Life at NDA: Lakhs of young candidates aspire to join the National Defence Academy. Candidates have to qualify the NDA/NA Exam conducted by the UPSC to join NDA. Life at NDA is full of different learnings and adventures. The schedule is busy and candidates not only have to study but also participate in different physical activities. The training is such that candidates are almost ready the join the defence force. Read this article to know all about life at NDA.
Life at NDA
Life at NDA is filled with new learnings, adventures, and tough training. Young girls and boys who join NDA come out as better individuals who are not only physically strong but also mentally and emotionally capable to deal with every situation. The academy aims to provide holistic development of cadets.
There are 18 Squadrons at NDA namely Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta, Echo, Foxtrot, Golf, Hunter, India, Juliet, Kilo, Lima, Mike, November, Oscar, Panther, Quebec, and Romeo. Battalion No. 1, No. 2, No. 3, and No. 4 have four squadrons each (in alphabetical order) and Battalion No. 5 has two squadrons. Each Squadron has approximately 100 to 120 cadets divided almost equally for all six terms. On joining the academy cadets are allotted a battalion and a cabin which become their identity for the rest of their stay at NDA. Cadets are also given a bicycle to travel in the academy.
The training period at NDA covers a total of 6 terms i.e. 3 years. Every year there are two termspring i.e., spring (January to May) and autumn (July to December). During these three years, cadets are trained, taught various sports along with academics. Cadets at NDA can opt for various courses such as B.Sc. or B.A. They study their chosen subjects for three years after which they are given a graduation degree affiliated with Jawaharlal Nehru University. Classes are held every day and there are regular exams just as other colleges in the country.
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Apart from academics, cadets are trained in various outdoor activities such as drills, PT, sports, and games. On joining the academy, cadets are allotted different squadrons. There are various competitions amongst different squadrons. Also, initially for two months, cadets go through the two months-long ‘Orientation Capsule’ during which, they are conditioned to toughen up mentally and physically. There are various camps every term to train cadets in various activities such as map reading and others. Cadets are taught to work in a team and also lead their teams and squadrons. In the 5th and 6th terms, cadets receive training for their respective service. There are various events such as x-country, athletics, boxing, quizzes, and others that keep the cadets engaged. Cadets compete amongst themselves in these events and also represent their squadrons for the title of Best Squadron.
There are also various clubs in NDA. Outdoor clubs include archery, astronomy, golf, automotive, martial arts, aero-modeling, trekking, rock climbing, shooting, sailing, parasailing, paragliding, water skiing, windsurfing, kayaking, rowing, gardening, skating, etc. Indoor clubs include arts, classical music, dramatics, media, western music, literature, yoga, public speaking, artificial intelligence, robotics, and 10m shooting. Debates, public speaking competitions, seminars, and interactions with civil institutes are regularly organized.
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After successfully completing their training at the academy for three years, cadets pass out from the academy. A passing out parade is conducted for every course that passes out of the academy. After passing out, cadets join the academies of their respective service choices. Army cadets join the Indian Military Academy, Air Force cadets join the Air Force Academy and Naval cadets join the Indian Naval Academy for an additional year of training after which they get commissioned as officers in their respective service. To know Daily Routine of NDA Cadet: Click Here
There are 18 Squadrons at NDA namely Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta, Echo, Foxtrot, Golf, Hunter, India, Juliet, Kilo, Lima, Mike, November, Oscar, Panther, Quebec, and Romeo. Battalion No. 1, No. 2, No. 3, and No. 4 have four squadrons each (in alphabetical order) and Battalion No. 5 has two squadrons. Each Squadron has approximately 100 to 120 cadets divided almost equally for all six terms. On joining the academy cadets are allotted a battalion and a cabin which become their identity for the rest of their stay at NDA. Cadets are also given a bicycle to travel in the academy.
The training period at NDA covers a total of 6 terms i.e. 3 years. Every year there are two termspring i.e., spring (January to May) and autumn (July to December). During these three years, cadets are trained, taught various sports along with academics. Cadets at NDA can opt for various courses such as B.Sc. or B.A. They study their chosen subjects for three years after which they are given a graduation degree affiliated with Jawaharlal Nehru University. Classes are held every day and there are regular exams just as other colleges in the country.
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Apart from academics, cadets are trained in various outdoor activities such as drills, PT, sports, and games. On joining the academy, cadets are allotted different squadrons. There are various competitions amongst different squadrons. Also, initially for two months, cadets go through the two months-long ‘Orientation Capsule’ during which, they are conditioned to toughen up mentally and physically. There are various camps every term to train cadets in various activities such as map reading and others. Cadets are taught to work in a team and also lead their teams and squadrons. In the 5th and 6th terms, cadets receive training for their respective service. There are various events such as x-country, athletics, boxing, quizzes, and others that keep the cadets engaged. Cadets compete amongst themselves in these events and also represent their squadrons for the title of Best Squadron.
There are also various clubs in NDA. Outdoor clubs include archery, astronomy, golf, automotive, martial arts, aero-modeling, trekking, rock climbing, shooting, sailing, parasailing, paragliding, water skiing, windsurfing, kayaking, rowing, gardening, skating, etc. Indoor clubs include arts, classical music, dramatics, media, western music, literature, yoga, public speaking, artificial intelligence, robotics, and 10m shooting. Debates, public speaking competitions, seminars, and interactions with civil institutes are regularly organized.
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Are mobile phones allowed in NDA?
No, mobile phones are not allowed in NDA.
Are there holidays in NDA?
Yes, there are term breaks in NDA in the month of June and December.
How many years does a cadet spend in NDA?
A cadet spends 3 years in NDA.
Do NDA cadets go to war?
No, NDA cadets do not go for war. After successful competion of their training from NDA and the training institutes of the service of their choice, cadets are comissioned as officers and thereafter they can be posted to field areas.