NDA (National Defence Academy) — Career Roadmap

Education 12th Pass (Science with Maths for Navy & Air Force, any stream for Army)

Age Limit 16.5 - 19.5 years at the time of joining

Gender Unmarried Males only (as of current rules)

Physical Minimum height 157cm, good vision, physically fit

Education Path

Step-by-step education requirements to become eligible

1

Pass 10th with good marks

Start preparing for NDA from Class 11 itself. Choose Science with Maths if you want Navy/Air Force options.

2

Pass 12th (10+2)

Army wing: Any stream. Navy & Air Force: Must have Physics + Maths in 12th. Appearing students can also apply.

3

Physical Fitness from Day 1

Start running (2.4 km in 15 min), push-ups (20+), sit-ups, chin-ups. NDA SSB tests physical endurance.

4

Develop Personality & Leadership

Join NCC, sports teams, debate clubs. SSB interview tests Officer Like Qualities (OLQs).

Preparation Strategy

How to prepare — duration, subjects, books & coaching options

Duration: 6-12 months

Subjects to Cover:

Mathematics (Class 11-12 level)
General Ability Test (English + GK + Physics + Chemistry + Geography + History + Current Affairs)

Coaching vs Self Study

Self Study: Possible with strong Maths basics. Use previous papers + NCERT. For SSB, join a 5-day SSB coaching camp.

Coaching: Major Kalshi Classes, Centurion Defence Academy, Shield Defence Academy. Online: Unacademy NDA.

Cost: Self study: ₹3,000-8,000. Coaching: ₹30,000-80,000. SSB coaching: ₹10,000-25,000 (5 days).

Recommended Books & Resources

Pathfinder NDA/NA by Arihant

RS Aggarwal — Quantitative Aptitude

Lucent's General Knowledge

NCERT Class 11-12 Maths, Physics, Chemistry

Word Power Made Easy — Norman Lewis (for English)

Let's Crack SSB Interview by Arihant

Exam Pattern

Understand every stage of the selection process

Stage 1

Written Exam (UPSC)

Paper 1: Maths (300 marks, 2.5 hrs). Paper 2: GAT (600 marks, 2.5 hrs — English 200 + GK 400). Negative: 1/3rd.

Stage 2

SSB Interview (5 Days)

Day 1: Screening (OIR + PPDT). Day 2-4: Psychology tests, GTO tasks, Personal Interview. Day 5: Conference.

Stage 3

Medical Examination

Strict medical at Military Hospital. Vision, hearing, dental, bone structure, mental fitness all checked.

Stage 4

Merit List & Joining NDA

Written (900) + SSB (900) = 1800 total. Top rankers join NDA Khadakwasla, Pune for 3-year training.

Exam Timeline & Important Dates

From notification to final result — know every milestone

Notification (NDA I: Jan, NDA II: Jun)

Twice a year — January & June

Online Application

3-4 weeks window on upsc.gov.in

Written Exam

NDA I: April, NDA II: September

Written Result

2-3 months after exam

SSB Interview

2-6 months after written result (5 days)

Medical Test

Immediately after SSB (if recommended)

Final Merit & Joining

NDA I: January joining, NDA II: July joining

Salary & Perks

What you'll earn after selection

During Training (Stipend)

₹56,100/month (fixed during 3 years at NDA + 1 year at IMA/OTA)

Lieutenant (After Training)

₹56,100-1,77,500 (Level 10) = ~₹80,000+ in-hand

Captain (After 2 years)

₹61,300 (Level 10B) = ~₹90,000+ in-hand

Perks

Free accommodation, mess, medical, CSD canteen, adventure sports, travel allowance, pension

Pro Tips for Success

NDA Maths is Class 11-12 level — NCERT + practice is enough
English section is scoring — improve vocabulary and grammar
SSB is 50% of total marks — personality development is crucial
Join NCC (B & C certificate) — it adds bonus marks and SSB confidence
Physical fitness is non-negotiable — start training 6 months before SSB
Apply twice a year — NDA I and NDA II both

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