🇮🇳 Defense Services (NDA) – Full Explanation, Eligibility, Syllabus, Exam & Career Guide
If you’re passionate about serving the nation, wearing a uniform, and leading with pride, then joining the Defense Services through NDA (National Defence Academy) is one of the most honorable and exciting career paths after 12th.
The NDA exam, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), allows young students to join the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force as officers right after 12th.
This article on success.studykeeda.in will provide a complete explanation of the NDA path—eligibility, syllabus, selection process, training, career options, and salary.
🛡️ What is NDA?
The National Defence Academy (NDA) is India’s premier tri-service training institute located in Khadakwasla, Pune.
It trains cadets for:
- Indian Army
- Indian Navy
- Indian Air Force
After completing 3 years of training at NDA and 1 year at the respective academy (IMA, INA, AFA), cadets are commissioned as officers in the Indian Armed Forces.
✅ Eligibility Criteria for NDA Exam
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian Citizen |
| Gender | Only male candidates (for now); females can apply only for specific branches |
| Age | 16.5 to 19.5 years (at the time of course commencement) |
| Qualification | 10+2 or appearing students can apply |
| Subjects in 12th | For Army – Any stream; For Navy/Air Force – Physics & Math required |
| Marital Status | Must be unmarried |
| Fitness | Must pass physical & medical standards (as per Army/Air/Navy norms) |
✍️ NDA Exam Pattern (By UPSC)
The NDA exam is held twice a year (April and September). The selection process includes:
1. Written Examination
| Paper | Subjects | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Mathematics | 300 | 2.5 hours |
| Paper 2 | General Ability Test (GAT) | 600 | 2.5 hours |
| (English + GK) |
2. SSB Interview (Services Selection Board)
- 5-day personality and intelligence test
- Includes psychological tests, group tasks, interview
- Total Marks: 900
3. Medical Examination
- Conducted after SSB for medically fit candidates
📘 NDA Syllabus Overview
✏️ Mathematics (300 marks):
- Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus
- Statistics, Probability, Geometry
- Matrices & Determinants
- Coordinate Geometry
📚 General Ability Test (600 marks):
English (200 marks):
- Grammar, Vocabulary, Comprehension, Synonyms, Antonyms
General Knowledge (400 marks):
- Physics, Chemistry, Biology
- History, Geography
- Current Affairs
🧑🎓 NDA Training Details
After selection, candidates undergo:
- 3 years training at NDA (Khadakwasla):
- Academic + Physical + Military training
- Degree awarded: BA / B.Sc / B.Tech (JNU)
- 1 year training at respective academies:
- Army → Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun
- Navy → Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala
- Air Force → Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad
After training, cadets are commissioned as Lieutenants / Sub-Lieutenants / Flying Officers.
🧭 Career Growth After NDA
| Rank Progression | Description |
|---|---|
| Lieutenant (Initial Rank) | On Commissioning |
| Captain | After 2 years |
| Major | After 6 years |
| Lieutenant Colonel | After 13 years |
| Colonel to General | Based on performance and seniority |
💰 Salary Structure in NDA
| Rank | Salary (per month) |
|---|---|
| Cadet (Training) | ₹56,100 (stipend) |
| Lieutenant | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 |
| Captain | ₹61,300 – ₹1,93,900 |
| Major | ₹69,400 – ₹2,07,200 |
| Colonel | ₹1,30,600 – ₹2,15,900 |
| General | Up to ₹2.5 lakh+ per month |
🏠 In addition: Free accommodation, uniform, medical, canteen, air/rail travel, pension benefits
🪖 Life After NDA – Why Choose Defense Services?
✅ Benefits:
- Prestige and honor of serving the nation
- Job security and excellent pay
- Adventure-filled lifestyle: Para-jumping, Trekking, Combat training
- Leadership and personality development
- Opportunity to rise to top ranks like Army General / Air Chief Marshal / Admiral
❌ Challenges:
- Rigid routine, strict discipline
- Physically and mentally demanding
- Time away from family during postings
🏫 Top NDA Coaching Institutes in India
- Major Kalshi Classes, Allahabad
- Baalnoi Academy, Delhi
- Cavalier India, Bangalore
- Dojo Defence Academy, Dehradun
- Senaabhyas Coaching, Chandigarh
📝 Many students also self-study using NCERT books + previous year papers + online platforms
📅 Important NDA Exam Dates (Tentative)
| Exam | NDA 1 | NDA 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Notification Release | December | May |
| Exam Date | April | September |
| Result | May | October |
| SSB Interview | June–August | November–January |
📌 Final Words
Becoming an officer in the Indian Defense Services through NDA is a proud, honorable, and life-changing career choice. It’s ideal for students with discipline, leadership, and a spirit of patriotism.
If you’re a 12th pass student who wants to serve the nation, lead troops, and live with pride, start preparing for NDA today.
📚 Also Explore on success.studykeeda.in:
- How to Prepare for NDA in 6 Months
- Difference Between NDA & CDS Exams
- Life at NDA – A Day in the Life of a Cadet
- NDA vs IIT – Which Career is Right for You?
- Girls in NDA – Latest Updates and Eligibility
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