Defence & Police · UPSC · Updated October 2026
UPSC NDA/NA ExamEligibility, Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Salary, Cut-Off, PYQs and Free Mock Test
UPSC National Defence Academy & Naval Academy (NDA/NA)
Conducted twice a year by the UPSC, the NDA & NA exam is India's premier tri-service officer entry gateway for 10+2 candidates joining the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings. Candidates undergo an objective written test in Mathematics and General Ability followed by extensive SSB psychological, group, and outdoor testing.
- Type
- Recruitment
- Level
- National
- Conducting body
- UPSC
Start for free with UPSC NDA/NA syllabus study notes, solved previous year papers, real-pattern mock tests and AI Tutor support.
UPSC NDA/NA exam overview and highlights
About UPSC NDA/NA
The National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination is conducted by UPSC twice a year for admission to the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of the NDA and the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme of the Indian Naval Academy. Candidates appear for a written test followed by the SSB interview and medical examination. It is one of the main entries for school leavers who want to become commissioned officers.
The examination process for UPSC NDA/NA comprises 2 stages: Written examination, followed by SSB Interview. The official syllabus tests candidates across 3 core areas — Mathematics, English, General Knowledge — focusing on conceptual clarity, speed, and accuracy. Written marks (900) and SSB marks (900) are added for a final merit out of 1800; candidates must also be medically fit. Allotment to the Army, Navy, Air Force or Naval Academy follows rank, preference and vacancies.
Key subjects
- Mathematics
- English
- General Knowledge
What clearing UPSC NDA/NA leads to
- National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla (Army, Navy and Air Force wings)
- Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala (10+2 Cadet Entry)
- Compensation & Pay Scale: Stipend during training at the academy, then commission as Lieutenant or equivalent at Pay Level 10 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)
- All-India or zonal ministry, department, PSU, or public sector field and headquarters postings
Quick facts
- Full name
- UPSC National Defence Academy & Naval Academy (NDA/NA)
- Conducting body
- Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
- Frequency
- Twice a year
- Exam mode
- Offline (OMR sheet)
- Languages
- English and Hindi (English section in English only)
- Stages & papers
- 2 stages (2 papers total)
- Negative marking
- One-third of the marks of a question deducted per wrong answer
- Official website
- upsc.gov.in
UPSC NDA/NA — Key Highlights & Official Particulars
Complete snapshot of UPSC NDA/NA conducting authority, frequency, mode, stages, negative marking and official portal.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | UPSC NDA/NA — UPSC National Defence Academy & Naval Academy (NDA/NA) |
| 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 |
| Usual Notification & Exam Window | Notifications in December and May; written examinations in April and September; SSB interviews over the following months; training begins in January or July |
| 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 (English section in English only) |
| Selection Stages | 2 Stages (2 Papers Total): Written examination → SSB Interview |
| Negative Marking | One-third of the marks of a question deducted per wrong answer |
| Selection / Merit Process | Written marks (900) and SSB marks (900) are added for a final merit out of 1800; candidates must also be medically fit. Allotment to the Army, Navy, Air Force or Naval Academy follows rank, preference and vacancies. |
| Educational Qualification | Army wing: 10+2 in any stream; Air Force, Navy and Naval Academy: 10+2 with physics, chemistry and mathematics. Class XII appearing students may apply |
| Age Limit | 16.5 to 19.5 years, as per the date of birth window in each notification |
| Pay Scale / Salary Structure | Stipend during training at the academy, then commission as Lieutenant or equivalent at Pay Level 10 plus Military Service Pay and allowances |
| Merit Panel Validity | Valid for the notified recruitment cycle and reserve list period |
| Competition Scale | Several lakh applicants per cycle for a few hundred seats |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
Summary for orientation only, last reviewed October 2026. Check eligibility, dates and pattern in the official notification.
UPSC NDA/NA exam schedule, vacancy, fee and online application process
Standard annual cycle and application workflow for UPSC NDA/NA. Confirm exact notification and closing dates on the official UPSC website.
| Examination Event | Typical Calendar Window | Cycle / Mode |
|---|---|---|
| UPSC NDA/NA Official Notification & Information Bulletin | Notifications in December and May; written examinations in April and September; SSB interviews over the following months; training begins in January or July | Twice a year |
| 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) |
| UPSC NDA/NA — Written examination | Notifications in December and May; written examinations in April and September; SSB interviews over the following months; training begins in January or July | Offline (OMR sheet) |
| UPSC NDA/NA — 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 applicants per cycle for a few hundred seats. Exact post-wise, department-wise, and category-wise (UR, EWS, OBC, SC, ST, ESM, PwBD) vacancies are notified in the official UPSC NDA/NA 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 UPSC NDA/NA
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 UPSC NDA/NA application form. Enter your qualifying degree/board details, category/reservation status, medium of examination (English and Hindi (English section 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 UPSC NDA/NA Confirmation Page / Application PDF for admit card and verification stages.
UPSC NDA/NA eligibility criteria and age relaxation
Candidates applying for UPSC NDA/NA must fulfil the academic qualification, age limit, nationality and category reservation rules notified by UPSC.
Educational qualification
Army wing: 10+2 in any stream; Air Force, Navy and Naval Academy: 10+2 with physics, chemistry and mathematics. Class XII appearing students may apply.
Age limit & relaxations
16.5 to 19.5 years, as per the date of birth window in each 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 certain exceptions.
Other conditions & standards
Unmarried candidates only; both men and women are now eligible. Physical and medical standards apply.
UPSC NDA/NA — 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. |
UPSC NDA/NA selection process and exam pattern
Negative Marking & Evaluation Rule: One-third of the marks of a question deducted per wrong answer. Selection & Merit Weightage: Written marks (900) and SSB marks (900) are added for a final merit out of 1800; candidates must also be medically fit. Allotment to the Army, Navy, Air Force or Naval Academy follows rank, preference and vacancies.
Stage 1: Written examination
Offline (OMR sheet) • 2 Papers (Paper I: Mathematics, Paper II: General Ability Test) • 270 Questions • 900 Total Marks • Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes • Two objective papers on the same day: Mathematics and the General Ability Test, totalling 900 marks.
Two objective papers on the same day: Mathematics and the General Ability Test, totalling 900 marks.
Paper / Section Questions Marks Duration Paper I: Mathematics 120 300 2 hours 30 minutes Paper II: General Ability TestEnglish 200 marks, General Knowledge 400 marks 150 600 2 hours 30 minutes Stage 2: SSB Interview
In person, at a Services Selection Board centre • A five day assessment of 900 marks that includes screening, psychological tests, group testing and a personal interview, followed by a medical examination.
A five day assessment of 900 marks that includes screening, psychological tests, group testing and a personal interview, followed by a medical examination.
Stage 3: Document Verification, Medical Fitness & Final Cadre/Post Allotment
In-person verification by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) • Original academic, age, category & domicile certificates • Medical fitness examination & final merit allocation
Candidates shortlisted in the final merit list undergo thorough verification of original educational, age, category and domicile certificates followed by a prescribed medical fitness examination before appointment letters and cadre/department allotments are issued.
UPSC NDA/NA 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)
- Algebra: sets, complex numbers, quadratic equations, permutations and combinations
- Matrices and determinants
- Trigonometry
- Analytical geometry of two and three dimensions
Mathematics — Part II (Differential calculus and integral calculus)
- Differential calculus and integral calculus
- Vector algebra
- Statistics and probability
English — Part I (Grammar and usage)
- Grammar and usage
- Vocabulary: synonyms and antonyms
- Reading comprehension
English — Part II (Sentence rearrangement)
- Sentence rearrangement
- Spotting errors
General Knowledge — Part I (Physics)
- Physics
- Chemistry
- General science and biology
General Knowledge — Part II (History and freedom movement)
- History and freedom movement
- Geography
- Current events
Previous Year Trend Analysis & High-Weightage Topics (UPSC NDA/NA)
- Recurring multi-concept questions from past UPSC NDA/NA cycles
- High-yield chapters and section-wise mark distribution patterns
- Statement-based, assertion-reason and matching question formats
- Elimination techniques and negative-marking risk management
- Time allocation strategy across sections and papers
Current Affairs, Official Schemes, Economic Survey & Static GK
- National and international current events of the last 12 months
- Union and State Budget highlights, Economic Survey and flagship welfare schemes
- Constitutional amendments, landmark Supreme Court judgments and governance bills
- Science, space missions (ISRO), defence exercises, awards and sports
- Reports, indices, summits, international organisations and static general awareness
UPSC NDA/NA salary, pay scale, job profile & career growth
Stipend during training at the academy, then commission as Lieutenant or equivalent at Pay Level 10 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 training at the academy, then commission as Lieutenant or equivalent at Pay Level 10 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
UPSC NDA/NA cut-off trends, score normalization and safe target score
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) releases stage-wise and category-wise UPSC NDA/NA 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.
UPSC NDA/NA — 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 UPSC NDA/NA is evaluated on a uniform single-session paper scale under one-third of the marks of a question deducted per wrong answer, raw score accuracy directly determines your rank on the official merit list.
Factors Determining UPSC NDA/NA Cut-Off
- Total number of notified vacancies / available seats across participating cadres and institutions
- Total number of registered vs actual appearing candidates in the UPSC NDA/NA 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
UPSC NDA/NA admit card, answer key and result guide
City slip 10–15 days prior • Admit Card 4–10 days before exam
UPSC NDA/NA Exam City Intimation & Admit Card
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) releases the advance Exam City Intimation Slip followed by the official UPSC NDA/NA 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 UPSC NDA/NA 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
UPSC NDA/NA 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
UPSC NDA/NA Result, Scorecard & Merit List / Counselling
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) declares the UPSC NDA/NA 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 UPSC NDA/NA 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
UPSC NDA/NA mock tests
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UPSC NDA/NA previous year papers
Papers come with a solution for every question. Read them, or attempt them as timed tests. See all UPSC NDA/NA previous year papers by year
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Recent UPSC NDA/NA question papers
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Predicted questions for UPSC NDA/NA
High-probability questions and topics for your next exam
How to prepare for UPSC NDA/NA
- Cover the Class XI and XII mathematics syllabus completely; this paper alone carries 300 marks.
- Physics and chemistry carry a large weight in the General Ability Test, so revise NCERT science textbooks.
- Improve speed and accuracy with timed practice, since negative marking makes guessing costly.
- Read current affairs regularly with attention to defence, sports and awards.
- Work on physical fitness and communication skills alongside studies, as the SSB carries as many marks as the written test.
- Read the official UPSC NDA/NA notification carefully for the exact pattern, eligibility and selection stages.
UPSC NDA/NA FAQs
What is the age limit for NDA?
Candidates must be between 16.5 and 19.5 years of age as per the date of birth window given in the notification.
Can girls apply for NDA?
Yes, women candidates have been eligible to apply for NDA since the notifications that followed the Supreme Court's direction, subject to the same educational and age conditions.
Is there negative marking in NDA?
Yes, one-third of the marks of a question are deducted for each wrong answer in both Mathematics and the General Ability Test.
Can a Class XII student appear for NDA?
Yes, students appearing in Class XII can apply, but they must produce proof of passing by the date mentioned in the notification.
Is PCM required for NDA?
Physics, chemistry and mathematics at 10+2 are required for the Air Force and Navy wings and for the Naval Academy. The Army wing accepts 10+2 in any stream.
What is the selection process and exam pattern for UPSC NDA/NA?
UPSC NDA/NA is conducted by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) across 2 stages: Written examination → SSB Interview. Written marks (900) and SSB marks (900) are added for a final merit out of 1800; candidates must also be medically fit. Allotment to the Army, Navy, Air Force or Naval Academy follows rank, preference and vacancies.
What is the age limit and educational qualification for UPSC NDA/NA?
Educational Qualification: Army wing: 10+2 in any stream; Air Force, Navy and Naval Academy: 10+2 with physics, chemistry and mathematics. Class XII appearing students may apply. Age Limit: 16.5 to 19.5 years, as per the date of birth window in each notification.
What is the salary and job profile after clearing UPSC NDA/NA?
Stipend during training at the academy, then commission as Lieutenant or equivalent at Pay Level 10 plus Military Service Pay and allowances.
When is the UPSC NDA/NA notification released and how can I apply online?
UPSC NDA/NA is held twice a year (Notifications in December and May; written examinations in April and September; SSB interviews over the following months; training begins in January or July). Online on upsc.gov.in through the One Time Registration (OTR) portal.
Where can I practice free UPSC NDA/NA mock tests and solved previous year papers?
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How can I prepare for UPSC NDA/NA on SmartRank?
Select UPSC NDA/NA as your target exam on SmartRank to get chapter-by-chapter study material built around its syllabus covering Mathematics, English, General Knowledge, solved previous year question papers, topic and full-length mock tests in the exact UPSC NDA/NA pattern, a timed exam simulator, subject-wise analytics, an adaptive daily study plan and an AI Tutor.