The National Defence Academy (NDA) has long represented bravery, honor, and dedication in military service. The NDA/NA Exam is expected to take place in 2024, so candidates must understand the specifics of the qualifying requirements as they represent the first obstacle to becoming a member of the Indian Armed Forces.

What is the NDA exam?

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) of India administers the National Defence Academy/Naval Academy (NDA/NA) Exam, which is highly coveted and difficult. This test's primary goal is to choose applicants for admission to the National Defence Academy, which the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force use as a joint services academy.

You can view the application form from December 20 to January 9, 2024. Those who are male or female, between the ages of 16.5 and 19.5, have completed or plan to conduct Class 12 and fulfill the NDA eligibility conditions are eligible to take the NDA 1 2024 exam. April 21st, 2024, is when the NDA 1 2024 exam will be held.

On May 15, 2024, the NDA 2 notification 2024 will be made public. June 4, 2024, is the deadline for applications to the exam. The test is scheduled to take place on September 1, 2024. Applicants for the NDA 2024 exam must be between 16.5 and 19.5, have passed Class 12, or be taking the Class 12 exam

The NDA test is given twice a year to eligible candidates for admission to the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings by the National Defence Academy and Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC). Applications for the NDA 2024 are open to both men and women. The two components of the selection procedure are the written test and the Service Selection Board interview. Here are some specifics regarding the NDA 2024 exam.

Overview UPSC NDA Exam 2024
Exam Name	Test for Naval Academy and National Defence Academy (NDA & NA-II)
Conducting Body	Commission on Union Public Service
Level of the Exam	National
Frequency of exam	Every two times in year
Selection Process	Written Exam and SSB interview
Medium of Exam	English and Hindi
Exam pattern	GAT: 150 Questions with an objective format Mathematics: 120 Objective-style questions
Exam duration	Five hours Mathematics: 2 hours 30 minutes General Ability Test (GAT): 2 hours 30 minutes
Marking Scheme	Maths: 2.5 marks for correct answers and 0.83 marks for wrong answers GAT: 4 marks for correct answers and 1.33 marks for wrong answers
Exam mode	Offline
Total vacancies	395
Eligibility	Unmarried male/female candidates: Between the ages of 16.5 and 19.5 Passed class 12th/ In class 12th
Exam Centres	41 Cities across India
Official website	www.upsc.gov.in

NDA Exam pattern and syllabus

The UPSC sets both the NDA selection procedure and the exam syllabus. The NDA exam material and format often stay the same year to year.

The NDA exam is administered in two stages, as previously mentioned the written exam and the SSB interview.
The Mathematics and the General Ability Test portions of the written test are administered separately. The paper fast half is 2.5 hours long then 1.5 hours break then the 2nd half is 2.5 hours long in all.
The GAT is further split into the English section (Part A) and the English General Knowledge section (Part B).
The NDA written exam carries 900 total points, 300 of which are for maths and 600 of which are for the GAT.
For every math correct response, candidates will receive 2.5 marks; for the GAT portion, they will receive four spots. Additionally, each incorrect answer will deduct 0.83 marks in maths, 1.33 in English, and 1.33 in general knowledge.
All subjects covered in the NDA syllabus have solely objective-style questions in their examinations. The GAT Paper B and the Mathematics Question Paper are bilingual and available in Hindi and English.
There are two phases to the SSB Interview, which is worth 900 marks.
Picture Perception, Description Test (PP&DT) and Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests make Stage I. Group testing officer tasks, interviews, psychology tests, and conferences make Stage II. These examinations take four days to complete.

Code		Exam Name	Duration	No. of Questions	Maximum Marks
01		Mathematics	2 hours 30 minutes	120	300
02		General Ability Test	2 hours 30 minutes	150	600
	SSB Interview				900
	Total				1800

That brings the total marks for NDA Exams to 1800.

The next NDA exam date is 2024

UPSC has released the dates for NDA 1 and NDA 2 in 2024. On April 21, 2024, the NDA 1 2024 written test will take place. On September 1, 2024, the NDA 2 2024 written test will take place. We have included NDA 2024 dates in the table below.

EVENTS	DATES
NDA 1 2024 application form	20-Dec-2023 to 09-Jan-2024
NDA 1 2024 exam	21-Apr-2024
NDA 2 2024 application form	15-May-2024 to 04-Jun-2024
NDA 2 2024 exam	01-Sep-2024

NDA eligibility highlights 2024

To be accepted into the National Defence Academy and the Indian Naval Academy, candidates must fulfill the requirements for NDA eligibility. The NDA criteria are further broken down by nationality, marital status, and age restriction. In addition, this post is open to exclusively male and female applicants.

NDA Eligibility Criteria Overview
Exam	NDA
NDA Full Form	National Defence Academy
Conducting Body	Union Public Service Commission
Exam Level	National
Starting Post	Army Lieutenant Navy Sub Lieutenant
Gender & Marital Requirements	Unmarried Female and Male
NDA Age Limit	Upper Age Limit - 19.5 years Lower Age Limit - 16.5 years
Number of Attempts	No limit
NDA Educational Qualifications	Army Wing: Passing certificate in 10+2 exam Air Force and Naval Wings: Passing Certification of Class 12th exam with Physics and Mathematics
Selection Process	Written Test SSB Interview

NDA eligibility criteria 2024

Candidates are eligible for NDAs only if they fulfil specific prerequisites. Should these requirements not be fulfilled, the application will be declined. Men and women who fit the needs are both eligible to apply. The bare minimums are:

NDA 2 is only open to candidates born between January 2, 2006, and January 1, 2009.

A passing certificate from the 10+2 test is the educational requirement for the Army Wing of NDA.
Applicants for the Air Force and Naval Wings of NDA must have finished their maths, physics, and chemistry or 12th appearing.

I. Nationality matters

The first requirement for NDA eligibility is nationality. Indian citizens are required to be eligible for the NDA exam 2024. Furthermore, immigrants from specific countries are considered suitable, as are refugees from Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal, and India. This all-encompassing approach recognizes the joint commitment to safeguarding the nation's boundaries and distinctive culture.

II. Age: A critical factor

There is an age limit for membership in each NDA wing. To be eligible to join the Army Wing of NDA, applicants must be between 16.5 and 19.5. For those interested in the Air Force and Naval Wings of the NDA and the 10+2 Cadets Entrance Scheme at the Indian Naval Academy, the age requirement remains unchanged in the interim, demonstrating the stringent but essential age constraints.

The NDA exam requires candidates to be between 16.5 and 19.5. Eligible candidates for the NDA must be between 18 and unmarried.

Criteria	Eligibility
Gender	Only unmarried male/female candidates
Birthdate	Born not earlier than 2nd January 2006 and not later than 1st January 2009
Birth certificate	The date of birth listed on the application must coincide with the date of birth on the Secondary School Leaving Certificate, Matriculation Certificate, or other equivalent documents accepted by an Indian university.
Other documents	No other document related to age, such as horoscopes, affidavits, or birth extracts, will be accepted

Essential Points to Note:

If a candidate's date of birth on their application differs from that on 10+2 certificate they might require assistance.
Once the online application form is submitted, it cannot be altered, and revisions are not allowed.
Candidates are not permitted to get married before finishing their course. You will not be allowed to complete the training if you get married before or during it.

NDA age limit for girls

The Union Public Service Commission has set an NDA age limit for girls, who must be between 16.5 and 19.5 to take the exam. It is the same age limit for girls and boys. Applicants who are female and fall within the age limit are eligible to take the NDA exam. Applicants older than the NDA age restriction will not be accepted for the test.

Academic ascents

The educational requirements needed to pursue an NDA path necessitate a careful balancing act between cerebral ability and physical power. Candidates must have a 10+2 degree or equivalent. The focus on this educational Standard is evidence of the complex requirements of a military career, where mental acuity is just as important as physical stamina.

NDA eligibility criteria - Educational qualification

The educational requirement is the second NDA Exam Eligibility Requirement to be able to take the NDA 2024. The departments below correspond to the divisions in which the necessary academic credentials have been divided. Could you make use of it as a guide?

NDA qualifications
Academy	Educational Qualifications
Army Wing of National Defence Academy	Qualification: 12th Class pass Education Pattern: 10+2 Conducted by: State Education Board or University
Air Force and Naval Wings of National Defence Academy and for the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at the Indian Naval Academy	Qualification: 12th Class pass Subjects: Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics Education Pattern: 10+2 Conducted by: State Education Board or University

Essential Points to Note:

Those in the 12th grade or above may register for the test.
If an applicant is eligible for the SSB interview but needs the original Matriculation/10+2 certificate, they would lose their application unless they provide a self-attested photocopy to Army HQ or Naval HQ by the deadline.
Candidates are to present their original certificates if they have previously done so during the interview.
In extreme circumstances, the commission may permit candidates who must meet the required credentials to take the exam.
By the deadline for submission, candidates who still need to pass the 12th-grade exam must present documentation of their passing.
Applicants that the Ministry of Defence has disqualified are not eligible.
Candidates can now apply for Ground Duty branches of the Air Force even if they have previously failed the CPSS or PABT.

Physical fitness: The bedrock of NDA

NDA places a high value on physical fitness in addition to academic credentials. Biological and medical conditions must be met by candidates for the academy to certify them as capable of handling the rigorous training program. The physical fitness requirements are meant to cull out the unprepared while moulding individuals into strong, graceful, and resilient future officers.

Medical standards

The NDA has established strict medical requirements for applicants to be approved for duty. These requirements cover various topics, such as general physical health, dental health, hearing, and vision. The strenuous nature of military service, which necessitates that members be in excellent condition to handle the difficulties of numerous environments and unforeseen situations, justifies these requirements.

Physical fitness tests

Tests of physical fitness are a crucial component of the NDA selection procedure. Candidates undergo tests designed to replicate the physical demands of military service to assess them on attributes including strength, agility, and endurance. These examinations serve as a gauge of the candidates' present levels of fitness as well as a sneak peek at the difficulties they may encounter while undergoing training at the respective academy.

Physical criteria: The candidates must be physically fit to attend the National Defence Academy and the Naval Academy. They need to be capable of fulfilling the following prerequisites:

Omitting
Run 2.4 kilometres in 15 minutes.
At least 20 pushups and situps should be performed.
Chin-ups: Eight ropes minimum. Steps up: 3.4 meters
The candidates need to be at least the minimum height specified below:
The minimum height for female candidates to join the armed forces is 152 cm.
The minimum height requirement for male applicants to enter the armed forces is 157 cm, as determined by the recruitment agency.
An applicant must be at least 163 cm tall to be considered for the Flying Branch, regardless of gender.

For Ground Duty
Height Requirement	Minimum height for male candidates	Minimum height for female candidates
For all except states mentioned below	157 cm	152 cm
Height for Gorkhas and individuals belonging to North Eastern regions of India and hilly regions of Uttarakhand	152cm	148 cm
Candidates from Lakshadweep	155 cm	150 cm
For Flying Duty
Height Requirement	Minimum height	Maximum height
Sitting Height	81.5 cm	96 cm
Leg Length	99 cm	120 cm
Thigh Length	—	64 cm

The gateway: NDA examination

To become an NDA, one must pass the rigorous NDA examination, which measures IQ, general knowledge, and problem-solving skills. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) administers the test, comprising a written exam and a protracted interview process. Candidates must thoroughly prepare for the test, which covers general knowledge, English, and mathematics and represents the varied skill set required of future military commanders.

A. The written test

The NDA written exam evaluates candidates' general aptitude and quantitative proficiency in great detail. The mathematics exam assesses candidates' mathematical knowledge, analytical reasoning, and problem-solving skills. On the other hand, their English proficiency, general understanding, and reasoning are evaluated in the accessible ability paper. Succeeding in this written test is a significant step toward NDA certification.

B. The interview process

Successful applicants move on to the interview round after passing the written exam, when a group of seasoned officers evaluates their intellectual prowess, personality, communication ability, and leadership potential. The interview process is an essential step in the recruitment process that looks for candidates with academic knowledge and demonstrates the traits necessary for successful leadership in the military.

The road ahead: training at NDA

The National Defence Academy's hallowed grounds serve as the setting for the next chapter in the lives of those who pass the exam and interview. Cadets' abilities, discipline, and character are refined during their training at NDA, a life-changing experience that equips them with the challenges that await them in their military careers.

A. Academic rigour

The academic program of the NDA is structured to give cadets a comprehensive education that includes military sciences, humanities, and physical education. Producing officers with a profound grasp of global affairs, society, and government is the aim, in addition to their military prowess.

B. Military training

The military programs offered by the NDA are the core of its training, where cadets get intense physical and tactical instruction to prepare them for the diverse duties of military duty. Cadets are engaged in a dynamic and demanding atmosphere that shapes their character and instils discipline and camaraderie, from drill exercises to field training.

C. Leadership development

NDA recognizes that good leadership is a critical component of military effectiveness and hence prioritizes leadership development. Cadets are trained to motivate and inspire their teams, set an example for others, and make judgments under duress. An officer's capacity to command and lead in various situations, many of which are complex, is based on the leadership abilities they develop during NDA.

NDA notification 2024

On December 20, 2023, NDA 1 notification 2024 will be made public. On May 15, 2024, the NDA 2 notification 2024 will be made public. The announcement will be posted on upsc.gov.in, the official website. The NDA notifications for both tests will be made available in PDF format. They will include information about the exam, including eligibility requirements, crucial dates, the application process, and how to fill it out.

Conclusion: Embarking on a noble journey

It is clear from reading over the requirements for admission to the National Defence Academy in 2024 that joining the military is a calling, not just a career decision. Nationality, age, education, and physical fitness are just a few of the extensive requirements carefully designed to find people who exemplify the values of the armed forces: bravery, discipline, and a dedication to serving the country.

Prospective candidates should approach the NDA journey with a comprehensive grasp of its demands on their moral and physical resilience and academic prowess. The NDA exam is a doorway to a life of duty, honor, and service rather than only being a test.

The National Defence Academy invites the country's youth to step up as we approach 2024, prepared to take on the challenges and obligations of protecting the nation's

sovereignty. The eligibility requirements act as a roadmap, a filter, and a guide to ensuring that people who enter are not simply people but also future leaders, defenders of the country's integrity, and keepers of its values.

Previous Post Next Post

NDA Eligibility Criteria 2024: A Comprehensive Guide for Defence Aspirants