FAQs

Frequently asked questions(FAQ)

What is the NDA examination?

The NDA examination is a national-level entrance test conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice a year to select candidates for admission to the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy for training as officers in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.

How often is the NDA exam conducted?

The NDA exam is conducted twice a year, typically in April (NDA I) and September (NDA II). For 2025, NDA II is scheduled for September 14, 2025.

What are the stages of the NDA selection process?

The NDA selection process consists of three main stages: a written examination, an SSB interview, and a medical examination. A final merit list is prepared based on performance in the written exam and SSB interview.

A modern learning software should encourage collaborative learning – the ability to follow and share colleague updates, join communities, discuss projects and learning, and share appreciation and knowledge across multiple teams. As employee expectation and required skills shift, it’s important to capture informal learning, and drive increased adoption of a common learning system with modern capabilities.

What is the structure of the NDA written exam?

The written exam comprises two papers: Mathematics (300 marks, 120 questions, 2.5 hours) and General Ability Test (GAT) (600 marks, 150 questions, 2.5 hours). Both papers consist of objective-type questions with negative marking (1/3rd marks deducted for incorrect answers).

Is it necessary to pass both Mathematics and GAT papers individually?

Yes, candidates must secure the minimum qualifying marks in both Mathematics and GAT papers separately to be eligible for the SSB interview.

What is the syllabus for the NDA written exam?

The Mathematics paper covers Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, Matrices, Probability, and Statistics. The GAT paper includes English (grammar, vocabulary, comprehension) and General Knowledge (Physics, Chemistry, History, Geography, Current Affairs, Indian Polity).

Are married candidates eligible for the NDA exam?

No, only unmarried candidates are eligible to apply for the NDA exam.

Can medical students apply for the NDA exam?

Yes, medical students who have completed or are appearing for their 10+2 with Science subjects (including Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics for Air Force/Navy) are eligible.

What are the stages of the NDA selection process?

The NDA selection process consists of three main stages: a written examination, an SSB interview, and a medical examination. A final merit list is prepared based on performance in the written exam and SSB interview.

A modern learning software should encourage collaborative learning – the ability to follow and share colleague updates, join communities, discuss projects and learning, and share appreciation and knowledge across multiple teams. As employee expectation and required skills shift, it’s important to capture informal learning, and drive increased adoption of a common learning system with modern capabilities.

What is the NDA medical examination?

The NDA medical examination is a comprehensive health check conducted over 4-5 days at a military hospital to ensure candidates meet the physical and mental fitness standards required for service in the Indian Armed Forces.

What are the common medical standards for NDA?

  1. 1.Candidates must be free from diseases/disabilities, have a minimum height of 157.5 cm (Army/Navy) or 162.5 cm (Air Force), 6/6 vision (correctable for some entries), no color blindness, and meet height/weight standards. Specific tests include blood, urine, X-ray, ECG, and ENT checks.

What are common reasons for medical rejection in NDA?

Common rejections include vision issues (e.g., myopia beyond permissible limits, color blindness), flat feet, knock knees, musculoskeletal deformities, under/overweight, psychological disorders, and chronic conditions like diabetes or asthma.

A modern learning software should encourage collaborative learning – the ability to follow and share colleague updates, join communities, discuss projects and learning, and share appreciation and knowledge across multiple teams. As employee expectation and required skills shift, it’s important to capture informal learning, and drive increased adoption of a common learning system with modern capabilities.

Can candidates with spectacles or corrective lenses be considered for NDA?

Candidates with spectacles may be eligible depending on the branch and extent of vision correction. For example, myopia up to -3.5D is permissible for some entries, but Air Force flying branch has stricter vision standards (6/6 without correction). Candidates

should check the official UPSC notification for specific limits.

What happens if a candidate fails the NDA medical test?

Candidates declared unfit can appeal to the Appeal Medical Board (AMB) at designated military hospitals (e.g., Base Hospital, Delhi Cantt.) within 42 days. If still unfit, they are disqualified. Temporary unfit cases (e.g., overweight) may be given time to rectify the issue

Can candidates check or challenge their NDA written exam marks?

No, UPSC does not allow candidates to check their marks or challenge the results. Only the list of successful candidates is released.

What is the age limit for NDA 2025?

For NDA II 2025, candidates must be born between January 2, 2007, and January 1, 2010 (16.5 to 19.5 years).

What are the educational qualifications required for NDA?

Candidates must have passed or be appearing for their 10+2 (12th grade) examination from a recognized board. For the Air Force and Naval wings, Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) are required.

A modern learning software should encourage collaborative learning – the ability to follow and share colleague updates, join communities, discuss projects and learning, and share appreciation and knowledge across multiple teams. As employee expectation and required skills shift, it’s important to capture informal learning, and drive increased adoption of a common learning system with modern capabilities.

Can female candidates apply for the NDA exam?

Yes, both male and female candidates can apply for the NDA exam, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.

Is there a minimum percentage required in 12th grade for NDA?

No specific percentage is required; candidates must pass or be appearing for their 12th-grade exams. However, for technical entries, some sources suggest a minimum of 50% in PCM.

Can candidates in Class 11 apply for the NDA exam?

Answer: No, candidates must be in Class 12 or have completed their 10+2 examination to apply. However, they can apply while appearing for their Class 12 exams, provided they submit their pass certificate during document verification.

What is the SSB interview in the NDA selection process?

The SSB (Service Selection Board) interview is a five-day evaluation process to assess candidates’ intelligence, personality, leadership, and suitability for a career in the Indian Armed Forces. It includes psychological tests, group tasks, interviews, and a conference.

What are the stages of the SSB interview?

The SSB interview has two stages:Stage I: Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) test and Picture Perception & Description Test (PPDT). Only those who clear Stage I proceed to Stage II.Stage II: Psychological tests (TAT, WAT, SRT, Self-Description), Group Testing Officer (GTO) tasks, personal interview, and a conference.

What types of questions are asked in the SSB personal interview?

Questions cover personal background, education, hobbies, current affairs, and situational responses to assess leadership, decision-making, and officer-like qualities (OLQs). Examples include: “Why do you want to join the NDA?” or “What will you do if not selected?”

A modern learning software should encourage collaborative learning – the ability to follow and share colleague updates, join communities, discuss projects and learning, and share appreciation and knowledge across multiple teams. As employee expectation and required skills shift, it’s important to capture informal learning, and drive increased adoption of a common learning system with modern capabilities.

Is English speaking mandatory for the SSB interview?

English is not mandatory, but clear communication is essential. Candidates can answer in Hindi or English, but fluency in English is advantageous, especially for Air Force candidates. Practicing speaking and reading newspapers can improve communication skills.

How many attempts are allowed for the SSB interview?

There is no limit on the number of SSB interview attempts, except for the Pilot Aptitude Battery Test (PABT)/Computerized Pilot Selection System (CPSS) for Air Force candidates, which can be attempted only once.

What is the role of the conference in the SSB interview?

The conference is the final stage where all SSB board members (President, Deputy President, GTOs, psychologists, and technical officers) discuss and evaluate each candidate’s performance to decide their recommendation for officer positions.