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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.
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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:03 February,2025 - 23 February,2025
Exam Date:02 March,2025 - 20 March,2025
Counselling Date:10 March,2025 - 12 March,2025
Hello aspirant,
Candidates should typically be between the ages of 16.5 and 19.5 when the course starts. Candidates for NDA 1 (2026) must have been born between July 2, 2007, and July 1, 2010. Candidates for NDA 2 (2026) must have been born between January 2, 2008, and January 1, 2011.
So, unfortunately, you do not fulfill the eligibility criteria and that's why ineligible for NDA exam 2026.
Thank you
Hello,
For the NDA (National Defence Academy) exam , eyesight requirements vary by service (Army, Navy, Air Force).
Eligibility based on eyesight :-
Alternative options :-
Hope you find it useful !
Hello,
We offer comprehensive resources for NDA exam preparation:
These resources are designed to provide a structured approach to your NDA exam preparation.
Hope you find it useful !
Hello aspirant,
Candidates must fulfill the age limits established by UPSC in order to be eligible for the NDA 1 and NDA 2 in 2026. The National Defence Academy (NDA) exam has an age range of 16.5 to 19.5 years. This also holds true for the NDA 2 exam.
Thank you
Hope it helps you
If you’re aiming to join the National Defence Academy (NDA), here’s a simplified guide to help you:
1. Eligibility:
Age Limit: You must be between 16.5 to 19.5 years old.
Educational Requirements:
For Army Wing: You can apply with any stream (Science, Commerce, or Arts).
For Air Force & Navy Wings: You need to have Physics and Mathematics in your 12th standard.
Physical Fitness: You'll need to meet specific physical and medical standards (important for your health checkup later).
2. Application Process:
When to Apply: The UPSC releases the NDA exam notification twice a year, typically in January and June.
How to Apply: You can apply online through the official UPSC website.
3. Exam Pattern:
Written Exam:
Mathematics: 300 marks (2.5 hours)
General Ability Test (GAT): 600 marks (2.5 hours)
SSB Interview: If you clear the written exam, you will face a detailed interview that tests your physical, mental, and emotional strength.
4. Preparation Tips:
Create a Study Plan: Make sure you cover all subjects systematically.
Practice Regularly: Solve previous years' question papers and attempt mock tests.
Physical Fitness: NDA demands physical fitness, so regular exercise is crucial.
Stay Informed: Keep up with current events and general knowledge, which is an important part of the exam.
5. Coaching and Resources:
You can join coaching centers for structured preparation or rely on books, especially NCERT textbooks.
Books for NDA: Some good books include NDA’s guide by R.S. Aggarwal or Lucent’s General Knowledge.
6. Medical and Other Considerations:
Make sure you meet the medical standards during the NDA medical examination.
Keep checking the official UPSC website for updates on exam dates and notifications.
By staying disciplined and consistent in your preparation, you’ll be on the right track to secure a place in NDA. Focus on both the academic and physical aspects, and don't forget to be mentally prepared for the challenges ahead!
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