The National Defence Academy (NDA) exam is a prestigious entrance examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in India, aimed at selecting candidates for admission into the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force through the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy[attached_file:1]. Held twice a year, the exam is open to unmarried male and female candidates who have completed or are appearing in their Class 12 (10+2) examinations. The NDA exam consists of a written test and a Services Selection Board (SSB) interview, which assesses intelligence, personality, and suitability for a career in the armed forces. Successful candidates undergo rigorous physical and medical assessments before training at the NDA in Khadakwasla, Pune. The NDA offers a blend of academic education, military training, leadership development, and character building, shaping individuals into future officers of the Indian Armed Forces[attached_file:1].
The NDA is Asia's first tri-service academy where cadets from all three military services train together before going on to their respective service academies for further specialized training. The exam is a gateway to a disciplined and prestigious career in the Indian Defence Forces, combining education, military training, and leadership development[attached_file:1].
The NDA exam eligibility criteria apply equally to male and female candidates. As of 2025, the age requirement is 16.5 to 19.5 years. All candidates must be unmarried at the time of application. There is no age relaxation for OBC, SC, ST, or any other reserved categories. Candidates must ensure that the date of birth entered in the application matches the one on the matriculation certificate; any mismatch results in disqualification[attached_file:1].
| Criteria | Army Wing | Navy & Air Force Wings |
|---|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian citizen or as specified by UPSC | Indian citizen or as specified by UPSC |
| Age Limit | 16.5 to 19.5 years | 16.5 to 19.5 years |
| Educational Qualification | 10+2 or equivalent from a recognized board | 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics from a recognized board |
| Marital Status | Unmarried | Unmarried |
| Gender | Male and Female | Male and Female |
The educational qualifications for NDA are gender-neutral. For the Army Wing, candidates who have passed or are appearing in Class 12 (any stream) are eligible. For Navy, Air Force, and Naval Academy, candidates must have passed or be appearing in Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics. Appearing students must pass before joining NDA[attached_file:1].
| Wing/Service | Minimum Height (Male) | Minimum Height (Female) | Relaxation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Army/Navy | 157 cm | 152 cm | 5 cm relaxation for Gorkhas, North Eastern, Garhwal, Kumaon region |
| Air Force | 162.5 cm | 162.5 cm | 5 cm relaxation for Gorkhas, NE regions; leg, thigh, sitting height measured |
Candidates must meet height-weight proportionality as per official charts. Overweight/underweight candidates may be provisionally rejected and given time to meet standards[attached_file:1].
| Criteria | Army | Navy | Air Force |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncorrected Vision | 6/6 in one eye, 6/9 in other | 6/6 in one eye, 6/9 in other | 6/6 in one eye, 6/9 in other |
| Corrected Vision | 6/6 in both eyes | 6/6 in both eyes | 6/6 in both eyes |
| Myopia | -2.5 D | -0.75 D | Nil |
| Hypermetropia | +3.5 D | +1.5 D | +2.0 D |
| Color Vision | CP-III | CP-I | CP-I |
| Night Blindness | Not allowed | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| LASIK/Corneal Surgery | Not allowed | Not allowed | Strictly not allowed |
| Binocular Vision | Required | Required | Required |
Physical fitness includes medical requirements such as dental health (minimum 14 dental points), mental health assessments, musculoskeletal and spinal health, hearing ability, chest expansion, and freedom from chronic conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, epilepsy). Standards are strictly enforced and identical for both male and female candidates[attached_file:1].
Candidates are advised to avoid tattoos before applying. All marks and tattoos are thoroughly inspected during the medical exam phase[attached_file:1].
| Subject | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration | Question Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 120 | 300 | 2.5 hours | Objective (MCQ) |
| General Ability Test (GAT) | 150 | 600 | 2.5 hours | Objective (MCQ) |
Both papers are conducted on the same day, offline (pen & paper) with a break in between. There is negative marking of one-third for incorrect answers[attached_file:1].
The NDA X-ray exam is conducted during the medical phase after the SSB interview to check for tuberculosis, chest deformities, lung/bone issues, and other abnormalities. Detection of serious health issues leads to disqualification[attached_file:1].
| Time Slot | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1st Hour | Mathematics Practice & Conceptual Clarity |
| 2nd Hour | English Grammar & Vocabulary |
| 3rd Hour (optional) | General Knowledge & Current Affairs |