The NDA exam is conducted by UPSC for admission to the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of the NDA. This exam is a gateway for candidates looking forward to joining Defence Forces including Army, Navy and Air Force.
This is a national level exam conducted twice a year: NDA I and NDA II to help candidates make a career in Defence services. National Defence Academy & Naval Academy (NDA & NA) Examination will be a two-step process where candidates first need to take the exam and then qualify the personality test or interview conducted by the Service Selection Board (SSB). The UPSC is solely responsible for issuing guidelines for selection and the final conduct of the entrance examination.
UPSC NDA & NA 2024 Notification
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) NDA & NA Notification for the 400 Vacancies was made public on 20 December, 2023. Qualified applicants may register for the NDA (i) 2024 between 20 December, 2023 and 09 January, 2024. The UPSC NDA & NA 2024 Notification was hosted on upsc.gov.in on 20 December, 2023. In addition to the format announcement, the UPSC NDA (I) application form 2024 must be filled and submitted.
UPSC administers the NDA test twice a year for admission of the Indian Defence Forces' Army, Navy, and Air force branches. Passing this exam allows you to apply for officer positions in the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force.
Every year, the UPSC releases the NDA exam notification to shortlist the candidates for the courses in National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA). Candidates who are aspiring for the Defence Services are advised to download NDA notification pdf. The recruitment NDA exam notification contains all the details such as application process, eligibility, exam pattern and selection process. Explore the NDA notification 2024 pdf below.
NDA Notification 2024 | Notification Date |
NDA Notification (1) 2024 | December 20, 2023 |
NDA Notification (2) 2024 | May 15, 2024 |
UPSC NDA & NA Exam Highlights
The information about the NDA Exam is summarised below.
Exam Particulars | Exam Details |
Exam Name | National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (NDA & NA) |
Conducting Body | UPSC |
Exam Level | National |
Exam Frequency | Twice a year (April & September) |
Mode of Exam | Offline |
Exam Stages | Written exam and SSB Interview |
Medium of Exam | English & Hindi |
No. of Test Cities | More than 70 test cities |
Total Marks | Written Exam - 900 & SSB Interview - 900 |
Exam Duration | Two and half hours (2.30 Mins) |
Official website | upsc.gov.in |
Contact | 011-2338527 / 011 - 23381125 / 011 - 23098543 |
The Union Public Service Commission, popularly abbreviated as UPSC will be conducting the UPSC National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA) (I) Examination on 21 April, 2024. The UPSC NDA & NA 2024 Notification for the 400 vacancies was madepublic on 20 December, 2023. The candidates who have applied for the test, are anticipated to download their Admit Cards from the official website of the Commission.
The UPSC NDA (I) Admit Card 2024 was released and made available in the month of March, 2024, by the Union Public Service Commission. The Admit Card will be available for download at upsc.gov.in, the official website of the UPSC, for candidates who will appear for the National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (I), 2024.
Step 1: Visit the official site of UPSC; upsc.gov.in.
Step 2: Click on UPSC NDA (I) Admit Card 2024 link available on the home page.
Step 3: Enter the login details and click on submit.
Step 4: Your Admit Card will be displayed on the screen.
Step 5: Check the Admit Card and download the page.
Step 6: Keep a hard copy of the same for further need.
On August 18, the Supreme Court has passed an interim order to allow women to join UPSC National Defence Academy & Naval Academy (NDA & NA) exam. The apex court has directed the concerned authority to make necessary arrangements that allow women to sit for the UPSC NDA (II) exam 2021 scheduled on November 14.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will start the Registration process for NDA & NA and CDS (II) 2024 on the official website. The aspirants, who find themselve interested and eligible in the examination, being conducted by the UPSC are expected to register themselves for the aforesaid examination. The registration for the UPSC NDA & NA and CDS window is open from May 15, 2024 till June 04, 2024. Candidates interested can fill out the Application Form at the official website of the Commission; upsc.gov.in. Aspirants are requested to keep visiting the website for the latest information and news.
Step 1: Visit the UPSC official website - upsc.gov.in.
Step 2: Click on the ‘Apply Online link’ available on the homepage.
Step 3: Login by using valid login credentials email ID and OTP, password or mobile number and OTP or password or OTR ID and OTP, password.
Step 4: Candidates have to fill out the UPSC NDA & NA 2024 application form in two parts which include filling in other details, fee payment, uploading of scanned documents, signature, photo identity card document and selection of preferred exam center.
Step 5: Once submitted, Applicants will not be able to make changes in their UPSC NDA & NA Application Form 2024.
Step 6: Candidates have to download it as a pdf file and take a printout for future reference.
The Commission has released the NDA & NA (I) 2024 notification on 20th December, 2023. The online applications will be accepted until January 09, 2024. The notification released is for admission to the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of the NDA for the 153rd Course, and for the 115th Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC) commencing from 2nd January 2025. The Union Public Service Commission, UPSC will be conducting the NDA & NA(I) Examinations on April 21, 2024. The candidates who will be appearing for the examinations are supposed to keep an eye on the official website of the Commission.
The official website; upsc.gov.in will be updating the aspirants with important information and updates. So, the candidates are expected to visit the website at regular intervals. The number of vacancies are given below for NDA & NA (I) 2024.
NDA & NA (I) | Wings | No. of Vacancies |
National Defence Academy | Army | 208 (Including 10 for female candidates) |
Navy | 42 (Including 12 for female candidates) | |
Air Force | Flying-92 (Including 02 for female candidates) Ground Duties (Tech) - 18 (Including 02 for female candidates) | |
Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme) | 30 (Including 09 for female candidate) | |
Total | 400 |
Note: Candidates should note that the 120 vacancies under Air Force including 28 for Ground Duties.
The Commission will release the NDA & NA (II) 2024 notification on May 15, 2024. The online applications will be accepted until June 06, 2024. The notification was released for admission to the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of the NDA for the 146th Course, and for the 108th Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC) commencing from 2nd June 2025. The approximate number of vacancies are given below for NDA & NA (II) 2024. The aspiring candidates are requested to visit the official website of the Commission regularly:- upsc.gov.in
NDA & NA (II) 2022 | Vacancies |
National Defence Academy | 370 (208 for Army, 42 for Navy and 120 for Air Force) |
Naval Academy | 43 |
Total | 413 |
The first step of the selection process will begin with the NDA registration.
After checking all the details meticulously in the NDA notification, candidates should start registering for the exam. The NDA exam application form will be available only on the official website of the UPSC. Candidates are advised to explore the complete details about NDA application form steps below.
Below is a breakdown of fees by category.
Category | Fees (INR) |
General / OBC | Rs. 100/- |
SC / ST Sons of JCOs, NCOs, ORs | NIL |
UPSC NDA Exam is divided into two parts: The written exam and the SSB Interview. The written test consists of two papers: Mathematics Paper I and the General Ability Test (GAT). Each Paper will last 2-12 hours. The test has a maximum score of 900. For incorrect answers, one-third of the marks assigned to each question will be removed. The SSB Interview is divided into two stages. Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) exams and Picture Perception and Description Test (PPDT) are part of Stage I. Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests, and the Psychology Tests, and the Conference from Stage 2. The total score for the SSB Interview is 900.
The UPSC NDA Syllabus includes topics such as mathematics and the General Ability Test (GAT).
The Mathematics Syllabus is designed for students in grades 11 & 12. To do well in this part, candidates must read the NCERT Books of Mathematics. The GAT is broken into two sections: A and B. Part A has English Questions, Whereas Part B contains General Knowledge questions.
The UPSC NDA & NA Salary is INR 56,000 for the full length of training in Service academies. Following satisfactory training, the Officer Commissioned NDA wage will be established inthe first Cell of Level 10.
The NDA Cut off is the minimum qualifying mark that candidates must get in order to pass the exam and advance to the next phase of selection. Following the completion of the recruitment process, the cut off marks for the written exam and SSB Interview are announced separately. Candidates must get at least 25% in each subject / paper. The NDA cut off for the written exam is set at 900 points, while the final cut off is set at 1800 points. The ultimate cut off is the score obtained by the last recommended applicant.
Candidates can view hte NDA 2024 FAQs below.
Q: What is the NDA Marking Scheme?
A: There are negative marks for incorrect answers; for each incorrect answer, 1/3 of the total marks are deducted. There is no penalty for unanswered queries. The NDA Marking Scheme is shown below. GAT Four points are awarded for correct answers, while 1.33 points are deducted for incorrect answers. Maths Correct answers received 2.5 points, while incorrect ones receive 2.5 points. Candidates' marks are calculated depending on the number of correct and wrong answers. The following is the NDA exam marking scheme:
Sections | Marks for Correct Answer | NDA Negative Marking |
GAT | 4 | 1.33 |
Mathematics | 2.5 | 0.83 |
Candidates must be physically and mentally fit for admission to National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA) Examination (I) & (II), 2024. Every year, many candidates fail to qualify in the medical test. Hence, candidates are advised to get themselves medically examined before applying for the examination.
Aspirants are also advised to rectify a few minor defects/ ailments such as Wax (ears), Deviated Nasal Septum, Hydrocele/Phimosis, Overweight/Underweight, Under Sized Chest, Piles, Tonsillitis and Varicocele.
The minimum height required for entry into the Armed Forces for Female Candidates is 152 cm. Gorkhas and candidates belonging to Hills of North Eastern region of India, Garhwal and Kumaon will be accepted with a minimum height of 148 cm. An Allowance for growth of 02 cm will be made for candidates below 18 yrs at the time of examination. The minimum height requirement for the Flying Branch is 163 cm. Flying Branch also requires other anthropometric standards like sitting height, leg length and thigh length.
Height & Weight Standards for Female Candidates Joining NDA (Army) :
Age (Yrs) | Minimum Weight for all Ages | Age : 17 to 20 Yrs | Age : 20+01 day-30 Yrs | Age : 30+01 Day-40 Yrs | Age : Above 40 Yrs |
Height (CMS) | Weight (Kg) | Weight (Kg) | Weight (Kg) | Weight (Kg) | Weight (Kg) |
140 | 35.3 | 43.1 | 45.1 | 47.0 | 49.0 |
141 | 35.8 | 43.7 | 45.7 | 47.7 | 49.7 |
142 | 36.3 | 44.4 | 46.4 | 48.4 | 50.4 |
143 | 36.8 | 45.0 | 47.0 | 49.1 | 51.1 |
144 | 37.3 | 45.6 | 47.7 | 49.8 | 51.8 |
145 | 37.8 | 46.3 | 48.4 | 50.5 | 52.6 |
146 | 38.4 | 46.9 | 49.0 | 51.2 | 53.3 |
147 | 38.9 | 47.5 | 49.7 | 51.9 | 54.0 |
148 | 39.4 | 48.2 | 50.4 | 52.6 | 54.8 |
149 | 40.0 | 48.8 | 51.1 | 53.3 | 55.5 |
150 | 40.5 | 49.5 | 51.8 | 54.0 | 56.3 |
151 | 41.0 | 50.2 | 52.4 | 54.7 | 57.0 |
152 | 41.6 | 50.8 | 53.1 | 55.4 | 57.8 |
153 | 42.1 | 51.5 | 53.8 | 56.2 | 58.5 |
154 | 42.7 | 52.2 | 54.5 | 56.9 | 59.3 |
155 | 43.2 | 52.9 | 55.3 | 57.7 | 60.1 |
156 | 43.8 | 53.5 | 56.0 | 58.4 | 60.8 |
157 | 44.4 | 54.2 | 56.7 | 59.2 | 61.6 |
158 | 44.9 | 54.9 | 57.4 | 59.9 | 62.4 |
159 | 45.5 | 55.6 | 58.1 | 60.7 | 63.2 |
160 | 46.1 | 56.3 | 58.9 | 61.4 | 64.0 |
161 | 46.7 | 57.0 | 59.6 | 62.2 | 64.8 |
162 | 47.2 | 57.7 | 60.4 | 63.0 | 65.6 |
163 | 47.8 | 58.5 | 61.1 | 63.8 | 66.4 |
Age Yrs | Minimum Weight for all ages | Age : 17 to 20 Yrs | Age : 20+01 day-30 Yrs | Age : 30+01 day-40 Yrs | Age : Above 40 Yrs |
Height (CM) | Weight (Kg) | Weight (Kg) | Weight (Kg) | Weight (Kg) | (Kg) |
140 | 35.3 | 43.1 | 45.1 | 47.0 | 49.0 |
141 | 35.8 | 43.7 | 45.7 | 47.7 | 49.7 |
142 | 36.3 | 44.4 | 46.4 | 48.4 | 50.4 |
143 | 36.8 | 45.0 | 47.0 | 49.1 | 51.1 |
144 | 37.3 | 45.6 | 47.7 | 49.8 | 51.8 |
145 | 37.8 | 46.3 | 48.4 | 50.5 | 52.6 |
146 | 38.4 | 46.9 | 49.0 | 51.2 | 53.3 |
147 | 38.9 | 47.5 | 49.7 | 51.9 | 54.0 |
148 | 39.4 | 48.2 | 50.4 | 52.6 | 54.8 |
149 | 40.0 | 48.8 | 51.1 | 53.3 | 55.5 |
150 | 40.5 | 49.5 | 51.8 | 54.0 | 56.3 |
151 | 41.0 | 50.2 | 52.4 | 54.7 | 57.0 |
152 | 41.6 | 50.8 | 53.1 | 55.4 | 57.8 |
153 | 42.1 | 51.5 | 53.8 | 56.2 | 58.5 |
154 | 42.7 | 52.2 | 54.5 | 56.9 | 59.3 |
155 | 43.2 | 52.9 | 55.3 | 57.7 | 60.1 |
156 | 43.8 | 53.5 | 56.0 | 58.4 | 60.8 |
157 | 44.4 | 54.2 | 56.7 | 59.2 | 61.6 |
158 | 44.9 | 54.9 | 57.4 | 59.9 | 62.4 |
159 | 45.5 | 55.6 | 58.1 | 60.7 | 63.2 |
160 | 46.1 | 56.3 | 58.9 | 61.4 | 64.0 |
161 | 46.7 | 57.0 | 59.6 | 62.2 | 64.8 |
162 | 47.2 | 57.7 | 60.4 | 63.0 | 65.6 |
163 | 47.8 | 58.5 | 61.1 | 63.8 | 66.4 |
164 | 48.4 | 59.2 | 61.9 | 64.6 | 67.2 |
165 | 49.0 | 59.9 | 62.6 | 65.3 | 68.1 |
166 | 49.6 | 60.6 | 63.4 | 66.1 | 68.9 |
167 | 50.2 | 61.4 | 64.1 | 66.9 | 69.7 |
168 | 50.8 | 62.1 | 64.9 | 67.7 | 70.6 |
169 | 51.4 | 62.8 | 65.7 | 68.5 | 71.4 |
170 | 52.0 | 63.6 | 66.5 | 69.4 | 72.3 |
171 | 52.6 | 64.3 | 67.3 | 70.2 | 73.1 |
172 | 53.3 | 65.1 | 68.0 | 71.0 | 74.0 |
173 | 53.9 | 65.8 | 68.8 | 71.8 | 74.8 |
174 | 54.5 | 66.6 | 69.6 | 72.7 | 75.7 |
175 | 55.1 | 67.4 | 70.4 | 73.5 | 76.6 |
176 | 55.8 | 68.1 | 71.2 | 74.3 | 77.4 |
177 | 56.4 | 68.9 | 72.1 | 75.2 | 78.3 |
178 | 57.0 | 69.7 | 72.9 | 76.0 | 79.2 |
179 | 57.7 | 70.5 | 73.7 | 76.9 | 80.1 |
180 | 58.3 | 71.3 | 74.5 | 77.8 | 81.0 |
181 | 59.0 | 72.1 | 75.4 | 78.6 | 81.9 |
182 | 59.6 | 72.9 | 76.2 | 79.5 | 82.8 |
183 | 60.3 | 73.7 | 77.0 | 80.4 | 83.7 |
184 | 60.9 | 74.5 | 77.9 | 81.3 | 84.6 |
185 | 61.6 | 75.3 | 78.7 | 82.1 | 85.6 |
186 | 62.3 | 76.1 | 79.6 | 83.0 | 86.5 |
187 | 62.9 | 76.9 | 80.4 | 83.9 | 87.4 |
188 | 63.6 | 77.8 | 81.3 | 84.8 | 88.4 |
189 | 64.3 | 78.6 | 82.2 | 85.7 | 89.3 |
190 | 65.0 | 79.4 | 83.0 | 86.6 | 90.3 |
191 | 65.7 | 80.3 | 83.9 | 87.6 | 91.2 |
192 | 66.4 | 81.1 | 84.8 | 88.5 | 92.2 |
193 | 67.0 | 81.9 | 85.7 | 89.4 | 93.1 |
194 | 67.7 | 82.8 | 86.6 | 90.3 | 94.1 |
195 | 68.4 | 83.7 | 87.5 | 91.3 | 95.1 |
196 | 69.1 | 84.5 | 88.4 | 92.2 | 96.0 |
197 | 69.9 | 85.4 | 89.3 | 93.1 | 97.0 |
198 | 70.6 | 86.2 | 90.2 | 94.1 | 98.0 |
199 | 71.3 | 87.1 | 91.1 | 95.0 | 99.0 |
200 | 72.0 | 88.0 | 92.0 | 96.0 | 100.0 |
201 | 72.7 | 88.9 | 92.9 | 97.0 | 101.0 |
202 | 73.4 | 89.8 | 93.8 | 97.9 | 102.0 |
203 | 74.2 | 90.7 | 94.8 | 98.9 | 103.0 |
204 | 74.9 | 91.6 | 95.7 | 99.9 | 104.0 |
205 | 75.6 | 92.5 | 96.7 | 100.9 | 105.1 |
206 | 76.4 | 93.4 | 97.6 | 101.8 | 106.1 |
207 | 77.1 | 94.3 | 98.6 | 102.8 | 107.1 |
208 | 77.9 | 95.2 | 99.5 | 103.8 | 108.2 |
209 | 78.6 | 96.1 | 100.5 | 104.8 | 109.2 |
210 | 79.4 | 97.0 | 101.4 | 105.8 | 110.3 |
Height, Sitting Height, Leg Length & Thigh Length for Male Candidates.
The minimum height for entry to Ground Duty branches will be 162.5 cm. Acceptable measurements of leg length, thigh length and sitting height for such aircrew will be under:-
Sitting Height | Minimum - 81.5 Cm |
Maximum - 96.0 Cm | |
Leg Length | Minimum - 99.0 Cm |
Maximum - 120.0 Cm | |
Thigh Length | Maximum - 64.0 Cm |
The minimum height for entry into Ground Duty branches will be 157.5 cm. For Gorkhas and individual belonging to North - Eastern regions of India and hilly regions of Uttarkhand, the minimum acceptable height will be 5 cm less (152.5 cm). In case of candidates from Lakshadweep the minimum acceptable height can be reduced by 2 cm (155.5 Cm).
Height & Weight Standard for Female Candidates joining NDA (Air Force)
Minimum Height for Flying Branch will be 162.5 cm. Acceptable measurements of leg length and sitting height for such aircrew will be as under :-
Sitting Height | Minimum - 81.5 cm |
Maximum - 96.0 cm | |
Leg Length | Minimum - 99.0 cm |
Maximum - 120.0 cm | |
Thigh Length | Maximum - 64.0 cm |
The Minimum height for entry into Ground Duty branches will be 152 cm. For Gorkhas and individual belonging to North-Eastern regions of India and Hilly regions of Uttarkhand.The minimum acceptable height will be 5 cm less (147 cm). In case of candidates from Lakshadweep the minimum acceptable height can be reduced by 2 cm (150 cm).
Vision Standard
Parameter | Standards : 10+2 entries, NDA (Army), TES & Equivalent | Graduate & equivalent : CDSE, IMA, OTA, UES, NCC, TGC & Equivalent | Post Graduate & equivalent entries: JAG, AEC, APS, RVC, TA, AMC, ADC, SL & Equivalent. |
Uncorrected Vision (Max Allowed) | 6/36 & 6/36 | 6/60 & 6/60 | 3/60 & 3/60 |
BCVA | Rt 6/6 & Lt 6/6 | Rt 6/6 & Lt 6/6 | Rt 6/6 & Lt 6/6 |
Myopia | <+2.5 D Sph, (Including max astigmatism <+/-2.0 D Cyl) | <+3.50 D Sph (Including max astigmatism <+/-2.0 D Cyl) | <-5.50 D Sph (Including max astigmatism <+/-2.0 D Cyl) |
Hypermetropia | <+2.5 D Sph, (Including max astigmatism <+/-2.0 D Cyl) | <+3.50 D Sph (Including max astigmatism <+/-2.0 D Cyl) | <+3.50 D Sph (Including max astigmatism <+/-2.0 D Cyl) |
Lasik/equivalent Surgery | Not Permitted | Permitted* | Permitted* |
Colour Perception | CP-II | CP-II | CP-II |
Physical Conditioning
The aspiring candidates are advised to be in the good physical condition by following the routine mentioned below.
1.
Running 2.4 km in 15 minutes
2. Skipping
3. Pushups and sit ups (minimum 20 each)
4. Chin ups (minimum 08)
5. Rope climbing 3-4 metres.
A candidate must be either:
(i) a Citizen of India, or
(ii) a subject of Nepal, or
(iii) a person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka or East African Countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, and Ethiopia or from Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.
Note:
1. For Army Wing of National Defence Academy:
The candidates must have the Class 12 pass of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent examination conducted by a State Education Board or a University.
2. For Air Force and Naval Wings of National Defence Academy and for the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at the Indian Naval Academy:
The candidates must have the Class 12 pass of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics conducted by a State Education Board or a University.
Note:
Age Limits, Sex and Marital Status:
For NDA & NA (I):
Age Limit: Only unmarried male / female candidates born not earlier than July 02, 2005, and not later than July 1, 2008, are eligible.
For NDA & NA (II):
Age Limit: Only unmarried male candidates born not earlier than January 2, 2005, and not later than January 1, 2008, are eligible.
Note:
Latest Updates
Union Public Service Commission - UPSC is expected to release the admit card for the National Defence Academy / Naval Academy, NDA / NA II Examination Soon.
Candidates will be able to download the UPSC NDA Admit Card from the official website - upsc.gov.in.
UPSC NDA II Admit Card will carry all important details including venue and reporting time. Candidates must note that it is mandatory to carry the admit card to the exam centre, without the admit card candidates will not be allowed to enter the exam hall.
11 August 2022
UPSC NDA & NA II Final Result 2021 : Union Public Service Commission has declared the Final NDA & NA II Result 2021.
Candidates who have appeared for the written examination held on 14 November, 2021 and subsequent interviews held by the SSB under the Ministry of Defence can check their UPSC NDA & NA II 2021 Final Result on the official website.
Candidates can access their UPSC NDA & NA II Exam Final Result 2021 on UPSC Portal - upsc.gov.in using their Roll Number.
15 June 2022
Union Public Service Commission will begin the UPSC NDA II 2022 Application Form withdrawal facility today - 14 June, 2022 at upsc.gov.in.
Candidates will be able to withdraw the NDA II Application Form till 20 June, 2022 - 6:00 PM in Online Mode.
14 June 2022
UPSC NDA II 2022 : The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is going to close the application for window for the UPSC NDA II Today - 07 June, 2022 By 6:00 PM.
Candidates who have not applied yet, can go to the official website - www.upsconline.nic.in and fill the application form & submit.
7 June 2022
UPSC NDA & NA Notification 2022 : The notification of National Defence Academy (II) Examination the Year 2022 - Which are conducted twice in a year by the Union Public Service (UPSC) has been released today - 18 May, 2022.
UPSC NA & NA (II) - The Process of registration for UPSC NDA (2) has begin the Registration from today - 18 May, 2022 & last date to apply is on 07 June, 2022. The NDA & NA (II) Exam will be conducted on 04 September, 202.
18 May 2022