NDA

NDA Exam 2024: Notification out, Latest News, Dates, Eligibility, Salary & Vacancies

March 15, 2024

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

The NDA (1) 2024 for the 152nd Course and 114th Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC) will take place on 21st April 2024 and the NDA (2) exam will be held on September 1st, 2024, as stated in the notification. The notification contains all the necessary information, such as registration dates, eligibility criteria, application fees, and other essential details.

NDA

Latest Updates from NDA

  • NDA 1 Recruitment notification released on 20th December 2024
  • The last date to apply for NDA 1 is on 9th January 2024
  • UPSC has opened the NDA application form correction window from 10th to 16th January 2024.
  • NDA 1 exam to be conducted on 21st April 2024

What is NDA Exam?

UPSC conducts the NDA exam for admission of candidates in the defence forces of India, including the Army, Air Force, and Navy. It is a national-level defence examination conducted twice a year by UPSC. The first part of the exam is NDA 1, where the candidates have to qualify for a written test. The second part of the exam is the Interview, where candidates must prepare for a personality test and interview conducted by SSB (Service Selection Board).

  • The UPSC NDA exam is held twice a year and consists of two selection processes: a written exam and an SSB interview.
  • Candidates who pass both rounds and make the merit list are assigned to the National Defence Academy for training.
  • Candidates are not considered commissioned officers until they have completed the three-year training program.

Read more about other Government exams in India.

NDA 1 Notification 2024

NDA-Notification-2023

The notification for National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Exam 2023 was published on upsc.gov.in by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on 21st December 2022. The commission has 395 seats for admission to the NDA’s Army, Navy, and Air Force wings for the 151st Course and the 113th Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC), which begins on 02nd January 2024.

To learn more about Indian Army Salary, Click Here

NDA 2024: Overview

Exam NameNDA
NDA Full FormNational Defence Academy
Conducting BodyUPSC (Union Public Service Commission)
No. of Vacancies400
Application ModeOnline
Exam ModeOffline
Frequency of ExamTwice a year
Recruitment ProcessNDA Written Test exam & SSB Interview
Age LimitCandidates born not earlier than 02nd July 2004 and not later than 1st July 2007
Exam Centers41 Cities across India
Language of ExamEnglish and Hindi
Duration of Exam 5 hrs
General Ability Test (2.5 hrs)
Mathematics Test (2.5hrs)

NDA Exam Dates 2024

EventsNDA 1 2024NDA 2 2024
NDA Notification 202421st December 202315th May 2024
Starting of NDA Application form21st December 202315th May 2024
End Date to Apply for NDA Exam9th January 20244th June 2024
Last date to pay online9th January 20244th June 2024
NDA Correction window 10th to 16th January 2024To be notified
NDA Admit cardTo be notifiedTo be notified
NDA Written Test21st April 20241st September 2024
Declaration of NDA Written ResultTo be notifiedTo be notified
Declaration of Final NDA Results To be notifiedTo be notified
Marks of Recommended CandidatesTo be notifiedTo be notified

NDA Vacancy 2024

The total number of vacancies to be filled through the NDA exam has been released in conjunction with the official NDA Notification 2023. According to the notification, 395 vacancies will be filled for the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA), with 370 going to the NDA and the remaining 25 going to the NA. The number of openings for female candidates has remained at 19. The table below shows the split of the vacancies announced:

Vacancies for NDA 1 Exam

National Defence AcademyArmy: 208 (including 10 female candidates)
Navy: 42 (including 06 female candidates)
Air Force:
(i)  Flying – 92 (including 02 for female candidates) 
(ii) Ground Duties (Tech) – 18 (including 02 for female candidates)
(iii) Ground Duties (Non-Tech) – 10 (including 02 for female candidates)
Naval Academy25 (for male candidates only)

NDA Exam Eligibility Criteria 2024

Before applying for the NDA Exam, interested candidates should examine the qualifying requirements. The eligibility conditions are essential to the NDA exam; otherwise, the candidate’s application will be rejected. The NDA Eligibility Criteria are described in-depth below.

NDA Eligibility Criteria: Nationality

To be eligible for the NDA exam, candidates must be one of the following:

  • Indian National
  • A Nepalese or Bhutanese subject
  • A Tibetan refugee who arrived in India before 01 January 1962, intending to remain permanently.
  • A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, and the East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, and Ethiopia, or Vietnam, with the intention of settling permanently in India.
  • Foreign nationals (except Gorkhas) will be required to produce a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India.

Relaxation of the NDA’s age limit

  • Candidates born between 02 July 2003 and 01 July 2006, are eligible to take the NDA 1 2022 exam.
  • Candidates born between 02 January 2004, and 01 January 2007, are eligible to take the NDA 2 2022 exam.
  • The age of the applicant should be between 16.5 and 19.5 years.
  • The date of birth must be written exactly as it appears on the matriculation certificate, secondary school leaving certificate, or any other equivalent certification recognized by the Indian University. The commission will not accept any other document verifying the date of birth.

Eligibility Criteria: Sex and Marital Status

  • Both male and female candidates must be single during the selection process and until the program is completed.
  • An applicant will not be chosen if they marry before completing training.
  • If a candidate marries while undergoing training, they will be fired and held accountable for the government’s entire training expense.

Eligibility Criteria: Educational Qualifications

  • Candidates for the Army branch of the National Defence Academy must have completed their 12th grade under the 10+2 educational model from any state board or comparable test.
  • Candidates for the National Defence Academy’s Air Force and Naval Wings must have a 12th-grade pass in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics or be enrolled in one of 10+2 patterns of school education from any state board or equivalent.

Eligibility Criteria NDA Women: Height & Weight for NDA 

Age (yrs)Minimum weight for all agesAge: 17 to
20 yrs
Age: 20 +01
Day-30 yrs
Age :30 + 01
Day- 40 yrs
Age: Above 40 yrs
Height (cm)Weight (Kg)Weight (Kg)Weight (Kg)Weight (Kg)Weight (Kg)
14035.343.145.147.049.0
14135.843.745.747.749.7
14236.344.446.448.450.4
14336.845.047.049.151.1
14437.345.647.749.851.8
14537.846.348.450.552.6
14638.446.949.051.253.3
14738.947.549.751.954.0
14839.448.250.452.654.8
14940.048.851.153.355.5
15040.549.551.854.056.3
15141.050.252.454.757.0
15241.650.853.155.457.8
15342.l51.553.856.258.5
15442.752.254.556.959.3
15543.252.955.357.760.l
15643.853.556.058.460.8
15744.454.256.759.261.6
15844.954.957.459.962.4
15945.555.658.160.763.2
16046.l56.358.961.464.0
16146.757.059.662.264.8
16247.257.760.463.065.6
16347.858.561.163.866.4

Eligibility Criteria NDA Men: Height & Weight for NDA 

Age (yrs)Minimum weight for all agesAge: 17 to
20 yrs
Age: 20 +01
Day-30 yrs
Age :30 + 01
Day- 40 yrs
Age: Above 40 yrs
Height (cm)Weight (Kg)Weight (Kg)Weight (Kg)Weight (Kg)Weight (Kg)
14035.343.145.147.049.0
14135.843.745.747.749.7
14236.344.446.448.450.4
14336.845.047.049.151.1
14437.345.647.749.851.8
14537.846.348.450.552.6
14638.446.949.051.253.3
14738.947.549.751.954.0
14839.448.250.452.654.8
14940.048.851.153.355.5
15040.549.551.854.056.3
15141.050.252.454.757.0
15241.650.853.155.457.8
15342.l51.553.856.258.5
15442.752.254.556.959.3
15543.252.955.357.760.l
15643.853.556.058.460.8
15744.454.256.759.261.6
15844.954.957.459.962.4
15945.555.658.160.763.2
16046.l56.358.961.464.0
16146.757.059.662.264.8
16247.257.760.463.065.6
16347.858.561.163.866.4

Height Relaxation for Men in NDA 

CategoryMin Height for Male
Tribals from Ladakh155 cm
Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep, and Minicoy Islands155 cm
Gorkhas, Nepali, Assamese, Garhwali, Kumaoni, and Uttarakhand152 cm
Bhutan, Sikkim & North East Region152 cm

Height Relaxation for Women in NDA 

CategoryMin Height for Female
Tribals from Ladakh150 cm
Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep, and Minicoy Islands150 cm
Gorkhas, Nepali, Assamese, Garhwali, Kumaoni, and Uttarakhand147 cm
Bhutan, Sikkim & North East Region147 cm

NDA Application Form 2024

NDA Application Fees

Given below is the NDA application fee structure for online applications. The candidate needs to pay the fee online.

CategoryAmount
General Category / OBC CandidatesRs.100
SC/ST candidates/Sons of JCOs (Junior Commissioned Officers) /NCOs (Non-Commissioned Officers) /ORs (Other Ranks of Army) and equivalent ranks in the Indian Navy/Indian Air ForceExempted
  • Applicants who choose the “Pay by Cash” option should print the system-generated Pay-in-slip during Part-II registration and deposit the fee at the SBI Branch counter on the following working day only. The “Pay by Cash” mode will be deactivated at 23:59 hours on 9th January 2024, one day before the closing date.
  • The fee is not refundable under any circumstances and cannot be held in reserve for any other examination or selection.
  • Candidates from Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes and those listed in the table above are exempt from paying any fees. All such candidates must obtain a certificate of eligibility for fee exemption from the Principals concerned individually and present it for verification at the time of the SSB Test/Interview by the candidates who are declared qualified for the SSB Test/Interview.

NDA Application Form Steps

Candidates must know the detailed NDA Eligibility before filling out the NDA Application Form. Only those who meet the required eligibility criteria can submit their NDA Online Form before 12th January 2022.

What is the process for completing the NDA Exam Application Form 2024?

The following are the procedures for filling out the NDA Application Form 2024:

A. Part 1 of NDA Application Form

Step 1: Visit the UPSC official website.

Step 2: Select “ONLINE APPLICATION FOR VARIOUS UPSC EXAMINATIONS.”

Step 3: Fill out the registration form with your personal information, such as your name, father’s name, date of birth, phone number, and email address.

Step 4: Sort your branch preferences from one to four.

Step 5: Click Verify to validate your registration and make a note of the system-generated registration ID and Password.

B. Part 2 of NDA Application Form

Step 1: Log in to the UPSC NDA official website using your registration ID and password.

Step 2: Pay the UPSC NDA Exam application fee, if applicable.

Step 3: Choose the city in which you want your exam center to be located.

Step 4: Save your photograph, signature, and photo identity proof in the appropriate file size and format.

Step 4: Accept the declaration and submit your UPSC NDA Exam application form. Make a copy of the application form for future use.

Read More – NDA Notification 2022, Apply Online

Documents Required for Filling out the NDA Application Form

All candidates must ensure that they attach all of the following documents when filling out the NDA application form 2024:

  • Class 10th Mark sheet
  • Class 10+2 Mark sheet
  • Photograph in passport size
  • Signature of the candidate
  • Certificate of Nationality
  • Address verification
  • Certificate of Caste
  • Phone number
  • Aadhar card
  • Email ID

NDA 2024 Application Withdrawal

The Commission will provide a withdrawal option to candidates who do not wish to take the Examination. Candidates must provide the details of the registered application with the registration id that was finally completed and submitted. There is no way to withdraw any incomplete applications.

If candidates wish to withdraw because they do not wish to take the exam, they must follow the steps outlined below:

  1. Visit the official website of the NDA at upsconline.nic.in.
  2. To withdraw the application form, click on the NDA application.
  3. An OTP will be sent to the applicant’s registered email and mobile phone numbers.
  4. After validating the OTP, the request for NDA application withdrawal will be processed.
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NDA Exam Admit Card 2024

NDA 1 Admit card to be released. To appear for the NDA written test, candidates should possess a valid admit card. Candidates cannot sit in the examination hall without a UPSC NDA admit card. The conducting body has the NDA Admit Card on the official website three weeks before the exam. Candidates can access their Admit Card by entering their Registration ID or Roll Number, which was generated during registration. The following details are mentioned on the admit card:

Student’s NameRoll NumberExam Centre
NDA Exam DateTimingPhoto & Signature

If candidates face any problems downloading the e-admit card for the National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (I) and (II), please get in touch with usnda-upsc@nic.in.

How to Download NDA Exam Admit Card 2024?

To download, follow the steps given below:

  • Go to the official website of UPSC.
  • Click on the ”Admit Card” section or direct link in ”What’s New.” 
  • Enter the registration/ roll number with the password and captcha code.
  • Click on submit. The admit card can be seen on the screen.
  • Download the admit card and take a printout for future reference.

NDA Exam Center 2024

During the application process, the candidates were given the option to select their preferred exam center cities. The following cities will host the UPSC NDA I Exam 2024.

AgartalaBilaspur
AgraChandigarh
AhmedabadChennai
AizawlCoimbatore
AligarhCuttack
AlmoraDelhi
AnanthapurDharwad
AurangabadDispur
BareillyFaridabad
BengaluruGangtok
JorhatGarwhal (Srinagar)
BhopalGautam Budh Nagar
GhaziabadGurgaon
GorakhpurGwalior
HyderabadImphal
IndoreItanagar
JabalpurJaipur
JammuJodhpur
KochiKohima
KolkataKozhikode
LehLucknow
LudhianaMadhurai
MysuruMumbai
NagpurSambalpur
Navi MumbaiShillong
Panaji (Goa)Shimla
PatnaSiliguri
Port BlairSrinagar
Prayagraj (Allahabad)Thane
PuducherryThiruvananthapuram
PuneTiruchirapalli
RaipurTirupati
RajkotUdaipur
RanchiVaranasi
VelloreVijayawada
VishakhapatnamWarangal

NDA Exam Pattern 2024

The NDA Exam is conducted with the typical pen-and-paper and has multiple-choice queries. The NDA written examination consists of two papers: Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT). Boys and girls who want to apply for the NDA exam should start preparing for the written exam by reading the detailed NDA syllabus discussed in this article.

The majority of the questions will be of the 10+2 level. To assess their preparations, candidates can solve model questions and refer to answer keys.

The following table exactly offers all the required info on the NDA exam pattern: 

NDA 2024MathematicsGeneral Ability Test
Exam Duration2 hours and 30 minutes2 hours and 30 minutes
No. of sections12 (English and General Knowledge)
Total no. of questions120150
Total marks300600 (English (200) + GK (400))
Marking scheme2.5 for correct and -0.83 for incorrect4 for correct and -1.33 for incorrect
MediumEnglish & HindiEnglish and Hindi
Type of questionsMultiple Choice Questions (MCQs)Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

NDA – SSB Interview Pattern

Day 1Screening TestVerbal and non-verbal tests
PPDT
Day 2Psychological TestThematic Apperception Test (TAT)
Word Association Test (WAT)
Situation Reaction Test (SRT)
Self-Description Test (SD)
Day 3 and Day 4Group Testing Officers’ TasksGD (Group Discussion)
GPE (Group Planning Exercise)
PGT (Progressive Group Tasks)
HGT (Half Group Tasks)
Individual Obstacles
Command Task
Snake race/Group Obstacle Race
Individual lecture
FGT (Final Group Task)
Day 5Conference

NDA Salary 2024

During the National Defense Academy (NDA) coaching period, the aspirants can get a certain amount of remuneration. The Joint training team welcomes cadets to the NDA (JTT). The advantages of NDA pay and allowances begin during the training period when cadets are in IMA. Following the implementation of the 7th pay commission, there have been changes in the pay scale and other aspects of salary for Indian Army officers. Candidates chosen through the NDA exam will be paid a stipend of INR. 56100/- per month (at pay matrix level 10) for the first three years of training. Following successful training, the officer’s pay in the pay matrix will be fixed in the first Cell of Level 10. For more knowledge, check the following table:

NDA RankRank Pay (in Rupees)
Lieutenant56,100/-to 1,77, 500/-
Captain61,300/-to 1,93,900/-
Major69,400/- to 2,07,200/-
Lieutenant Colonel1,21,200/- to 2,12,400/-
Colonel1,30,600/- to 2,15,900/-
Brigadier1,39,600/- to 2,17,600/-
Major General1,44,200/- to 2,18,200/-
Lt. General HAG Scale1, 82, 200/- to 2,24,100/-
HAG+ Scale2,05,400/- to 2,24,400/-
VCOAS/ Army Cdr/ Lt Gen (NFSG)2,25,000/- (fixed)
COAS2,50,000/- (fixed)

Along with NDA Salary, the aspirants can get the below-mentioned allowances: Uniform Allowance, consistent with the designation, extremely active field area allowance, Compensatory Modified Field area allowances, Dearness allowances, Transport allowances, Compensatory field area, etc.

Allowances for Flying

Army Aviators (Pilots) in the Army Aviation Corps are entitled to a monthly flying allowance of Rs.25 000/-.

Education Allowance for Children (CEA)

A monthly allowance of Rs.2250/- is provided for the two oldest children still alive. Children from Nursery to Class 12 are eligible for the Children’s Education Allowance.

Subsidy for Hostels

The two oldest children alive receive a monthly allowance of Rs.6750/- each. From Nursery to Class 12, assistance is available.

Read More – NDA Salary 2022 | Job Profile, Pay Scale, Allowances, and Other Benefits

NDA Exam Syllabus 2024

The NDA written examination consists of Mathematics and the General Ability Test (GAT). Prospective applicants for NDA 2024 should start their preparation for the written exam by studying the comprehensive NDA Syllabus 2024 outlined in this article.

NDA Mathematics Syllabus

Here are all the necessary topics in the NDA syllabus for Paper 1, i.e. Mathematics: 

TopicsTopic includes
AlgebraConcept of set, operations on sets, Venn diagrams, Binary system of numbers, Representation of real numbers on a line. Complex numbers—basic properties, modulus, and argument, cube roots of unity, Arithmetic, Geometric and Harmonic progressions, Quadratic equations with real coefficients, Solution of linear inequations of two variables by graphs, Permutation and Combination, Binomial theorem, Logarithms and their applications, Cartesian product, Logarithms.
TrigonometryAngles and their measures in degrees and in radians, Trigonometrical ratios, Trigonometric identities Sum and difference formulae, Multiple and Sub-multiple angles, Inverse trigonometric functions, Applications-Height and distance, properties of triangles.
Differential CalculusConcept of a real-valued function–domain, range and graph of a function, Composite functions, Notion of limit, Standard limits. Continuity of functions, algebraic operations on continuous functions. Derivative of function at a point, geometrical and physical interpretation of a derivative, Derivatives of sum, product and quotient of functions, derivative of a function with respect to another function, derivative of a composite function. Second order derivatives, Increasing and decreasing functions, Application of derivatives in problems of maxima and minima.
Vector AlgebraVectors in two and three dimensions, magnitude and direction of a vector. Unit and null vectors, addition of vectors, scalar multiplication of a vector, scalar product or dot product of two vectors, Vector product or cross product of two vectors, Applications—work done by a force and moment of a force and in geometrical problems.
Matrices and DeterminantsTypes of matrices, operations on matrices, Determinant of a matrix, basic properties of determinants, Adjoint and inverse of a square matrix, Applications-Solution of a system of linear equations in two or three unknowns by Cramer’s rule and by Matrix Method.
Analytical Geometry of Two and Three DimensionsRectangular Cartesian Coordinate system, Distance formula, Equation of a line in various forms, Angle between two lines, Distance of a point from a line, Equation of a circle in standard, Standard forms of parabola, ellipse and hyperbola. Eccentricity and axis of a conic, Point in a three dimensional space, distance between two points. Direction Cosines and direction ratios, Equation two points, Direction Cosines and direction ratios, Equation of a plane and a line in various forms, Angle between two lines and angle between two planes, Equation of a sphere.
Integral Calculus and Differential EquationsIntegration as inverse of differentiation, integration by substitution and by parts, standard integrals involving algebraic expressions, trigonometric, exponential and hyperbolic functions, Evaluation of definite integrals—determination of areas of plan eregions bounded by curves. Definition of order and degree of a differential equation, formation of a differential equation, General and particular solution of a differential equations, solution of first order and first degree differential equations of various types, Application in problems of growth and decay.
Statistics and ProbabilityStatistics: Classification of data, Frequency distribution, cumulative frequency distribution, Graphical representation—Histogram, Pie Chart, frequency polygon, Measures of Central tendency—Mean, median and mode, Variance and standard deviation—determination and comparison, Correlation and regression.

Probability: Random experiment, outcomes and associated sample space, events, mutually exclusive and exhaustive events, impossible and certain events. Union and Intersection of events. Complementary, elementary and composite events. Definition of probability—classical and statistical, Elementary theorems on probability—simple problems, Conditional probability, Bayes’ theorem—simple problems, Random variable as function on a sample space, Binomial distribution.

General Ability Test Syllabus

Paper 2 in NDA checks a candidate’s Basic awareness and English proficiency. This section is divided into two parts, English and General knowledge.

Part A: English Syllabus

The English examination paper will evaluate the candidate’s comprehension of the language. The curriculum encompasses different elements, as mentioned.

  •         Grammar and usage
  •         Comprehension and cohesion
  •         Spotting of errors
  •         Para Jumbling
  •         Fill in the blanks
  •         Synonyms and antonyms
  •         Vocabulary
  •         Cloze test
  •         Sentence correction and improvement
  •         Idioms and proverbs
  •         Completion of Sentence and Para

Part B: General knowledge

The question paper on General knowledge will cover current affairs, questions from Physics, Chemistry, General Science, Social Studies, Geography, and Current Events. The NDA Syllabus for every topic is given below. The paper aims to check knowledge and understanding of the subject.

Syllabus: Physics 

The table below includes the topics asked within the Physics section of the General Ability Test: 

States of Matter and its properties, Mass, Weight, Volume, Density and Specific Gravity, Principle of Archimedes, Pressure Barometer.Light and Sound (Properties), Simple musical instruments. Rectilinear propagation of Light, Reflection and refraction. Spherical mirrors and Lenses, Human Eye.
Motion and Laws of Motion, Velocity and Acceleration, Newton’s Laws of Motion, Force and Momentum, Parallelogram of Forces, Stability and Equilibrium of bodies, and Gravitation.Magnet and its properties, Natural and Artificial Magnets, Earth as a Magnet
Work Energy and Power, elementary ideas of workCurrent and Electricity, conductors and Non-conductors, Ohm’s Law, Simple Electrical Circuits, Heating, Lighting and Magnetic effects of Current, Measurement ofElectrical Power, Primary and Secondary Cells, Use of X-Rays.
Modes of Transfer of Heat and its effect, Measurement of Temperature and Heat, change of State and Latent Heat, Modes of transference of Heat.General Principles of Working of Simple Pendulum, Pulleys, Siphon, Levers, Balloon, Pumps, Hydrometer, Pressure Cooker, Thermos Flask, Gramophone, Telegraphs, Telephone, Periscope, Telescope, Microscope, Mariner’s Compass, Lightning Conductors, Safety Fuses

NDA Syllabus: Chemistry

The table below includes the topics asked within the Chemistry section of the General Ability Test: 

Physical and Chemical ChangesPreparation and Properties of Oxygen, Hydrogen, etc., with Oxidation and Reduction
Air and water (Properties)Carbon and its forms
Formulae and simple Chemical EquationsAtomic Equivalent and Molecular Weights, Valency
Laws of Chemical CombinationAtom and its structure (details)
Elements, Compounds, and MixturesFertilizers- Natural and Artificial
Acids, Bases, and SaltsUse of materials for the preparation of different chemicals like Soap, Glass, Ink, Paper, Cement, Paints, Safety Matches and Gun-23 Powder

Syllabus: General Science

The topics for general science are tabulated below: 

Basic Unit of Life: CellGrowth and Reproduction in Plants and animals
Proto plasms and TissuesConstituents of food
Living and Non-Living ThingsHuman Body and Life processes
Epidemics: causes and preventionsFood and Balanced Diet
Solar System- Meteors and Comets, Eclipses.Achievement of Eminent Scientists

Exam Syllabus: History 

The necessary topics for the history section of the GAT are mentioned in the table below:

Indian History: Culture and CivilizationConstitution and Administration of India
Nationalism in IndiaPanchsheel, Democracy, Socialism, and Communism
Five Year Plans of IndiaRenaissance, Exploration and Discovery
French, Russian, and Industrial RevolutionUnited Nations and the Concept of one world
Democracy of IndiaThe teaching of Mahatma Gandhi
Freedom Movement in IndiaPanchayati Raj, Co-operatives and community development.
Bhoodan, Sarvodaya, National Integration and Welfare StateImpact of Science and Technology on Society.

NDA Syllabus: Geography 

Candidates should prepare the these topics thoroughly for the Geography section:

Earth and its Origin and Movement (Latitudes and Longitudes)Tides and Oceanic Currents
Rocks and their classificationThe atmosphere and Atmospheric Pressure
Types of ClimateRegional Geography of India
Agricultural and IndustriesTransportation and Trading routes of India
Imports and Exports of IndiaConcept of time, International Date Line. 
Movements of Earth and their effects, Origin of EarthPlanetary Winds, Cyclones and Anti-cyclones; Humidity; Condensation and Precipitation;
Weathering—Mechanical and Chemical, Earthquakes and VolcanoesMineral and Power resources; location and distribution of agricultural and Industrial activitie

Syllabus: Current Affairs 

Candidates should read newspapers and magazines with information about the latest events in the country and the outside world.

Important and Recent Events in IndiaCurrent and Important World Events
Influential Indian or Non-Indian Personalities related to Cultural Activities and Sports

Exam Results

  • Candidates are urged to keep monitoring the official website for updates on the result announcement.
  • NDA 2 Results are going to be announced in the Third week of September.
  • Within 20 days following the announcement of the results, the selected candidates must visit the respective websites to indicate their willingness to proceed to the next round of selection, the SSB interview.
  • Within 40 days, the SSB results, including the medical result and final merit list, are announced.

How to Check NDA Results?

The procedure for checking the NDA Results is outlined below:

  • Go to the UPSC’s official website.
  • Search for the NDA exam result in the homepage search box and click on it.
  • Enter your roll number and the captcha image code on the next screen, then click submit.
  • The result will appear, and you can print it or save a soft copy.

NDA Exam Cutoff: Previous Year

The table below shows the NDA cut-offs for previous years. It may give you a good idea of how the trend has been over the last four years.

YearWritten Test Marks (Out of 900 marks)Final Exam Marks (Out of 1800 marks)
NDA (I) 2023301664
NDA (I) 2022360720
NDA (II) 2021355726
NDA (I) 2021343709
NDA (I) 2020355723
NDA (II) 2019346709
NDA (I) 2019342704
NDA (II) 2018 325 688
NDA (I) 2018338705

A candidate would be considered unsuccessful if he or she passes the NDA cutoff but does not receive at least 25% in each of the separate papers. So, one must receive at least 25% of the total marks on each paper of the written exam to advance to the interview session.

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FAQ’s

How to clear the NDA exam on the first attempt?

A smart study plan is required to pass the exam on the first try. An intelligent study plan entails effectively managing your time and the NDA syllabus. Your preparation schedule must be well-organized for you to receive high marks. Begin preparing the topics from the ground up. You can answer high-level questions ony if your fundamentals are clear. You can improve your general knowledge by reading newspapers, magazines, journals, and books by well-known authors on current events, among other things. All these tips can help candidates to crack the exam easily.

What is NDA full form?

NDA’s full form is National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) holds the NDA exam twice a year for admission to the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy and Indian Naval Academy courses. The Supreme Court of India also allowed women candidates to join the NDA.

Which stream is best for the NDA exam after the 10th?

According to the most recent NDA Examination eligibility criteria, students must have a minimum education qualification of 10+2 (Army) and 10+2 (Navy) (Physics and Maths for Air Force & Navy). So, any subject will suffice if you want to join the army. However, to join the IAF or Navy, you must have completed PCM in grades 11 and 12.

What is the NDA exam meant for?

UPSC administers the NDA exam for admission to the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the NDA. This exam serves as a gateway for candidates interested in joining the Army, Navy, or Air Force. This is a national-level exam that is given twice a year. This examination will be a two-step process in which candidates must first pass the exam and then qualify for the Service Selection Board’s personality test or interview (SSB). The UPSC is solely responsible for issuing selection guidelines and overseeing the final administration of the entrance examination.

What is the height for NDA Exam?

The prescribed NDA height is 157 cm (For Air Force, it is 162.5 cm). Certain exceptions apply to candidates based on their geographical origin and gender. The minimum height for Gorkhas and candidates from the hills of North-Eastern India, Garhwal, and Kumaon will be 5 cm less than general candidates.

How is the NDA exam physical test?


Candidates must appear for the SSB interview after passing the NDA written exam. During the interview, all physical standards of the candidates are determined. Three factors determine the overall physical means for Army Officers:

1. Height and Weight Requirements
2. Visual Guidelines
3. Other Physical Standards like Body Mass Index, Waist Hip ratio, Waist Circumference, biochemical metabolic parameters, etc.

All three forces that are Army, Air force, and Navy, have different ranges and parameters in the physical test. It is mandatory to pass this test to get selected for the NDA. The following are the minor issues that frequently cause candidates to be deemed unsuitable for NDA recruitment. Ear Wax, Piles, Deviated Nasal Septum, Overweight/ Underweight, Hydrocele/ Phimosis, Undersized Chest, Varicocele, Tonsillitis, or Gynaecomastia are examples.

Is swimming compulsory for NDA Exam?

Yes, Swimming is mandatory, and all trainees must pass the basic swimming test before the end of the second semester or risk being relegated. The basic swimming test consists of swimming 50 meters (any stroke) followed by three minutes of floating in a full-sleeved shirt and trousers. During the training, trainees must also pass advanced swimming tests, the details of which will be communicated to them upon arrival. The Academy will ensure the 10 m jump and increased distance of swimming proficiency to 1500 meters for the INAC course.

What is the total score of NDA Exam?

The NDA exam will be divided into two parts: a written exam and a personality test (SSB interview). The written examination will include two papers: Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT). The Mathematics paper is worth 300 points. The GAT paper is worth 600 points. As a result, the total score for the NDA written exam will be 900. The questions in Mathematics will be drawn from topics covered in the 10+2 level. The GAT paper will include English, General Knowledge, and General Science questions.