EXAM SYLLABUS

The NDA I Exam conducted by UPSC has two papers – Mathematics (300 marks) and General Ability Test – GAT (600 marks), followed by the SSB Interview (900 marks). The Mathematics paper covers Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Mensuration, Statistics, Probability, Matrices & Determinants, Vectors, 3D, and Calculus. The GAT is divided into English (Grammar, Vocabulary, Comprehension, Usage) and General Knowledge, which includes Physics, Chemistry, Biology, History, Geography, Polity, Economy, and Current Affairs.

MATHEMATICS DETAILED SYLLABUS

The detailed syllabus for Mathematics along with Topic Description, Topic Example & Topic Difficulty is given below:

Topic	Topic Description	Topic Example	Topic Difficulty Level
Algebra	Concept of set, operations on sets, Venn diagrams. De Morgan laws, Cartesian product, relation, equivalence relation.	If one of the roots of the equation 2x2 + ax +b = 0 is 2, then what is (a - b) equal to? If p+q = 10 and pq = 5, What will be the numerical value of (p/q + q/p)  If 6x-5y = 13 , 7x + 2y = 23 , then 11x + 18 y =?	10+2 level
	Representation of real numbers on a line. Complex numbers—basic properties, modulus, argument, cube roots of unity. Binary system of numbers. Conversion of a number in decimal system to binary system and vice versa. Arithmetic, Geometric and Harmonic progressions. Quadratic equations with real coefficients. Solution of linear inequations of two  variables by graphs. Permutation and Combination. Binomial theorem and its applications. Logarithms and their applications.		10+2 level
Matrices & Determinants	Types of matrices, operations on matrices. Determinant of a matrix, basic properties of determinants. Adjoint and inverse of a square matrix, Applications-Solution of a system of linear equations in two or three unknowns by Cramer’s rule and by Matrix Method.

EXAM SYLLABUS

The NDA I Exam conducted by UPSC has two papers – Mathematics (300 marks) and General Ability Test – GAT (600 marks), followed by the SSB Interview (900 marks). The Mathematics paper covers Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Mensuration, Statistics, Probability, Matrices & Determinants, Vectors, 3D, and Calculus. The GAT is divided into English (Grammar, Vocabulary, Comprehension, Usage) and General Knowledge, which includes Physics, Chemistry, Biology, History, Geography, Polity, Economy, and Current Affairs.

MATHEMATICS DETAILED SYLLABUS

The detailed syllabus for Mathematics along with Topic Description, Topic Example & Topic Difficulty is given below:

Topic	Topic Description	Topic Example	Topic Difficulty Level
Algebra	Concept of set, operations on sets, Venn diagrams. De Morgan laws, Cartesian product, relation, equivalence relation.	If one of the roots of the equation 2x2 + ax +b = 0 is 2, then what is (a - b) equal to? If p+q = 10 and pq = 5, What will be the numerical value of (p/q + q/p)  If 6x-5y = 13 , 7x + 2y = 23 , then 11x + 18 y =?	10+2 level
	Representation of real numbers on a line. Complex numbers—basic properties, modulus, argument, cube roots of unity. Binary system of numbers. Conversion of a number in decimal system to binary system and vice versa. Arithmetic, Geometric and Harmonic progressions. Quadratic equations with real coefficients. Solution of linear inequations of two  variables by graphs. Permutation and Combination. Binomial theorem and its applications. Logarithms and their applications.		10+2 level
Matrices & Determinants	Types of matrices, operations on matrices. Determinant of a matrix, basic properties of determinants. Adjoint and inverse of a square matrix, Applications-Solution of a system of linear equations in two or three unknowns by Cramer’s rule and by Matrix Method.		10+2 level
Trigonometry	Angles and their measures in degrees and in radians. Trigonometrical ratios. Trigonometric identities Sum and difference formulae. Multiple and Sub-multiple angles. Inverse trigonometric functions. Applications-Height and distance, properties of triangles.	If A= 18º then what is the value of 4 Sin2A + 2 Sin A? What is the value of  (1080º) ? From the top of a building of height “h” meter, the angle of depression of an object on the ground is "A". What is the distance (in meter) of the object from the foot of the building?	10+2 level
Analytical Geometry Of Two and Three Dimensions	Rectangular Cartesian Coordinate system. Distance formula. Equation of a line in various forms. Angle between two lines. Distance of a point from a line. Equation of a circle in standard and in general form. Standard forms of parabola, ellipse and hyperbola. Eccentricity and axis of a conic Point in a three-dimensional space, distance between two points. Direction Cosines and direction ratios. Equation two points Direction Cosines and direction ratios, Direction Cosines and direction ratios	What is the sum of the squares of direction cosines of the line joining the points (1,2,-3) & (-2, 3, 1) ? The angle of elevation of a tower at a level ground is 90º. The angle of elevation becomes "A" . when moved 2m towards the tower. If the height of tower is 1m, then what is "A" equal to? Two poles are 12m and 4m high. The line joining their tips makes an angle of 45º with the horizontal. What is the distance between the poles?	10+2 level
Differential Calculus	Concept of a real valued function–domain, range and graph of a function. Composite functions, one to one, onto and inverse functions. Notion of limit, Standard limits—examples. Continuity of functions—examples, algebraic operations on continuous functions. Derivative of function at a point, geometrical and physical interpretation of a derivative—applications. Derivatives of sum, product and quotient of functions, derivative of a function  with respect to another function, derivative of a composite function. Second order derivatives. Increasing and decreasing functions. Application of derivatives in problems of maxima and minima	What is the solution of differential equation y= ln x - ln y ? What is the solution of the differential equation What is the slope of the tangent to the curve  at x = 2t3 + 5t - 5, y = 4t2 - 4t - 3 at t = 6 ? How many tangents are parallel to x axis for the curve y = x2 - 4x + 3 ?	10+2 level
Integral Calculus and Differential Equations	Integration as inverse of differentiation, integration by substitution and by parts, standard integrals involving algebraic expressions, trigonometric, exponential and hyperbolic functions. Evaluation of definite integrals—determination of areas of plane regions bounded by curves—applications.	Find the general solution to the differential equation.	10+2 level
	Definition of order and degree of a differential equation, formation of a differential equation by examples. General and particular solution of a differential equation, solution of first order and first degree differential equations of various types—examples. Application in problems of growth and decay.		10+2 level
Vector Algebra	Vectors in two and three dimensions, magnitude and direction of a vector. Unit and null vectors, addition of vectors, scalar multiplication of a vector, scalar product or dot product of two vectors. Vector product or cross product of  two vectors. Applications—work done by a force and moment of a force and in geometrical problems.	If a, b and c are unit vectors, then |a - b|2 + |b - c|2 + |c - a|2 does not exceed? Let b = 4i + 3j and c be two vectors perpendicular to each other in the xy-plane. All vectors in the same plane having projections 1 and 2 along b and c respectively are given by _________.?	10+2 level
Statistics and Probability	Statistics : Classification of data, Frequency  distribution, cumulative frequency distribution examples. Graphical representation—Histogram, Pie Chart, frequency polygon— examples. Measures of Central tendency—Mean, median and mode. Variance and standard deviation—determination and comparison. Correlation and regression.	The mean of 9 observations is 16. One more observation is included and the new mean becomes 17. What is the 10th observation? The average of x numbers is y and average of y numbers is x. Then, What is the average of all the numbers taken together? The mean weight of 34 students of a school is 42 kg. If the weight of the teacher be included, the mean rises by 400 g. find the weight of the teacher in kg	10+2 level
	Probability : Random experiment, outcomes and associated sample space, events, mutually exclusive and exhaustive events, impossible and certain events. Union and Intersection of events. Complementary, elementary and composite events. Definition of probability—classical and statistical—examples. Elementary theorems on probability—simple problems. Conditional probability, Bayes’ theorem—simple problems. Random variable as function on a sample space. Binomial distribution, examples of random experiments giving rise to Binomial distribution.	What is the probability that a leap year selected at random contains 53 Saturdays? Three Discs are thrown. What is the probability that the same number will appear on each of them? Out of 400 first year students, 150 passes in first semester and 220 passed in the second semester. If 130 did not pass in either semester, how many passed in both semesters?	10+2 level

GENERAL ABILITY TEST DETAILED SYLLABUS

The detailed syllabus for General Ability Test along with Topic Description, Topic Example & Topic Difficulty is given below :-

EXAM PATTERN

The first stage of the NDA selection process is a written exam and the second stage is an Interview round. It is also followed by a detailed medical examination, which the candidates must pass. Below, you will find all details regarding the different stages in the NDA selection:

Stage 1 - Written Exam

Stage 2 - Interview with SSB

Stage 3 - Medical Examination

Stage 4 - Document Verification

Note :- Examination for Mathematics & General Ability Test will be held separately. A break will be provided to the candidates between Paper- I and Paper- II

Written Exam

According to the NDA selection process, the candidates will first have to appear for a written exam. It will be a three-hour, 900-mark objective test comprising of two sections - Mathematics and General Ability. Only the candidates who secure the minimum cut-off marks will be selected for the next stage of the recruitment process.

Document Verification

An essential component of the NDA selection process is document verification and submission. At the time of the interview, the selected candidates are required to bring their documents for verification.

1. Proof of education - 10th or 10+2 certificate.

2. Caste certificate for applicable candidates.

3. Proof of identity.

4. Proof of address.

SSB Interview

Stage 2 of the NDA selection process involves the interview conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB) for all the candidates qualifying for NA and NDA posts. If you clear the written test, your interview call letter will reach you with all the details regarding the interview date, time, and venue.

Note:

1. That the final recruitment under the NDA selection process will be merit-based. The performance of candidates in the written test and interview will be considered for the same.

2. Candidates applying for the Air Force will have to qualify for the Pilot Aptitude Test (PAT) and Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS) in order to be considered for final selection.

3. The SSB interview process takes place over a duration of 4-5 days.

Medical Examination

Candidates who are shortlisted in the SSB interview round are recommended by the authorities for a detailed medical checkup. This is an integral part of the NDA selection process, for which the selected candidates have to appear at the Military Hospital. Here are some things you should know about the NDA medical test.

1. As a part of the NDA selection process, a medical examination will be conducted at the Military Hospital by a Board of Service Medical Officers.

2. The final selection of the candidate in the NDA will depend on whether they are declared fit for the medical examination.

3. For female candidates, a detailed gynaecological, obstetric, and menstrual history will be required in addition to the regular details.

4. After the candidates get through the NDA selection process, they are trained at the National Defence Academy under their respective branches (Army, Navy, or Air Force). 

Mode Of Examination

The examination will be held as an offline Pen & Paper based Test. Both sections will contain only Objective type Multiple Choice Questions.

Medium Of Exmination

Questions Paper will be Bilingual in nature

questions will be available in English as well as in Hindi.

Marking Scheme

Sections of the Test

1. Mathematics

2. General Ability Test

Questions from the above-mentioned sections will be asked in NDA/ NA  Examination where, Mathematics will comprise 120 Questions of total 300 Marks and General Ability test will comprise 150 Questions of total 600 Marks, summing up to 270 Questions and 900 Marks

Marking Scheme Highlights

1. For each question fo

EXAM PATTERN

The first stage of the NDA selection process is a written exam and the second stage is an Interview round. It is also followed by a detailed medical examination, which the candidates must pass. Below, you will find all details regarding the different stages in the NDA selection:

Stage 1 - Written Exam

Stage 2 - Interview with SSB

Stage 3 - Medical Examination

Stage 4 - Document Verification

Note :- Examination for Mathematics & General Ability Test will be held separately. A break will be provided to the candidates between Paper- I and Paper- II

Written Exam

According to the NDA selection process, the candidates will first have to appear for a written exam. It will be a three-hour, 900-mark objective test comprising of two sections - Mathematics and General Ability. Only the candidates who secure the minimum cut-off marks will be selected for the next stage of the recruitment process.

Document Verification

An essential component of the NDA selection process is document verification and submission. At the time of the interview, the selected candidates are required to bring their documents for verification.

1. Proof of education - 10th or 10+2 certificate.

2. Caste certificate for applicable candidates.

3. Proof of identity.

4. Proof of address.

SSB Interview

Stage 2 of the NDA selection process involves the interview conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB) for all the candidates qualifying for NA and NDA posts. If you clear the written test, your interview call letter will reach you with all the details regarding the interview date, time, and venue.

Note:

1. That the final recruitment under the NDA selection process will be merit-based. The performance of candidates in the written test and interview will be considered for the same.

2. Candidates applying for the Air Force will have to qualify for the Pilot Aptitude Test (PAT) and Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS) in order to be considered for final selection.

3. The SSB interview process takes place over a duration of 4-5 days.

Medical Examination

Candidates who are shortlisted in the SSB interview round are recommended by the authorities for a detailed medical checkup. This is an integral part of the NDA selection process, for which the selected candidates have to appear at the Military Hospital. Here are some things you should know about the NDA medical test.

1. As a part of the NDA selection process, a medical examination will be conducted at the Military Hospital by a Board of Service Medical Officers.

2. The final selection of the candidate in the NDA will depend on whether they are declared fit for the medical examination.

3. For female candidates, a detailed gynaecological, obstetric, and menstrual history will be required in addition to the regular details.

4. After the candidates get through the NDA selection process, they are trained at the National Defence Academy under their respective branches (Army, Navy, or Air Force). 

Mode Of Examination

The examination will be held as an offline Pen & Paper based Test. Both sections will contain only Objective type Multiple Choice Questions.

Medium Of Exmination

Questions Paper will be Bilingual in nature

questions will be available in English as well as in Hindi.

Marking Scheme

Sections of the Test

1. Mathematics

2. General Ability Test

Questions from the above-mentioned sections will be asked in NDA/ NA  Examination where, Mathematics will comprise 120 Questions of total 300 Marks and General Ability test will comprise 150 Questions of total 600 Marks, summing up to 270 Questions and 900 Marks

Marking Scheme Highlights

1. For each question for which a wrong answer has been given by the candidate, one third (0.33) of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted as penalty.

2. If a candidate given more than one answer, it will be treated as a wrong answer even if one of the given answers happens to be correct and there will be the same penalty as above for that question.

3. If a question is left blank i.e. no answer is given by the candidate, there will be no penalty for that question.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

The eligibility is strict and provisional at all stages. Final verification happens after qualifying the written exam, during SSB/Interview with original documents.

Nationality

A candidate must be an unmarried male and must be -

1. A Citizen of India or

2. A subject of Nepal or

3. A person of Indian origin 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.

4. Provided that a candidate belonging to categories (2) and (3), above shall be a person in whose favour a certificate of eligibility has been issued by the Government of India.

Age limit

Only unmarried  male/female  candidates born not earlier than 01st Jul 2007 and not later than 01st July 2010 are eligible.

Education Qualification

1. For the Army Wing of the National Defence Academy:

12th Class pass of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent examination conducted by a State Education Board or a University.

2. For Air Force and Naval Wings of National Defence Academy and for the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at the Indian Naval Academy:

12th Class pass with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent conducted by a State Education Board or a University.

Note: Candidates studying in Class-11 are not eligible for appearing in NDA  (I & II).

IMPORTANT DATES

The NDA I 2026 exam notification was released on December 10, 2025, with applications accepted from December 10 to December 30. Admit cards are expected around first week of April 2026 , for the offline exam on April 12, 2026, comprising 270 MCQs (900 marks) across Mathematics and GAT, with negative marking (-0.83 and -1.33, respectively). Conducted in English and Hindi, the 5-hour exam leads to the SSB interview for 394 vacancies.

EXAM 2024 ANALYSIS

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducted the NDA Examination 2024 on 21 April 2024. This highly sought-after exam provides aspiring candidates with the opportunity to gain entry into esteemed institutions such as the National Defence Academy (NDA) and the Indian Naval Academy (INA). Below is a detailed analysis of the NDA 2024 examination.

NDA I Exam 2024 Analysis

Analysis has been done on the paper which has been successfully conducted for NDA/NA Exam on 21st April 2024.

OVERALL ANALYSIS

Exam Analysis for Maths

EXAM 2024 ANALYSIS

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducted the NDA Examination 2024 on 21 April 2024. This highly sought-after exam provides aspiring candidates with the opportunity to gain entry into esteemed institutions such as the National Defence Academy (NDA) and the Indian Naval Academy (INA). Below is a detailed analysis of the NDA 2024 examination.

NDA I Exam 2024 Analysis

Analysis has been done on the paper which has been successfully conducted for NDA/NA Exam on 21st April 2024.

OVERALL ANALYSIS

Exam Analysis for Maths

Exam Analysis for GAT

NDA EXAM 2023 ANALYSIS

Analysis has been done on the paper which has been successfully conducted for NDA/NA Exam on 3rd September 2023.

OVERALL ANALYSIS

Exam Analysis for GAT

Exam Analysis for Maths

NDA EXAM 2022 ANALYSIS

Analysis has been done on the paper which has been recently successfully conducted for NDA/NA Exam on 4th September 2022.

Paper-I

Mathematics

The Mathematics paper was of Moderate difficulty. A total of 65-70 questions shall be a good attempt. The questions were asked on the following topics:

(Paper-II) General Ability Test

The GAT paper has been concluded. The overall difficulty of this paper was Easy to Moderate. The topic-wise distribution of questions is as follows:

Difficulty level and Number of good attempts

Major Highlights

1. The overall difficulty of the NDA Exam was moderate.

2. The level of NDA question papers for Maths and GAT are of class 10, 11, and 12 standards.???????

STUDY TIPS

The NDA I Exam conducted by UPSC has two papers – Mathematics (300 marks) and General Ability Test – GAT (600 marks), followed by the SSB Interview (900 marks). The Mathematics paper covers Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Mensuration, Statistics, Probability, Matrices & Determinants, Vectors, 3D, and Calculus. The GAT is divided into English (Grammar, Vocabulary, Comprehension, Usage) and General Knowledge, which includes Physics, Chemistry, Biology, History, Geography, Polity, Economy, and Current Affairs.

NCERT is the base – Class 10 to 12th NCERT (Maths, Science, History, Geography, Polity).

Maths practice daily – NDA Maths speed + accuracy matter. Solve previous year questions.

GK & Current Affairs – Read daily newspaper + monthly current affairs capsule.

English improvement – Daily 20 vocab words + grammar rules practice.

Mock Tests – At least 1 weekly full-length mock test.

Revision strategy – Revise short notes and formulas regularly.

1 Month Plan (Crash Mode)

Week 1: Revise Maths formulas + NCERT Science quick revision

Week 2: Solve previous year papers daily (Maths + GAT)

Week 3: Focus on weak topics + Current Affairs quick notes

Week 4: Mock Tests

3 Months Plan (Balanced)

Month 1

Maths: Daily 2 chapters (Concept + Examples + PYQs)

GAT: NCERT 6–10th Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) + Polity basics

English: 20 new vocab + 1 comprehension daily

Weekly: 1 mock test

Month 2

Maths: Trigonometry, Calculus, Probability, Matrices (practice heavy)

GAT: History (Modern + Freedom), Geography (Physical + Indian)

Current Affairs: Monthly magazine + Defence news

Weekly: 2 mock tests

Month 3

Focus on weak Maths areas + formula revision

GAT: Quick revision + PYQs

English: Grammar & Writing practice

Weekly: 3 mock tests + analysis

6 Months Plan (Ideal & Strong Prep)

Months 1–2 (Foundation Building)

Cover complete NCERT Maths Class 11 & 12 basics

Start Science (NCERT Physics, Chemistry, Bio) + Polity basics

Build English vocab & grammar

Daily: 2–3 hrs Maths + 2 hrs GK/Science + 1 hr English

Months 3–4 (Core Practice)

Advance Maths chapters (Calculus, Vectors, Probability, 3D)

History (Ancient to Modern), Indian Geography, Economy basics

Start solving NDA previous 10 years papers

Weekly: 1–2 mock tests

Months 5–6 (Revision & Mock Test Focus)

Revise formulas, short notes, and PYQs

Current Affairs (last 6–8 months focus)

Mock Tests: 3–4 weekly + detailed analysis

Final 15 days: Full syllabus revision + time management practice???????

OVERVIEW

The National Defense Academy Exam, or NDA, is a Nationwide Entrance Exam Administered by UPSC for candidates wishing to join the defense services. The Exam is taken for Recruitment into the Army, Air Force and Naval Academy. The NDA Exam takes place twice a year in two stages Written exam and SSB interview. First the candidate must pass the Written Eexam, then he will be invited to an SSB interview, those who pass the interview must undergo a Full Medical Examination based on the standards set by the Board. 

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Nationality

A candidate must be an unmarried male and must be -

A Citizen of India or

A subject of Nepal or

A person of Indian origin 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) and (3), above shall be a person in whose favour a certificate of eligibility has been issued by the Government of India.

Age limit

Only unmarried  male/female  candidates born not earlier than 01st Jul 2007 and not later than 01st July 2010 are eligible.

Education Qualification

1. For the Army Wing of the National Defence Academy

12th Class pass of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent examination conducted by a State Education Board or a University.

2. For Air Force and Naval Wings of National Defence Academy and for the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at the Indian Naval Academy

12th Class pass with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent conducted by a State Education Board or a University.

Note
Candidates studying in Class-11 are not eligible for appearing in NDA  ( I & II ).

EXAM PATTERN

The first stage of the NDA selection process is a written exam and the second stage is an Interview round. It is also followed by a detailed medical examination, which the candidates must pass. Below, you will find all details regarding the different stages in the NDA selection:

Stage 1 - Written Exam

Stage 2 - Interview with SSB

Stage 3 - Medical Examination

Stage 4 - Document Verification

Written Exam

According to the NDA selection process, the candidates will first have to appear for a written exam. It will be a three-hour, 900-mark objective test comprising of two sections - Mathematics and General Ability. Only the candidates who secure the minimum cut-off marks will be selected for the next stage of the recruitment process.

Document Verification

An essential component of the NDA selection process is document verification and submission. At the time of the interview, the selected candidates are required to bring their documents for verification.

1. Proof of education - 10th or 10+2 certificate.

2. Caste certificate for applicable candidates.

3. Proof of identity.

4. Proof of address.

SSB Interview

Stage 2 of the NDA selection process involves the interview conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB) for all the candidates qualifying for NA and NDA posts. If you clear the written test, your interview call letter will reach you with all the details regarding the interview date, time, and venue.

Note

1. That the final recruitment under the NDA selection process will be merit-based. The performance of candidates in the written test and interview will be considered for the same.

2. Candidates applying for the Air Force will have to qualify for the Pilot Aptitude Test (PAT) and Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS) in order to be considered for final selection.

3. The SSB interview process takes place over a duration of 4-5 days.

Medical Examination

Candidates who are shortlisted in the SSB interview round are recommended by the authorities for a detailed medical checkup. This is an integral part of the NDA selection process, for which the selected candidates have to appear at the Military Hospital. Here are some things you should know about the NDA medical test.

1. As a part of the NDA selection process, a medical examination will be conducted at the Military Hospital by a Board of Service Medical Officers.

2. The final selection of the candidate in the NDA will depend on whether they are declared fit for the medical examination.

3. For female candidates, a detailed gynaecological, obstetric, and menstrual history will be required in addition to the regular details.

4. After the candidates get through the NDA selection process, they are trained at the National Defence Academy under their respective branches (Army, Navy, or Air Force). 

Mode Of Examination

The examination will be held as an offline Pen & Paper based Test. Both sections will contain only Objective type Multiple Choice Questions.

OVERVIEW

The National Defense Academy Exam, or NDA, is a Nationwide Entrance Exam Administered by UPSC for candidates wishing to join the defense services. The Exam is taken for Recruitment into the Army, Air Force and Naval Academy. The NDA Exam takes place twice a year in two stages Written exam and SSB interview. First the candidate must pass the Written Eexam, then he will be invited to an SSB interview, those who pass the interview must undergo a Full Medical Examination based on the standards set by the Board. 

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Nationality

A candidate must be an unmarried male and must be -

A Citizen of India or

A subject of Nepal or

A person of Indian origin 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) and (3), above shall be a person in whose favour a certificate of eligibility has been issued by the Government of India.

Age limit

Only unmarried  male/female  candidates born not earlier than 01st Jul 2007 and not later than 01st July 2010 are eligible.

Education Qualification

1. For the Army Wing of the National Defence Academy

12th Class pass of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent examination conducted by a State Education Board or a University.

2. For Air Force and Naval Wings of National Defence Academy and for the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at the Indian Naval Academy

12th Class pass with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent conducted by a State Education Board or a University.

Note
Candidates studying in Class-11 are not eligible for appearing in NDA  ( I & II ).

EXAM PATTERN

The first stage of the NDA selection process is a written exam and the second stage is an Interview round. It is also followed by a detailed medical examination, which the candidates must pass. Below, you will find all details regarding the different stages in the NDA selection:

Stage 1 - Written Exam

Stage 2 - Interview with SSB

Stage 3 - Medical Examination

Stage 4 - Document Verification

Written Exam

According to the NDA selection process, the candidates will first have to appear for a written exam. It will be a three-hour, 900-mark objective test comprising of two sections - Mathematics and General Ability. Only the candidates who secure the minimum cut-off marks will be selected for the next stage of the recruitment process.

Document Verification

An essential component of the NDA selection process is document verification and submission. At the time of the interview, the selected candidates are required to bring their documents for verification.

1. Proof of education - 10th or 10+2 certificate.

2. Caste certificate for applicable candidates.

3. Proof of identity.

4. Proof of address.

SSB Interview

Stage 2 of the NDA selection process involves the interview conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB) for all the candidates qualifying for NA and NDA posts. If you clear the written test, your interview call letter will reach you with all the details regarding the interview date, time, and venue.

Note

1. That the final recruitment under the NDA selection process will be merit-based. The performance of candidates in the written test and interview will be considered for the same.

2. Candidates applying for the Air Force will have to qualify for the Pilot Aptitude Test (PAT) and Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS) in order to be considered for final selection.

3. The SSB interview process takes place over a duration of 4-5 days.

Medical Examination

Candidates who are shortlisted in the SSB interview round are recommended by the authorities for a detailed medical checkup. This is an integral part of the NDA selection process, for which the selected candidates have to appear at the Military Hospital. Here are some things you should know about the NDA medical test.

1. As a part of the NDA selection process, a medical examination will be conducted at the Military Hospital by a Board of Service Medical Officers.

2. The final selection of the candidate in the NDA will depend on whether they are declared fit for the medical examination.

3. For female candidates, a detailed gynaecological, obstetric, and menstrual history will be required in addition to the regular details.

4. After the candidates get through the NDA selection process, they are trained at the National Defence Academy under their respective branches (Army, Navy, or Air Force). 

Mode Of Examination

The examination will be held as an offline Pen & Paper based Test. Both sections will contain only Objective type Multiple Choice Questions.

Medium Of Exmination

Questions Paper will be Bilingual in nature

questions will be available in English as well as in Hindi.

Marking Scheme

Sections of the Test

1. Mathematics

2. General Ability Test

Questions from the above-mentioned sections will be asked in NDA/ NA  Examination where, Mathematics will comprise 120 Questions of total 300 Marks and General Ability test will comprise 150 Questions of total 600 Marks, summing up to 270 Questions and 900 Marks

Marking Scheme Highlights

1. For each question for which a wrong answer has been given by the candidate, one third (0.33) of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted as penalty.

2. If a candidate given more than one answer, it will be treated as a wrong answer even if one of the given answers happens to be correct and there will be the same penalty as above for that question.

3. If a question is left blank i.e. no answer is given by the candidate, there will be no penalty for that question.

EXAM SYLLABUS

The NDA I exam syllabus, for the April 12, 2026 test, includes two papers:

Mathematics (Paper I, 300 marks, 120 MCQs, 2.5 hours): Algebra, matrices, trigonometry, analytical geometry (2D/3D), calculus, differential equations, vectors, statistics, probability (Class 11-12 level).

General Ability Test (GAT, Paper II, 600 marks, 150 MCQs, 2.5 hours):

English (200 marks): Comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, sentence rearrangement.

General Knowledge (400 marks): Physics (~100 marks), Chemistry (~60 marks), General Science (~40 marks), History (~80 marks), Geography (~80 marks), Current Affairs (~40 marks).

SELECTION PROCESS

The NDA I selection process for admission to the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA) involves two stages:

Written Examination (900 marks): Conducted on April 12, 2026, it includes two objective MCQ papers: Mathematics (300 marks, 120 questions, 2.5 hours) and General Ability Test (GAT, 600 marks, 150 questions, 2.5 hours). Candidates must score a minimum of 25% in each paper to qualify. Negative marking applies (-0.83 for Maths, -1.33 for GAT).

SSB Interview (900 marks): Qualifiers of the written exam are called for a 5-day Services Selection Board (SSB) process, including:

Day 1: Screening (Officer Intelligence Rating, Picture Perception & Description Test).

Days 2–4: Psychological tests, group tasks (e.g., group discussion, obstacle course), and personal interview.

Day 5: Conference and final recommendation.

Medical Examination: Conducted post-SSB to ensure physical fitness (e.g., height, vision standards).

Final Merit List: Based on combined scores (Written + SSB, total 1800 marks). Top candidates (for 406 vacancies) join NDA (Pune) or INA (Ezhimala) for training starting January 1, 2026. Check upsc.gov.in for updates.