The UPSC NDA (National Defence Academy) exam is a prestigious and competitive examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) of India. It is the gateway for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force as officers.
UPSC NDA Eligibility Criteria – National Defence Academy
The eligibility criteria for the UPSC NDA (National Defence Academy) exam are specific and include factors such as age, nationality, and educational qualifications. Here is a detailed explanation of the eligibility criteria for NDA:
1. Nationality:
- Candidates must be one of the following:
- A citizen of India
- A subject of Nepal or Bhutan
- A Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanently settling in India
- A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, or Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.
2. Age Limit for NDA – National Defence Academy
- For the Army Wing of NDA: Candidates should be between 16.5 to 19.5 years of age.
- For the Air Force and Naval Wings of NDA and for the 10+2 (Executive Branch) Course at the Naval Academy: Candidates should be between 16.5 to 19.5 years of age.
3. Educational Qualifications:
- For the Army Wing of NDA: Candidates should have completed their 10+2 (12th) pattern of school education or equivalent examination conducted by a state education board or university.
- For the Air Force and Naval Wings of NDA and 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at the Indian Naval Academy: Candidates should have completed their 10+2 (12th) pattern of school education or equivalent with Physics and Mathematics conducted by a state education board or university.
4. Marital Status:
- Candidates must be unmarried. Married candidates are not eligible to apply.
5. Gender:
- Only male candidates are eligible for the NDA examination.
6. Physical Standards:
- Candidates must meet specific physical standards, including height and weight criteria, as specified in the official notification.
7. Conduct
- Candidates should have a good character and should not have been involved in any criminal or disciplinary cases that would adversely affect their suitability for the armed forces.
It’s important to note that the eligibility criteria for the NDA exam are subject to change, and candidates should refer to the official UPSC NDA notification for the specific year they plan to appear for the exam to ensure they meet all eligibility requirements. Additionally, candidates are required to provide proof of their eligibility, such as educational certificates and identity documents, during the application process and at the time of the SSB interview.
NDA Exam Pattern – National Defence Academy
The UPSC NDA (National Defence Academy) exam follows a specific pattern that consists of a written examination and an interview process. Here’s a detailed exam pattern for the NDA exam:
Written Examination
- Paper-I: Mathematics
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Maximum Marks: 300
- Questions: Objective-type multiple-choice questions
- Syllabus: Mathematics topics up to the 10+2 (12th) level, as described in the NDA syllabus.
- Paper-II: General Ability Test (GAT)
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Maximum Marks: 600
- Questions: Objective-type multiple-choice questions
- Divided into two parts:
- Part A – English: This section assesses the candidate’s proficiency in the English language.
- Part B – General Knowledge: This section evaluates the candidate’s knowledge in various subjects, including Physics, Chemistry, General Science, Social Studies (History, Geography, Civics), and Current Events (National and International Importance).
Interview/Personality Test (SSB Interview)
Candidates who qualify in the written examination are called for the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview, which is conducted in two stages:
- Stage I – Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test and Picture Perception & Description Test (PP&DT):
- OIR Test: This includes reasoning and intelligence-related questions.
- PP&DT: Candidates are shown a picture and are required to write a story based on it.
- Stage II – Interview, Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests, and Conference:
- Interview: Candidates are interviewed by SSB officials to assess their personality, communication skills, and suitability for the armed forces.
- Group Testing Officer Tasks: This includes group discussions, group planning exercises, and outdoor tasks.
- Psychology Tests: These include various psychological assessments to evaluate the candidate’s cognitive and behavioral traits.
- Conference: The final selection conference is held to decide the candidate’s suitability for commissioning.
Medical Examination
Candidates who clear the SSB interview undergo a medical examination to ensure they meet the prescribed medical standards. This examination is conducted by the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) and includes a thorough physical examination and medical tests.
Final Selection
The final selection of candidates is based on their performance in the written examination, SSB interview, and medical examination. Successful candidates are then admitted to the NDA for training, and upon successful completion of the training program, they are commissioned as officers in their respective service branches.
