NDA SSB interview is conducted for candidates who qualify the written exam. To crack NDA SSB interview, candidates must have the right knowledge, attitude and confidence level.
How to Prepare for NDA SSB Interview
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the NDA exam to select candidates for the posts of Army, Navy, and Air Force. The exam is conducted in two stages-written and interview. Candidates who clear the written exam of NDA are called for SSB Interview. Approximately 1.5 per cent of the total candidates appearing for the exam are called for the interview. NDA SSB interview is conducted for five days by the Service Selection Boards.
The Service Selection Board is an organisation that assesses the candidates for becoming officers in the Indian Armed Forces. The SSB tests comprise personality tests, intelligence tests and interviews. In total there are thirteen Service Selection Boards across India, out of which four boards are for the Indian Army, four boards are for Indian Air Force, and five boards for the Indian Navy. Only a handful of candidates make it through the SSB interview. To crack NDA SSB interview, candidates must have the right knowledge, attitude and confidence level. Here are we have provided some effective tips on how to crack NDA SSB interview.
NDA SSB Interview Pattern
Before going into the details of NDA SSB interview preparation tips, candidates must know its pattern. NDA SSB interview is divided into two stages. Stage 1 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 900 marks. The structure of NDA SSB Interview is given below.
| Stages | Tests | |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 |
Screening Test |
Verbal and non-verbal tests. PPDT |
| Stage 2 |
Psychological Test |
Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) Word Association Test (WAT) Situation Reaction Test (SRT) Self Description Test (SD) |
| Group Testing Officers Test |
GD GPE PGT HGT IOT Command Task Snake race/Group Obstacle Race Individual lecture FGT |
|
| Personal Interview |
- |
|
| Conference |
- |
|
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How to Prepare for NDA SSB Interview?
In NDA SSB interview, the overall personality of the candidates is judged. Here are a few basic tips about how to prepare for NDA SSB interview:
- The very first step is to understand the entire NDA SSB interview process. Learn the details about the various tests that candidates will be facing and tackle them efficiently
- It is important to look smart, dress formally. At the same time, candidates should stay calm and polite throughout the process
- In NDA SSB interview, the body language of candidates should be positive
- It is important to identify the basic strengths of an individual. Candidates need to work on their leadership skills, communication, creativity or positive attitude. This will help candidates to face the interview sessions more effectively
- Candidates must think before giving answers to the interview panelist
- Make a note of all the topics that candidates can talk to the interviewer about when asked about yourself, family, interests, and other common subjects. Also, make sure that candidates have the right knowledge about all the facts and figures mentioned in the submitted bio-data
- Candidates must have detailed knowledge of the current affairs, Indian Politics, the History of India, and the Armed Forces in India
- Candidates must hear each question by paying the right level of attention to the interviewer. Candidates must answer each question clearly and confidently
- Candidates should note that NDA SSB interview cannot be cracked by overnight preparation and it needs time and effort from their end. Candidates must prepare for the Group Tasks, Physical Test round, and Conference round. It is important to focus on building confidence, clear thinking and good communication skills to increase the chances of success
- Candidates must make sure that they exercise regularly and eat good food to stay fit and healthy
Also Read:
Books to Crack NDA SSB Interview
There are various NDA SSB interview books available in the market for preparation. Candidates can use the books to understand the procedure and tips to qualify SSB interview.
- SSB Interview-The Complete Guide by Dr (CDR) NK Natrajan
- Lets Crack SSB Interview
- Breaking the Code of SSB Psychological Tests
A mass communication and journalism post-graduate, Anangsha has worked as a reporter and sub-editor and enjoys working in the education domain.
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered a week ago
Yes, you are eligible for the NDA 1 exam in 2026. Candidates born between 2nd July 2007 and 1st July 2010 can apply, and being in the SC category does not affect your eligibility.
K
Contributor-Level 8
Answered a week ago
To join the National Defence Academy (NDA) and undergo its rigorous training, candidates must meet specific physical and medical standards. Here's an overview of the key requirements:
Physical Standards:
Height and Weight:
- Male Candidates: Minimum height of 157 cm.
- Female Candidates: Minimum height of 1
A
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 2 weeks ago
As per the official notification for NDA 1 2025, the age limit is as follows:
- Date of Birth: Candidates must be born between July 2, 2006, and July 1, 2009.
Currently, there is no indication of any changes to this age limit. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has not announced any modificati
A
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 2 weeks ago
The application fee for the NDA 2025 exam is as follows:
- General/OBC Candidates: ?100
- SC/ST Candidates/Sons of JCOs/NCOs/ORs/Women: Exempt from fee payment
The application process for NDA 1 2025 has concluded, with the last date for submission being December 31, 2024. The examination is scheduled for
A
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 2 weeks ago
Hi Ayush,
For NDA 2025, the age eligibility criteria are as follows:
NDA 1 2025: Candidates must be born between July 2, 2006, and July 1, 2009.
NDA 2 2025: Candidates must be born between January 2, 2007, and January 1, 2010.
Since your birthdate is February 24, 2006, you are eligible to apply f
A
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 2 weeks ago
Hi Chandankumar,
NDA 2 refers to the second session of the National Defence Academy (NDA) exam held each year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
The exam is conducted in two sessions:
- NDA 1 (usually in April)
- NDA 2 (usually in September)
Both exams serve as a gateway for candidates to join
A
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 2 weeks ago
NDA Application Form 2025
Last Date to Apply: December 31, 2024.
Exam Date: April 13, 2025.
Application Fee: INR 100 (exemptions apply).
Apply at: upsc.gov.in
K
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
NDA 1 application form 2025 correction window will be available from January 1 to 7, 2025. The Commission has also decided to extend the facility of making correction in any field of the application form for this examination from next day of the closure of the application window of this Examination
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
YES, Humanities student can definately clear the NDA exam. If one wants to clear NDA in first attempt being a humanities student then they had to work really hard as competitors are mainly from Science stream. One must purchase the recommended books of those students who had already passed the NDA
I
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 3 weeks ago
UPSC has no provision to refund any fee amount paid by candidates. Banks concerned may be approached for claiming any extra/unsuccessful payments made by the candidates.
M
Beginner-Level 4
My DOB is 11th February 2007 and I am in the SC category. Am I eligible for the NDA 1 exam in 2026?