The National Defence Academy (NDA) is one of the most respected and advanced institutes in India, offering a unique and adventurous career option for the youth. It is not only a training institute for the future officers of the Indian Armed Forces but also a platform that creates disciplined, courageous, and visionary leaders. This is a career option for the youth who dream of serving the nation while leading an adventurous and fulfilling life. NDA offers a very excellent career option. Youngsters can make this carrier at their very young age. It gives an opportunity to youngsters to serve their country with holistic development.
Why NDA is one of the best career option for youths ?
1. N.D.A. gives a life that is full of adventure, discipline, and pride. This is a place where young minds are moulded into leaders who will be ready to serve the nation as officers in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
2. The academy provides a unique mixture of military training, education, and physical fitness, ensuring overall development of personality.
3. Cadets have the opportunity to experience exciting activities like mountaineering, parasailing, and war training, which makes it an ideal option for those who want an adventure with a proud feeling.
3. Apart from this, NDA shapes the cadets into good leaders with a team spirit approach with holistic development. These values are not only necessary in the armed forces but also in the whole life. The feeling of pride and respect that comes with serving the nation is unique in itself, which makes it a perfect career option.
Eligibility criteria’s to join NDA
Candidates must meet the following specific eligibility criteria’s:
1. Nationality : The candidate should be a citizen of India.
2. Age : At the time of admission, the age of the candidates should be between 16.5 and 19.5 years.
3. Educational Qualification : The candidate should be in class XII for 10+2 class system or equivalent for Army and Physics, Chemistry and Maths for Air Force and Naval Wings of NDA.
4. Marital status : Only unmarried male/female candidates are eligible.
5. Physical Standards : Candidates should meet the prescribed physical standards, including height, weight, and vision requirements.
- Height: 157 cm (157.5 cm for Air Force)
- Weight: Proportionate to height
- Vision: 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in the other (correctable to 6/6)
NDA Entrance Exam & Subject Requirements
These subjects with necessary marks are required to clear the entrance test conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The entrance exam is conducted twice in a year. There are two papers in this exam for a total of 900 marks.
1. Mathematics : 300 marks (120 questions)
2. General Ability Test (GAT) : 600 marks (150 questions)
(i) General Knowledge : 100 questions (400 marks)
(ii) English : 50 questions (200 marks) :- It includes English, general knowledge, physics, chemistry, history, geography, and current affairs. To pass the written examination, candidates have to get minimum qualification marks in both papers. After passing the written examination, the candidates are called for the Service Selection Board (SSB) interview.
SSB Schedule and Selection Process
The SSB interview is a systematic five-day process designed to assess the qualities of the candidate’s personality, intelligence, and leadership for the armed forces. This process includes:
# Day One: Screening Test (Very Important to Clear) : Officer Intelligence Rating Test and Picture Perception and Description Test. In this test, the candidates who clear this screening test get an opportunity to retain at the SSB centre and participate in the next five-day test. So, it is a very important test for the candidates to clear it.
# Day Two : Psychological tests include the TAT (Thematic Apperception Test), WAT (Word Association Test), SRT (Situation Reaction Test), and SD (Self Description Test).
# Day Three and Four : Group Testing Officers access the following tests, such as GD (Group Discussion), GPE (Group Planning Exercise), PG (Progressive Group Work), and HGT (Half Group Task) obstacles. Complete the physical and mental stamina required to perform better in these tests.
# Day Five : This is a candidate’s final day at the SSB Centre. All the accessors gathered in one place. They call the candidate and discuss the performance of the candidates one by one. If candidates get a recommendation, then the medical exam is done on the next day according to the norms.
Training Programme in NDA.
The training is rigid and wider, which lasts for four years. It is divided into the following components:
1. Academic Training : Cadets are taught topics like science, mathematics, computer science, and humanities. The course is designed to provide a strong foundation for future military leaders.
2. Military training : Practicing arms training, map reading, and leadership exercises.
3. Physical training : Fitness, sports, and a focus on adventure activities like swimming, horse riding, and rock climbing.
4. Character development : Discipline, morality, and moral values are emphasized. Training is conducted in a structured manner, ensuring that cadets are well prepared for the challenges of military life.
Pay and Allowances
N.D.A. cadets get a stipend of Rs 56,100/- per month during their training period. After commission, they are entitled to get a good salary with various allowances and facilities. The pay scale for commissioned officers, according to the 7th Central Pay Commission, starts with 56,100 per month. They are provided free medical facilities, housing and rent allowances, travel concessions, educational allowances for children, field area allowance, transfer allowances, Once appointed as officers, the salary structure is as follows:
Lieutenant : Rs 56,100- Rs 1,77,500 per month
Captain : Rs 61,300- Rs 1,93,900 per month
Major : Rs 69,400- Rs 2,07,200 per month
Facilities Provided By The Govt After NDA Training
After commissioning, officers get several benefits, like
- Free medical facilities for themselves and family members.
- Subsidized housing and canteen facilities.
- Insurance cover of Rs 1 crore.
- Opportunities for higher education and foreign training.
Career Growth and Promotion Policies
The promotion policy in the armed forces is well-defined and based on performance.
- Lieutenant– After commissioning.
- Captain– After 2 years of service.
- Major– After 6 years.
- Lieutenant Colonel– After 13 years.
- Colonel– After 15 years (selection-based).
- Brigadier– After 25 years (selection-based).
- Major General– After 32 years (selection-based).
- Lieutenant General– After 36 years (selection-based).
- General/Chief of Defence Staff– Highest position, selection-based.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can girls apply for NDA?
- Yes, since 2021, female candidates can also apply for NDA.
2. How many times can I attempt the NDA exam?
- You can attempt the exam as long as you meet the age criteria (16.5–19.5 years).
3. What physical standards are required?
- Candidates must have a minimum height of 157 cm (for Army & Navy) and 162.5 cm (for Air Force).
- Must pass medical fitness tests as per military norms.
4. Is coaching necessary to crack NDA?
- Not mandatory, but coaching helps with structured preparation and interview guidance.
5. What happens if I fail in NDA training?
- Candidates who fail to meet training requirements may be sent back or shifted to other military roles based on eligibility.
In The Last,
If anyone has a dream of wearing the uniform and wants to lead from the front to serve the country with pride with full of adventurous life, NDA is the perfect gateway to achieving their ambition. Best of luck
