What Do You Need for NDA?
NDA & NA Examination at a Glance
The National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination selects young candidates to train as officers of the Army, Navy and Air Force.
Training: 3 years at NDA Khadakwasla, then 1 year at the service academy. Always confirm details on upsc.gov.in.
Two Entries, One Exam
The same written exam and SSB lead to the National Defence Academy (NDA) or the Indian Naval Academy (NA).
NDA — Army wing
Three years at NDA Khadakwasla, then the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun. Class 12 in any stream.
NDA — Navy wing
Three years at NDA, then the Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala. Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Maths.
NDA — Air Force wing
Three years at NDA, then the Air Force Academy, Hyderabad. Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Maths.
Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry)
Direct training at the Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala, with a B.Tech degree. Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Maths.
NDA 2 2026 was for the 158th NDA Course and the 120th Indian Naval Academy Course, as reported. You list your preferences in the application.
Who Is Eligible for NDA?
1. Age
About 16½ to 19½ years. For NDA 1 2027, expected: born between 2 July 2008 and 1 July 2011.
2. Army wing
Class 12 (10+2) pass in any stream.
3. Air Force, Navy, Naval Academy
Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.
4. Unmarried
Unmarried men and women, Indian citizens (and certain other categories as per rules), meeting medical standards.
Class 12 students can apply. Application fee ₹100; SC/ST candidates, women and wards of certain JCOs/ORs are exempt, as per recent notices.
NDA Written Exam Pattern
Two papers on the same day. One-third of a question’s marks is deducted for each wrong answer.
| Paper | Qs | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| I — Mathematics | 120 | 300 | 2 h 30 min |
| II — General Ability Test | 150 | 600 | 2 h 30 min |
| Written total | 270 | 900 |
General Ability Test — Parts
| Part | Qs | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| A — English | 50 | 200 |
| B — General Knowledge | 100 | 400 |
| Total | 150 | 600 |
Questions in English and Hindi (except the English part). Final merit: written exam (900) + SSB (900) = 1800 marks.
SSB Interview — 900 Marks
Candidates who clear the written exam attend a five-day Services Selection Board process.
Day 1 — Screening
Officer Intelligence Rating test and Picture Perception and Discussion Test.
Day 2 — Psychology
Thematic Apperception, Word Association, Situation Reaction and Self-Description tests.
Days 3–4 — GTO
Group discussions, group tasks, lecturette, obstacles and command tasks.
Personal interview
A one-on-one interview with an interviewing officer.
Day 5 — Conference
Final board conference, then the medical examination for recommended candidates.
Air Force candidates also take the Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS) test.
NDA Syllabus
Maths is Class 11–12 level. Tap a subject to see its topics.
MathematicsPaper I — 300 marks
- Algebra — sets, complex numbers, quadratic equations, binomial theorem, logarithms
- Matrices and determinants
- Trigonometry — ratios, identities, heights and distances, inverse functions
- Analytical geometry of two and three dimensions
- Differential calculus — limits, continuity, derivatives, maxima and minima
- Integral calculus and differential equations
- Vector algebra
- Statistics and probability
EnglishGAT Part A — 200 marks
- Grammar and usage
- Vocabulary — synonyms, antonyms
- Comprehension
- Sentence arrangement and error spotting
- Cohesion in extended text
General KnowledgeGAT Part B — 400 marks
- Physics — mechanics, heat, light, sound, electricity
- Chemistry — elements, compounds, acids, bases, everyday chemistry
- General science — biology, health, human body
- History and the freedom movement
- Geography — earth, climate, India and the world
- Indian polity and economy
- Current events
Free NDA Study Material
Notes and practice for the written exam and the SSB.
These resources are being added subject by subject. Pages marked “Coming soon” are not published yet.
NDA Mathematics
Chapter-wise notes and solved questions.
Coming soon →NDA English
Grammar, vocabulary and comprehension.
Coming soon →General Knowledge
Science, history, geography and current events.
Coming soon →SSB Preparation
Psychology tests, GTO tasks and interview tips.
Coming soon →Fitness & Medical
Fitness plan and medical standards.
Coming soon →NDA Mock Tests
Full papers in the real pattern with negative marking.
Under development. The mock tests below are planned and will open here when ready.
Mathematics Paper
General Ability Test
Previous-Year Papers
OIR Practice
How to Prepare for NDA
Prepare for the written exam, the SSB and fitness together.
Link with Class 11–12
NDA maths follows the school syllabus — study both together.
Read the news daily
Current events and defence news help in GK and the SSB.
Practise past papers
Solve previous NDA papers under time with negative marking.
Avoid blind guesses
Each wrong answer costs one-third of its marks.
Build confidence for SSB
Speak in groups, take part in sports and practise psychology tests.
Stay fit
Run, swim and keep your eyesight and weight within medical standards.
NDA Dates
NDA 2 2026 was held on 13 September 2026. NDA 1 2027: notification and applications expected 2–22 December 2026, exam on 11 April 2027, as reported. Always check the official website.
NDA FAQs
Who conducts the NDA exam?
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the written exam twice a year. The SSB interview is conducted by the Services Selection Boards of the Ministry of Defence. Official information is on upsc.gov.in.
Can girls apply for the NDA?
Yes. Unmarried women candidates can apply for the NDA and Naval Academy entries, subject to the same age and education rules.
Can I apply while in Class 12?
Yes. Candidates appearing in Class 12 can apply, but must submit proof of passing by the date set in the notification.
Is there negative marking?
Yes. One-third of the marks for a question are deducted for each wrong answer.
What happens after selection?
NDA cadets train for three years at the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla (Pune), then a further year at their service academy before being commissioned. Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry) cadets train at the Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala, and earn a B.Tech degree.
Do I need PCM for the Army wing?
No. The Army wing accepts Class 12 from any stream. Air Force, Navy and the Naval Academy entry need Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.