Frequently Asked Questions About NDA Exam

NDA is the acronym of National Defense Academy which is a joint services academy of the Indian Armed Forces. Cadets from across the country are trained to join Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and Indian Navy before appearing to pre-commissioning training in their relevant service academies. National Defense Academy is the first tri-service school in the world.

The NDA is located at Khadakwasla near Pune, Maharashtra.

NDA Exam is conducted by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice every year. UPSC is the sole organization to conduct NDA as well as CDS exam. The NDA exam consists of 3 levels, the written examination, SSB and personal interview.

There are 3 wings which come under NDA namely Indian Air Force, Indian Army and Indian Navy. All the trainees from three wings are trained in the Academy for three years and graduating.

Only unmarried male candidates can appear for NDA Exam. They need to be between 16.5 years and 19 years.

Interested candidates can appear as many times as they want as there is no restriction on the number of attempts that are made till their age lies between 16.5 and 19 years.

The application fee for the NDA exam is Rs 100. You can deposit the money in any Branch of SBI by cash, or by using net banking facility of State Bank of India/ State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur/ Sate Bank of Hyderabad/State Bank of Mysore/State Bank of Patiala /State Bank of Travancore or by using Visa/Master Credit / Debit Card. There is a fees exemption for SC/ST/PH Applicants/ Sons of JCOs/NCOs/ORs.

Normally, it varies from year to year. On an average, 370 seats are announced for NDA, out of which, about 200 seats are secured for Army, 40 for Navy, 70 for Air Force, 50 for Naval Academy.

Students can apply in December for April cycle of the exam and May for August cycle.

There are no specific passing marks in 12th Class to appear for NDA Exam. You must have passed your 12th class to appear for the Exam and join the National Defence Academy.

No, for NDA Exam, candidate must be either appearing for 12th or have passed 12th class.

Yes, for every wrong answer, 0.33 marks will be deducted.

Yes, 12th appearing students can apply for NDA Exam.

No, for NDA Exam, candidate must be either appearing for 12th or have passed 12th class.

No, NDA is only available for male candidates.

No, application form will be available only through online mode. No other mode will be entertained.

Yes, the application fees can be paid through offline mode using SBI Challan.

Examination will be conducted only through offline (pen or paper based) mode.

Two and half hours will be provided for each section.

Objective type questions will be asked in the examination.