The National Defence Academy (NDA) exam is a highly prestigious and competitive examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) of India. It is the gateway for young individuals aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces as officers in the Army, Navy, or Air Force. Here, we have discussed the complete information about NDA exam:
Exam Overview
| Name of the Exam | National Defence Academy (NDA) |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Frequency Of Exam | Twice a Year (April & September) |
| Selection Process | Written Test consisting of Objective Type Questions Intelligence & Personality Test (SSB) |
| Mode of exam | Offline |
| Papers in NDA Exam | Mathematics & General Ability Test (GAT) |
| Marks Segregation | Mathematics: 300 Marks & GAT: 600 Marks |
| Total No. of Questions | Mathematics: 120 & GAT: 150 |
| Negative Marking | Mathematics: – 0.83 & GAT: -1.33 marks |
| Exam Duration | 2.5 Hours For Each Paper (5 hours total) |
| Language of Question Paper | English & Hindi; English Language paper has to be attempted in English. |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:
Nationality: Candidates must be Indian citizens or subjects of Nepal/Bhutan.
Age: For the Army Wing of NDA, candidates must be between 16.5 and 19.5 years old. For the Air Force and Naval Wings, the age limit is between 16.5 and 19 years.
Educational Qualifications: Candidates should have passed the 10+2 examination from a recognized board or university.
EXAM PATTERN:
The NDA exam is conducted twice a year, typically in April and September.
It consists of two papers: Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT).
The Mathematics paper covers topics like algebra, trigonometry, calculus, and analytical geometry.
The GAT paper includes English, general knowledge, physics, chemistry, biology, history, geography, current events, and other related subjects.
Both papers are objective-type multiple-choice questions and are conducted offline (pen and paper-based).
Each paper is of 2.5 hours duration.
Candidates who qualify the written exam are called for the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview.
SELECTION PROCESS:
Written Examination: Candidates who clear the NDA written exam are shortlisted for the SSB interview based on their performance.
SSB Interview: The SSB interview is a comprehensive evaluation process conducted over a span of 5-6 days. It assesses candidates’ intelligence, personality, leadership qualities, communication skills, and suitability for a career in the armed forces.
Medical Examination: Candidates recommended by the SSB undergo a thorough medical examination to ensure they meet the physical and medical standards set by the armed forces.
Final Merit List: The final selection is based on the candidate’s performance in the written exam, SSB interview, and medical examination.
PREPARATION TIPS:
Understand the Syllabus: Gain a thorough understanding of the NDA exam syllabus for both Mathematics and GAT.
Time Management: Practice solving previous years’ question papers within the allotted time to improve time management skills.
Regular Practice: Regular practice is key to mastering mathematical concepts and improving general knowledge and reasoning abilities.
Physical Fitness: Maintain a good level of physical fitness as it’s essential for the SSB interview and subsequent training.
Stay Informed: Stay updated with current affairs, national and international events, and defense-related news.
CAREER PROSPECTS:
Upon successful completion of training at the National Defence Academy, candidates are commissioned as officers in the Indian Armed Forces.
Officers have opportunities for career growth, specialization, and advanced training in various branches such as the Army, Navy, Air Force, and more.
They serve in leadership roles, contributing to national security, defence operations, and humanitarian efforts both within the country and internationally.
The NDA exam offers a rewarding and challenging career path for young individuals who are passionate about serving their country and are ready to embrace the responsibilities of leadership and service in the armed forces. In this article we have covered complete information about NDA exam. I hope this information will be helpful for you.
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