National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination

The National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination is an entrance examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice a year for admissions into the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Indian Naval Academy (INA).^[1] The NDA Exam serves as a gateway for candidates seeking a career in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.^[2][3][4]

National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination

Acronym	NDA/NA Exam
Type	OMR sheet based (Pen & Paper)
Administrator	Union Public Service Commission
Skills tested	Writing, English, General knowledge, others
Purpose	Selection of candidates to be commissioned officers in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force
Year started	1954 (71 years ago) (1954)
Duration	Five hours (Mathematics: 2½ hours, General Ability Test (GAT): 2½ hours)
Offered	Twice a year (April & September)
Restrictions on attempts	16½ years to 19½ years (age of the candidate)
Regions	India
Languages	Hindi or English
Fee	₹100 (US$1.20) (for General male candidates) Exempted for female, SC, ST and wards of JCO, NCO, OR
Qualification rate	≈ 4% (approx) for written examination
Preferences offered	NDA (Army) NDA (Navy) (Navy Flying branch) (Air Force Flying branch) (Air Force Ground Duty) INA (Engineering)
Website	www.upsc.gov.in

History

The NDA Exam was first conducted in the year 1954 after the NDA was established to train cadets from the Army, Navy, and Air Force together.^{[citation needed]}

Eligibility

To be eligible for the NDA Exam, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Citizenship: Candidates must be Indian citizens.^[5]
• Age Limit: Candidates must be between 16.5 and 19.5 years of age.^[5]
• Educational Qualification: Candidates must have completed their 10+2 education from a recognized board or university.^[5]

Examination Process

The NDA Exam is conducted in two stages: a written examination and an interview by the Services Selection Board (SSB).^[6]

Written Examination

The written examination consists of two papers: Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT). Both papers are objective type and are conducted on the same day. The Mathematics paper evaluates the candidates' mathematical aptitude, while the GAT paper assesses their English language proficiency, general knowledge, and reasoning abilities.^{[citation needed]}

Services Selection Board Interview

Candidates who qualify in the written examination are called for the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview. The SSB interview consists of various stages, including intelligence and personality tests, group discussions, psychological tests, and personal interviews.^{[citation needed]}

Administration

The NDA Exam is administered by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), which is a constitutional body responsible for recruiting personnel for various government services and posts. The UPSC ensures the fair and transparent conduct of the examination process, including the release of notifications, application acceptance, examination schedules, result declaration, and the final selection of candidates.^[7]

Seat Share

The NDA/NA Examination, conducted twice annually, by the UPSC, is the primary gateway to become an officer in the Indian Armed Forces, immediately after Class 12. The two NDA/NA examinations conducted in a year, are referred as:-

• NDA-I (April exam, course commences January of the next year)
• NDA-II (September exam, course commences July of the next year)

Each exam corresponds to a single course at the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla or the Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala. Each exam typically ranges between 370 and 405 vacancies, depending on the manpower requirements projected by the Ministry of Defence. Collectively this results in inductance of around 800 officer cadets in the armed forces each year.

Vacancies Per Examination (2025 Cycle)

Wing / Academy	Vacancies per Exam	Notes
Indian Army (NDA – Army Wing)	208	Largest share due to Army's vast officer cadre; includes 10 reserved seats for female candidates.
Indian Navy (NDA – Navy Wing)	42	Includes 5 seats for female cadets.
Indian Air Force (NDA – Air Force Wing)	120	Sub-divided into: • Flying Branch – 92 (2 female) • Ground Duties (Technical) – 18 (2 female) • Ground Duties (Non-Technical) – 10 (2 female)
Indian Naval Academy (INA – 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme)	36	Separate pathway for cadets opting exclusively for the Navy; 4 seats for female candidates.
Total	406	Typically ranges between 370 and 405, depending on service requirements.

Annual Cadet Induction (Approximate)

Annual Cadet Intake by Wing (Approx. 2025)

1. NDA (Army) 416 (51.2%)
2. NDA (Navy) 84 (10.3%)
3. NDA (Air Force) 240 (29.6%)
4. Indian Naval Academy (INA) 72 (8.87%)

Annual vacancies

Wing / Academy	Annual Intake	Annual Intake (Male)	Annual Intake (Female)
Army (NDA)	416	396	20
Navy (NDA)	84	74	10
Air Force (NDA)	240	228	12
Indian Naval Academy (INA)	72	64	8
Total	812	762	50
Navy (comprehensive)	156	138	18