Written Examination
Paper 1 (Maths — 300 marks) + Paper 2 (GAT — 600 marks). Total 900 marks. Conducted by UPSC.
SSB Interview
5-day process at Services Selection Board. Total 900 marks. Tests personality, leadership, and intelligence.
Medical Examination
Physical fitness and medical standards test. Conducted after SSB clearance. Strict standards for each service.
Merit List
Combined score of Written (900) + SSB (900) = 1800 total. Training at NDA Khadakwasla, Pune for 3 years.
| Paper | Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration | Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Mathematics | 120 MCQs | 300 | 2.5 Hours | +2.5 correct / −0.83 wrong |
| Paper 2 | English (Part A) | 50 MCQs | 200 | 2.5 Hours | +4 correct / −1.33 wrong |
| General Knowledge (Part B) | 100 MCQs | 400 | |||
| Total Written | 270 Questions | 900 | 5 Hours | — | |
Negative Marking Alert: NDA has fractional negative marking. Paper 1: −0.83 per wrong answer. Paper 2: −1.33 per wrong answer. Avoid random guessing. Only attempt when reasonably confident.
Mathematics — 300 Marks (Paper 1)
English (GAT Part A) — 200 Marks
English Tip: Read English newspapers (The Hindu / IE) daily for 30 min. Focus on editorial vocabulary and grammar. English accounts for 200 marks — do not ignore it.
General Knowledge (GAT Part B) — 400 Marks
SSB Interview — 900 Marks (5-Day Process)
OIR Test + PPDT
Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR): Verbal and non-verbal reasoning test. Picture Perception & Description Test (PPDT): Narrate a story on a hazy picture. Group discussion follows. Screened-in candidates proceed.
Psychological Tests
TAT (Thematic Apperception Test), WAT (Word Association Test), SRT (Situation Reaction Test), SDT (Self Description Test). Tests your thought process and personality.
Group Testing Officer Tasks
Group Discussion, Group Planning Exercise, Progressive Group Task, Half Group Task, Individual Obstacles, Command Task, Final Group Task, Lecturette. Tests teamwork and leadership.
Personal Interview (PI)
1-on-1 interview with Interviewing Officer. Covers your background, interests, current affairs, defence awareness, and personality. Can last 30–60 minutes.
SSB Tip: The assessors are looking for OLQs — Officer Like Qualities: Effective Intelligence, Reasoning Ability, Organizing Ability, Power of Expression, Social Adaptability, Courage, Stamina, and Self-Confidence. Be genuine — faking doesn't work at SSB.
| Criterion | Details |
|---|---|
| Gender | Male and Female (unmarried) — both eligible from 2023 onwards |
| Age (NDA) | 16.5 to 19.5 years at the time of commencement of course |
| Educational Qualification | Class XII pass or appearing (PCM mandatory for Navy & Air Force) |
| Nationality | Indian citizen / persons of Indian origin |
| Physical — Army | Height: 157 cm min | Weight: proportional | No major defects |
| Physical — Navy | Height: 157 cm min | Vision: 6/6 uncorrected (relaxations apply) |
| Physical — Air Force | Height: 162.5 cm min | Vision: 6/6 uncorrected | Strictest standards |
| Attempts | No fixed limit — as long as age criteria is met |