The National Defence Academy (NDA) is a joint services academy of the Indian Armed Forces that trains cadets for entry into the Army, Navy and Air Force. The NDA exam is a highly competitive and prestigious exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice a year for candidates who aspire to join the Indian Armed Forces as officers. The exam consists of a written test followed by an interview and physical fitness test. Successful candidates are selected for training at NDA located in Khadakwasla, Pune, and upon completion, are commissioned as officers in the respective branches of the Armed Forces. The NDA exam is a gateway to an illustrious career in the Indian Armed Forces and is sought after by many young Indians who wish to serve their country with distinction.

An important Date & Time for NDA 2023-2024 Exam

The National Defence Academy (NDA) exam for the 2023-2024 academic year is a highly anticipated event for aspirants who wish to join the Indian Armed Forces as officers. The exam dates and times have not yet been officially announced by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), which conducts the exam. However, based on previous years’ trends, it is expected that the NDA exam for the 2023-2024 academic year will be conducted in April and November 2023. Candidates are advised to keep a close watch on the official UPSC website and other reliable sources of information for updates on the exact exam dates and times. It is important for candidates to prepare thoroughly and diligently for the NDA exam in order to increase their chances of success and achieve their dream of serving their country as officers in the Indian Armed Forces.

NDA Exam Overview

The National Defence Academy (NDA) exam is a highly competitive and prestigious exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for candidates who aspire to join the Indian Armed Forces as officers. The exam consists of a written test followed by an interview and physical fitness test. Successful candidates are selected for training at NDA located in Khadakwasla, Pune, and upon completion, are commissioned as officers in the respective branches of the Armed Forces. The NDA exam is a gateway to an illustrious career in the Indian Armed Forces and is sought after by many young Indians who wish to serve their country with distinction.

The National Defence Academy (NDA) is a prestigious joint services training institution of the Indian Armed Forces, where cadets of the Army, Navy, and Air Force are trained together before After completing their training at the National Defence Academy (NDA), cadets are assigned to their respective service academies for further training and specialization. . To be eligible to apply for the NDA, candidates must fulfill certain criteria related to age, educational qualifications, nationality, and physical fitness. The eligibility criteria for NDA may vary slightly for different categories of candidates, such as those from reserved categories or those applying under special quotas. Candidates must carefully read and understand the eligibility criteria before applying for the NDA exam.

ParticularsDetails
Name of the ExamNDA
NDA Full FormNational Defence Academy
Conducting BodyUnion Public Service Commission
Exam LevelNational
PostLieutenant
Gender and Marital RequirementsUnmarried Female and Male
NDA Age LimitUpper Age – 18.7 yearsLower Age – 15.7 years
NDA Educational QualificationsArmy Wing – Pass certificate in 10+2 examFor Air Force and Naval Wings – Passing Certification of Class 12th exam with Physics and Mathematics
Selection ProcessWritten TestSSB Interview
ParticularsDetails
Exam ModeOffline
Number of papersGAT and Mathematics
Duration of testGAT: 2 ½ hoursMathematics: 2 ½ hours
Exam timeGAT: 10 am to 12.30 pmMathematics: 2 pm to 4.30 pm
Number of questionsGAT: 150Mathematics: 120
Language of question paperEnglish and Hindi
Total marksWritten Exam: 900 (600 for GAT and 300 for Mathematics)SSB Interview: 900
Name of the ExamNational Defence Academy (NDA)
Conducting BodyUnion Public Service Commission, UPSC.
Frequency Of ExamTwice in a Year (April & September 2023)
Selection ProcessWritten Test consisting of Objective Type QuestionsIntelligence & Personality Test (SSB)
Mode of examOffline
Papers in NDA ExamMathematicsGeneral Ability Test
Marks SegregationMathematics: 300 MarksGAT: 600 Marks
Total No. of QuestionsMathematics: 120GAT: 150
Negative MarkingMathematics: -0.83GAT: -1.33 marks
Exam Duration2.5 Hours For Each Paper (5 hours total)
Language of Question PaperEnglish & Hindi English Language paper has to be attempted in English.

How to Prepare for an NDA Exam?

Preparing for the National Defence Academy (NDA) exam requires a systematic and disciplined approach. Here are some tips on how to prepare for the NDA exam. Having a clear understanding of the exam pattern and syllabus is essential before beginning your preparation for the National Defence Academy (NDA) exam. This will enable you to plan your preparation in a structured manner and increase your chances of success.

Creating a study plan that covers all the topics based on the exam pattern and syllabus, and allows enough time for revision and practice is crucial for effective preparation for the National Defence Academy (NDA) exam.

NDA exam tests your knowledge of basic concepts in mathematics, science and general knowledge. Focus on building a strong fo in these areas.

Solving previous year papers and mock tests will help you to understand the exam pattern, identify your weak areas and improve your speed and accuracy.

In addition to academic preparation, it is important to work on your physical fitness as the NDA exam includes a physical fitness test.

Keeping up to date with current affairs through regular reading of newspapers and magazines, as well as watching news channels, is important for scoring well in the general knowledge section of the National Defence Academy (NDA) exam.

If you are facing any difficulties in your preparation, seek guidance from teachers, mentors or coaching institutes.

Tips to Crack the NDA Exam

Cracking the National Defence Academy (NDA) exam requires a combination of hard work, dedication, and strategic preparation. Here are some tips that can help you to crack the NDA exam:

Having a clear understanding of the exam pattern and syllabus is the first step towards cracking the NDA exam.

Focus on building a strong foundation in mathematics, science, and general knowledge as these are the key areas tested in the NDA exam.

Solving previous year papers and mock tests can help you to understand the exam pattern, identify your weak areas and improve your speed and accuracy.

The NDA exam includes a physical fitness test, so it is important to work on your physical fitness in addition to academic preparation.

Practice solving questions within the allotted time to improve your speed.

NDA exam is a highly competitive exam, but it is important to stay calm and focused during the exam. 

Seek guidance from teachers, mentors or coaching institutes if you are facing any difficulties in your preparation.

Remember that cracking the NDA exam requires consistent hard work, dedication, and a positive attitude. Keep yourself motivated and stay focused on your goal of serving your country as an officer in the Indian Armed Forces.

How do I apply for upcoming NDA exams?

You can apply for the upcoming National Defence Academy (NDA) exam through the official website of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Here are the steps to follow:

Remember to keep track of the important dates related to the exam, including the last date for submission of the application form, exam date, and admit card release date. Stay updated with the official website of UPSC for any further notifications and information regarding the NDA exam.

Seat Reservation in NDA Exam

The National Defence Academy (NDA) is one of India’s most prestigious and sought-after military academies. It is renowned for producing some of the finest officers in the Indian Armed Forces. One of the unique features of NDA is that it is a merit-based academy that does not reserve seats based on caste, religion, or any other criterion. However, the Indian government has recently introduced a 10% reservation for the economically weaker section (EWS) category in government-run institutions, including NDA.

Conclusion | NDA Exam 2023

In conclusion, it is important to carefully follow the instructions provided in the NDA exam notification to successfully complete your application. Make sure to pay attention to the eligibility criteria and submit all required documents within the specified timeline. Good luck with your application!. It is also advisable to maintain a healthy lifestyle and physical fitness to perform well in the physical test. Don’t hesitate to seek guidance and support from teachers, mentors, or coaching centers to enhance your preparation. With dedication and hard work, you can achieve your goal of joining the prestigious National Defense Academy.

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to the NDA exam:

The NDA exam is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice a year. It is a gateway for candidates to join the National Defense Academy (NDA) for Army, Navy, and Air Force wings.

To be eligible for the NDA exam, a candidate must be an Indian citizen, unmarried, and aged between 16.5 to 19.5 years. They should have passed 10+2 or equivalent examination from a recognized board.

Candidates can apply for the NDA exam through the official website of UPSC. The application fee is Rs. 100 for general and OBC candidates, while it is exempted for SC/ST candidates and wards of JCOs/NCOs/ORs.

The selection process for the NDA exam includes a written test and an SSB interview. Candidates who qualify for the written test will be called for the SSB interview, which comprises two stages: psychological aptitude test and intelligence test.

The NDA exam comprises two papers: Mathematics (300 marks) and General Ability Test (600 marks). Both papers are objective type, and the duration of each paper is two and a half hours.

The syllabus for the NDA exam includes topics from Mathematics, General Knowledge, Physics, Chemistry, History, Geography, and Current Events.

Yes, there is a negative marking of 1/3 marks for every incorrect answer in the NDA exam.

To qualify for the NDA exam, a candidate needs to score minimum qualifying marks in both papers. The minimum qualifying marks are decided by UPSC and vary from year to year.