HOW TO JOIN NDA TO BECOME A DEFENCE OFFICER AFTER 10+2

NDA stands for National  Defence Academy . It is one of the best way for the 12th passed or appearing students of final year who wants to join as an officer in Defence Forces .

NDA is an joint service academy of our three forces THE ARMY, THE NAVY and THE AIR FORCE .

It is the first tri – service academy in the world where the cadets of three forces are trained together before they go into their given force .

It is located at Khadakwasla near Pune , Maharastra .

In this article , you will get complete details starting from NDA exam to till joining into the force .

Let explore the article .

1. NDA EXAM
2. ELIGIBILITY FOR NDA EXAM
3. NDA EXAM PATTERN
4. SYLLABUS FOR NDA EXAM
5. ONLINE APPLY FOR NDA EXAM
6. ADMIT CARD FOR WRITTEN EXAM
7. WRITTEN EXAM RESULT
8. NDA SSB INTERVIEW
9. MEDICAL EXAM OF NDA
10. MERIT LIST
11. TRAINING
12. CONCLUSION
13. FAQs

NDA EXAM

UPSC conducts the NDA exam twice in a year as NDA – I and NDA – II .

Through this NDA exam , Unmarried Male are invited to join INDIAN ARMED FORCES .

There is also a chance to become an Officer in ALL THREE FORCES through CDS EXAM AFTER GRADUATION DEGREE .

The vacancy of NDA is 370 posts . ( 208 for Army , 42 for Navy and 120 for Air Force ) .

There is also a vacancy of 48 posts of  NA ( Naval Academy ) . The selection for NA is also done through this NDA exam .

So the total vacancy for this exam is 418 . It may be changed based on the training capacity of NDA and INA .

Exam	Notification Date	Exam Date
NDA – I	08TH JAN	10TH JUNE
NDA – II	19TH APR	06TH SEP

Note :-

The date given above are available in UPSC website exam calendar . It may be changed .

ELIGIBILITY FOR NDA EXAM

AGE	16 ½ to 19 ½ years as of 1st day of the month in which course is due to commence .
QUALIFICATION	12th pass in 10+2 system . For Navy and Air Force , Must have 12th Science with Physics and Math as their subjects .
SEX	Male
MARITAL STATUS	Unmarried

NDA EXAM PATTERN

The question paper of the NDA exam is of two parts – Paper I and Paper II .

The questions for both paper are of multiple choice type .

The language of the question paper is in Hindi as well as English .

The exam papers comprise with a total of 900 marks .

Paper	Subject	Marks	Time Period
Paper – I	Math	300	2hrs And 30 Mins.
Paper – II	General Ability Test	600	2hrs And 30 Mins.

Note :-

There is a negative marking for each incorrect answer in NDA exam .

SYLLABUS FOR NDA EXAM

Math

ALGEBRA

• Concept of set .
• Operations on sets .
• Venn diagrams .
• De Morgan laws .
• Cartesian product .
• Relation .
• Equivalence relation .
• Re – presentation of real numbers on a line .
• Complex numbers – Basic properties , Modulus and Argument .
• Cube roots of unity .
• Binary system of numbers .
• Conversion of a number in decimal system to binary system and vice – versa .
• Arithmetic .
• Geometric and Harmonic progressions .
• Quadratic equations with real coefficients .
• Solution of linear in – equations of two variables by graphs .
• Permutation and Combination .
• Binomial theorem and its applications .
• Logarithms and their applications .

MATRICES AND DETERMINANTS

• Types of matrices .
• Operations of matrices .
• Determinant of a matrix .
• Basic properties of determinants .
• Adjoint and inverse of a square matrix .
• Applications – Solution of a system of linear equations in two or three unknowns by Cramer’s rule and by Matrix Method .

TRIGONOMETRY

• Angles and their measures in degrees and in radians .
• Trigonometrical ratios .
• Trigonometric identities Sum and difference formulae .
• Multiple and Sub – multiple angles .
• Inverse trigonometric functions .
• Applications – Height and distance .
• Properties of triangles .

ANALYTICAL GEOMETRY OF TWO AND THREE DIMENSIONS

• Rectangular Cartesian Co – ordinate system,
• Distance formula,
• Equation of a line in various forms,
• Angle between two lines,
• Distance of a point from a line.
• Equation of a circle in standard and in general form,
• Standard forms of parabola, ellipse and hyperbola,
• Eccentricity and axis of a conic,
• Point in a three dimensional space,
• Distance between two points,
• Direction Cosines and direction ratios,
• Equation two points.
• Direction Cosines and direction ratios,
• Equation of a plane and a line in various forms,
• Angle between two lines and angle between two planes,
• Equation of a sphere.

DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS

• Concept of a real valued function – domain,
• Range and graph of a function,
• Composite functions, one to one, onto and inverse functions,
• Notion of limit, Standard limits — examples,
• Continuity of functions — examples, algebraic operations on continuous functions,
• Derivative of function at a point,
• Geometrical and physical interpretation of a derivative — applications.
• Derivatives of sum, product and quotient of functions,
• Derivative of a function with respect to another function,
• Derivative of a composite function,
• Second order derivatives,
• Increasing and decreasing functions,
• Application of derivatives in problems of maxima and minima.

INTEGRAL CALCULUS AND DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS

• Integration as inverse of differentiation,
• Integration by substitution and by parts,
• Standard integrals involving algebraic expressions,
• Trigonometric, exponential and hyperbolic functions,
• Evaluation of definite integrals,
• Determination of areas of plane regions bounded by curves — applications,
• Definition of order and degree of a differential equation,
• Formation of a differential equation by examples.
• General and particular solution of a differential equations,
• Solution of first order and first degree differential equations of various types — examples,
• Application in problems of growth and decay.

VECTOR ALGEBRA

• Vectors in two and three dimensions,
• Magnitude of a vector,
• Direction of a vector ,
• Unit and null vectors,
• Addition of vectors,
• Scalar multiplication of a vector,
• Scalar product or dot product of two vectors,
• Vector product or cross product of two vectors,
• Applications — work done by a force and moment of a force and in geometrical problems.

STATISTICS AND PROBABILITY

Statistics :

• Classification of data,
• Frequency distribution,
• Cumulative frequency distribution — examples,
• Graphical representation — Histogram, Pie Chart, frequency polygon with examples,
• Measures of Central tendency — Mean, median and mode,
• Variance and standard deviation — determination and comparison,
• Correlation and regression.

Probability :

• Random experiment,
• Outcomes and associated sample space,
• Events,
• Mutually exclusive and exhaustive events,
• Impossible and certain events.
• Union and Intersection of events.
• Complementary,
• Elementary and composite events,
• Definition of probability — classical and statistical with examples.
• Elementary theorems on probability with simple problems,
• Conditional probability,
• Bayes’ theorem — simple problems.
• Random variable as function on a sample space,
• Binomial distribution,
• Examples of random experiments giving rise to Binominal distribution.

General Ability Test

Part ‘ A ’ — ENGLISH ( Max. Marks — 200 )

• Grammar and usage,
• Vocabulary,
• Comprehension and cohesion in extended text to test the candidate’s proficiency in English.

Part ‘ B ’ — GK ( Max. Marks — 400 )

SECTION ‘ A ’ ( PHYSICS )

• Physical Properties and States of :-
  1. Matter,
  2. Mass,
  3. Weight,
  4. Volume,
  5. Density, Specific Gravity .
  6. Principle of Archimedes,
  7. Pressure Barometer,
  8. Motion of objects,
  9. Velocity,
  10. Acceleration,
• Newton’s Laws of Motion,
• Force and Momentum,
• Parallelogram of Forces,
• Stability and Equilibrium of bodies,
• Gravitation,
• Elementary ideas of work, Power and Energy.
• Effects of Heat,
• Measurement of Temperature and Heat,
• Change of State and Latent Heat,
• Modes of transference of Heat.
• Sound waves and their properties,
• Simple musical instruments.
• Rectilinear propagation of Light,
• Reflection,
• Refraction,
• Spherical mirrors and Lenses,
• Human Eye,
• Natural and Artificial Magnets,
• Properties of a Magnet,
• Earth as a Magnet,
• Static and Current Electricity,
• Conductors,
• Nonconductors,
• Ohm’s Law,
• Simple Electrical Circuits,
• Heating, Lighting and Magnetic effects of Current,
• Measurement of Electrical Power,
• Primary and Secondary Cells,
• Use of X – Rays .
• General Principles in the working of the following :
  1. Simple Pendulum,
  2. Simple Pulleys,
  3. Siphon,
  4. Levers,
  5. Balloon,
  6. Pumps,
  7. Hydrometer,
  8. Pressure Cooker,
  9. Thermos Flask,
  10. Gramophone,
  11. Telegraphs,
  12. Telephone,
  13. Periscope,
  14. Telescope,
  15. Microscope,
  16. Mariner’s Compass ; Lightening Conductors,
  17. Safety Fuses.

SECTION ‘ B ’ ( CHEMISTRY )

• Physical and Chemical changes,
• Elements,
• Mixtures and Compounds,
• Symbols,
• Formulae and simple Chemical Equations,
• Law of Chemical Combination ( excluding problems ),
• Properties of Air and Water,
• Preparation and Properties of Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen and Carbon dioxide,
• Oxidation and Reduction,
• Acids, bases and salts.
• Carbon — different forms,
• Fertilizers — Natural and Artificial,
• Material used in the preparation of substances like Soap, Glass, Ink, Paper, Cement, Paints, Safety Matches and Gun- Powder.
• Elementary ideas about the structure of Atom,
• Atomic Equivalent and Molecular Weights,
• Valency.

SECTION ‘ C ’ ( GENERAL SCIENCE )

• Difference between the living and non – living,
• Basis of Life — Cells,
• Protoplasms and Tissues,
• Growth and Reproduction in Plants and Animals.
• Elementary knowledge of Human Body and its important organs,
• Common Epidemics, their causes and prevention,
• Food — Source of Energy for man, Constituents of food, Balanced Diet,
• The Solar System — Meteors and Comets, Eclipses,
• Achievements of Eminent Scientists.

SECTION ‘ D ’ ( HISTORY, FREEDOM MOVEMENT ETC. )

• A broad survey of Indian History with emphasis on Culture and Civilization,
• Freedom Movement in India,
• Study of Indian Constitution and Administration,
• Knowledge of Five Year Plans of India,
• Panchayati Raj,
• Co – operatives and Community Development,
• Bhoodan,
• Sarvodaya,
• National Integration and Welfare State,
• Basic Teachings of Mahatma Gandhi,
• Forces shaping the modern world,
• Renaissance, Exploration and Discovery,
• War of American Independence,
• French and Russion Revolution,
• Industrial Revolution,
• Impact of Science and Technology on Society,
• Concept of one World,
• UN,
• Panchsheel,
• Democracy,
• Socialism and Communism,
• Role of India in the present world.

SECTION ‘ E ’ ( GEOGRAPHY )

• The Earth – its shape and size,
• Latitudes and Longitudes,
• Concept of time,
• International Date Line,
• Movements of Earth and their effects,
• Origin of Earth,
• Rocks and their classification,
• Weathering — Mechanical and Chemical,
• Earthquakes,
• Volcanoes,
• Ocean Currents and Tides,
• Atmosphere and its composition,
• Temp. and Atmospheric Pressure,
• Planetary Winds,
• Cyclones,
• Anti – cyclones,
• Humidity,
• Condensation,
• Precipitation,
• Types of Climate,
• Major Natural regions of the World,
• Regional Geography of India — Climate, Natural vegetation, Mineral and Power resources, location and distribution of agricultural and Industrial activities.
• Important Sea ports and main sea,
• Land and air routes of India,
• Main items of Imports and Exports of India.

SECTION ‘ F ’ ( CURRENT EVENTS )

• Knowledge of Important events that have happened in India in the recent years,
• Current important world events,
• Prominent personalities — both Indian and International including those connected with cultural activities and sports .

ONLINE APPLY FOR NDA EXAM

Eligible candidates are required to apply online using UPSC Official Website .

Candidate must have the details of one Photo ID Card .

Accepted IDs are –

• Aadhaar Card,
• Voter Card,
• PAN Card,
• Passport,
• DL,
• Any other Photo ID Card issued by the State / Central Govt .

The details of this Photo ID Card will have to be provided by the candidate while filling up the online form.

The candidates will have to upload a scan copy of the Photo ID whose details have been provided in the online form by him / her.

This Photo ID Card will be used for all stages of selection .

One must carry this Photo ID Card while appearing for the Written Exam or SSB .

Candidates are required to pay a fee of Rs. 100/- ( Rupees One Hundred Only ) .

Payment will be done offline by depositing the money in any Branch of SBI in cash .

It can also be paid by using net banking facility of SBI or by using visa / master / rupay credit card / debit card .

All SC / ST and Sons of JCOs / NCOs / ORs are not required to pay any Fee for the exam because their fees are relaxed .

One is required to mention his choice of academy clearly in the online form so that he can put as per their choice when making appointment .

So Candidates are advised to select as many choices as they wishes to .

No addition or deletation of choice of academy will not be allowed after mention of choice in Online form .

Lastly one must confirm that form is filled up as per the instructions and all the details given by him are true and correct . Also check that all the documents are uploaded properly .

ADMIT CARD FOR WRITTEN EXAM

An Admit card will be issued three weeks before the exam .

The Admit Card will be available on the UPSC website for downloading by the candidates .

No Admit Card will be sent by post to them .

WRITTEN EXAM RESULT

The UPSC shall prepare a list of those who obtain the min. marks in the written exam which is fixed by the Commission in their discretion .

Those who pass in the written exam will be detailed for SSB Interview .

To get the SSB centre and date of interview , Candidates should register themselves online as per their first choice with the E-mail id given while filling online form through the website of ARMY / NAVY / AIR FORCE .

NDA SSB INTERVIEW

Interview contains total 900 marks . The process of the interview consists of two phases i.e STAGE – I and STAGE – II . STAGE – I will complete in 1^st day of the SSB Interview .

Those who clear the STAGE – I are allowed to appear in STAGE – II which takes a min. time period of 4 days . So all are advised to ready for these days .

Those who can not qualify in the STAGE – I will return back in the first day of the SSB Interview .

Those with Air Force as one of the choice will go through a Computerised Pilot Selection System ( CPSS ) after passing in the SSB Interview .

Those fails to pass in CPSS can not apply for the Flying Branch of AIR FORCE WING OR GENERAL DUTIES ( PILOT ) BRANCH OR NAVAL AIR ARM .

Candidates who qualify in SSB Interview will have to produce original 10th and 12th certificate , mark sheet and other related documents . So all must carry originals with them to the SSB .

The originals will be returned after checking process .

Travel Allowance

Those who appears NDA SSB INTERVIEW for the first time will be given travel allowance . One must note that It is given only for the first time .

MEDICAL EXAM OF NDA

Candidate selected by SSB will go through a medical exam by a board of service medical officers . Those who declared medical fit will wait for the last round to join NDA i.e MERIT LIST .

MERIT LIST

Lastly MERIT LIST is issued in national level as per the vacancies in NDA . The candidates will be placed in the order of merit on the basis of the total marks secured by them .

The total marks includes both from the written exam as well as from the SSB tests .

Higher studies , Previous marks etc. have no role to play in the seletion in the Merit list .

Those in merit list are allowed to join NDA for training .

TRAINING

The candidates who are selected for the three services viz, Army, Navy and Air Force are given basic training in both academic and physical for a period of 3 years at the NDA .

The training during the first two and half years is common to all the cadets of three wings . All the cadets on passing out will be awarded degrees from JNU , Delhi .

On passing out from the NDA :-

Army Cadets will go to the IMA where as Naval Cadets go to the INA .

Air Force cadets of Ground Duty – ( Non Tech ) to Air Force Academy, Hyderabad and Cadets of Tech stream to Air Force Technical College, Bengaluru.

CONCLUSION

NDA is one of the best way for the youth who wants to fulfill the dream of Officer, Dream of uniform, Dream of Pride and Honour .

The best part of NDA exam is that It does not considear your previous exam score or grade .

IF Candidate is capable of being an Officer in FORCE no matter what mark or stream he has in 12th , NDA always opens it’s door for the capable ones .

ALSO READ :-

AFTER 10+2 , HOW A APPLICANT CAN JOIN

• THROUGH NAVIK GD EXAM IN INDIAN COAST GUARD .
• THROUGH GROUP X AND Y EXAM IN INDIAN AIR FORCE .
• ALSO THROUGH SSR AND AA EXAM IN INDIAN NAVY .

FAQs