NDA Exam 2024 : Your Ultimate Preparation Handbook from A to Z

Updated Wed, 29 Nov 2023 03:49 PM IST

Highlights

The NDA Exam is a unique two-stage selection process that shapes future leaders with a blend of precision and warrior spirit; to succeed, you must master both stages.

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The National Defence Academy was established in 1949 as a prestigious Military Academy, attracting exceptional young men not just from all regions of the country but also from allied nations. Over the course of seventy years, the National Defence Academy has experienced significant growth in both grace and grandeur. The institution has produced exceptional individuals who have displayed their abilities and exemplified the spirit of cooperation and unity among different branches of the military, thereby confirming the beliefs and aspirations of its founders.  
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the NDA exam biannually (twice a year) to choose candidates for admission to the academy. In 2023, more than 6 lakh candidates appeared for the NDA & NA exam (II) competing for 395 posts, and out of these, NDA & NA I had 628 successful candidates. In 2022, NDA II saw 8,509 pass the written test, with 538 succeeding in the SSB interview.

Source: Safalta

In 2021, NDA II had 8,010 candidates pass the written exam, with 462 making it through the SSB interview.

You can refer to these ebooks for your preparation:
NDA/NA Paper 1 GAT + NDA Paper 2 Maths Combined E-Book 2023
NDA/NA Important Practice e-book

NDA-NA Chapterwise E-Book Set (Hindi)
NDA Free E-Book
NDA GK E-Book

Table of Contents:

Program of NDA Examinations-2024
Eligibility Conditions
NDA Exam Selection Process
Interview
NDA Exam Salary/ Stipend
NDA Training
Career Opportunities after NDA
How to Prepare for NDA Exam 2024

Program of NDA Examinations-2024

Sr.No. Name of Exam. Date of Notification Last date for receipt of Applications Date of commencement of exams Duration of Exam
1 N.D.A & N.A Exam.(I), 2024 20.12.2023 09.01.2024 21.04.2024(Sunday) 1 Day
2 N.D.A & N.A Exam.(II), 2024 15.05.2024 04.06.2024 01.09.2024(Sunday) 1 Day

Eligibility Conditions

To be eligible for the NDA exam, candidates must meet the following criteria:
  • Nationality: A candidate must be a citizen of India, a subject of Nepal, or have a certificate of Indian citizenship.
  • Marital Status: Unmarried Male/Female
  • Age: 16.5 to 19.5 years
  • Educational Qualification: Education qualification varies based on the respective wings:
  1. Army Wing: Minimum qualification is passing class 12th or equivalent from a recognized board.
  2. Air Force Wing: Minimum qualification is passing class 12th with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Candidates who are appearing in the 12th Class can also apply for this examination.
  3. Navy Wing: Minimum qualification is passing class 12th with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Candidates who are appearing in the 12th Class can also apply for this examination.

NDA Exam Selection Process

The NDA exam selection process consists of two stages: a written exam and an interview.
  • Written Exam
Subject Code Duration Maximum Marks
Mathematics 01 2½ Hours 300
General Ability Test (GAT) 02 2½ Hours 600
Total      900

Mathematics

The Mathematics paper covers topics such as Algebra, Matrices and Determinants, trigonometry, Analytical Geometry of Two and Three Dimensions, Differential, Calculus and Differential Equations, Vector Algebra and statistics, and Probability.

General Ability Test (GAT)

The GAT is divided into two parts:

Parts

Subject Topics

Subjects/ Chapters

Part 1

English

This section tests candidates' knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension.

Part 2

General Knowledge

The general knowledge section covers topics such as Physics, Chemistry, General Science, history, geography, and current affairs.


*The papers on all the subjects will consist of objective-type questions only. The question papers (Test Booklets) of Mathematics and part “B” of the General Ability Test will be set bilingually in Hindi and English.

You can refer to these previous years' papers to understand the pattern of the NDA exams:
NDA NA Previous Year Paper
NDA Previous Year Paper
NDA Previous Year Question Paper

Interview

The SSB procedure consists of two stages Selection process - stage I and stage II. Only those candidates who clear stage I are permitted to appear for stage II. The details are as follows: 
(a) Stage I comprises Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests are Picture Perception * Description Test (PP&DT). The candidates will be shortlisted based on the combination of performance in the OIR Test and PP&DT. 
(b) Stage II Comprises Interviews, Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests, and the Conference. These tests are conducted over 4 days. 

Interview Max. Marks
SSB Test/Interview 900

NDA Exam Salary/ Stipend

The salary of NDA cadets depends on their rank and service. After completing their training, cadets are commissioned as officers in their respective services.
  • Fixed Stipend for Cadet Training:- Stipend to male/female Cadets during the entire duration of training in Service academies i.e. during the training period at IMA - Rs 56,100/-p.m (Starting pay in Level 10) 

For Videos:
NDA 2023 Complete Video Course
NDA Screening Test

 

NDA Training

The training at NDA is rigorous and comprehensive. It is designed to prepare cadets for the physical, mental, and emotional challenges of a career in the armed forces. The training details are as follows:
  • Structure & Duration: There are six terms that make up the three years of NDA training. Cadets go through tough physical training, academics, and programs that help them improve their character.
  • Academic Curriculum: In order to give students a well-rounded education, the program includes math, physics, chemistry, social sciences, and military studies, among other things.
  • Military Training: Cadets get specialized training in many military skills, such as how to use weapons, read maps, do drills and field exercises, and become better leaders.
  • Personality Development: When it comes to personality development, the focus is on building leadership, control, teamwork, and time management skills.

Career Opportunities after NDA

NDA cadets become officers in the Army, Navy, or Air Force after finishing their training. They can move up in the ranks to top positions and specialize in areas like aviation, engineering, or medicine.
Prepare for NDA 2024 with our courses
 

How to Prepare for NDA Exam 2024

Here are some tips for preparing for the NDA exam 2024:
  • Start your preparation early
  • Understand the exam syllabus and pattern
  • Create a study schedule and stick to it
  • Focus on your weaker areas
  • Practice solving previous year's question papers
  • Take mock tests regularly
Refer to these mock tests for your preparation:
NDA Mock Test Series
NDA Mock Test Series 2022
 
 
The NDA exam is a challenging one, but with proper preparation, you can crack it and achieve your dream of becoming an officer in the Indian armed forces. SAFALTA is committed to helping you succeed in the NDA exam. We provide the best NDA exam preparation and our experienced faculty members are always there to guide and support you.

What does NDA stand for, and what is its purpose?

NDA stands for the National Defence Academy. It is a prestigious institution in India that trains cadets for entry into the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Who is eligible to appear for the NDA exams?

Male/Female candidates who have completed their 10+2 education and are between 16.5 to 19.5 years old can apply for the NDA exams.

How is the NDA exam conducted?

The NDA exam is a two-stage process. Stage I involves a written examination comprising subjects like Mathematics and General Ability. Stage II includes an interview process, group testing, psychological tests, and a conference.

What are the subjects covered in the written examination?

The written examination consists of Mathematics and General Ability Test, including sections like English, Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, and Current Affairs.

How is the final selection made for NDA candidates?

The final selection is based on the combined performance in the written examination and the SSB (Services Selection Board) interview process. Candidates who qualify in both stages are then recommended for admission to the NDA.

Is there negative marking in the NDA exam?

Yes, there is negative marking for incorrect answers in the Mathematics paper. For each incorrect answer, one-third of the marks allotted to that question are deducted.

Can candidates choose their preferred service (Army, Navy, Air Force) during the NDA exam?

Yes, candidates can indicate their preference for the Army, Navy, or Air Force at the time of filling out the application form. The final selection is based on the candidate's merit and preferences.

What opportunities are available for NDA officers after training?

NDA officers can advance through the ranks in the Army, Navy, or Air Force. They also have the option to undergo specialized training in areas such as aviation, engineering, medicine, and more, enhancing their skills and career prospects.

How often is the NDA exam conducted, and where can candidates get more information?

The NDA exam is conducted twice a year. Candidates can find detailed information, including exam dates and application procedures, on the official website of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

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