The NDA exam is conducted by UPSC for admission to the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of the NDA. This exam is a gateway for candidates looking forward to joining Defence Forces including Army, Navy, and Air Force. This is a national level exam. UPSC releases NDA Notification two times every year for the recruitment of fresh Intermediate pass out candidates. NDA I and NDA II to help candidates make a career in Defence services. National Defence Academy & Naval Academy (NDA & NA) Examination will be a two-step process where candidates first need to take the exam and then qualify the personality test or interview conducted by the Service Selection Board (SSB). The UPSC is solely responsible for issuing guidelines for selection and the final conduct of the entrance examination. Around 4 lakh aspirants sit for NDA every year, out of which approximately 6000 are called for SSB Interview.
Nationality:
A candidate must be unmarried male and must be :
(i) a citizen of India, or
(ii) a subject of Nepal, or
(iii) a Tibetan refugee who came over to India before the 1st January 1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India, or
(iv) a person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka and East African Countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, and Ethiopia or Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.
Education Qualification
For Army Wing of National Defence Academy
For Air Force and Naval Wings of National Defence Academy and for the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at the Indian Naval Academy
Age Limit:
Minimum Age: 16.5 Years
Maximum Age: 19.5 Years
For NDA & NA (I): Only unmarried male candidates born not earlier than July 2, 2000, and not later than July 1, 2003, are eligible.
For NDA & NA (II): Only unmarried male candidates born not earlier than January 2, 2001, and not later than January 1, 2004, are eligible.
Note: The date of birth is calculated as mentioned on the Matriculation or Secondary School Leaving Certificate or in a certificate recognized by an Indian University as equivalent to Matriculation.
Gender: Only male candidates can apply for NDA
Marital Status: Only unmarried candidates can apply. Candidates can not marry until completing their training.
Height & Weight Standard
Height and Weight standard chart for Army and Air Force
|
Height (cms) (without shoe) |
Weight in Kgs |
||
|
16-17 years |
17-18 years |
18-19 years |
|
|
152 |
42.5 |
44.0 |
45.0 |
|
155 |
43.5 |
45.3 |
47.0 |
|
157 |
45.0 |
47.0 |
48.0 |
|
160 |
46.5 |
48.0 |
49.0 |
|
162 |
48.0 |
50.0 |
51.0 |
|
165 |
50.0 |
52.0 |
53.0 |
|
167 |
51.0 |
53.0 |
54.0 |
|
170 |
52.5 |
55.0 |
56.0 |
|
173 |
54.5 |
57.0 |
58.0 |
|
175 |
56.0 |
59.0 |
60.0 |
|
178 |
58.0 |
61.0 |
62.0 |
|
180 |
60.0 |
63.0 |
64.5 |
|
183 |
62.5 |
65.0 |
66.5 |
Additional Physical Requirement For Pilot in the Air Force
|
|
Minimum |
Maximum |
|
Leg Length |
99.00 cm |
120.00 cm |
|
Thigh Length |
– |
64.00 cm |
|
Sitting Height |
81.5 cm |
96.00 cm |
Height and Weight standard chart for the Indian Navy
|
Height (cms) (without shoe) |
Weight in Kgs |
||
|
16 years |
18 years |
20 years |
|
|
152 |
44 |
45 |
46 |
|
155 |
45 |
46 |
47 |
|
157 |
46 |
47 |
49 |
|
160 |
47 |
48 |
50 |
|
162 |
48 |
50 |
52 |
|
165 |
50 |
52 |
53 |
|
168 |
52 |
53 |
55 |
|
170 |
53 |
55 |
57 |
|
173 |
55 |
57 |
59 |
|
175 |
57 |
59 |
61 |
|
178 |
59 |
61 |
62 |
|
180 |
61 |
63 |
64 |
|
183 |
63 |
65 |
67 |
Physical Conditioning: The aspiring candidates are advised to be in good physical condition by following the routine mentioned below.
1. Running 2.4 km in 15 minutes
2. Skipping
3. Pushups and sit-ups (minimum 20 each)
4. Chin-ups (minimum 08)
5. Rope climbing 3-4 meters.
1. Candidates are also advised to rectify minor defects/ailments in order to speed up the finalization of a medical examination conducted at the Military Hospital after being recommended at the SSB.
2. Few of such commonly found defects/ailments are listed below :
(a) Wax (Ears)
(b) Deviated Nasal Septum
(c) Hydrocele/Phimosis
(d) Overweight/Underweight
(e) Under Sized Chest
(f) Piles
(g) Gynaecomastia
(h) Tonsillitis
(i) Varicocele
Medical Procedure:
A candidate recommended by the Services Selection Board will undergo a medical examination by a Board of Service Medical Officers. Only those candidates will be admitted to the academy who are declared fit by the Medical Board. The proceedings of the Medical Board are confidential and will not be divulged to anyone. However, the candidates declared unfit will be intimated by the 32 President of the Medical Board and the procedure for request for an Appeal Medical Board will also be intimated to the candidate.
Visual Standard:
|
Vision standard for Army candidates |
||
|
Distance Vision (Corrected) |
Better Eye 6/6; Worse Eye 6/9 |
|
|
Colour vision |
CP-III (Defective Safe). |
|
|
Myopia should not be more than -2.5D including astigmatism and manifest hypermetropia not more than +3.5D including Astigmatism. |
||
|
Vision standard for Naval candidates |
||
|
Uncorrected without glass |
6/6, 6/9 |
|
|
Corrected with glass |
6/6, 6/6 |
|
|
Limits of Myopia |
–0.75 |
|
|
Limits of Hypermetropia |
+1.5 |
|
|
Binocular vision |
III |
|
|
Limits of color perception |
I |
|
|
Visual Standards for Air Force |
||
|
Candidates who habitually wear spectacle |
Not eligible for Air Force |
|
|
Minimum distant vision |
6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in other correctable to 6/6 only for Hypermetropia |
|
|
Colour vision CPI Hypermetropia: +2.0 D Sph Manifest Myopia : Nil Retinoscopic Myopia : 0.5 in any Meridian permitted Astigmatism : + 0.75 D Cyl (within + 2.0 D.Max) |
||
NDA Written Exam is an offline test which is compulsory for all the candidates who want to join NDA. All those candidates who clear this phase by clearing the cut-off of written exam are called for SSB interview.
Type of Paper: Candidates need to give 2 papers and both contain objective type questions
|
Subject |
Code |
Total No of Questions |
Duration |
Maximum Marks |
|
Mathematics |
01 |
120 |
2 hrs 30 min |
300 |
|
General Ability Test (Section-1: English) (Section-1: General Knowledge) |
02 |
150 (50 + 100) |
2 hrs 30 min |
600 |
|
Total |
270 |
|
900 |
Candidates can check the distribution of General Ability Test:
|
Sections |
Maximum marks |
|
|
Part A - English |
200 |
|
|
Part B - General Knowledge |
Physics |
100 |
|
|
Chemistry |
60 |
|
General Science |
40 |
|
|
History, Freedom Movement, etc. |
80 |
|
|
Geography |
80 |
|
|
Current Events |
40 |
|
|
Total |
600 |
|
All those candidates who clear the cut-off in the written exam are called for SSB interview for further evaluation. The complete SSB interview process takes 5 days. Selected candidates are called in different SSB centers for a maximum of 5 days.
The SSB Interview is divided into two stages. Candidates qualifying the Stage 1 are called for Stage 2 exam. Stage 1 of SSB Interview comprises Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception and Description Test (PP&DT). Stage 2 comprises Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests, and the Conference. This stage carries a total of 900 marks.
The two-stage process for NDA SSB Interview is as follows:
|
Stages |
Tests |
|
|
Stage 1 |
Screening Test |
|
|
Stage 2 |
Psychological Test |
|
|
Group Testing Officers Test |
|
|
|
Personal Interview |
- |
|
|
Conference |
- |
|
NDA Medical Test Process
All the SSB recommended candidates are then requested to appear before the medical board for a complete medical checkup. Medical tests can take 4 to 5 days to get completed. Only after the medical board declares a candidate fit then only they are recommended. If any candidate is declared unfit then he cannot join the academy but can file a review for his other medical checkup.
PAPER-I
MATHEMATICS
1. ALGEBRA
Concept of set, operations on sets, Venn diagrams. De Morgan laws, Cartesian product, relation, equivalence relation.
Representation of real numbers on a line. Complex numbers—basic properties, modulus, argument, cube roots of unity. Binary system of numbers. Conversion of a number in decimal system to binary system and vice-versa. Arithmetic, Geometric and Harmonic progressions. Quadratic equations with real coefficients. The solution of linear inequations of two variables by graphs. Permutation and Combination. Binomial theorem and its applications. Logarithms and their applications.
2. MATRICES AND DETERMINANTS :
Types of matrices, operations on matrices. The determinant of a matrix, basic properties of determinants. Adjoint and inverse of a square matrix, ApplicationsSolution of a system of linear equations in two or three unknowns by Cramer’s rule and by Matrix Method.
3. TRIGONOMETRY :
Angles and their measures in degrees and in radians. Trigonometrical ratios. Trigonometric identities Sum and difference formulae. Multiple and Submultiple angles. Inverse trigonometric functions. Applications-Height and distance, properties of triangles.
4. ANALYTICAL GEOMETRY OF TWO AND THREE DIMENSIONS:
Rectangular Cartesian Coordinate system. Distance formula. Equation of a line in various forms. The angle between the two lines. The distance of a point from a line. Equation of a circle in standard and in a general form. Standard forms of parabola, ellipse, and hyperbola. Eccentricity and axis of a conic. The point in a three-dimensional space, the distance between two points. Direction Cosines and direction ratios. Equation two points. Direction Cosines and direction ratios. Equation of a plane and a line in various forms. The angle between the two lines and the angle between the two planes. Equation of a sphere.
5. DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS :
Concept of a real-valued function–domain, range, and graph of a function. Composite functions, one to one, onto and inverse functions. Notion of limit, Standard limits—examples. Continuity of functions—examples, algebraic operations on continuous functions. Derivative of function at a point, geometrical and physical interpretation of a derivative—applications. Derivatives of sum, product, and quotient of functions, a derivative of a function with respect to another function, a derivative of a composite function. Second-order derivatives. Increasing and decreasing functions. Application of derivatives in problems of maxima and minima.
6. INTEGRAL CALCULUS AND DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS :
Integration as inverse of differentiation, integration by substitution and by parts, standard integrals involving algebraic expressions, trigonometric, exponential, and hyperbolic functions. Evaluation of definite integrals— determination of areas of plane regions bounded by curves—applications.
Definition of order and degree of a differential equation, formation of a differential equation by examples. General and particular solution of differential equations, solution of the first order, and first-degree differential equations of various types—examples. Application in problems of growth and decay.
7. VECTOR ALGEBRA :
Vectors in two and three dimensions, magnitude, and direction of a vector. Unit and null vectors, the addition of vectors, scalar multiplication of a vector, scalar product, or dot product of two vectors. Vector product or cross product of two vectors. Applications—work done by a force and moment of a force and in geometrical problems.
8. STATISTICS AND PROBABILITY :
Statistics: Classification of data, Frequency distribution, cumulative frequency distribution—examples. Graphical representation—Histogram, Pie Chart, frequency polygon—examples. Measures of Central tendency—Mean, median, and mode. Variance and standard deviation—determination and comparison. Correlation and regression.
Probability: Random experiment, outcomes, and associated sample space, events, mutually exclusive and exhaustive events, impossible and certain events. Union and Intersection of events. Complementary, elementary, and composite events. Definition of probability—classical and statistical—examples. Elementary theorems on probability—simple problems. Conditional probability, Bayes’ theorem—simple problems. Random variable as function on a sample space. Binomial distribution, examples of random experiments giving rise to Binominal distribution.
PAPER-II
GENERAL ABILITY TEST
Part ‘A’—ENGLISH
The question paper in English will be designed to test the candidate’s understanding of English and workmanlike use of words. The syllabus covers various aspects like Grammar and usage, vocabulary, comprehension, and cohesion in extended text to test the candidate’s proficiency in English.
Part ‘B’—GENERAL KNOWLEDGE
The question paper on General Knowledge will broadly cover the subjects: Physics, Chemistry, General Science, Social Studies, Geography, and Current Events. -
The syllabus given below is designed to indicate the scope of these subjects included in this paper. The topics mentioned are not to be regarded as exhaustive and questions on topics of similar nature not specifically mentioned in the syllabus may also be asked. Candidate’s answers are expected to show their knowledge and intelligent understanding of the subject.
Section ‘A’ (Physics)
Physical Properties and States of Matter, Mass, Weight, Volume, Density, and Specific Gravity, Principle of Archimedes, Pressure Barometer. The motion of objects, Velocity and Acceleration, Newton’s Laws of Motion, Force and Momentum, Parallelogram of Forces, Stability and Equilibrium of bodies, Gravitation, elementary ideas of work, Power and Energy. Effects of Heat, Measurement of Temperature and Heat, change of State and Latent Heat, Modes of transference of Heat. Sound waves and their properties, Simple musical instruments. Rectilinear propagation of Light, Reflection, and refraction. Spherical mirrors and Lenses, Human Eye.
Natural and Artificial Magnets, Properties of a Magnet, Earth as a Magnet.
Static and Current Electricity, conductors and Non-conductors, Ohm’s Law, Simple Electrical Circuits, Heating, Lighting and Magnetic effects of Current, Measurement of Electrical Power, Primary and Secondary Cells, Use of X-Rays. General Principles in the working of the following:
Simple Pendulum, Simple Pulleys, Siphon, Levers, Balloon, Pumps, Hydrometer, Pressure Cooker, Thermos Flask, Gramophone, Telegraphs, Telephone, Periscope, Telescope, Microscope, Mariner’s Compass; Lightening Conductors, Safety Fuses.
Section ‘B’ (Chemistry)
Physical and Chemical changes. Elements, Mixtures and Compounds, Symbols, Formulae and simple Chemical Equations, Law of Chemical Combination (excluding problems). Properties of Air and Water.
Preparation and Properties of Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen and Carbon dioxide, Oxidation, and Reduction. Acids, bases, and salts. Carbon— different forms. Fertilizers—Natural and Artificial. The material used in the preparation of substances like Soap, Glass, Ink, Paper, Cement, Paints, Safety Matches, and Gun-Powder. Elementary ideas about the structure of Atom, Atomic Equivalent and Molecular Weights, Valency.
Section ‘C’ (General Science)
Difference between the living and non-living. Basis of Life—Cells, Protoplasms, and Tissues. Growth and Reproduction in Plants and Animals. Elementary knowledge of the Human Body and its important organs. Common Epidemics, their causes, and prevention.
Food—Source of Energy for man. Constituents of food, Balanced Diet. The Solar System—Meteors and Comets, Eclipses. Achievements of Eminent Scientists.
Section ‘D’ (History, Freedom Movement, etc.)
A broad survey of Indian History, with emphasis on Culture and Civilisation. Freedom Movement in India. Elementary study of Indian Constitution and Administration. Elementary knowledge of Five Year Plans of India. Panchayati Raj, Co-operatives, and Community Development. Bhoodan, Sarvodaya, National Integration and Welfare State, Basic Teachings of Mahatma Gandhi.
Forces shaping the modern world; Renaissance, Exploration, and Discovery; War of American Independence. French Revolution, Industrial Revolution, and the Russian Revolution. Impact of Science and Technology on Society. Concept of one World, United Nations, Panchsheel, Democracy, Socialism, and Communism. Role of India in the present world.
Section ‘E’ (Geography)
The Earth, its shape and size. Lattitudes and Longitudes, Concept of time. International Date Line. Movements of Earth and their effects. Origin of Earth. Rocks and their classification; Weathering—Mechanical and Chemical, Earthquakes, and Volcanoes. Ocean Currents and Tides Atmosphere and its composition; Temperature and Atmospheric Pressure, Planetary Winds, Cyclones, and Anti-cyclones; Humidity; Condensation and Precipitation; Types of Climate, Major Natural regions of the World. Regional Geography of India—Climate, Natural vegetation. Mineral and Power resources; location and distribution of agricultural and Industrial activities. Important Sea ports and main sea, land, and air routes of India. Main items of Imports and Exports in India.
Section ‘F’ (Current Events)
Knowledge of Important events that have happened in India in recent years. Current important world events. Prominent personalities—both Indian and International including those connected with cultural activities and sports.
NOTE: Out of maximum marks assigned to part ‘B’ of this paper, questions on Sections ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’, ‘D’, ‘E’ and ‘F’ will carry approximately 25%, 15%, 10%, 20%, 20%, and 10% weightage respectively.
Candidates who get shortlisted for the NDA jobs, they are liable for various rewards and additional allowances. Here, we’re providing you the category wise information for your reference.
|
Events or Positions |
Payable amount |
|
Stipend during the training of the candidates in IMA |
INR 56,100/- Per Month |
|
Lieutenant |
INR 56,100/- to INR 1,77, 500/- Per Month |
|
Captain |
INR 61,300/- to 01,93,900/- Per Month |
|
Major |
INR 69,400/- to 02,07,200/- Per Month |
|
Lieutenant Colonel |
INR 01,21,200/- to 02,12,400/- Per Month |
|
Colonel |
INR 01,30,600/- to 02,15,900/- Per Month |
|
Brigadier |
INR 01,39,600/- to 02,17,600/- Per Month |
|
Major General |
INR 01,44,200/- to 02,18,200/- Per Month |
|
Lt. General HAG Scale |
INR 01,82,200/- to 02,24,100/- Per Month |
|
HAG+ Scale |
INR 02,05,400/- To 02,24,400/- Per Month |
|
VCOAS/ Army Cdr/ Lt Gen (NFSG) |
INR 02,25,000/- Per Month Fixed |
|
COAS |
INR 02,50,000/- Per Month Fixed |
Note- There will be a fixed MSP amount of INR 15,500/- Per month to be paid to the officers of the rank of Lieutenant to Brigadier.
Apart from the basic salary, NDA qualified candidates will also be liable for some other perks and allowances for their services. We’re including the same details here.
|
Events |
Allowances |
|
Flying allowance for Pilots (Lt and above) |
INR 25,000/- Per month fixed |
|
Dearness Allowances |
As per the rules for Civilians |
|
Kit Maintenance Allowances |
INR 20,000/- Annually with Dress Allowances |
|
HAFA for Lt and above |
INR 16,900/- Per month |
|
Field Area Allowance For Lt and Above |
INR 10,500/- Per Month |
|
Mod Field Area Allowance for Lt and Above |
INR 6300/- Per Month |
|
HA CAT- 1 Allowance |
INR 3400/- Per Month |
|
HA CAT- 2 Allowance |
INR 5300/- Per Month |
|
HA CAT- 3 Allowance |
INR 25,000/- Per Month |
|
Siachen Allowance |
INR 42,500/- Per Month |
|
Uniform Allowance |
INR 20,000/- Annually with Dress Allowances |
|
Higher TPTA Cities for Level 9 and above |
INR 7200/- + DA Thereon Per Month |
|
Other Places TPTA for level 9 and above |
INR 3600/- + DA Thereon Per Month |
|
Optional TPTA for Level 14 or above officers |
INR 15,750/- + DA Per Month |
|
TPTA for Physical Disabled Army Personnel |
INR 2250/- + DA Min. (Double Rates) |
|
Children Education Allowances (2 eldest kids of the class nursery to class 12th only) |
INR 2250/- Per Month |
Based upon rank and area of posting, NDA officer posted to field areas are eligible for the following allowances –
Field Area Allowances
|
Field Area Allowance to NDA |
Amount Payable |
|
Highly Active Field Area Allowance – HAFA |
Rs 16,900/- pm |
|
Field Area Allowance – FD Area |
Rs 10,500/- pm |
|
Modified Field Area Allowance – Mod FD Area |
Rs 6,300/- pm |
High Altitude Allowances
Candidates posted to Siachen are entitled to Siachen Allowance of Rs 42,500/- per month. Similarly, NDA officers posted to high altitude region are benefited with the following allowances –
|
Levels of NDA Officers |
Allowance amount |
|
Category-I |
Rs 3,400/- Per Month |
|
Category-II |
Rs 5,300/- Per Month |
|
Category-III |
Rs 25,000/- Per Month |
Transport Allowance (TPTA)
|
Level |
Higher TPTA Cities |
Other Places |
|
9 and Above |
Rs. 7200/ Rs + DA thereon (Per month) |
Rs. 3600/Rs + DA thereon (Per month) |
Candidates who will be selected through the NDA exam are liable for stage- wise promotions. The promotion opportunities are based on the performance and experience of the candidates.
|
Min. Service required for Promotions |
Positions |
|
On Commission |
Army- Lieutenant Navy- Sub Lieutenant Air Force- Flying Officer |
|
After 02 years |
Army- Captain Navy- Lieutenant Air Force- Flight Lieutenant |
|
After 06 Years |
Army- Major Navy- Lt. Commander Air Force- Squadron Leader |
|
After 13 years |
Army- Lt. Colonel Navy- Commander Air Force- Wing Commander |
|
On Selection |
Army- Colonel (Selection) Navy- Captain (Selection) Air Force- Group Captain (Selection) |
|
After 26 Years |
Army- Colonel (Time Scale) Navy- Captain (Time Scale) Air Force- Group Captain (Time Scale) |
|
On Selection |
Army- Brigadier Navy- Commodore Air Force- Air Commodore |
|
On Selection |
Army- Major General Navy- Rear Admiral Air Force- Air Vice-Marshal |
|
On Selection |
Army- Lieutenant General Navy- Vice Admiral Air Force- Air Marshal |
|
On Selection |
Army- General Navy- Admiral Air Force- Air Chief Marshal |
