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National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination

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National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination
AcronymNDA/NA Exam
TypeOMR sheet based (Pen & Paper)
AdministratorUnion Public Service Commission
Skills testedWriting, English, General knowledge, others
PurposeSelection of candidates to be commissioned officers in the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy
Year started1954 (72 years ago) (1954)
DurationFive hours (Mathematics: 2½ hours, General Ability Test (GAT): 2½ hours)
OfferedTwice a year
(April & September)
Restrictions on attempts16½ years to 19½ years
(age of the candidate)
RegionsIndia
LanguagesEnglish and Hindi
Fee
  • ₹100 (US$1.00)
    (for General male candidates)
  • Exempted for female, SC, ST and wards of JCO, NCO, OR
Qualification rate≈ 4% (approx) for written examination
Preferences offered
  • NDA (Army)
  • NDA (Navy)
  • (Navy Flying branch)
  • (Air Force Flying branch)
Websitewww.upsc.gov.in

The National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination is an entrance examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice a year for admissions into the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Indian Naval Academy (INA).[1] The NDA Exam serves as a gateway for candidates seeking a career in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.[2][3][4]

History

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The NDA Exam was first conducted in the year 1954 after the NDA was established to train cadets from the Army, Navy, and Air Force together. [5]

Eligibility

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To be eligible for the NDA Exam, candidates must meet the following criteria:

  • Citizenship: Candidates must be Indian citizens.[6]
  • Age Limit: Candidates must be between 16.5 and 19.5 years of age.[6]
  • Educational Qualification: Candidates must have completed their 10+2 education from a recognized board or university.[6]

Examination Process

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The NDA Exam is conducted in two stages: a written examination and an interview by the Services Selection Board (SSB).[7]

Written Examination

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The written examination consists of two papers: Mathematics and the General Ability Test (GAT). Both papers are objective type and are conducted on the same day. The Mathematics paper evaluates the candidates' mathematical aptitude, while the GAT paper assesses their English language proficiency, general knowledge, and reasoning abilities.[citation needed]

Services Selection Board Interview

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Candidates who qualify in the written examination are called for the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview. The SSB interview consists of various stages, including intelligence and personality tests, group discussions, psychological tests, and personal interviews.[citation needed]

Administration

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The NDA Exam is administered by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), which is a constitutional body responsible for recruiting personnel for various government services and posts. The UPSC ensures the fair and transparent conduct of the examination process, including the release of notifications, application acceptance, examination schedules, result declaration, and the final selection of candidates.[8]

Seat Share

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The NDA/NA Examination, conducted twice annually by the UPSC, is the primary gateway to becoming an officer in the Indian Armed Forces, immediately after Class 12. The two NDA/NA examinations conducted in a year are referred to as: -

  • NDA-I (April exam, course commences January of the next year)
  • NDA-II (September exam, course commences July of the next year)


Each exam corresponds to a single course at the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, or the Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala. Each exam typically ranges between 370 and 405 vacancies, depending on the manpower requirements projected by the Ministry of Defence. Collectively, this results in approximately 800 officer cadets entering the armed forces each year.

Vacancies Per Examination (2025 Cycle)

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Wing / Academy Vacancies per Exam Notes
Indian Army (NDA – Army Wing)208Largest share due to Army's vast officer cadre; includes 10 reserved seats for female candidates.
Indian Navy (NDA – Navy Wing)42Includes 5 seats for female cadets.
Indian Air Force (NDA – Air Force Wing)120Sub-divided into:
• Flying Branch – 92 (2 female)
• Ground Duties (Technical) – 18 (2 female)
• Ground Duties (Non-Technical) – 10 (2 female)
Indian Naval Academy (INA – 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme)36Separate pathway for cadets opting exclusively for the Navy; 4 seats for female candidates.
Total406Typically ranges between 370 and 405, depending on service requirements.

Annual Cadet Induction (Approximate)

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Annual Cadet Intake by Wing (Approx. 2025)
  1. NDA (Army) 416 (51.2%)
  2. NDA (Navy) 84 (10.3%)
  3. NDA (Air Force) 240 (29.6%)
  4. Indian Naval Academy (INA) 72 (8.87%)

Annual vacancies

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Wing / AcademyAnnual IntakeAnnual Intake (Male)Annual Intake (Female)
Army (NDA)41639620
Navy (NDA)847410
Air Force (NDA)24022812
Indian Naval Academy (INA)72648
Total81276250
Navy (comprehensive)15613818

References

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  1. ↑ "UPSC NDA & NA II 2023 registration ends today". Hindustan Times. 2023-06-06.
  2. ↑ GUPTA, KAMAL. "5 Tips To Crack NDA 2023 Exam". Rediff.
  3. ↑ "UPSC CDS, NDA Exam 2023 Today: Check admit card link and important exam day instructions". The Times of India. 2023-04-16. ISSN 0971-8257.
  4. ↑ "UPSC NDA NA (I) 2023 written exam results declared. Direct link to check". India Today.
  5. ↑ "When was first nda exam conducted".
  6. 1 2 3 "UPSC NDA 2023 Notification Today for NDA/NA II Exam, Check Schedule and Important Instructions". TimesNow. 2023-05-17.
  7. ↑ Scroll Staff (2023-06-06). "UPSC NDA 2 exam 2023: Last day to apply for 395 vacancies at NDA, NA". Scroll.in.
  8. ↑ "5,675 students appear for defence service exams". The Times of India. 2023-04-17. ISSN 0971-8257.
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