibility

Experience
26-30 years
Pay Scale
₹1,39,600 - ₹2,17,600
Level
Brigade Commander

Major General

Military leadership and operational command responsibility

Experience
30+ years
Pay Scale
₹1,44,200 - ₹2,18,200
Level
Division Commander

Lieutenant General

Military leadership and operational command responsibility

Experience
32+ years
Pay Scale
₹1,82,200 - ₹2,24,100
Level
Corps Commander

General/Admiral/Air Chief Marshal

Military leadership and operational command responsibility

Experience
35+ years
Pay Scale
₹2,50,000 (Fixed)
Level
Service Chief

Military Service Roles

Army Officer

Leading troops, combat operations, and territorial defense

Navy Officer

Naval operations, maritime security, and coastal defense

Air Force Officer

Air operations, aerial combat, and air space defense

Military Intelligence Officer

Intelligence gathering and strategic analysis

Military Engineer

Infrastructure development and technical operations

Military Doctor

Medical services for defense personnel

Keys to NDA Success

Strong Academics

Master Mathematics and General Knowledge subjects

Physical Fitness

Maintain excellent physical condition and stamina

Leadership Skills

Develop confidence and team leadership abilities

Clear Focus

Stay determined and committed to serving the nation