Anangsha PatraDeputy Manager – Editorial
NDA Selection Process 2024: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) prescribes NDA selection process. The selection process begins with the release of notification and application form wherein both male and female candidates are eligible for the exam. NDA vacancies are announced along with the notification. NDA selection process comprises written exam and SSB Interview. The written exam carries 900 marks and comprises questions from GAT and Maths. The SSB Interview carries 900 marks. Candidates need to clear the written exam of NDA inorder to be eligible for SSB Interview. The final merit list is prepared based on the performance in the written exam and SSB interview. Read below for more details on NDA selection process.
Q: What is NDA selection process?
NDA selection process comprises written exam and SSB interview. Candidates need to secure qualifying marks separately in the written exam and SSB interview. Qualified candidates will be placed in a single combined list on the basis of total marks secure in the written exam and SSB interview. Final allocation is done based on the number of vacancies, eligibility, medical fitness and merit-cum-preference of the candidates. The written exam of NDA is conducted for 900 marks. The sectional cutoff marks for the written exam is 25 per cent. The SSB interview carries 900 marks. The SSB interview is conducted in two stages. Stage 1 comprises Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception and Description Test (PP&DT) whereas Stage 2 comprises Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests, and the Conference.
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Q: What is NDA selection process for SSB interview?
The SSB procedure consists of two stage Selection process- stage I and stage II. Only those candidates who clear the stage I are permitted to appear for stage II. The details are:
(a) Stage I comprises of Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests are Picture Perception Description Test (PP&DT). The candidates will be shortlisted based on combination of performance in OIR Test and PP&DT
(b) Stage II Comprises of Interview, Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests and the Conference. These tests are conducted
over four days.
The personality of a candidate is assessed by three different assessors viz. The Interviewing Officer (IO), Group Testing Officer (GTO) and the Psychologist. There are no separate weightage for each test. The mks are allotted by assessors only after taking into consideration the performance of the candidate holistically in all the test. In addition, marks for Conference are also allotted based on the initial performance of the Candidate in the three techniques and decision of the Board. All these have equal weightage.
The various tests of IO, GTO and Psych are designed to bring out the presence/absence of Officer Like Qualities and their trainability in a candidate. Accordingly candidates are recommended or not recommended at the SSB.
Upvote Q: What is NDA selection process for written exam?
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NDA Selection Process: Stages
The selection process of NDA involves the following stages:
- Written Exam
- SSB Interview
NDA Selection Process for Written Exam
The written exam is the first stage of NDA selection Process. NDA exam pattern of the written exam is such that it is divided into two papers-Mathematics and General Ability Test. The duration of the test is 180 minutes and comprises objective-type questions. Candidates securing the minimum qualifying marks in the written exam are called for SSB Interview for Psychological Aptitude Test and Intelligence or Personality test. The structure of the written exam is given below.
| Papers | Subject | Maximum marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 |
Mathematics |
300 |
2 ½ |
| Paper 2 |
GAT |
600 |
2 ½ |
| Total |
900 |
5 hours |
|
The subject-wise NDA marking scheme is given below.
- For correct answer in the GAT paper, candidates score four marks
- For incorrect answer in the GAT paper, 1.33 marks are deducted as penalty
- In the Maths paper, candidates get 2.5 marks for correct answers
- For wrong answers in the Maths paper, 0.83 marks are deducted
Also Read:
NDA Selection Process for SSB Interview
Candidates in the SSB Interview are assessed on Officers' Potentiality. The stages of SSB Interview are explained below:
- SSB Interview comprises two stages and is held for five days
- Stage I consist of OIR (Officer Intelligence Rating) and PP & DT (Picture Perception & Description Test)
- Stage II consist of Interview, Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests & the Conference
- The complete NDA SSB Interview process will carry 900 marks
Day-Wise SSB Interview
| Days | Events |
|---|---|
| Day 1 |
Picture Perception Test and Description Test |
| Day 2 |
Psychology Tests |
| Day 3 |
Group Testing Officer’s Task |
| Day 4 |
Interview |
| Day 5 |
Conference |
NDA Final Selection Process
The final selection process of NDA is given below:
- For admission to Army, Navy and Air Force of NDA, candidates need to secure NDA cutoff marks separately in the written exam and SSB interview
- For Air Force, candidates should qualify the Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS)
- The marks of the NDA SSB interview and written exam are considered for the final selection
- Final selection for respective academies is done as per vacancies subjected to their NDA eligibility, medical fitness, and merit-cum-preference of candidates
Can Girls Join NDA?
In August last year, the Supreme Court of India had passed a historic judgement allowing women candidates to join National Defence Academy. The court had, however, said that admission of women candidates will be subject to the final ruling on the petition. NDA eligibility for women candidates is same as their male counterparts. However, the medical standards for women candidates varies. The age limit for women candidates is between 16.5 to 19.5 years. Candidates who have passed or are appearing in Class 12 can apply for the exam.
Documents Required to SSB Interview
Candidates selected for the interview are required to carry the following documents:
- Original Class 12 passing certificate or equivalent in support of educational qualification
- Certificate of eligibility for a certain category of students
- Category or cast certificate applicable to SC, ST, OBC, etc
- Identity and address proof (Aadhar Card/ Voter ID/ Passport/ Nivaas Pramaan Patra)
Q: Is there any minimum qualifying marks in NDA exam?
Upvote Q: Is there any age criteria to appear for NDA?
Upvote Q: What is the prescribed educational qualification for NDA exam?
Upvote NDA Selection Process: Complete Recruitment Process
The step-by-step selection process of NDA exam is explained below:
Filling the Application Form
The application process is completely online. Interested candidates need to apply from the official website. The application fees are INR 100, however, SC/ST candidates/Sons of JCOs/NCOs/ORs were exempted from paying the fees. NDA application form comprises two parts: Part I (Registration) and Part II (Filling the application form).
Release of Admit Card
NDA admit card is released online three weeks before the exam. All registered candidates can download the admit card by logging with either registration number or roll number. The hard copy of the NDA admit card is not sent to candidates by post.
Appearing in Written Exam
The written exam comprises two sections: Mathematics and General Ability Test. The total marks of the written exam are 900. Each paper is held for 2 ½ hours. Total questions asked in GAT are 150 while it is 120 in Mathematics.
Also Read:
Declaration of Result
NDA result is declared in two stages: written and final. The result of both the stages is declared online. The results are made available in PDF format. NDA resultdisplays the roll numbers of qualified candidates. NDA Cutoff is announced after the completion of selection process.
Appearing in SSB Interview
SSB Interview comprises two stages. Stage I comprise Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception Description Test (PP&DT). The candidates will be shortlisted based on the combination of performance in OIR Test and PP&DT. Stage II comprises Interview, Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests and the Conference. These tests are conducted over four days.
Final Selection
To be acceptable should secure the minimum qualifying marks separately in written exam and SSB Interview. Subject to these conditions the qualified candidates will be placed in a single combined list on the basis of total marks secured by them in the written exam and SSB Interview.
Training Process of Girl Cadets in NDA
The girls of the age group 16 ½ to 19 years are eligible to undergo three-year training in NDA. The military training of the girl cadets is conducted in a gender-neutral manner. A total of 1.7 lakh women candidates applied for UPSC NDA 2 exam 2021. Out of these 1002 women candidates had qualified the written exam. The training objective of the girl cadet at NDA continue to remain as centre excellence for producing military leaders equipped with professional, moral and physical attributes with minimum changes to the existing curriculum in training, drill outdoor training, etc. Owing to the physiological differences between male and female cadets, there might be certain changes in the physical training of girl cadets.
Q: What is the process of training in NDA Pune?
NDA is the joint training institute for all three services-Army, Navy and Air Force. After joining the NDA cadet undergo training for three years. After graduating from NDA candidates are sent to their respective training academies for one year of training before commissioning. Army cadets are sent to the Indian Military Academy (Dehradun), naval cadets to the Indian Naval Academy (Ezhimala), and Air Force cadets to the Air Force Academy (Dundigal, Hyderabad).
Upvote Q: Is NDA exam tough to crack?
Upvote Q: What after final selection in NDA?
The selected candidates are given preliminary training both academic and physical for a period of three years at the National Defence Academy. The training during the first two and half years is common to the cadets of three wings. All the cadets on passing out will be awarded degrees from Jawaharlal Nehru University Delhi.
The selected candidates of the Naval Academy will be given preliminary training both academic and physical, for a period of three years at Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala. The cadets of 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme are awarded a B Tech Degree on successful completion of training.
On passing out from the National Defence Academy, Army Cadets go to the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, Naval Cadets to Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala and Air Force cadets and Ground Duty-Non Tech streams to Air Force Academy, Hyderabad and Air Force cadets of Ground Duty-Tech stream to Air Force Technical College, Bengaluru.
At the IMA Army Cadets are known as Gentlemen Cadets and are given strenuous military training for a period of one year. On successful completion of training, Gentlemen Cadets are granted Permanent Commission in the rank of Lt.
The Naval cadets are selected for the Executive Branch of the Navy. On passing out from the National Defence Academy and are given further training at Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala for a period of one year. On successful completion, they are promoted to the rank of Sub Lieutenants.
Air Force Cadets are given flying training for a period of 1½ years. However, at the end of one year of training, they are given provisional Commission in the rank of Flying Officer. After successful completion of further training of six months, they are granted permanent commissioned officers post.
Upvote Q: How many students apply for NDA exam and qualify it?
Upvote NDA Eligibility
NDA eligibility is given below for mala and female candidates:
NDA Age Limit
For NDA 1 exam, both male and female candidates must have been born not earlier than July 2, 2004, and not later than July 1, 2007. For NDA 2 exam, both male and female candidates must have been born not earlier than January 2, 2005, and not later than January 1, 2008.
NDA Eligibility: Sex and Marital Status
Only unmarried male and female candidates can apply for the exam.
NDA Qualification
The educational qualification is different for different academies. Candidates can check the educational qualification prescribed for different academies below.
| Academy | Educational Qualification |
|---|---|
| Army Wing of National Defence Academy | Passed Class 12/HSC or equivalent from a recognised board or university |
| Air Force, Navy, and Naval Academy of National Defence Academy | Passed Class 12/HSC with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics |
Q: Can I apply for NDA exam while studying in class 11?
No, you cannot apply for NDA exam while studying in Class 11. According to the eligibility criteria, candidates who have passed or are appearing in Class 12 are only eligible to apply NDA exam. The educational qualification prescribed for the Army wing of NDA is that candidates who have passed or are appearing in Class 12 or equivalent exam from a recognised board can apply for the exam. The educational qualification prescribed for Air Force and Naval wings of NDA and 10+2 Cadet entry scheme at INA is that candidates who have passed or are appearing in Class 12 or equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics can apply for the exam.
Upvote Q: Does JEE Main rank matter for the NDA exam?
Upvote Q: I am medical student. Can I apply for NDA exam?
Upvote NDA Salary
Stipend given to Gentlemen Cadets during the entire duration of training in Service academies i.e. during training period at IMA is INR 56,100. The rank-wise NDA salary of cadets are given below:
| Ranks | NDA salary (In INR) |
|---|---|
| Lt to Maj |
Lt: Level 10 (56,100-1,77,500) Capt: Level10 B (61,300-1,93,900) Maj: Level 11 (69,400-2,07,200) |
| Lt Col to Maj Gen |
Lt Col: Level 12A (1,21,200-2,12,400) Col: Level 13 (1,30,600-2,15,900) Brig: Level 13A (1,39,600-2,17,600) Maj Gen - Level 14 (1,44,200-2,18,200) |
| Lt Gen to HAG Scale |
Level 15 (1, 82, 200-2,24,100) |
| HAG+Scale |
Level 16 (2,05,400-2,24,400) |
| VCOAS/ArmyCdr/Lt Gen (NFSG) |
Level 17 (2,25,000) (fixed) |
| COAS |
Level 18 (2,50,000) (fixed) |
Hierrarchy of NDA Officers
The hierarchy of NDA Officers is given below.
| Army | Navy | Air Force | Selection criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lieutenant |
Sub Lieutenant |
Flying Officer |
On being Commissioned |
| Captain |
Lieutenant |
Flight Lieutenant |
After 2 years of service |
| Major |
Lt Commander |
Squadron Leader |
After 6 years of service |
| Lieutenant Colonel |
Commander |
Wing Commander |
13 years of service |
| Colonel(Selection) |
Captain (Selection) |
Group Captain (Selection) |
On Selection |
| Colonel (Time Scale) |
Captain (Time Scale) |
Group Captain (Time Scale) |
26 years of service |
| Brigadier |
Commodore |
Air Commodore |
On Selection |
| Major General |
Rear Admiral |
Air Vice Marshal |
On Selection |
| Lieutenant General |
Vice Admiral |
Air Marshal |
On Selection |
| General |
Admiral |
Air Chief Marshal |
On Selection |
Q: What is the salary of candidates selected through NDA exam?
Upvote Q: What is NDA salary per month?
NDA salary per month is INR 56,100 during the training period. After joining NDA, candidates get the starting salary. Over the time, the NDA salary increases based on the experience and performance. NDA salary per month for Lieutenant is between INR 56,100-1,77,500. The highest NDA salary for Officer is INR 2,50,000 per month for the Chief of Army Staff. The month-wise NDA salary is given below:
- Captain: INR 61,300-1,93,900
- Major: INR 6,94,00-2,07,200
- Lieutenant Colonel: INR 1,21,200-2,12,400
Upvote Q: What is the salary after graduating from NDA?
Upvote NDA Selection Process FAQs
Candidates can check below the FAQs related to NDA selection process.
Q: What is the difference between NDA and CDS exams?
Upvote Q: What is NDA marking scheme?
There are negative marks for wrong answers, 1/3 of the marks allotted to each question are deducted for the incorrect answer. There is no deduction in marks for unanswered questions. The marking scheme of NDA is given below. GAT For correct answer, four marks are awarded while 1.33 marks are deducted for wrong answers. Maths For correct answer, 2.5 marks are awarded while 0.83 marks are deducted for wrong answers. The marks of candidates are calculated based on the number of correct and incorrect answers. The marking scheme of NDA exam is given below:
Sections | Marks for correct answer | NDA Negative Marking |
GAT | 4 | 1.33 |
Mathematics | 2.5 | 0.83 |
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NDA Exam
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 2 days ago
Yes, you can apply for the National Defence Academy (NDA) after completing Class 12th, provided you meet the eligibility requirements. The NDA entrance exam is open to male candidates who have completed their 12th with Physics and Mathematics for applying to the Navy or Air Force, while candidates f
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 6 days ago
Women candidates can apply for Indian Naval Academy courses for NDA exam. In 2024, vacancies were released for women candidates for admission to Indian Naval Academy courses.
S
Beginner-Level 2
Answered 6 days ago
Few important points related to NDA vacancies are given below:
- NDA vacancies are provisional and may change depending on the availability of training capacity of the National Defence Academy and Indian Naval Academy
- Candidates are required to specify clearly in the online NDA application form, the ser
B
Beginner-Level 2
Answered 6 days ago
Following NDA 1 vacancies 2024 for women were announced in 2024.
| Academy | Wings | No. of Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| NDA | Army | 10 |
| Navy | 12 | |
| Air Force | (i) Flying-2 (ii) Ground Duties (Tech)-18 (iii) Ground Duties (Non-Tech)-10 | |
| Indian Naval Academy | - | 9 |
J
Beginner-Level 2
Answered 6 days ago
The following NDA 2 vacancies 2024 for females were announced.
| Academy | Wings | No. of Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| NDA | Army | 10 |
| Navy | 6 | |
| Air Force | (i) Flying-2 (ii) Ground Duties (Tech)-2 (iii) Ground Duties (Non-Tech)-2 | |
| Indian Naval Academy | - | 5 |
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 6 days ago
NDA exam centres are released along with the admit card. The list of test cities is made available along with the notification. Candidates are required to enter their preferences of test citiies while filling the application form. The test centres are allotted to candidates as per the preferences gi
I
Beginner-Level 2
Answered a week ago
No, you are not eligible for NDA 1 2025 because you were born after the required age range:
To be eligible for NDA 1 2025, candidates must have been born between July 2, 2006 and July 1, 2009
Your date of birth is August 4, 2008, which is after the required age range
Other eligibility criteria for
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Here are some reputable options for NDA crash courses:
Online Platforms
* Physics Wallah: Provides affordable courses with a focus on conceptual understanding and problem-solving.
* Dehradun Defence Academy: Offers both online and offline crash courses with a structured approach and experienced
S
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a week ago
In the NDA (National Defence Academy) written exam, the General Science section is part of the overall paper, which includes subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. The weightage of General Science is divided as follows:
- Physics: Typically, questions from Physics hold the largest weightage in
R
Contributor-Level 10
How are NDA test centres allotted to candidates?