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UPSC NDA 2National Defence Academy
- Test Level-: National Level
- Eligibility-: 12th
- Duration-:5 Hours
- Stream-: Arts
- Medium-: Multiple
- Examination Mode-: Offline
- Total Questions-: 270
NDA 2024: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) released NDA 2 notification 2024 on May 15, 2024. The notification was released on the official website and comprises the details related to the exam. Interested candidates should read NDA 2 notification 2024 before applying for the exam. NDA 2 application form 2024 was made available along with the notification. The last date to fill NDA 2 application form 2024 is June 4, 2024. The window to make corrections in the application form will be available from June 5 to 11, 2024. A total of 404 vacancies were announced for NDA 2 exam.
NDA 2 2024 exam will be conducted on September 1, 2024. The written exam carries a total of 900 marks. Check below to know more about the NDA exam such as eligibility, application form, exam pattern, selection process, and other related information.
NDA is one of the most sought-after defence exams in the country to select candidates for admission to the National Defence Academy and Indian Naval Academy courses. The exam is conducted twice a year to select eligible male and female candidates. The selection process for NDA exam comprises written exam and SSB interview.
What is National Defence Academy?
Location
The National Defence Academy (NDA) is located in Khadakwasla, Pune, Maharashtra, India. It is the first tri-colour academy that trains male and female cadets together for Army, Navy and Air Force. After passing out from NDA, candidates are trained in the respective service academies-Air Force Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Indian Military Academy.
Training Process
NDA provides comprehensive training to the cadets to prepare them to face the challenges of the armed forces. The training includes academic education, physical fitness, and leadership development. The cadets undergo a rigorous curriculum that covers various subjects and undergo physical training to enhance their endurance and strength.
NDA Exam Highlights
The details regarding NDA exam are summarised below.
Exam Particulars |
Exam Details |
Exam Name |
National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (NDA & NA) |
Conducting Body |
UPSC |
Exam Level |
National |
Exam Frequency |
Two times a year (April & September) |
Mode of Exam |
Offline |
Exam Stages |
Written exam and SSB Interview |
Total Registrations |
5.3 lakh (As per 2020 data) |
Total Test Takers |
2.4 lakh (As per 2020 data) |
Exam Purpose |
For admission to National Defence Academy (NDA) and Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC) |
Exam Fees |
INR 100 for male candidates belonging to the General and OBC categories. However, SC/ST/Women candidates/Sons of JCOs/NCOs/ORs are exempted from paying the fees. |
Exam Duration |
GAT: 2 ½ hours Mathematics: 2 ½ hours |
No. of Papers and Total Marks |
Paper 1: GAT Paper 2: Maths |
Total Questions |
GAT: 150 Mathematics: 120 |
Marking Scheme |
GAT: Four marks for correct answers and 1.33 marks for wrong answers Maths: 2.5 marks for correct answers and 0.83 mark for wrong answers |
Total Marks |
Written Exam: 900 SSB Interview: 900 |
Language/Medium of Exam |
English and Hindi |
No. of Test Cities |
More than 70 test cities |
Official Website |
upsc.gov.in |
Contact Details |
011-23385271/011-23381125/011- 23098543 |
NDA Eligibility 2024
Candidates need to fulfil the following eligibility criteria in order to be eligible for the exam:
NDA Age Limit
For NDA 1 exam, both male and female candidates must have been born not earlier than July 2, 2005 and not later than July 1, 2008. For NDA 2 exam, only unmarried male/female candidates born not earlier than January 2, 2006 and not later than January 1, 2009 are eligible.
NDA Eligibility for Women Candidates
NDA age limit for women candidates is the same as male candidates. Female candidates who are unmarried and born between 2 July 2005 to 1 July 2008 are eligible to apply for the exam. Candidates must be physically fit to carry on their responsibilities.
NDA Eligibility: Sex and Marital Status
Only unmarried male and female candidates can apply for the exam.
Are Girls Allowed in NDA?
In 2021, the Supreme of Court passed its decision that girls could join the National Defence Academy. The first batch of women candidates appeared in NDA 2 exam last year.
NDA Qualification
The educational qualification is different for different academies. Candidates can check the educational qualification prescribed for different academies below.
Academy |
Educational Qualification |
Army Wing of National Defence Academy |
Passed Class 12/HSC or equivalent from a recognised board or university |
Air Force, Navy, and Naval Academy of National Defence Academy |
Passed Class 12/HSC with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics |
Can I join NDA in Class 12th?
Candidates who have passed or are appearing in Class 12 can apply for the NDA exam. Candidates who are studying in Class 11 cannot apply.
NDA Physical Standards
The physical standards prescribed for NDA exam in terms of height, visual standards, etc are given below.
Height |
|
Category |
Minimum Height |
Tribals from Ladakh Region |
155 Cm |
Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep, and Minicoy Islands |
155 Cm |
Gorkhas, Nepali, Assamese, Garhwali, Kumaoni, and Uttarakhand |
152 Cm |
Bhutan, Sikkim & North East Region |
152 Cm |
Bhutan, Sikkim & North East Region |
152 Cm |
Visual Standards |
|||
Parameter |
10+2 entries, NDA (Army), TES and equivalent |
CDSE, IMA, OTA, UES, NCC,TGC & equivalent |
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 |
( including max astigmatism ≤ +/- 2.0 D Cyl) |
( including max astigmatism ≤ +/- 2.0 D Cyl) |
(including max astigmatism ≤ +/- 2.0 D Cyl) |
Hypermetropia |
( including max |
( including max |
(including max |
|
astigmatism ≤ +/- 2.0 D Cyl) |
astigmatism ≤ +/- 2.0 D Cyl) |
astigmatism ≤ +/- 2.0 D Cyl) |
Lasik/equivalent surgery |
Not permitted |
Permitted * |
Permitted* |
Colour perception |
CP-II |
CP-II |
CP-II |
- Visit the UPSC official website - upsc.gov.in
- Search for the NDA counselling 2024 link and click on it
- The NDA 2024 counselling details PDF file will be displayed on the screen.
- Check the NDA category-wise counselling
- Download and save the NDA exam 2024 pdf for future reference
NDA 2024 Dates
Take a look at the table below for the complete schedule of NDA 2024 exam
Dates |
Upcoming Exam Dates |
15 May '24 |
NDA 2 Notification 2024 ONGOING |
15 May '24 - 04 Jun '24 |
NDA 2 Application Form 2024 ONGOING |
09 Sep '24 |
NDA 2 Exam Date 2024 |
NDA Online Form 2024
NDA 2 application form 2024 was released on May 15, 2024. The last date to apply for the exam is June 4, 2024. Interested candidates are required to fill NDA application form online. The application fee is INR 100 for General/OBC candidates while SC/ST/Sons of JCOs, NCOs, ORs are exempted from fee payment.
How to Apply Online for NDA Exam?
- Visit the official website of UPSC
- Register online by filling the Part I of application
- Login with the registration number to fill Part II of the application form
- Fill all the details in Part II application form
- Submit the fees and take printout of the application form
NDA Application Fees
The category-wise fee break-up is given below.
Category |
Fees (In INR) |
General/OBC |
100 |
SC/ST/Sons of JCOs, NCOs, ORs |
Nil |
NDA One Time Registration
It is mandatory to complete the one time registration before filling NDA application form. This is a once-in-a-lifetime facility and through the login ID and password candidates can apply for any exam conducted by UPSC. To register with UPSC, candidates need to enter name, gender, date of birth, father’s name, mother’s name, minority status, valid mobile number, board examination roll number, and security questions. After completing the OTR, candidates can check their personal details, apply for active notification and check application submission status.
NDA Correction Window
The window to make the correction in the NDA application form is made available seven days after the application process is closed. Except the choice of exam centre, candidates can make corrections in all the details in the NDA application form.
NDA Notification 2024
NDA 1 notification 2024 was released on December 20, 2023. NDA 2 notification 2024 was released on May 15, 2024. The notification is released for recruitment of male and female candidates to the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of NDA and INAC. The notification is released in PDF form and comprises details such as the number of vacancies, exam dates, exam pattern, syllabus, course name, salary, exam centres, eligibility criteria, medical standards, the process of filling the application form, etc.
NDA Syllabus 2024 for Paper 2
NDA syllabus for Paper 2 comprises General Ability Test (GAT) which includes the topics and sub-topics from General Knowledge (GK), English, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, General Science, and Current Events. A total of 150 questions are asked in this paper, out of which 50 questions are from English and the remaining 100 questions are from General Knowledge. The total marks allotted to this section are 600. The basic overview of NDA syllabus for Paper 2 is given below.
Parameters |
Details |
Total marks allotted for GAT paper |
600 marks |
No. of questions |
150 |
Total questions in English |
50 |
Total Questions in GK |
100 |
Total Marks for English |
200 |
Total Marks for GK |
400 |
Marks for Correct Answer |
4 marks in each section |
Marks for Incorrect Answer |
-1.33 marks in each section |
Total Duration of GAT Paper |
2 Hours 30 Minutes |
NDA English Syllabus
NDA English syllabus comprises the topics that test the basic proficiency in English Language and Comprehension. A total of 50 questions are asked from this section. NDA syllabus for English can be prepared by reading books and newspapers. The difficulty level of this section is easy to moderate. NDA syllabus for English is given below.
- Grammar & usage
- Comprehension & cohesion
- Spotting of errors
- Para Jumbling
- Fill in the blanks
- Synonyms & Antonyms
- Vocabulary
- Cloze Test
- Idioms & Proverbs
- Completion of Sentence & Para
- Sentence Correction & Improvement
NDA Syllabus for GAT
The question paper of the GAT covers subjects that include Physics, Chemistry, Social Studies, General Science, Geography and Current Events. NDA syllabus for GAT is given below.
NDA Physics Syllabus
Around 23-25 questions are asked from Physics. NDA Physics syllabus is given below.
Physical Properties and States of Matter |
Modes of transference of Heat |
Mass |
Sound waves and their properties |
Weight |
Simple musical instruments |
Volume |
Rectilinear propagation of Light |
Density and Specific Gravity |
Reflection and refraction |
Principle of Archimedes |
Spherical mirrors and Lenses |
Pressure Barometer |
Human Eye |
Motion of objects |
Natural and Artificial Magnets |
Velocity and Acceleration |
Properties of a Magnet |
Newton’s Laws of Motion |
Earth as a Magnet |
Force and Momentum |
Static and Current Electricity |
Parallelogram of Forces |
Conductors and Non-conductors |
Stability and Equilibrium of bodies |
Ohm’s Law |
Gravitation |
Simple Electrical Circuits |
Elementary ideas of work |
Heating, Lighting and Magnetic effects of Current |
Power and Energy |
Measurement of Electrical Power |
Effects of Heat |
Primary and Secondary Cells |
Measurement of Temperature and Heat |
Use of X-Rays ,General Principles in the working of Simple Pendulum, Simple Pulleys, Siphon, Levers, Balloon, Pumps, Hydrometer, Pressure Cooker, Thermos Flask, Gramophone, Telegraphs, Telephone, Periscope, Telescope, Microscope, Mariner’s Compass; Lightning Conductors, Safety Fuses. |
NDA Chemistry Syllabus
NDA Chemistry Syllabus is contain topics of Class 12 level. NDA Chemistry syllabus is given below.
Preparation and Properties of Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen and Carbon Dioxide, Oxidation and Reduction. Acids, bases and salts. Carbon— different forms |
Physical and Chemical Changes |
Fertilizers—Natural and Artificial |
Elements |
Material used in the preparation of substances like Soap, Glass, Ink, Paper, Cement, Paints, Safety Matches and Gunpowder |
Mixtures and Compounds |
Elementary ideas about the structure of Atom |
Symbols, Formulae and simple Chemical Equation |
Atomic Equivalent and Molecular Weights |
Law of Chemical Combination (excluding problems) |
Valency |
Properties of Air and Water |
NDA General Science Syllabus
NDA syllabus for General Science includes topics that assess the basic knowledge of the candidate on science and environment. NDA General Science syllabus is given below.
Common Epidemics, their causes and prevention |
Difference between the living and non-living |
Food-Source of Energy for man |
Basis of Life—Cells, Protoplasms and Tissues |
Constituents of food |
Growth and Reproduction in Plants and Animals |
Balanced Diet |
Elementary knowledge of Human Body and its important organs |
The Solar System-Meteors and Comets, Eclipses. Achievements of Eminent Scientists |
|
NDA History Syllabus
NDA History syllabus contains topics on Culture and Civilization, the Freedom Movement in India, American Independence, French Revolution, etc. Check the list of topics included in the UPSC NDA syllabus for History below.
Forces shaping the modern world; Renaissance |
A broad survey of Indian History, with emphasis on Culture and Civilisation |
Exploration and Discovery; War of American Independence, French Revolution, Industrial Revolution and Russian Revolution |
Freedom Movement in India |
Impact of Science and Technology on Society |
Elementary study of Indian Constitution and Administration |
Concept of one World |
Elementary knowledge of Five Year Plans of India |
United Nations, Panchsheel, Democracy, Socialism and Communism |
Panchayati Raj |
Role of India in the present world |
Co-operatives and Community Development |
A broad survey of Indian History, with emphasis on Culture and Civilisation |
Bhoodan, Sarvodaya, National Integration and Welfare State |
Basic Teachings of Mahatma Gandhi |
- |
NDA Geography Syllabus
NDA Geography Syllabus assesses the candidate’s knowledge about earth and its resources and environment.
The Earth, its shape and size |
Ocean Currents and Tides Atmosphere and its composition |
Latitudes and Longitudes |
Temperature and Atmospheric Pressure, Planetary Winds, Cyclones and Anticyclones; Humidity; Condensation and Precipitation |
Concept of time |
Types of Climate |
International Date Line |
Major Natural regions of the World |
Movements of Earth and their effects |
Regional Geography of India—Climate, Natural vegetation. Mineral and Power resources; location and distribution of agricultural and Industrial activities |
Origin of Earth. Rocks and their classification |
Important Sea ports and main sea, land and air routes of India |
Weathering—Mechanical and Chemical, Earthquakes and Volcanoes |
Main items of Imports and Exports of India |
UPSC NDA Current Affairs Syllabus
NDA Current Affairs syllabus includes topics based on the latest current affairs events of India as well as the world.
Knowledge of Important events that have happened in India in the recent years |
Prominent personalities—both Indian and International including those connected with cultural activities and sports |
Current important world events |
- |
NDA SSB Syllabus
SSB Interview
SSB Interview is conducted in two stages. The details regarding the stages are explained below:
Stage 1
Screening Test that comprises Verbal and non-verbal tests and PPDT
Stage 2
Psychological Test comprises Thematic Apperception Test (TAT), Word Association Test (WAT), Situation Reaction Test (SRT), and Self Description Test (SD). Group Testing Officers Test comprises GD, GPE, PGT, HGT, IOT, Command Task, Snake race/Group Obstacle Race, Individual lecture and FGT. The final phase of stage 2 is Personal Interview & conference.
NDA Syllabus for Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR)
The syllabus for OIR is given below.
Verbal Test |
Non – Verbal Test |
Figures |
Completion of Series |
Analogies |
Blood Relation |
Figure Matrix |
Shorter and Taller Problems |
Locating Hidden Figure |
Logical Venn Diagram |
Odd one out |
Jumbled Words |
Classification of data |
Coding-Decoding |
Paper Cutting |
One word Substitution |
Problem on Dice |
Problem on Ranks |
Problem on Cubes |
Interchanging 2 signs |
Visualizing Patterns |
Identification of letters |
Spatial Ability |
Reconstruction of test |
NDA Books
Referring to good NDA books is an important part of preparation. With so many books available in the market, choosing the best books becomes challenging. We have provided below NDA books for English, Maths and General Knowledge.
Subjects |
Books |
English |
|
General Knowledge |
|
Maths |
National Defence Academy and Naval Academy by RS Agarwal |
NDA Preparation Tips 2024
Candidates can prepare for NDA exam by following the tips given below:
- To begin with, candidates must be clear about the subjects, pattern, and types of questions
- The Mathematics section of NDA comprises questions from Algebra, Matrices, trigonometry, calculus, statistics, etc. Candidates must clear their concepts from Classes 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 NCERT books
- The GAT comprises a variety of subjects, such as Chemistry, General Science, Geography, History, and Current Affairs. This paper also comprises a section on English
- Candidates must revise the topics they have studied
- Make short and simple notes as it will help candidates to revise properly and quickly
- Solve previous years' NDA question papers and take NDA mock tests
- Buy good NDA books and question banks
NDA 2 Last Minute Preparation Tips 2024
Given below are some of the last minute preparation tips for NDA exam:
- Candidates must revise all the important topics thoroughly
- Time management is important for the exam. Candidates must give more time to sections that they are stronger in. They should ensure to effectively use the time duration of the exam.
- Candidates are advised to practice as many mock tests and previous year papers as they can to improve their speed of solving papers
- Candidates must read the question papers carefully during the exam
- Do not forget to carry admit card and photo-identity proof to the exam centre
- Do not take stress and believe on the preparation
NDA Exam Pattern 2024
NDA exam is conducted in two stages: written exam and SSB Interview. The written exam is conducted in two shifts- morning and afternoon. The written exam is divided into two parts: Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT). The GAT is further divided into Part A-English Test and Part B- General Awareness or General Knowledge Test. A total 150 questions are asked in GAT section and 120 in Mathematics. The question paper will be available in both English and Hindi. The written exam carries a total of 900 marks. The total duration of the written exam is five hours. Candidates qualifying the written exam are called for SSB Interview. Total marks allotted to SSB Interview are 900. The structure of NDA written exam is given below.
Subject |
Marks |
Number of questions |
Duration of test |
Mathematics |
300 |
120 |
2 ½ |
GAT |
600 |
150 |
2 ½ |
Total |
900 |
270 |
5 hours |
NDA Cutoff 2024
NDA cutoff for the written exam and final selection is released after the declaration of the final result. The cutoff for the written exam is calculated out of 900. The final cutoff is calculated based on the marks secured by the last recommended candidates out of 1800 marks (900 marks of written exam and 900 marks of SSB Interview). The qualifying NDA cutoff marks prescribed for each subject are 25 per cent. Candidates are required to qualify the exam by securing separate cutoff marks in the written exam and SSB Interview. Candidates can check below the previous years' NDA 1 & NDA 2 cut off marks.
Paper |
Written Exam |
Final Exam |
2021 (1) |
343 |
709 |
2020 (2) |
355 |
719 |
2020 (1) |
355 |
726 |
2019 (2) |
346 |
709 |
2019 (1) |
342 |
704 |
2018 (2) |
325 |
688 |
2018 (1) |
338 |
705 |
2017 (2) |
258 |
624 |
2017 (1) |
342 |
708 |
How to Check NDA Cut off ?
The steps to check NDA cut off are given below:
- Visit the official website of UPSC
- Go to the 'Cut off' page from 'Examination'
- Click the NDA cut off link
- The cut off is displayed on the screen
- Download the cut off and save it
NDA Exam Statistics: Registration vs Number of Appeared Candidates
The table below highlights the number of candidates who registered and appeared in NDA 1 and 2 exams over the past three years.
Exam Sessions |
Number of Registered Candidates |
Number of Appeared Candidates |
NDA/NA (I) & (II) Exam 2020 |
5,301,85 |
2,404,45 |
NDA/NA (I) Exam 2018 |
4,506,41 |
2,946,88 |
NDA/NA (II) Exam 2018 |
3,487,85 |
2,405,76 |
NDA/NA (I) Exam 2017 |
4,169,61 |
2,680,12 |
NDA/NA (II) Exam 2017 |
3,442,02 |
2,321,20 |
NDA Vacancy
Vacancy was released along with the notification. A total of 404 vacancies were announced for NDA 2 exam. The break-up is given below.
Academy |
Wings |
No. of Vacancies |
NDA |
Army |
208 (including 10 for female candidates) |
Navy |
42 (including 06 for female candidates) |
|
Air Force |
Flying- 92 (including 02 for female candidates) Ground Duties (Tech)-18 (including 02 for female candidates) Ground Duties (Non Tech)-10 (including 02 for female candidates) |
|
Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme) |
- |
34 (including 05 for female candidate) |
Total |
|
404 |
NDA 1 2024 Vacancy
Candidates can check below NDA 1 vacancy break-up.
Academy |
Wings |
No. of Vacancies |
NDA |
Army |
208 (including 10 for female candidates) |
Navy |
42 (including |
|
Air Force |
Flying- 92 (including 02 for female candidates) Ground Duties (Tech)-18 (including 02 for female candidates) Ground Duties (Non Tech)-10 (including 02 for female candidates) |
|
Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme) |
- |
30 (including 09 for female candidates) |
Total |
|
400 |
What is NDA Salary?
The NDA salary structure is given below.
Rank |
Level |
Grade Pay (INR) |
Lieutenant |
Level 10 |
56,100-1,77,500 |
Captain |
Level 10 B |
6,13,00-1,93,900 |
Major |
Level 11 |
6,94,00-2,07,200 |
Lieutenant Colonel |
Level 12A |
1,21,200-2,12400 |
Colonel |
Level 13 |
1,30,600-2,15,900 |
Brigadier |
Level 13A |
1,39,600-2,17,600 |
Major General |
Level 14 |
1,44,200-2,18,200 |
Lieutenant General HAG Scale |
Level 15 |
1, 82, 200-2,24,100 |
HAG+Scale |
Level 16 |
2,05,400-2,24,400 |
VCOAS/Army Cdr/ Lieutenant General (NFSG) |
Level 17 |
2,25,000 (fixed) |
COAS |
Level 18 |
2,50,000 (fixed) |
NDA Admit Card 2024
NDA 2 admit card 2024 will be released online in August 2024. Candidates can download the NDA admit card by logging either with the roll number or registration number. The hard copy of the admit card is not sent to candidates by post. Candidates need to carry the printed copy of their admit cards along with one photo-identity proof to the exam centre. The admit card displays the details related to the exam as well as candidate's personal details.
How to Download NDA Admit Card?
The steps to download NDA admit card are given below:
- Visit the official website
- Click on the admit card link on the home page
- Enter login credentials
- The admit card appears on the screen
- Download the admit card and take its printout
NDA Admit Card Details
The following details are printed on NDA admit card:
Personal Details |
Exam Details |
Exam Centre Details |
Candidate’s Name |
Exam Date |
Name of exam centre |
Date of birth |
Exam time |
Address of exam centre |
Roll number |
Reporting time |
City |
Photograph and signature |
- |
Centre code (if any) |
Documents Required Along With NDA Admit Card
Candidates must carry the below-mentioned documents along with the NDA admit card:
- Valid Identity Proof-Aadhar Card/ Voter ID/College lD card/ Passport/ PAN card/ Driving license
- 3 to 4 Passport size photographs
NDA Exam Day Guidelines
The exam day guidelines for NDA exam are given below:
- Candidates should carry their NDA admit card to the exam centre
- Along with the admit card, candidates should also carry one photo-identity proof
- Carry clipboard or hardboard and a black ball pen for marking their responses
- The invigilator provides a sheet for doing rough work
- Books, notes, loose sheets, electronic or any other type of calculators, mathematical and drawing instruments, log tables, stencils of maps, slide rules, test booklets, and rough sheets are not allowed inside the examination centre
- Strict action is taken against those candidates found copying or cheating