NDA & NA

The National Defence Academy (NDA) examination is conducted by UPSC twice a year to select candidates for the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the NDA and for the Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC). It is the earliest entry point into the Indian Armed Forces as an officer — candidates can appear for NDA while still in Class 12 (age 16.5 to 19.5 years). This makes NDA unique among all UPSC examinations.

The written exam consists of two papers: Mathematics (300 marks, 2.5 hours) and General Ability Test (600 marks, 2.5 hours — covering English, Physics, Chemistry, Social Studies, Geography, and Current Affairs). Only candidates who clear the written exam are called for the SSB (Service Selection Board) interview, which is a 5-day personality and psychological assessment process. The SSB is the most critical filter — it assesses leadership potential, officer-like qualities, and mental fitness beyond academic ability.

A crucial point for NDA aspirants: the SSB interview cannot be prepared for by rote study. It assesses personality, not knowledge. Activities like sports, debate, outdoor adventure, leadership roles in school, and group activities genuinely build the qualities that SSB assesses. Start these early — Class 10 onwards — rather than trying to prepare for SSB at the last minute. Our editorial team reviews NDA examination notifications from upsc.gov.in biannually, last updated July 2026.