Aspirants eager to join the defence services to serve their country often wonder: what’s the right way to start? Should they prepare for the NDA? With India’s defence sector and policies gaining attention, many know about the NDA, but here’s a brief overview for those who don’t.
If so, you’re in the right place! This page offers comprehensive information about the NDA exam.
NDA Exam 2025
The NDA is one of the toughest exams and offers a golden opportunity for young aspirants who wish to serve in the armed forces. However, the challenge lies in its highly competitive nature, with a selection ratio of merely 2% among the candidates who apply and appear. Furthermore, even after clearing the initial phase, candidates must face the SSB interview, in the second phase, which is considered particularly demanding and eliminates many aspirants.
NDA Exam Pattern
Stage 1 : The Written Exam ( Objective Types Questions)
| PAPER I | MATHS |
| EXAM CONDUCTED BY | UPSC |
| TOTAL NO. OF QUESTIONS | 120 |
| QUESTION TYPE | OBJECTIVE TYPE QUESTIONS (MCQ’s) |
| TOTAL MARKS CONTAIN | 300 |
| NEGATIVE MARKING | -0.83 for each incorrect answer |
| EXAM DURATION | 2hr 30 min |
| PAPER II | GAT (General Ability Test) |
| EXAM CONDUCTED BY | UPSC |
| TOTAL NO. OF QUESTIONS | 150 |
| QUESTION TYPE | OBJECTIVE TYPE QUESTIONS (MCQ’s) |
| TOTAL MARKS CONTAIN | 600 |
| NEGATIVE MARKING | -1.33 for each incorrect answer |
| EXAM DURATION | 2hr 30min |
NDA Written Exam Total Marks – 900
Candidates must have obtained minimum qualifying marks of 25% or more than 360 marks out of 900 to clear the NDA written exam and then go for the SSB interview.
Stage 2 : The SSB Interview
| Testing Level 1 | Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) through Picture Perception Description Test (PP & DT) |
| Testing Level 2 | – Psychological Tests – Group Testing Officer Tasks – Personal Interview – Conference |
| DURATION | 4 to 5 days |
For the final selection in NDA, the Candidates must have to clear SSB Interview with having OLQs (officer like qualities) which helps them to get their name in the final merit.
At what age should one start preparing for the NDA?
Young candidates who are appearing /passed higher secondary (12th) are eligible to appear for the NDA Entrance Exam. The age bar eligibility for the NDA exam is 16.5 to 19.5 for both unmarried males and females.
The NDA entrance exam pattern primarily focuses on the syllabus covered in classes 10th to 12th. That’s why it is better to prepare for the NDA exam along with the 12th standard.
By preparing for the exam ahead of time, you can not only boost your chances of success in the NDA entrance exam but also excel in your current board exams. Initiating NDA preparation from class 11th can significantly enhance your prospects of selection in the first attempt. Early preparation provides clarity on the exam pattern, question difficulty level, and expectations, while also strengthening your academic concepts and subject knowledge. Moreover, it instils discipline and develops Officer-Like Qualities (OLQs), transforming your overall approach to life. By starting early, you can gain a competitive edge and set yourself up for success in both the NDA exam and your academic pursuits.
Tips to crack NDA In First Attempt
1. Decode the Syllabus and Exam Pattern: Thoroughly understanding the syllabus and exam pattern is crucial for success in any exam.
2. Stick to Limited Resources: Research and stick to reliable resources, whether online or offline, to avoid confusion.
3. Develop Time Management Skills: Create an efficient study schedule and minimize distractions to focus on your goal.
4. Work on Mental and Physical Stability: Balance your life, especially if you’re preparing alongside your 11th and 12th standard, to maintain mental and physical stability.
5. NCERTs and Notes: Focus on basic books like NCERTs and consider using ready-made notes to save time.
6. Personality Development and Character Building: Engage in good company, conversations, and daily activities to develop your overall personality and character.
7. Socializing into Good Conversations: Good conversations can help you articulate your thoughts and improve your speaking skills.
8. Daily Sports Tasks: Engage in daily sports activities to boost your stamina and physical abilities.
9. Solve Previous Year’s Question Papers: Analyze previous year’s papers to understand the exam pattern and familiarize yourself with the exam format.
10. Develop Problem-Solving Skills: Apply problem-solving skills in your daily activities and life.
Best Coaching Institute For NDA Preparation
If you’re preparing for the NDA exam alongside your school education, consider joining defence institutes that offer school education and training for NDA exam preparation.
MKDEI ( Major Kulthe Defence Education Institute) is one such Defence Education Institutes that provides overall education, appropriate learning environment, infrastructure, facilities, inbuilt curriculum for personality development and adequate resources for the NDA entrance exam preparation.
MKDEI focuses on the multi dimensional growth which helps in developing OLQs (officer-like qualities) in candidates with character-building to groom and shape NDA aspirants.
MKDEI provides school education from 9th through 12th standard in the science stream (non-medical) with the fundamentals of Defence Studies. The main subjects of the science stream for higher secondary include Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, English with Geography, Defence Studies and Information Technology.