The structure/pattern of NDA 1 and 2 exams are the same. However, there is a difference in the month in which the exams are conducted as well as the beginning of the courses. NDA 1 and 2 exams are conducted in April and September, respectively. NDA 1 exam is conducted for courses commencing from January while NDA 2 exam is held for courses starting from July. Check here the difference between NDA & NA 1 & 2 exams in terms of exam dates, age limit, cutoff and many more.
Know the Difference Between NDA 1 and 2 exams
'What is the difference between NDA 1 and 2 exams?' is the common question asked by many aspirants/candidates preparing for the NDA exam. Well, the exam pattern, syllabus, selection process, application fee, etc. for both exams are the same. The only difference is that the exams are conducted in different months of the year for the courses commencing in different sessions. NDA exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission for admission to Army, Navy and Air Force wings of the NDA and Naval Academy courses. This is a national-level exam for candidates who wish to join the Army, Navy and Air Force. The exam process involves two stages-candidates first need to appear for the written exam and those who qualify are called for the personality test or interview, conducted by the Service Selection Board (SSB). Read below for more details on NDA & NDA 1 & 2 exams.
What is the Difference Between NDA 1 and 2 exams?
NDA 1 and 2 are the two different exam sessions conducted in different months of the year. National Defence Academy inducts cadets in the academy two times a year-January and July. Therefore, UPSC conducts the exam in two sessions. Even the eligibility criteria in terms of age limit for both NDA 1 and 2 are different. The intake of students in both sessions is also different. The cutoff and qualifying marks are different for both sessions. The notification and application forms are released on different dates.
NDA 1 2024 Exam
NDA & NA 1 2024 notification is released for admission to the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of NDA for the 153th course and 114th Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC) commencing from January 2, 2025. The written exam of NDA 1 is scheduled to be conducted on April 21, 2023.
NDA 2 2024 Exam
NDA & NA 2 2024 is released for admission to the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of NDA and Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC) commencing from July 2, 2025. The written exam of NDA 2 exam is scheduled to be conducted on September 1, 2024.
Women in NDA
On August 18, Supreme Court of India passed an interim order allowing women candidates to participate in NDA 1 and 2 exams. The first batch of women candidates appeared for NDA 2 exam in 2021. NDA eligibility criteria as well as the training process for women are the same as their male counterparts.
NDA 1 & 2 Eligibility Criteria
NDA eligibility criteria in terms of age limit, educational qualification, marital status, and physical standards are given below:
Nationality
1) A citizen of India or
2) A subject of Nepal or
3) A subject of Bhutan or
4) A Tibetan refugee who came over to India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanently settling in India or
5) A person originally Indian who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, and East African Countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, and Ethiopia or Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India
Provided that a candidate belonging to categories 2, 3, 4, and 5 must be a person in whose favour a certificate of eligibility has been issued by the Indian government. A certificate of eligibility is not required for Gorkha candidates from Nepal.
Age Limit
- For NDA 2, candidates must have born not earlier than January 2, 2002, and not later than January 1, 2005
- For NDA 1, candidates should be born not earlier than July 2, 2003, and not later than July 1, 2006
- Candidates who are appearing in Class 12 can apply provisionally
Educational Qualification
| The Army wing of NDA |
Passed Class 12 or equivalent examination from a recognized board |
| The Air Force and Naval wings of NDA and 10 2 Cadet entry scheme at INA |
Passed Class 12 or equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics |
Gender, Marital Status & Physical Standards
Only unmarried male and female candidates who are physically fit can apply for NDA exam.
NDA 1 & 2 Notifications
NDA 1 notification is usually released in December. The notification for NDA 2 is released in May. The notification contains details related to the exam such as the number of vacancies, exam dates, exam pattern, syllabus, course name, salary, exam centres, eligibility criteria, medical standards, the process of filling the application form, etc.
NDA 1 & 2 Application Forms
NDA 1 application form is released in December. The application form remains open till January. NDA 2 application form is released in May. Candidates can submit their application forms till June. The application fee is INR 100. However, SC/ST/Women candidates/Sons of JCOs/NCOs/ORs are exempted from paying the fees.
NDA 1 & 2 Result
NDA 1 result for the written exam is announced by UPSC in June while the final result is declared in December. NDA 2 result for the written exam is announced in November while the final result is announced in May.
NDA 1 & 2 Cutoff & Qualifying Marks
NDA 1 & 2 cutoff and qualifying marks for written exam and final selection for the last three years are given below.
NDA 1 Cutoff Marks for Written Exam
| Year | NDA 1 cut off (Out of 900 marks) |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
360 (With at least 25% marks in each subject) |
| 2021 |
343 (With at least 25% marks in each subject) |
| 2020 |
355 (With at least 25% marks in each subject) |
| 2019 |
342 (With at least 25% marks in each subject) |
NDA 1 Cutoff Marks for Final Selection Process
| Year | NDA 1 cut off (Out of 1800 marks) |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
720 |
| 2021 |
709 |
| 2020 |
723 |
| 2019 |
704 |
NDA 2 Cutoff Marks for Written Exam
| Year | NDA 2 cut off (Out of 900 marks) |
|---|---|
| 2020 |
355 (With at least 25% marks in each subject) |
| 2019 |
346 (With at least 25% marks in each subject) |
| 2018 |
325 (With at least 25% marks in each subject) |
NDA 2 Cutoff Marks for Final Selection
| Year | NDA 2 cut off (Out of 1800 marks) |
|---|---|
| 2020 |
719 |
| 2019 |
709 |
| 2018 |
688 |
NDA 1 & 2 Vacancies
NDA 1 and 2 vacancy break-up of last few years are given below.
| Year | NDA I | NDA II |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 400 | 400 |
| 2021 | 400 | 400 |
| 2020 | 418 | 413 |
| 2019 | 415 | 415 |
| 2018 | 415 | 383 |
| 2017 | 390 | 390 |
NDA 1 & 2 Exams FAQs
Q: When NDA 1 and 2 notifications are released?
A: NDA 1 notification is released in December while NDA 2 notification is released in May. NDA notification is released to select eligible candidates for the admission to the Army, Navy and Air Force Wings of NDA and Indian Naval Academy Cource (INAC).
Q: When NDA 1 and 2 exams are conducted?
A: NDA 1 exam is conducted in April while NDA 2 is held in September. Both the exams are conducted offline by UPSC and carry questions from two subjects-Maths and GAT. Total marks allotted to the written exam are 900.
Q: When the courses commence after selection through NDA 1 and 2 exams?
A: NDA 1 exam is conducted for admission to courses commencing in January. NDA 2 exam is held for admission to courses commencing in July.
Q: Are the cutoff marks for NDA 1 and 2 same?
A: No, the cutoff marks for NDA 1 and 2 exams are different. Usually, the cutoff marks for NDA 2 are lower. In 2022, NDA 1 cut off for the written exam was 360 (With at least 25% marks in each subject). The final cut off was 720.
Q: What is the difficulty level of NDA 1 and 2 exams?
A: NDA 2 exam is much easier than NDA 1 exam. In 2022, the difficulty level of NDA 1 GAT paper was moderate to difficult. The difficulty level of the Mathematics paper was moderate. The difficulty level of NDA 2 Maths paper was easy whereas the GAT paper was moderate to difficult.
Q: Can I appear for both NDA 1 and 2 exams?
A: Yes, candidates can appear for both NDA 1 and 2 exams provided they fulfil the eligibility criteria. The educational qualification prescribed for the exam is Class 12 pass. The age of candidates should be between 16.5 to 19.5 years.
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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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.
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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.
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