Defence & Police · Updated October 2026
NDA ExamEligibility, Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Salary, Cut-Off, PYQs and Free Mock Test
The National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission for admission to the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of the NDA at Khadakwasla and to the Indian Naval Academy at Ezhimala. It is the main route into the armed forces straight after Class 12.
- Type
- Recruitment
- Level
- National
- Conducting body
- Defence
Start for free with NDA syllabus study notes, solved previous year papers, real-pattern mock tests and AI Tutor support.
NDA exam overview and highlights
About NDA
The National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission for admission to the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of the NDA at Khadakwasla and to the Indian Naval Academy at Ezhimala. It is the main route into the armed forces straight after Class 12. Candidates who clear the written exam and the SSB interview train for about three years before being commissioned as officers.
The examination process for NDA comprises 3 stages: Written examination, followed by SSB interview, followed by Medical examination. The official syllabus tests candidates across 6 core areas — Mathematics, English, Physics, Chemistry, General Science and Biology, History, Geography and Current Events — focusing on conceptual clarity, speed, and accuracy. Candidates who clear the written exam are called for the five-day SSB interview. Final merit combines written marks and SSB marks, and candidates must also be found medically fit.
Key subjects
- Mathematics
- English
- Physics
- Chemistry
- General Science and Biology
- History, Geography and Current Events
What clearing NDA leads to
- Cadet training at the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla
- Cadet training at the Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala
- Commission as an officer in the Indian Army, Navy or Air Force
- Compensation & Pay Scale: Stipend during the Academy years, then commissioning as a Lieutenant or equivalent at pay Level 10, around ₹56,100 basic plus military service pay and allowances
- Central / Institutional appointment through Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) merit recommendation
- Structured time-scale promotions, Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) elevation, and central allowances (DA, HRA, TA, Medical & NPS)
Quick facts
- Conducting body
- Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
- Frequency
- Twice a year (NDA I and NDA II)
- Exam mode
- Offline (OMR sheet)
- Languages
- English and Hindi (the English section of the GAT is in English only)
- Stages & papers
- 3 stages (2 papers total)
- Negative marking
- One-third of the marks for a question deducted per wrong answer
- Official website
- upsc.gov.in
NDA — Key Highlights & Official Particulars
Complete snapshot of NDA conducting authority, frequency, mode, stages, negative marking and official portal.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | NDA |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Category | Defence & Police |
| Exam Level | National level |
| Exam Type & Purpose | Recruitment (Direct Recruitment & Cadre Selection) |
| Exam Frequency | Twice a year (NDA I and NDA II) |
| Usual Notification & Exam Window | Twice a year: notifications around December and May, written exams around April and September, with SSB interviews over the following months |
| Mode of Application | Online on upsc.gov.in through the one-time registration (OTR) portal |
| Mode of Examination | Offline (OMR sheet) |
| Medium / Exam Languages | English and Hindi (the English section of the GAT is in English only) |
| Selection Stages | 3 Stages (2 Papers Total): Written examination → SSB interview → Medical examination |
| Negative Marking | One-third of the marks for a question deducted per wrong answer |
| Selection / Merit Process | Candidates who clear the written exam are called for the five-day SSB interview. Final merit combines written marks and SSB marks, and candidates must also be found medically fit. |
| Educational Qualification | Class 12 pass for the Army wing; Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics for the Air Force and Naval wings and for the Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry). Candidates appearing in Class 12 can also apply. |
| Age Limit | Typically 16.5 to 19.5 years on the date fixed in the notification |
| Pay Scale / Salary Structure | Stipend during the Academy years, then commissioning as a Lieutenant or equivalent at pay Level 10, around ₹56,100 basic plus military service pay and allowances |
| Merit Panel Validity | Valid for the notified recruitment cycle and reserve list period |
| Competition Scale | Several lakh candidates appear each cycle for a few hundred vacancies per course |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
Summary for orientation only, last reviewed October 2026. Check eligibility, dates and pattern in the official notification.
NDA exam schedule, vacancy, fee and online application process
Standard annual cycle and application workflow for NDA. Confirm exact notification and closing dates on the official Defence website.
| Examination Event | Typical Calendar Window | Cycle / Mode |
|---|---|---|
| NDA Official Notification & Information Bulletin | Twice a year: notifications around December and May, written exams around April and September, with SSB interviews over the following months | Twice a year (NDA I and NDA II) |
| Online Registration & Application Fee Window | Typically remains open for 21 to 30 days from the date of notification release | Online Portal |
| Application Form Correction / Edit Window | 2 to 5 days immediately following the close of the online registration window | As Notified |
| Exam City Intimation & Admit Card Release | City slip 10–15 days prior; Hall Ticket / E-Admit Card 4 to 10 days before the exam date | Via Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| NDA — Written examination | Twice a year: notifications around December and May, written exams around April and September, with SSB interviews over the following months | Offline (OMR sheet) |
| NDA — SSB interview | Typically 6 to 12 weeks after declaration of Stage 1 results | Shortlisted Candidates |
| Provisional Answer Key & Objection Representation Window | Within 3 to 10 days after completion of the objective examination shifts | Online Challenge |
| Final Answer Key, Normalized Result & Merit List / Scorecard | Typically 3 to 6 weeks after conclusion of the examination stage | Merit List PDF / Login |
- Vacancies & Competition
- Several lakh candidates appear each cycle for a few hundred vacancies per course. Exact post-wise, department-wise, and category-wise (UR, EWS, OBC, SC, ST, ESM, PwBD) vacancies are notified in the official NDA recruitment advertisement published by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
- Application Fee & Payment Norms
- Standard UPSC examination fee norms apply (typically ₹100 to ₹200 for General/OBC/EWS male candidates; Female, SC, ST, and PwBD candidates are fully exempted from payment of the application fee).
How to apply online for NDA
One-Time Registration (OTR) & Portal Login
Visit upsc.gov.in and complete your candidate registration using a valid email ID, active mobile number, and Aadhaar / government photo ID details. Online on upsc.gov.in through the one-time registration (OTR) portal.
Fill Academic, Personal & Exam Centre Preferences
Log in to open the NDA application form. Enter your qualifying degree/board details, category/reservation status, medium of examination (English and Hindi (the English section of the GAT is in English only)), and choose 3 to 4 preferred test cities.
Upload Photograph, Signature & Category Certificates
Upload a recent passport-size photograph (in prescribed KB dimensions and light background), scanned running-hand signature, and valid SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwBD/Domicile certificates where applicable.
Online Application Fee Payment & Confirmation Page
Pay the category-wise examination fee via UPI, Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, or e-Challan before the closing deadline, then download and preserve the final NDA Confirmation Page / Application PDF for admit card and verification stages.
NDA eligibility criteria and age relaxation
Candidates applying for NDA must fulfil the academic qualification, age limit, nationality and category reservation rules notified by Defence.
Educational qualification
Class 12 pass for the Army wing; Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics for the Air Force and Naval wings and for the Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry). Candidates appearing in Class 12 can also apply.
Age limit & relaxations
Typically 16.5 to 19.5 years on the date fixed in the notification.
Number of attempts
Unlimited attempts permitted as long as the candidate remains within the eligible category-wise upper age limit as on the crucial cut-off date.
Nationality & domicile
Indian citizen (with a few specified exceptions for subjects of Nepal and Bhutan and certain persons of Indian origin).
Other conditions & standards
Unmarried male and female candidates. Candidates must meet the physical and medical standards laid down for the service and wing they choose, including height, weight, eyesight and the absence of specified medical conditions.
NDA — Category-Wise Upper Age Relaxation & Reservation Norms
| Category | Age Relaxation / Rule | Key Conditions & Documentation |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) (Central Government Norms) | +5 Years above prescribed upper age limit | Requires valid SC/ST certificate in the prescribed Government of India format. |
| Other Backward Classes — Non-Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL) (Central Government Norms) | +3 Years above prescribed upper age limit | Candidate must fall outside the Creamy Layer as on the crucial closing date of the online application. |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD — UR / OBC / SC-ST) | +10 Years (UR) / +13 Years (OBC) / +15 Years (SC/ST) | Subject to post suitability and 40%+ benchmark disability certificate under the RPwD Act, 2016. |
| Ex-Servicemen (ESM) & Commissioned Officers (ECO / SSCO) | +3 to 5 Years after deducting military service rendered from actual age | Must produce discharge book / NOC from the competent defence authority at document verification. |
NDA selection process and exam pattern
Negative Marking & Evaluation Rule: One-third of the marks for a question deducted per wrong answer. Selection & Merit Weightage: Candidates who clear the written exam are called for the five-day SSB interview. Final merit combines written marks and SSB marks, and candidates must also be found medically fit.
Stage 1: Written examination
Offline (OMR sheet) • 2 Papers (Mathematics, General Ability Test (GAT)) • 270 Questions • 900 Total Marks • Duration: 2.5 hours • Two objective papers held on the same day.
Two objective papers held on the same day. Marks in both papers are added, and candidates above the cut-off are called for the SSB interview.
Paper / Section Questions Marks Duration Mathematics 120 300 2.5 hours General Ability Test (GAT)Part A English (200 marks) and Part B General Knowledge (400 marks) 150 600 2.5 hours Stage 2: SSB interview
Offline (OMR sheet) • A five-day assessment at a Services Selection Board covering screening (OIR test and picture perception), psychology tests, group tasks and a personal interview.
A five-day assessment at a Services Selection Board covering screening (OIR test and picture perception), psychology tests, group tasks and a personal interview. It carries 900 marks, the same weight as the written exam.
Stage 3: Medical examination
Offline (OMR sheet) • Candidates recommended by the SSB undergo a detailed medical examination; the final merit list includes only those found fit.
Candidates recommended by the SSB undergo a detailed medical examination; the final merit list includes only those found fit.
NDA subject-wise syllabus and study material
SmartRank organizes chapter-wise study notes for every subject below in 12 languages, with an AI Tutor on hand for doubts. Start exploring for free, and unlock the complete syllabus with Learn or SmartRank Pass.
Mathematics — Part I (Algebra and sets)
- Algebra and sets
- Matrices and determinants
- Trigonometry
- Analytical geometry of two and three dimensions
Mathematics — Part II (Differential calculus)
- Differential calculus
- Integral calculus and differential equations
- Vector algebra
- Statistics and probability
English — Part I (Grammar and usage)
- Grammar and usage
- Vocabulary, synonyms and antonyms
- Sentence completion and ordering
English — Part II (Spotting errors)
- Spotting errors
- Reading comprehension
Physics: Mechanics and motion & Heat and thermodynamics
- Mechanics and motion
- Heat and thermodynamics
- Sound and light
- Electricity and magnetism
- Modern physics
Chemistry: Physical and chemical changes & Atomic structure and the periodic table
- Physical and chemical changes
- Atomic structure and the periodic table
- Acids, bases and salts
- Carbon and its compounds
- Fertilisers and important compounds
General Science and Biology: Cell and tissues & Human body and nutrition
- Cell and tissues
- Human body and nutrition
- Diseases and epidemics
- Plant and animal life
- Solar system and basic astronomy
History, Geography and Current Events
- Indian freedom movement
- Indian constitution and governance
- Physical geography of India and the world
- Climate, soils and agriculture
- Recent events in India and the world
- Defence and sports news
NDA salary, pay scale, job profile & career growth
Stipend during the Academy years, then commissioning as a Lieutenant or equivalent at pay Level 10, around ₹56,100 basic plus military service pay and allowances. Appointments under Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) carry structured pay progression, statutory allowances, and time-bound departmental promotions.
Pay Scale & Grade Structure
Stipend during the Academy years, then commissioning as a Lieutenant or equivalent at pay Level 10, around ₹56,100 basic plus military service pay and allowances.
Appointing / Cadre Authority
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) (Central Government / Public Sector Service)
Allowances & Perks
Dearness Allowance (DA), HRA (X/Y/Z cities: 30%/20%/10%), Transport Allowance, CGHS/Medical cover, LTC, and NPS contribution.
Probation & Training
Initial probation period (typically 1 to 2 years) with induction/foundation training before cadre confirmation.
Allowances, Perks & Service Benefits
- Dearness Allowance (DA) revised bi-annually in line with Consumer Price Index (AICPI)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA) or official government quarters / leased accommodation
- Transport Allowance (TA), Leave Travel Concession (LTC), and Children Education Allowance
- Comprehensive medical care (CGHS / ECHS / State Health Scheme) for employee and dependents
- National Pension System (NPS) employer contribution, gratuity, and paid maternity/paternity/study leave
Promotion Hierarchy & Career Progression
- Entry-Level Cadre Appointment (Post allotment & induction training under Union Public Service Commission (UPSC))
- Senior / Higher Grade Scale via Time-Bound Financial Upgradation (MACP / Dynamic ACP)
- Sectional / Supervisory / Inspector / Assistant Executive Cadre via Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) or LDCE
- Middle Management / Gazetted / Divisional Officer Scale
- Senior Administrative / Directorate / Executive Leadership Cadre
NDA cut-off trends, score normalization and safe target score
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) releases stage-wise and category-wise NDA cut-off marks at each stage (Prelims/Tier-I shortlisting, Mains/Tier-II evaluation, and Final Merit List). Candidates must clear both minimum qualifying standards and overall/sectional merit cut-offs to advance.
NDA — Qualifying Standards & Safe Target Benchmarks
| Category | Qualifying Floor / Standard | Recommended Safe Target |
|---|---|---|
| General / Unreserved (UR) | 30% to 40% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 72% to 82% of Total Marks (95+ Percentile in Mock Tests) |
| General — Economically Weaker Section (GEN-EWS) | 25% to 35% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 68% to 78% of Total Marks |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL) | 25% to 35% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 68% to 78% of Total Marks |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) / PwBD | 20% to 30% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 58% to 70% of Total Marks |
Score Normalization & Marking Impact
Because NDA is evaluated on a uniform single-session paper scale under one-third of the marks for a question deducted per wrong answer, raw score accuracy directly determines your rank on the official merit list.
Factors Determining NDA Cut-Off
- Total number of notified vacancies / available seats across participating cadres and institutions
- Total number of registered vs actual appearing candidates in the NDA cycle
- Relative difficulty level of the question paper (and shift-wise variation in multi-shift CBT exams)
- Category-wise vertical (UR, EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, ST) and horizontal (PwBD, ESM, Women) reservation ratios
- Previous year cut-off trajectory and candidate score distribution at the top percentiles
NDA admit card, answer key and result guide
City slip 10–15 days prior • Admit Card 4–10 days before exam
NDA Exam City Intimation & Admit Card
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) releases the advance Exam City Intimation Slip followed by the official NDA Hall Ticket / e-Admit Card on upsc.gov.in. No hard copy is sent by post; candidates must log in with their Registration Number and Date of Birth / Password to download it.
- Clear A4 printout of the NDA e-Admit Card with visible barcode and photograph
- Original valid Government Photo ID (Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, Driving Licence, or PAN Card)
- 2 recent passport-size photographs matching the image uploaded in the online application
- PwBD / Scribe certificate and undertaking (if availing compensatory time or scribe facility)
Within 3–10 days after the examination
NDA Provisional Answer Key & Objection Window
After conclusion of the objective test, Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) uploads the candidate response sheet and Provisional Answer Key on upsc.gov.in. Candidates can calculate their raw score and submit online representations against any ambiguous question or key discrepancy within the stipulated 48–72 hour window.
- Download your recorded Response Sheet PDF and match Question IDs with the Master Answer Key
- Calculate raw score using the official positive and negative marking formula
- Attach standard textbook / NCERT / official gazette proof if challenging any provisional key
- Review the Final Answer Key published after subject-expert scrutiny of all representations
3–6 weeks after stage completion
NDA Result, Scorecard & Merit List / Counselling
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) declares the NDA result as a stage-wise Merit List PDF (with roll numbers and category cut-offs) and individual Normalized Scorecards on upsc.gov.in. Shortlisted candidates proceed to the next stage, Document Verification, or Centralised Counselling.
- Download and save your official NDA Scorecard / Rank Letter PDF immediately upon release
- Verify category-wise and sectional cut-off marks in the official result write-up notice
- Keep original matriculation, degree, caste/EWS, and domicile certificates ready for verification
- Track reserve list / multi-round seat allotment updates on the official website
NDA mock tests
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NDA Full Mock Test 1
Written examination · 120 questions · 2.5 hours
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NDA Full Mock Test 2
Written examination · 120 questions · 2.5 hours
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NDA Full Mock Test 3
Written examination · 120 questions · 2.5 hours
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NDA Full Mock Test 4
Written examination · 120 questions · 2.5 hours
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NDA Full Mock Test 5
Written examination · 120 questions · 2.5 hours
NDA previous year papers
Papers come with a solution for every question. Read them, or attempt them as timed tests. See all NDA previous year papers by year
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Recent NDA question papers
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Complete 10-year NDA paper archive
Up to 10 years of solved papers with SmartRank Pass (4 years with Learn)
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Predicted questions for NDA
High-probability questions and topics for your next exam
How to prepare for NDA
- Mathematics is scored out of 300 but has only 120 questions, so every wrong answer costs 0.83 marks; leave questions you cannot work out.
- The GAT carries twice the marks of Mathematics, so give General Knowledge and English at least as much time as Maths.
- Solve previous UPSC NDA papers under timed conditions, because the Maths paper rewards speed on Class 11 and 12 topics.
- Read a daily newspaper for the current events portion and keep a short notebook of defence and sports news.
- Start building the fitness and communication habits that the SSB tests early, since the SSB carries as many marks as the written exam.
- Read the official NDA notification carefully for the exact pattern, eligibility and selection stages.
NDA FAQs
Can girls apply for NDA?
Yes. Unmarried female candidates can apply for the NDA examination and train alongside male cadets.
What is the age limit for NDA?
Candidates are usually required to be between 16.5 and 19.5 years old on the date mentioned in the UPSC notification. Check the exact date range in the notification for the attempt you plan to take.
Is Physics and Maths compulsory for NDA?
Physics and Mathematics in Class 12 are required for the Air Force and Naval wings and for the Naval Academy. The Army wing accepts any stream.
Is there negative marking in NDA?
Yes. One-third of the marks allotted to a question are deducted for each wrong answer in both papers.
How many times is NDA held in a year?
UPSC conducts the exam twice a year, usually referred to as NDA I and NDA II.
What is the selection process and exam pattern for NDA?
NDA is conducted by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) across 3 stages: Written examination → SSB interview → Medical examination. Candidates who clear the written exam are called for the five-day SSB interview. Final merit combines written marks and SSB marks, and candidates must also be found medically fit.
What is the age limit and educational qualification for NDA?
Educational Qualification: Class 12 pass for the Army wing; Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics for the Air Force and Naval wings and for the Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry). Candidates appearing in Class 12 can also apply. Age Limit: Typically 16.5 to 19.5 years on the date fixed in the notification.
What is the salary and job profile after clearing NDA?
Stipend during the Academy years, then commissioning as a Lieutenant or equivalent at pay Level 10, around ₹56,100 basic plus military service pay and allowances.
When is the NDA notification released and how can I apply online?
NDA is held twice a year (NDA I and NDA II) (Twice a year: notifications around December and May, written exams around April and September, with SSB interviews over the following months). Online on upsc.gov.in through the one-time registration (OTR) portal.
Where can I practice free NDA mock tests and solved previous year papers?
Select NDA as your target exam on SmartRank to get chapter-by-chapter study material built around its syllabus covering Mathematics, English, Physics, Chemistry, solved previous year question papers, topic and full-length mock tests in the exact NDA pattern, a timed exam simulator, subject-wise analytics, an adaptive daily study plan and an AI Tutor.
How can I prepare for NDA on SmartRank?
Select NDA as your target exam on SmartRank to get chapter-by-chapter study material built around its syllabus covering Mathematics, English, Physics, Chemistry, solved previous year question papers, topic and full-length mock tests in the exact NDA pattern, a timed exam simulator, subject-wise analytics, an adaptive daily study plan and an AI Tutor.