NDA Exam Guide

Quick Overview

NDA Exam: Overview

Know what this entrance selects you for, who organises it and the stages you must clear. The test identifies candidates for officer training at the defence academy and the Naval Academy.

What the entrance test is

The national defence academy and Naval Academy entrance is a pen-and-paper selection that checks maths, general ability and officer potential. It filters candidates for combined training courses at the service academies.

Who runs the test and how often

The Union Public Service Commission (also called Public Service Commission) conducts the process nationally. The test runs twice each year as NDA I and NDA II, giving you two chances to plan attempts.

Stages in the selection process

The selection is a four-step flow: written exam → SSB interview → medical → final merit list. Success requires balance: syllabus coverage, timed practice and interview readiness.

Quick checklist — start here:

• Read the latest notification and confirm eligibility.

• Map dates and build a weekly routine.

• Begin timed practice and polish communication skills.

Eligibility Criteria

NDA Exam: Eligibility criteria

Before you invest months of study, check if your profile meets the official entry rules—this saves time and stress.

Age limit and date-of-birth windows

Age range: 16½–19½ years. Use your birth certificate to self-check the date quickly.

NDA I window: born between 1 July 2007 and 1 July 2010. NDA II window: born between 2 January 2008 and 1 July 2011.

Nationality rules and accepted categories

You must be an Indian citizen to apply. Nationals of Nepal or Bhutan and certain persons of Indian origin may also qualify under conditions.

Important: keep valid documentary proof ready; nationality verification happens at later stages and missing papers can disqualify you.

Education requirements by wing

For the Army wing you need a 10+2 pass certificate from a recognised board.

For Air Force and Naval wings you must have passed Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics. Some notifications also mention Chemistry for specific entries—confirm from the official notice you apply under.

Marital status and application impact

You must be unmarried at the time of application and during training. This rule affects your declaration and medical clearance.

• Quick tips: match your DOB to the windows now to avoid wasted prep.

• Choose wing preference early—if you target the air force or naval, prioritise physics and maths in your study plan.

• If you are in Class 12, balance board revision with short, daily NDA practice sessions to keep both on track.

Syllabus

NDA Exam: Exam pattern [marks, time and negative marking]

Understanding the pattern helps you convert hours into results. The written exam has two objective papers: Mathematics and the General Ability Test (GAT). Treat each paper as a separate skill set to train.

Paper breakdown and marks

Pacing and practice

2.5 hours per paper means strict pacing. In maths, aim 1–1.5 minutes per question for routine items and reserve time for tougher problems.

For GAT, split time between English (200 marks) and GK (400 marks), using your stronger language for comprehension to speed up answers.

Negative marking and attempt strategy

Wrong answers cost roughly −0.83 in maths and −1.33 in GAT. Attempt only when you can eliminate options, flag uncertain questions and keep a small guessing budget to protect your score.

1. Practise timed sets and mixed-topic drills weekly.

2. Simulate full papers with OMR discipline and exam timing.

3. Set target scores by section to prioritise high-return topics first.

NDA Exam: Mathematics syllabus strategy

Begin with a clear priority list so your study time converts directly into marks. Map the mathematics syllabus into high, medium and low priority blocks. This gives quick score gains with limited time.

Core topics to prioritise

High priority: Algebra and Trigonometry — they recur often and yield steady marks. Medium: Differential and Integral Calculus. Also cover: Matrices, Vectors, Geometry, Statistics and Probability.

Accuracy-first practice

Learn core concepts, then drill standard question types. Time yourself only after accuracy improves. Use past papers and short topic tests to protect against negative marking.

Revision method

Build a living formula sheet weekly. Keep an error log for repeated slips (signs, identities, unit errors) and attack those weak spots with targeted drills.

• Spaced cycles: review after 24 hours, 7 days and 21 days.

• Use previous papers to spot repeated themes, not to memorise answers.

NDA Exam: General Ability Test syllabus

Break the General Ability Test into clear weekly blocks so you can cover every topic without feeling overwhelmed. Aim for balance: English practice plus a targeted general knowledge slot each day.

English routine: grammar, vocabulary and comprehension

Spend 25–30 minutes daily on grammar drills and new words. Use short comprehension passages under timed conditions to boost speed.

Goal: 200 marks in English demand accuracy and fast reading.

Science plan: physics, chemistry and general science

Cover physics and chemistry concepts that produce MCQs; focus on formulas, units and simple derivations. Keep general science sessions short and concept-driven.

Rotate topics weekly so you revisit each area every seven days.

History and Geography with an India focus

Prioritise modern Indian history, freedom movement themes and physical geography of India. Map facts to likely question patterns rather than deep theory.

Current affairs: a habit that sticks

Create a 20–30 minute daily routine: read a national summary, note three facts and revise weekly. Keep a one-page weekly recap for quick revision before the exam.

GAT scoring strategy: breadth with smart depth

Split effort: go broad for factual GK and go deeper for high-yield physics and history topics. Use mock papers to decide which areas need depth.

"Daily small wins in GAT compound into big score gains when you stay consistent."

• Keep revision light but steady so it does not slip behind maths practice.

• Track weak topics and revisit every week.

• Remember the marks split: English 200; general knowledge 400 for the full GAT paper.

How to Apply

NDA Exam: How to apply online

Submitting your application correctly is the first practical step towards selection — get it right the first time. Follow the process below to avoid common rejections and save time.

When applications open and close

The online window for NDA I runs from 10–30 December 2025. NDA II opens 20 May and closes 9 June 2026.

Tip: set calendar reminders seven days before each closing date to complete uploads and payment early.

Documents to keep ready for upload

• Scanned passport photo and signature in the required format and size.

• Identity proof details (Aadhaar, school certificate) and date of birth documents.

• Educational certificates and category / service‑related certificates if applicable.

Application fee, exemptions and payment tips

The fee is ₹100. Exemptions commonly apply to SC/ST, female candidates and some wards of service personnel.

Use a stable internet connection and save the transaction screenshot. Prefer net‑banking or a debit card for faster confirmation.

Final checks before you submit

1. Match name and date of birth exactly to your certificates.

2. Confirm category, wing preference and exam centre choices — pick centres that reduce travel stress.

3. Review education details and check scanned files display correctly.

After submission: save and print your registration details and keep the login credentials safe. You will need them for admit card download and all later stages run by the Union Public Service Commission.

All Details

NDA Exam: Mock tests and previous year papers

Smart use of mocks and previous year papers focuses your effort where marks grow fastest. Start full-length mock tests only after you have completed core topics once. Early on, use sectional tests to build accuracy.

When to ramp up mocks

Begin full-length mock tests once you finish the syllabus once. Take one full mock every fortnight initially. Increase to one full mock per week in the last six weeks before the written exam. Keep two sectional mocks mid-week to target weak areas.

How to use previous year papers

Analyse past papers to spot repeated themes in maths and GAT. Mark topics that recur and create a high-return list. Practise those topics first in your revision cycles.

Post-test review and score tracking

Classify errors as: concept gap, silly error, or time pressure. For each type assign a fix: study note, targeted drills, or pacing practice. Track marks on a simple sheet: date, paper type, raw score, corrected score and three action points.

"Consistent mock work reveals trends that textbooks do not — follow the trend, not the panic."

Mock week template: 1 full mock + 2 sectional mocks + 2 review sessions.

1. Practice OMR discipline: mark answers on OMR in time blocks and never leave answers unchecked.

2. Manage negative marking by improving elimination skills and cutting random attempts.

NDA Exam: SSB interview and medical fitness

Start SSB preparation while you study for the written paper so you are not starting from zero after results. Early work builds confidence and saves rushed corrections later.

SSB stages you must know

• Stage I — Screening: short aptitude tests and document checks.

• Stage II — Psychology tests: TAT, WAT, SRT and personal assessments.

• Group tasks: group planning, obstacle tasks and leadership exercises.

• Personal interview: face-to-face assessment of your motivation and awareness.

Build officer-like qualities with daily habits

Read widely for current affairs and structured answers. Practice clear, short speeches and take initiative in group work at school or locally.

Communication drills: 60-second self‑intro, 2-minute story narration, 90-second opinion on a news topic, and mock group discussions with friends.

Medical readiness checklist

• Regular sleep cycle and balanced diet.

• Posture, basic eye care and glasses updated if needed.

• Routine running, joint mobility and injury prevention.

• Keep vaccination and basic medical documents ready.

Link your schedule to SSB windows: plan focused interview practice after the NDA I written window (May–June) and for NDA II in October. Allocate 4–6 weeks of intensified mock SSB work after results.

"Work on yourself daily — small habits create the officer you want to become."

1. Avoid over-coaching: stay authentic; assessors spot rehearsed scripts.

2. Do not memorise ideal answers: focus on structure and honesty.

3. Keep self-awareness: know strengths, weaknesses and quick fixes.

Conclusion

The final mile starts with three steps: confirm your age and eligibility window, mark the key dates — 12 Apr 2026 (NDA I) and 13 Sep 2026 (NDA II) — and build a month‑by‑month checklist tied to the application windows (Dec 2025 and May–Jun 2026).

Keep the written paper in view: the total is 900 marks across Mathematics and General Ability Test. Focus on accuracy, time management and steady revision of the syllabus to protect your score.

Treat the notification as an execution cue: set reminders, prepare documents early and measure progress through mocks and past papers. Work on SSB habits and medical fitness in parallel so you are ready for final selection. Start now and follow the structure — you give yourself real chances across the year.