UPSC NDA Exam Syllabus, Exam Pattern & Eligibility Criteria: Everything Explained In Detail

Introduction to UPSC NDA Exam

The National Defence Academy Exam or NDA Exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice every year to recruit young candidates for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. It is one of the most prestigious defense exams in India and offers students a chance to join the Armed Forces right after Class 12th.

NDA is unique because it combines academic knowledge, physical endurance, and leadership qualities. Unlike CDS, which is for graduates, NDA is open for 10+2 pass students, making it the first gateway for a defense career.

The exam consists of a written test and SSB Interview, followed by a medical examination. Selected candidates undergo rigorous training at the National Defence Academy (Khadakwasla, Pune) before moving on to the respective service academies – Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Air Force Academy (AFA).

Every year, lakhs of students apply for NDA I (April) and NDA II (September), making it one of the most competitive exams in India.

UPSC NDA Exam Eligibility Criteria

Before applying, candidates must check the detailed eligibility criteria regarding nationality, age, education, and physical fitness.

Nationality

A candidate must be:

• A citizen of India, OR
• A subject of Nepal or Bhutan, OR
• A Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1st January 1962 with the intention of permanent settlement, OR
• A Person of Indian Origin (PIO) who migrated from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Burma, or East African countries with the intention of permanent settlement.

Candidates must provide valid nationality proof as required by UPSC.

Age Limit & Marital Status

• Candidates must be between 16.5 to 19.5 years old at the time of course commencement.
• Only unmarried male and female candidates are eligible.
• Candidates who marry during training will be disqualified.

Unlike CDS, NDA allows both male and female aspirants after a Supreme Court ruling in 2021.

Educational Qualification

• Army Wing: Must have passed 12th Class (10+2) from a recognized board.
• Navy & Air Force Wings: Must have passed 12th Class (10+2) with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects.

Candidates appearing in 12th Board exams are also eligible to apply, provided they clear before joining NDA.

Physical & Medical Standards

NDA candidates must meet strict medical standards.

Height & Weight Standards

• Minimum height: 157 cm for males and 152 cm for females.
• Air Force candidates must be at least 163 cm tall.
• Weight must be proportionate to height as per UPSC’s official chart.

Vision Standards

• Minimum visual standard: 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in the other.
• Color blindness and night blindness are not permitted.

Other Requirements

• Candidate must be physically fit without deformities like flat feet, knock knees, or stammering.
• No history of epilepsy, cardiac disease, or chronic illness.

Candidates must clear a detailed medical exam at Military Hospitals after SSB selection.

Number of Attempts

There is no restriction on the number of attempts for NDA, provided candidates fall within the prescribed age bracket (16.5–19.5 years).

UPSC NDA Exam Pattern

The NDA Exam Pattern is designed to test both the academic knowledge and the officer-like qualities (OLQs) of candidates. It has three stages:

1. Written Examination (Mathematics + General Ability Test)
2. SSB Interview (Services Selection Board)
3. Medical Examination

Candidates who qualify in all three stages are included in the final merit list and are allotted to Army, Navy, or Air Force depending on preference and merit.

Written Examination

The written exam is conducted by UPSC and is objective type. It has two papers:

Paper I: Mathematics

• Duration: 2.5 hours
• Marks: 300
• Questions: 120
• Type: MCQs
• Marking Scheme: +2.5 for correct answer, -0.83 for wrong answer

The mathematics paper tests candidates on:

• Algebra
• Trigonometry
• Analytical Geometry (2D & 3D)
• Differential Calculus
• Integral Calculus
• Vector Algebra
• Probability & Statistics
• Matrices and Determinants

This section requires strong conceptual clarity and regular practice of NCERT Class 11th and 12th Maths.

Paper II: General Ability Test (GAT)

• Duration: 2.5 hours
• Marks: 600
• Sections: English (200 marks) + General Knowledge (400 marks)
• Questions: 150
• Marking Scheme: +4 for correct answer, -1.33 for wrong answer

Part A – English (200 marks):

• Vocabulary
• Grammar & Usage
• Comprehension & Cohesion
• Spotting Errors
• Para Jumbles
• Synonyms & Antonyms

Part B – General Knowledge (400 marks):

• Physics: Laws of Motion, Electricity, Magnetism, Optics
• Chemistry: Acids, Bases, Elements, Organic Chemistry Basics
• Biology: Human Physiology, Plant Physiology, Genetics
• History: Ancient, Medieval, and Modern Indian History
• Geography: Physical, Economic & Social Geography of India and the World
• Current Affairs: National and International Events, Sports, Defense Exercises, Awards

The GAT is broad and requires reading NCERT Books (6th–12th), Newspapers, and Monthly Magazines like Yojana & Pratiyogita Darpan.

Total Marks for Written Exam

• Mathematics: 300
• GAT: 600
• Total: 900

Candidates must clear sectional and overall cutoffs to qualify for the SSB.

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SSB Interview / Personality Test

The Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview is the most crucial stage of NDA selection. It is a 5-day process designed to evaluate officer-like qualities (OLQs).

Stages of SSB Interview

Day 1: Screening Test

• Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test
• Picture Perception & Description Test (PPDT)

Day 2: Psychological Tests

• Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)
• Word Association Test (WAT)
• Situation Reaction Test (SRT)
• Self-Description Test

Day 3 & 4: Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks

• Group Discussion
• Group Planning Exercise
• Progressive Group Tasks
• Half Group Tasks
• Individual Obstacles
• Command Task
• Lecturette

Day 5: Personal Interview & Conference

The SSB Interview carries 900 marks. Performance here decides the final selection more than the written test.

Medical Examination

Candidates recommended by SSB undergo a detailed medical examination at military hospitals. It includes:

• General health check-up
• Eye & ear tests
• X-ray and ECG
• Blood and urine tests
• Musculoskeletal checks

Candidates found medically unfit can appeal for a Review Medical Board.

Final Merit List

The final selection is based on:

• Written Exam Marks (900)
• SSB Interview Marks (900)
• Medical Fitness

UPSC prepares the All India Merit List based on total marks. Candidates are allocated to Army, Navy, or Air Force depending on rank, preference, and vacancies.

UPSC NDA Exam Syllabus (Detailed Subject-wise)

The NDA Syllabus is vast and covers both Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT), followed by the SSB Interview syllabus. Understanding the detailed topics is essential for effective preparation.

Mathematics Syllabus

Mathematics forms the backbone of the NDA written exam. Questions are asked from Class 11th and 12th NCERT level.

Key Topics

1. Algebra – Binomial Theorem, Arithmetic and Geometric Progressions, Complex Numbers
2. Matrices & Determinants – Types of matrices, Determinants, Applications of matrices in solving equations
3. Trigonometry – Trigonometric identities, Heights and Distances, Inverse Trigonometric Functions
4. Analytical Geometry (2D & 3D) – Straight Lines, Circles, Conic Sections, Distance Formula
5. Differential Calculus – Limits, Continuity, Differentiation, Applications of derivatives
6. Integral Calculus – Definite & Indefinite Integrals, Differential Equations, Applications
7. Vector Algebra – Scalar & Vector Products, Applications in Geometry & Physics
8. Probability & Statistics – Mean, Median, Mode, Variance, Probability Theorems

Tip: Focus on solving NDA previous year question papers, as certain topics like Trigonometry, Calculus, and Probability are frequently repeated.

General Ability Test (GAT) Syllabus

The GAT paper is broad and covers English and General Knowledge.

Part A – English (200 Marks)

The English section checks a candidate’s basic language ability.

• Vocabulary (Synonyms, Antonyms, One-word substitutions)
• Grammar & Usage (Spotting Errors, Sentence Correction)
• Reading Comprehension & Passage-based Questions
• Sentence Arrangement (Para jumbles)
• Cloze Test (Fill in the blanks)

Daily reading of newspapers like The Hindu or Indian Express improves both English & Current Affairs.

Part B – General Knowledge (400 Marks)

1. Physics:

• Laws of Motion
• Gravitation & Work-Energy
• Properties of Matter
• Heat, Sound, and Light
• Electricity & Magnetism
• Modern Physics

2. Chemistry:

• Atomic Structure
• Elements, Compounds & Mixtures
• Acid, Base & Salts
• Organic Chemistry Basics
• Environmental Chemistry

3. Biology:

• Human Anatomy & Physiology
• Plant Physiology
• Cell Structure & Functions
• Genetics & Evolution
• Nutrition & Health

4. History:

• Ancient Indian History – Vedic Period, Mauryan, Gupta Empires
• Medieval India – Delhi Sultanate, Mughal Empire
• Modern Indian History – Revolt of 1857, Indian National Movement, Freedom Struggle Leaders

5. Geography:

• Physical Geography – Earth’s Structure, Climate, Oceans
• Indian Geography – River Systems, Agriculture, Industries
• World Geography – Continents, Trade, Transportation

6. Current Affairs:

• National & International Events
• Defense Exercises & Military Technology
• Awards & Honors
• Sports Events

Tip: Reading NCERTs (6th–12th), along with Manorama Yearbook and Pratiyogita Darpan, helps cover GK comprehensively.

SSB Interview Syllabus

The SSB Interview doesn’t have a fixed syllabus, but it evaluates a candidate’s personality, intelligence, and leadership through psychological tests and group activities.

Psychological Tests

• Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) – Writing stories from pictures
• Word Association Test (WAT) – Writing sentences based on given words
• Situation Reaction Test (SRT) – Response to real-life problem situations
• Self-Description Test – Writing about oneself

Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks

• Group Discussion (GD)
• Group Planning Exercise (GPE)
• Progressive Group Task (PGT)
• Half Group Task (HGT)
• Individual Obstacles
• Command Task
• Lecturette

Personal Interview

• Family background, academics, hobbies, goals
• Defense awareness and current affairs
• Problem-solving and decision-making skills

Candidates are assessed for Officer-Like Qualities (OLQs) such as leadership, initiative, teamwork, and mental robustness.

Weightage of NDA Exam Syllabus Topics

Subject/Section	Marks	% Weightage
Mathematics	300	33.3%
English (GAT Part A)	200	22.2%
General Knowledge (GAT Part B)	400	44.5%
Total (Written Exam)	900	100%
SSB Interview	900	—

Written exam + SSB combined = 1800 marks.

Preparation Strategy for UPSC NDA Exam

Cracking the NDA exam requires a well-planned strategy, discipline, and consistency. Since the syllabus is vast, aspirants must divide preparation into phases.

Subject-wise Preparation Tips

1. Mathematics:
   • Revise NCERT Class 11th & 12th thoroughly.
   • Focus on Trigonometry, Calculus, Probability, and Algebra.
   • Solve previous 10 years’ question papers.
   • Attempt mock tests to improve speed.
2. English:
   • Build vocabulary using Word Power Made Easy (Norman Lewis).
   • Read English newspapers to improve comprehension.
   • Practice error spotting, sentence rearrangement, and grammar rules.
3. General Knowledge:
   • Read NCERT books (6th–12th) for History, Polity, and Geography.
   • For Current Affairs, follow The Hindu, PIB, and monthly magazines.
   • For Science, revise basics of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.

Recommended Books for NDA Exam

• Mathematics: NCERT 11th & 12th + R.S. Aggarwal Objective Mathematics
• English: Word Power Made Easy (Norman Lewis), Wren & Martin Grammar
• General Knowledge: NCERT (6th–12th), Lucent’s GK, Manorama Yearbook
• Current Affairs: Newspapers + Yojana Magazine

Role of Mock Tests & Previous Papers

• Helps understand the exam pattern.
• Improves time management.
• Highlights weak areas for improvement.

Consistency in mock test practice significantly boosts confidence.

Important Details about UPSC NDA Exam

• Frequency: Conducted twice a year (NDA I in April, NDA II in September).
• Vacancies: Varies between 350–450 seats depending on Army, Navy, and Air Force requirements.
• Mode of Exam: Offline (Pen & Paper).
• Centers: Conducted across 70+ cities in India.

Competition is intense – over 6–7 lakh candidates apply for each session, but only a few thousand qualify.

Career Growth after NDA

Candidates who clear NDA undergo 3 years of rigorous training at the National Defence Academy, Pune. After this:

• Army Cadets join Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun
• Naval Cadets join Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala
• Air Force Cadets join Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad

Promotion Opportunities

• Lieutenant → Captain → Major → Lt. Colonel → Colonel → Brigadier → Major General → Lt. General → General (Army)
• Equivalent ranks exist in Navy & Air Force.

NDA offers not just a career, but a lifetime of honor, discipline, and leadership.

Common Myths about UPSC NDA Exam

1. Myth: Only toppers can clear NDA.
   Reality: Consistency & smart preparation matter more than school marks.
2. Myth: NDA is only for boys.
   Reality: Since 2021, girls are also eligible to appear for NDA.
3. Myth: English medium students have an advantage.
   Reality: NDA exam is bilingual (English & Hindi).
4. Myth: Physical fitness is enough to crack NDA.
   Reality: Academic excellence + personality + physical fitness are all important.

Conclusion

The UPSC NDA Exam is not just an exam but a gateway to becoming an officer in the Indian Armed Forces. With proper planning, discipline, and perseverance, candidates can successfully crack the exam.

The key is to:

• Master the NDA Exam syllabus
• Follow a structured preparation strategy
• Stay updated with current affairs
• Build mental toughness and leadership qualities

Clearing NDA Exam opens the door to a prestigious career full of honor, adventure, and responsibility.

Also Read: UPSC CDS Exam Syllabus, Exam Pattern & Eligibility Criteria

FAQs: UPSC NDA Exam Syllabus, Exam Pattern & Eligibility