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NDA Full Form - NDA and NA Examination is a popular exam held by the UPSC twice yearly to recruit candidates into the Indian Defence Services like the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. But what is the full form of NDA ? The full form of the NDA exam is the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination. Candidates attempting the UPSC NDA exam must be acquainted with all of the important details pertaining to the exam, such as the NDA syllabus, the exam pattern, the cutoff and the selection process before applying. Candidates can refer to the material below for a comprehensive overview of the information regarding the NDA 2024 exam.
NDA Exam: Sample Papers | Preparation Tips | Syllabus
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Exam name | NDA and NA |
NDA Full Form | National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination |
Exam Conducting Authority | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
Official website | upsc.gov.in |
NDA Eligibility Criteria | Age limit - 16.5 to 19.5 years Educational Qualification - 10+2 passed |
Application mode | Online |
Application fee | Rs 100 (UR/ OBC) |
Stages of exam | Written test (offline) SSB interview |
Exam mode | Offline |
Number of papers | Paper 1 - Maths Paper 2 - GAT |
As we now know the full form of the NDA exam is the National Defence Academy exam that is conducted by the UPSC. The Union Public Service Commission also conducts other Sarkari recruitment exams for applicants who have passed class 12th to graduation. Most of these exams are known to the applicants by their short form like UPSC CSE or IAS, CDS, CAPF, UPSC ESE, UPSC CMS, etc. The eligibility criteria for all the UPSC exams are different. The NDA exam is conducted twice every year in April and September.
As it is clear from the NDA full form that this Sarkari recruitment exam is conducted for the recruitment of qualified candidates to the three Indian Defence Services. All those who appear for the NDA exam and clear all the stages of it will be inducted as officers in one of the following three services (Indian Army/ Navy/ Air Force) based on their NDA merit list. The responsibility that is conferred on the NDA-qualified candidates is that of protecting the country against foreign enemies.
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The NDA and NA exam is conducted for 10+2 passed students by the UPSC to get inducted into the Indian Defence Services. Applicants between the age group of 16.5 to 19.5 years who have passed class 12th or are awaiting their final result can apply for the NDA 2024 exam. There is no age relaxation offered to any category in the NDA exam. The eligibility criteria for NDA is based on factors like nationality, age limit, physical standards and educational qualification. Check below the table to know the NDA eligibility criteria in short.
Nationality | Indian |
Age limit | 16.5 to 19.5 years |
Educational Qualification | Passed 10+2 standard or equivalent exam from a recognised board |
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The Union Public Service Commission mentions the exam pattern of NDA in the official UPSC NDA notification. The NDA 2024 selection process has two stages - a written exam and an SSB interview. The NDA written exam is conducted in offline mode. Multiple choice questions are asked in the NDA exam. There is a negative marking for every wrong answer in the NDA exam. Check the table below to better understand the NDA exam pattern.
Important - Check the Complete List of Full Forms
Particulars | NDA Written exam | SSB Interview |
Mode | Offline (Pen and Paper) | Offline (Group activities and Face to face interview |
Papers | Mathematics General Ability Test (GAT) | Testing Psychological Test Group Testing Officers Test Personal Interview Conference |
Duration | 5 hours (2 hours 30 minutes for each paper) | 5 days |
Total marks | 900 marks | 900 marks |
Total Questions | Maths - 120 questions GAT - 150 questions | - |
The Commission mentions the syllabus of the NDA exam for both maths and GAT papers in the official NDA notification. The NDA syllabus is the same for all aspirants irrespective of the service they want to join. The NDA exam syllabus contains all the chapters and topics from which the questions are asked in the NDA maths and GAT exam. The standard of questions in the NDA exam are of matriculation and 10+2 level. Candidates can check the NDA syllabus in the table below.
Subjects | Topics |
Mathematics | Algebra, Matrices And Determinants, Trigonometry, Analytical Geometry Of Two And Three Dimensions, Differential Calculus, Integral Calculus And Differential Equations, Vector Algebra, Statistics And Probability etc. |
GAT | English, General Knowledge, Physics, Chemistry, General Science, General Science, History, Freedom Movement etc. |
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Other sarkari exams conducted by UPSC
The full form of NDA is the National Defence Academy Examination.
The age limit to apply for the NDA exam is 16.5 to 19.5 years.
The NDA 1 2024 exam will be conducted on April 21, 2024.
The minimum academic qualification needed for the NDA exam is class 12th pass.
Those who meet the NDA eligibility criteria as mentioned in the article can apply for the NDA exam.
Check the NDA salary for different Ranks in the table below.
NDA salary
Rank | Rank Pay (in Rupees) |
Lieutenant to Major | 15,600 - 39,100/- |
Lieutenant Colonel to Major General | 37,400 - 67,000/- |
Lieutenant General HAG Scale | 67,000 - 79,000/- |
HAG+ Scale | 75,500 - 80,000/- |
Vice Chief of Army Staff/Army Cdr/ Lieutenant General (NFSG) | 80,000/- |
Chief of Army Staff | 90,000/- (fixed) |
Application Date:12 April,2025 - 11 May,2025
Application Date:25 April,2025 - 24 May,2025
Advertisement Date:27 May,2025 - 27 May,2025
According to the updated age requirements, you are qualified for NDA II 2025 if your birthday is April 2006 (however there is some disagreement among sources). According to the most recent revisions, applicants born between January 2, 2006, and January 1, 2009 (age 16.5–19.5 years), including April 2006, are eligible. However, other sites mention January 2, 2007–January 1, 2010, therefore check the formal announcement (anticipated by April–May 2025) for exact dates.
No, you're not eligible for NDA 2 2025 since you were born on 13th December 2006. The age limit for NDA 2 2025 is between 2nd January 2007 and 1st January 2010.
However, you're eligible for NDA 1 2026.
Cracking the NDA (National Defence Academy) exam in the first attempt requires a well-structured preparation strategy, unwavering dedication, and a positive mindset. It's a competitive exam, but with the right approach, success is achievable.
Firstly, understand the exam pattern and syllabus thoroughly. The NDA exam consists of two main papers: Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT). The GAT is further divided into English and General Knowledge. Go through the detailed syllabus for each subject, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and plan your study schedule accordingly. Knowing what to study is the foundation of your preparation.
Next, focus on building a strong foundation in the fundamentals. Ensure your basic concepts in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, History, Geography, Economics, and English grammar are clear. NCERT books for classes 11th and 12th are invaluable resources for this. Consistent and regular study is key; aim for daily study sessions rather than last-minute cramming.
Practice previous years' question papers extensively. This will familiarize you with the exam pattern, the types of questions asked, the difficulty level, and the time constraints. Solving these papers will also help you identify your weak areas so you can focus on improving them. Time management is crucial in the NDA exam, so practice solving papers within the stipulated time limit.
Develop effective time management skills. During your preparation, learn to allocate time wisely to each subject. In the exam hall, stick to your planned schedule and don't spend too much time on a single question. Accuracy and speed are both important. Regular mock tests that simulate the actual exam environment will help you hone these skills.
Stay updated on current affairs and improve your general knowledge. Read newspapers, magazines, and follow reliable online sources to stay informed about national and international events, science and technology, sports, and other relevant topics. A good grasp of current affairs is essential for scoring well in the General Knowledge section.
Finally, maintain a positive attitude and take care of your physical and mental well-being. Believe in your preparation and stay motivated. Get enough sleep, eat a balanced diet, and exercise regularly. A healthy mind and body are crucial for effective learning and performing under pressure. If needed, seek guidance from mentors or join study groups for motivation and support. Consistent effort and a strategic approach will significantly increase your chances of cracking the NDA exam in your first attempt.
Yes, with a DOB of December 20, 2006, you are eligible for NDA 1, 2026 as you’ll be between 16.5 to 19.5 years old in April 2026.
NDA 1, 2026 Exam is in April 2026.
Application starts around December 2025.
Hii,
Your birth date is September 26, 2008, and you are in Class 11. For NDA II 2026, you must have been born between January 2, 2008 and January 1, 2011. You are qualified depending on age, but you must be in Class 12 or have passed it.
You are also eligible for NDA I 2027, which requires a birth date between 02/07/2007 and 01/07/2010. You are now in Class 11, thus you cannot apply. You can apply while in Class 12 or after passing it.
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