How to Go for NDA: A Step-by-Step Guide for Aspiring Candidates

The National Defence Academy (NDA) is a prestigious institution that trains young men and women to become future leaders in the Indian Armed Forces. The NDA offers a three-year course that combines academic education with military training, and successful cadets are awarded a Bachelor's degree and are commissioned as officers in the Army, Navy, or Air Force. If you are an aspiring candidate who wants to join the NDA, this article will guide you through the application process, eligibility criteria, selection procedure, and training program.

Eligibility Criteria for NDA

Before applying for NDA, you must ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria set by the institution. The eligibility criteria are as follows:

Age Limit

You must be between 16.5 and 19.5 years old on the date of commencement of the course. For the January session, you must be born between 2nd July 2003 to 1st July 2006, and for the July session, you must be born between 2nd January 2004 to 1st January 2007.

Educational Qualification

You must have passed 10+2 or an equivalent examination from a recognized board with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as compulsory subjects.

Physical Standards

You must be physically fit and meet the prescribed physical standards set by the institution. You must not have any physical deformity or disease that may affect your performance during training.

How to Apply for NDA

The application process for NDA is conducted online through the official website of the institution. The steps to apply for NDA are as follows:

Step 1: Registration

Visit the official website of UPSC (upsc.gov.in) and click on the ‘Online Application for Various Examinations' link. Select the NDA exam and click on the ‘Apply' button. Fill in the required details and generate your registration ID and password.

Step 2: Fill Application Form

Log in to the website using your registration ID and password and fill in the application form. Upload your photograph and signature in the prescribed format and size.

Step 3: Payment of Application Fee

Pay the application fee through online or offline mode. The application fee is Rs 100 for general and OBC candidates, and there is no fee for SC/ST candidates.

Step 4: Submit Application Form

After completing the application form and payment of the fee, click on the ‘Submit' button. Take a printout of the application form for future reference.

Selection Procedure for NDA

The selection procedure for NDA consists of a written examination, followed by a physical fitness test and an interview. The written examination comprises two papers: Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT).

Written Examination

The Mathematics paper consists of 120 multiple-choice questions, and the GAT paper consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. The total marks for the written examination are 900, and the duration of each paper is two and a half hours.

Physical Fitness Test

Candidates who qualify for the written examination are called for a physical fitness test, which includes tests for physical fitness, endurance, and strength.

Interview

Candidates who pass the physical fitness test are called for an interview, which is conducted by a panel of officers from the Services Selection Board (SSB). The interview assesses the candidate's personality, leadership qualities, and suitability for a career in the armed forces.

Training Program for NDA

The training program for NDA is designed to develop the mental, physical, and emotional attributes of the cadets. The course comprises six terms, and each term lasts for six months. The first four terms are conducted at the NDA campus in Khadakvasla, Pune, and the last two terms are conducted at the respective training academies of the Army, Navy, or Air Force.

The training program includes academic education in subjects like Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and English, as well as military training in areas like drill, weapons handling, physical fitness, and leadership. The cadets also participate in sports, cultural activities, and community service projects.

Conclusion

Joining the NDA is a dream for many young men and women who want to serve their country and become leaders in the armed forces. If you are an aspiring candidate, this article provides you with a step-by-step guide on how to apply for NDA, the eligibility criteria, selection procedure, and training program. We hope that this article helps you in your journey towards a fulfilling and rewarding career in the Indian Armed Forces.

FAQs

Q1. What is the age limit for NDA?

Ans: The age limit for NDA is between 16.5 and 19.5 years old on the date of commencement of the course.

Q2. What is the educational qualification required for NDA?

Ans: You must have passed 10+2 or an equivalent examination from a recognized board with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as compulsory subjects.

Q3. What is the application fee for NDA?

Ans: The application fee for NDA is Rs 100 for general and OBC candidates, and there is no fee for SC/ST candidates.

Q4. What is the selection procedure for NDA?

Ans: The selection procedure for NDA consists of a written examination, followed by a physical fitness test and an interview.

Q5. What is the training program for NDA?

Ans: The training program for NDA is designed to develop the mental, physical, and emotional attributes of the cadets, and includes academic education and military training in areas like drill, weapons handling, physical fitness, and leadership.