Overview
UPSC NDA & NA is the entry point for 12th-pass candidates into the National Defence Academy (Army, Navy and Air Force wings) and the Indian Naval Academy, and is conducted twice yearly. It's one of the youngest-entry competitive exams in the country, open to candidates as young as 16.5 years, which means preparation typically overlaps directly with Class 11–12 board studies. The written exam is split into Mathematics and a combined General Ability Test, followed by the SSB interview process and a rigorous medical examination — since successful candidates go on to a three-year joint training programme before specialising by service.
What's New in the 2026 Cycle
What changed in the 2026 cycle
- Two annual cycles — NDA I and NDA II — each with a separate notification, written exam and SSB.
- Physics and Mathematics at Class 12 level are mandatory for Air Force and Navy wing applicants, unlike the Army wing.
- Mathematics carries equal weight (300 marks) to the General Ability Test's English section, making it a high-leverage subject to master early.
- SSB process and medical standards are especially stringent given the age and long training commitment involved.
Eligibility Criteria
| Criterion | Details |
|---|---|
| Age Limit | 16.5–19.5 years, unmarried (as on the first day of the course); passed or appearing in Class 12 |
| Educational Qualification | Class 12 pass (Physics & Mathematics required for Air Force/Navy wings); Class 12 appearing candidates may apply |
| Nationality | Indian citizen (or as specified for Nepalese/Bhutanese/Tibetan-refugee candidates per UPSC norms) |
| Application Fee | ₹200 (General/OBC male candidates). Women and SC/ST candidates are exempted. |
UPSC NDA & NA Exam Pattern
The UPSC NDA & NA selection process runs through written exam + ssb interview + medical. Each stage has its own timing, marking scheme and qualifying rules, detailed below.
Written Exam
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 120 | 300 |
| General Ability Test (English + General Knowledge) | 150 | 600 |
SSB Interview (Stage I & Stage II)
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Officer Potentiality Assessment | — | 900 |
UPSC NDA & NA Detailed Subject-Wise Syllabus
Below is the complete topic-wise UPSC NDA & NA syllabus for every subject tested across all stages, with a short note on what each section actually rewards — use this to build a section-wise study plan rather than relying on generic topic summaries.
Mathematics
Carries equal weight to the entire General Ability Test — mastering the Class 11–12 syllabus early pays off across both papers.
- Algebra — sets, quadratic equations, binomial theorem, logarithms
- Matrices & determinants
- Trigonometry — ratios, identities, heights & distances
- Analytical geometry — 2D & 3D
- Differential calculus, integral calculus & differential equations
- Vector algebra
- Statistics & probability
General Ability Test — English
Tests foundational grammar and comprehension — a strong vocabulary habit built over months beats last-minute cramming.
- Grammar & usage
- Vocabulary
- Comprehension
- Cohesion & sentence structure
General Ability Test — General Knowledge
Broad but shallow — a wide-but-light revision approach across all subjects works better than deep specialisation in one.
- Physics — Class 11–12 level fundamentals
- Chemistry — Class 11–12 level fundamentals
- General science — biology, environment
- History, freedom movement & civics
- Geography — physical, Indian & world
- Current events — national & international
SSB — Psychological & Group Testing
Given the young age of most candidates, building basic fitness, teamwork and communication skills early makes a real difference here.
- Officer Intelligence Rating test (screening)
- Picture Perception & Discussion Test
- Thematic Apperception Test, Word Association Test, Situation Reaction Test
- Group Discussion, Group Planning Exercise & Progressive Group Tasks
- Command Task & Individual Obstacles
- Personal Interview & Conference
Selection Process
- Written Examination — Mathematics and General Ability Test.
- SSB Interview — Screening (Stage I), then Psychological Tests, GTO tasks & Personal Interview (Stage II).
- Medical Examination by a Board of service medical officers.
- Final merit list based on combined written and SSB marks, subject to medical fitness.
Salary & Job Profile
NDA cadets receive a stipend during training; on commissioning after the Academy programme, officers start at Pay Level 10 (₹56,100 basic) plus Military Service Pay and applicable allowances, consistent with entry-level officer pay across the armed forces.
Best Books for UPSC NDA & NA Preparation
- Pathfinder NDA & NA Entrance Examination — Arihant Experts
- NCERT Mathematics (Class 11 & 12)
- Objective General English — S.P. Bakshi (Arihant)
- Manorama Yearbook (for General Knowledge & current affairs)
Previous Cut-off Trends
Approximate — always verify officially
NDA written exam cut-offs typically vary between the two annual cycles (NDA I/II) and shift with paper difficulty and the number of vacancies for each wing. As with CDS, SSB selection is highly competitive beyond the written cut-off — always check UPSC's official cut-off release for the exact figures.
Preparation Tips
- Since Mathematics and GK carry roughly equal total weight, don't let board-exam Maths revision crowd out GK — build both in parallel from Class 11 itself.
- Read age-appropriate current affairs weekly; NDA's GK leans toward broad awareness rather than depth on any single subject.
- Begin basic physical training early — running, swimming and general fitness — since SSB tasks and the medical standard are demanding for this age group.
- Attempt previous years' papers under strict timing; the sheer volume of questions (270 across both papers) makes speed as important as accuracy.
Exam Day Guidelines
- Carry the e-Document Checker and a valid original photo ID — parents/guardians often need to accompany minors to the centre per local rules.
- Only black ballpoint pens are permitted for the OMR sheet — carry spares.
- Arrive well before reporting time; gate-closing rules are strictly enforced.
- No electronic devices, including calculators, are allowed inside the exam hall — all Maths must be done by hand.
- For SSB, carry original school/board certificates, photographs and your call letter as specified.
Frequently Asked Questions
Candidates must be between 16.5 and 19.5 years of age as on the first day of the course they're joining, and unmarried.
Physics and Mathematics at Class 12 level are compulsory for the Air Force and Navy wings; the Army wing has more flexible stream requirements, but Mathematics is still tested in the written exam for all wings.
Twice — NDA I and NDA II — each with its own notification, written exam and SSB process.
Yes, 1/3rd of the marks allotted to a question is deducted for every wrong answer, in both the Mathematics and General Ability Test papers.
Qualifying candidates are called for the 5-day SSB interview process, and final selection is based on combined written and SSB marks, subject to clearing the medical examination.
Related Exams
Back to Syllabus Hub — browse all government exam syllabus pagesSyllabus content on this page is compiled and reviewed against the official Union Public Service Commission notification as of 27 Jun 2026. Exam patterns, vacancies, salary figures and cut-offs are subject to change — always cross-check with the official notification at upsc.gov.in before applying.