The exam is conducted to evaluate the knowledge and ability of a candidate. At PRAADIS, a candidate will get complete information about the upcoming NDA and NA exam. Where cadets of all three services receive training together before the Army, the Navy and the Air Force, they go to the respective Service Academy for pre-commissioned training. Completing such an exam requires complete dedication and we here are trying to provide complete information to fulfil your dreams.
The National Defence Academy is a joint service academy and a centre of excellence for preparing junior leaders for the Indian Armed Forces. The training troops are equipped with mental, moral and physical characteristics, aiming to win in traditional, non-traditional and asymmetrical conflicts to face the challenges of future war zones. For detailed information regarding the dates of all the exams, candidates can visit the websites given below.
At Praadis, aspirants will get information about all the upcoming exams related to the National
Defence Academy (NDA). This page will inform aspirants about the latest updates, exam pattern, exam dates, previous
years question papers, important dates & selection process.
N.D.A. & N.A. examination (I) and N.D.A. & N.A. examination (II) are held by UPSC.
Candidates can check important dates of N.D.A. & N.A. Examination (I) and N.D.A. & N.A. Examination (II) at https://upsconline.nic.in/.
Joining instructions for cadets of NDA exams available at https://upsconline.nic.in/.
Procedure and motivational visits to NDA are available at https://upsconline.nic.in/.
A revised procedure is to be fulfilled by EX-NDA cadets for obtaining various certificates from JNU, New Delhi.
Candidates can check the result of the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination by clicking on the link given below.
https://www.upsc.gov.in/final-results.
The National Defence Academy is a joint service academy and a centre of excellence for preparing junior leaders for the Indian Armed Forces. The training troops are equipped with mental, moral and physical characteristics, aiming to win in traditional, non-traditional and asymmetrical conflicts to face the challenges of future war zones. For detailed information regarding the dates of all the exams, candidates can visit the websites of Ministry of Defence.
www.joinindianarmy.nic.in
www.joinindiannavy.gov.in
www.careerindianairforce.cdac.in
The NDA and NA exam was conducted twice a year by UPSC and it includes a written test and SSB Interview.
1. Mathematics (300 marks)
2. General Ability Test (600 marks)
1. Screening - It includes: Verbal and Non-verbal Test & PPDT - story writing and discussion
2. Psychology Test -
Battery Test,
Thematic Apperception Test [TAT],
Word Association Test [WAT],
Situation Reaction Test [SRT],
Self-Description Test [SD],
GTO - Outdoor task,
GD - Group discussion on two topics,
GPE - Group planning Exercise,
PGT - Progressive Group Task,
HGT - Half Group Task,
IOT - Individual Obstacles Task,
Command Task - The candidate will be commander in the task.
3. Group Exercise - It includes: Snake race/Group Obstacle Race,
4. Personal Interview,
5. Conference - Candidates will be facing all SSB board members.
REGISTRATION PROCESS: The registration process is done in 2 parts:
1. The candidate has to register himself by visiting the website: https://upsconline.nic.in/
2. Candidates can select preferred branches.
3. Verification of details is done after filling an application form.
4. There is a procedure of withdrawal of online application mentioned in Appendix-II (B). Candidate can cancel their registration.
1. Candidate has to first login using generated credentials
2. Payment is to be done
3. Exam centres to be selected
4. Candidates have to upload scanned documents
5. Agree to the terms and conditions
6. Final submission is to be done
The eligible candidates are issued online admit cards almost three weeks before the exam begins.
N.D.A. and N.A. examination is held twice a year by UPSC for recruitment in all major three armed forces of India - Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Airforce. For detailed information regarding the dates of all the exams, candidates can visit the websites of Ministry of Defence
www.joinindianarmy.nic.in
www.joinindiannavy.gov.in
www.careerindianairforce.cdac.in
A citizen of India, or
A subject of Nepal, or
A subject of Bhutan, or
A Tibetan refugee who came over to India before 1st January, 1962
Overseas Citizens of India
Candidates should be born between 16.5 years to 19.5 years for NDA I.
Candidates should be born between 16.5 years to 19.5 years for NDA II.
Only unmarried male candidate can apply for NDA exams.
Candidates should note that the Commission will accept age-related documents like birth certificate, 12th
class certificate recognised by an Indian University as equivalent to Matriculation, horoscope and affidavit.
Once the date has been recorded, no request for its change will be considered.
Candidates of class 11th are not eligible to appear in the exam.
Candidates who are deprived of any commission by the Ministry of defence are not eligible to give the
examination.
A candidate who has resigned from any of the training academies of Armed forces is not eligible
to apply.
1. Eligible candidates are issued online admit cards almost three weeks before the exam begins.
2. Candidate can download e-Admit cards from the UPSC website http://upsc.gov.in.
3. To download e-Admit card, candidates will require RID & Date of Birth or Roll No. (If received) & date of birth
or name, fathers name & Date of Birth available with him.
4. If the candidate has not received any information regarding admit card, he/she should immediately contact in the
Commission's Office. Numbers are 011-23385271/011-23381125/011-23098543 (on working days between 10 am to 5 pm).
5. Candidates are advised to check admit card carefully. The details should be the same, as mentioned in the
application form. It is subject to verification of all eligibility conditions.
6. It is against law for a non-candidate person to give the exam in place of a real candidate using his/her admit card.
7. Candidates should ensure that contact details like mobile number and email ID are active and valid.
To get into NDA, candidates have to clear the written test first. After clearing the written examination, he/she will receive communication from the commission for the SSB interview. This interview will take 5 days. After that, candidates will have to undergo a medical test.
After following all the above procedure, candidates will get a final merit list. The pattern of the NDA Exam is as follows:
| Subject Code | Subject | Topics | Marks | Maximum Marks | Duration of Exam | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
01 |
Maths |
300 |
2 hours 30 minutes |
|||
|
02 |
General Ability Test |
Part A English |
Marks |
600 |
||
Part B General Knowledge |
||||||
Section A |
Physics |
100 |
||||
Section B |
Chemistry |
60 |
||||
Section C |
General Science |
40 |
||||
Section D |
History |
80 |
||||
Section E |
Geography |
80 |
||||
Section F |
Current Affairs |
40 |
||||
Total |
900 |
5 hours |
||||
Marking Scheme and Number of Questions: The total number of questions is 270 and the total marks candidates can get is 900. Duration of exam: 2½ Hours for each paper (Paper I - Maths and Paper II - General Ability Test).
| Subject | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks | Marking scheme | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Maths |
120 MCQs |
300 |
2.5 |
0.83 |
English |
50 MCQs |
200 |
4 |
1.33 |
General Knowledge |
100 MCQs |
400 |
4 |
1.33 |
1. Objective type question paper,
2. Blackball pen should be used,
3. Language is set bilingually in Hindi as well as English &
4. Candidates are not allowed to take a calculator in the examination hall.
1. Candidates are advised to listen to the instructors carefully.
2. Before marking
responses, candidates are requested to fill the following details using only black ball pens: Centre, Subject,
Subject code, Roll Number (The roll number should be written precisely in the admit card).
3. Do not omit any zero(s) that maybe there.
4. Candidates should ensure that the subject,
test booklet series and roll number are carefully encoded. All that is needed to blacken the circle completely.
| PAPER | SUBJECT | TOPICS | MAXIMUM MARKS | DURATION |
|---|---|---|---|---|
PAPER-I |
MATHEMATICS |
1. Algebra, |
300 |
2 hours 30 minutes |
PAPER-II |
GENERAL ABILITY TEST |
PART A- ENGLISH |
600 |
2 hours 30 minutes |
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. 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. Determinant of a matrix, basic properties of determinants. Adjoint and inverse of a square matrix,
Applications-Solution 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 Sub-multiple
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. Angle between two lines.
Distance of a point from a line. Equation of a circle in standard and in general form. Standard forms of
parabola, ellipse and hyperbola. Eccentricity and axis of a conic. Point in a three dimensional space, 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. Angle between two lines and angle between
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, derivative of a function with
respect to another function, 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 a differential equations, solution of 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, 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, Baye's theorem-simple problems. Random variable as
function on a sample space. Binomial distribution, examples of random experiments giving rise to Binominal
distribution.
The question paper in English will be designed to test the candidate's understanding of English and workman like 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.
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.
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. Material used in the preparation of substances like Soap, Glass, Ink, Paper, Cement, Paints, Safety Matches and GunPowder. 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 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 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. Latitudes 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 of India.
Section 'F' (Current Events)
Knowledge of Important events that have happened in India in the recent years. Current important world events. Prominent personalities-both Indian and International including those connected with cultural activities and sports.
| SECTION | SUBJECT | MAXIMUM MARKS |
|---|---|---|
Sections A |
Physics |
25% |
Sections B |
Chemistry |
15% |
Sections C |
General Science |
10% |
Sections D |
History, Freedom Movement etc. |
20% |
Sections E |
Geography |
20% |
Sections F |
Current Events |
10% |
NCERT Mathematics Textbooks of Class 11 and Class 12,
Mathematics for National Defence Academy and Naval Academy by R S Aggarwal,
Entrance Examination for Mathematics Study Package by Arihant,
Quantitative aptitude for competitive examinations by R.S Aggarwal,
Study Package for NTSE Class X,
Previous years Question Papers.
Objective General English by SP Bakshi,
Wren & Martin High School English Grammar and Composition,
Word Power Made Easy New (by Norman Lewis),
Previous years Question Papers.
NCERT Textbooks of Class 10, 11 and 12,
Understanding Physics by D C Pandey (Arihant Publications),
Previous years Question Papers.
NCERT Textbooks of Class 10, 11 and 12 &
Previous years Question Papers.
NCERT Textbooks of Class 10, 11 and 12,
Objective NCERT at your FINGERTIPS for Biology by MTG Editorial Board,
Previous years Question Papers.
History of Modern India by Bipan Chandra,
India's Struggle For Independence by Bipan Chandra,
Ancient India by RS Sharma (Old NCERT),
History of Medieval India by Satish Chandra (Old NCERT),
A Brief History of Modern India (2018-2019) Session by Spectrum Book,
Previous years Question Papers.
Fundamentals of Human Geography (NCERT),
Certificate Physical And Human Geography,
For Maps Oxford School Atlas,
Previous years Question Papers.
Objective General Knowledge & Current Affairs Level 2 by Disha Experts,
Daily Newspaper,
Previous years Question Papers.
Modern S.S.B interviews by Col. Kuldip S Dosanjh &
A complete guide by NK Natrajan, Arihant publication.
For NDA exam preparations, the student should solve previous years question papers/model question papers daily. The previous question papers and mock tests will help you to get familiar with the syllabus, weightage of question and exam pattern. It will also give you information about the difficulty level of the question paper and which type of question can save them more time. With the help of NCERT and previous years question papers, you can ace NDA exam easily. Check the previous year's question papers (PDF format).
NDA 2017 Question Paper
NDA 2016 Question Paper
As this exam consists of 2 phases, so we need to prepare accordingly for that exam.
To start preparation, the candidate must first free their mind from all the distractions and stresses related to studies. After that, candidates can plan their studies. To relax their mind, the candidates should try meditation and it will be helpful for them to start their preparation to begin anew.
For the time being, try to avoid TV, Mobiles and Games. At least when you are studying. It will help you to learn without being distracted.
Before planning a study, you need to check the syllabus first and then try to start with the most weighted topic/subject. Try not to cover everything in one day. Give yourself time to understand things and then study accordingly.
Planning will help you organize and manage time. This will make your study easier. Being organized will help you to study the way you plan and only then you will be able to complete the course on time.
It is the most important part of your preparation. Previous years question papers and mock tests can help you focus on your strengths. By regularly practising those papers, you will be able to know your strengths where you can score high and on which part you still need to work hard.
When you realize that all your syllabus is about to end, then the candidates have to take the previous studies topics and try to revise daily, so that they do not forget what they have during the early days of their preparation.
The result of NDA is released on the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) official website. The UPSC will prepare a list of candidates who scored minimum qualifying marks in the exam. The qualifying candidates shall appear for SSB and Physical test.
The NDA Final result will be declared after the written test and SSB Interview. Candidates can check the NDA result on the UPSC website, which will be displayed in pdf format. Candidate can search their roll numbers and see their result. If they found their roll numbers in the list have qualified the exam.
All the candidates who have successfully passed the written examination will have to register themselves with the Directorate General for recruitment on the website www.joinindianarmy.nic.in. Through this website, candidates will be allotted selection centres.
National defence academy is a dream destination for all aspiring military boys, where cadets of 3 services - the Army, the Navy and the Air force are equipped with mental, moral and physical characteristics aimed at leading soldiers.
NDA exam is conducted by UNION PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION (UPSC).
Candidates have to go to https://upsconline.nic.in/ to enroll for N.D.A. and N.A. exams.
Online application form is filled in 2 parts:-
Part 1:
1. Registration,
2. Preferred branch selection,
3. Details verification &
4. Withdrawal/Cancellation of application.
Part 2:
1. Login,
2. Payment,
3. Select the exam centre,
4. Document upload,
5. Agree to terms and conditions &
6. Submit.
Candidates get their admit cards almost three weeks before the exam begins.
The age criteria to appear in NDA & NA exam are as follows:-
1. NDA I - 16.5 years to 19.5 years &
2. NDA II - 16.5 years to 19.5 years.
The below candidates are eligible to appear in NDA exam:-
(a) A citizen of India,
(b) A subject of Nepal,
(c) A subject of Bhutan,
(d) A Tibetan refugee who came over to India before 1st January 1962,
(e) Persons of Indian Origin &
(f) Overseas Citizens of India.
No, only unmarried male aspirants can apply for this post.
12th class or appearing candidates are eligible to appear in the exam.
The Supreme Court of India passed an order in August 2021 to allow female candidates to appear in all upcoming NDA entrance examination with respect to the age and qualification requirements. The interested female candidates age should be between 16.5 to 19.5 years and they should have passed Class 12th exam from a recognised education board.
NDA Nationality for Girls. A candidate applying for NDA must be either unmarried, as well as: an Indian national, or a Nepali subject, or a person of Indian descent from Burma, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, the East African nations of Zambia, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Malawi, Kenya, Zaire and Ethiopia, or Vietnam who are permanently settled here.
Candidates who are not eligible:-
1. Candidates of class 11th are not eligible to appear in the exam.
2. Candidates who are deprived of any commission by the Ministry of defence are not eligible to give the examination.
3. A candidate who has resigned from any of the training academies of Armed forces is not eligible to apply.
The NDA and NA exam is conducted twice a year and it includes a written test and SSB Interview.
NDA has only objective type questions.
No, The calculator is not allowed in the NDA exam.
Only black ball pen is allowed to give the exam.
Duration of exam:- 2 hours 30 minutes for each paper (Paper I - Maths and Paper II - General Ability Test).
NDA exam is conducted in 2 phases:-
Phase 1 - Written-test 1. Mathematics (300 marks) & 2. General Ability Test (600 marks). Phase 2 - SSB Interview 1. Screening,
2. Psychology Test,
3. Group Exercise,
4. Personal Interview &
5. Conference.
NDA selection process:- Registration/Login Apply online Admit card Exam Call Letter SSB Interview Medical Test Result/Merit List NDA/NA.
Yes, height matters a lot in NDA exams. The minimum acceptable height is 157 cm for the Army, 152 cm for the Navy and 162.5 cm for the Air Force.
In NDA medical test it includes - Urine test, Blood test, Sugar test, Blood pressure (BP) test & ECG. There should be no hydrocele, varicocele or piles & pyorrhea.
