If you’ve completed your Intermediate (12th grade) and aspire to serve the country in a prestigious officer-level position, the National Defence Academy & Naval Academy (NDA & NA) exam, conducted by UPSC, is your gateway.
Successful candidates will get the opportunity to pursue B.Tech, B.Sc, or B.A courses for free, along with top-tier military training. After completing the program, they will join the Army, Navy, or Air Force at Level-10 rank, earning an attractive salary and benefits package.
📌 Why Choose NDA & NA?
✔ Study for free – Selected candidates will undergo fully sponsored education and military training at NDA, Pune, or Naval Academy, Kerala.
✔ Financial Security – During training, candidates receive a stipend of ₹56,100/month. Upon successful completion, they start as Lieutenant (Army), Sub-Lieutenant (Navy), or Flying Officer/Ground Duty Officer (Air Force) with a salary of ₹1 Lakh+ from the first month.
✔ Comprehensive training – Military training covers leadership, strategy, technical expertise, and discipline.
✏️ Exam Details
The NDA & NA exam is conducted twice a year by UPSC, with the following format:
📝 Written Exam (900 Marks)
✔ Paper-1 (Mathematics) – 120 Questions, 300 Marks
✔ Paper-2 (General Ability Test) – 150 Questions, 600 Marks
- Part A (English) – 50 Questions, 200 Marks
- Part B (General Knowledge) – Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, Current Affairs
⏳ Each paper lasts 2.5 hours.
⚠ Negative marking applies.
🏆 Selection Process
✔ Qualifying Score: Candidates must score at least 20-25% per subject to qualify for the next round.
✔ Service Selection Board (SSB) Assessment (900 Marks)
- Includes Group Tests, Discussions, Outdoor Tasks, Intelligence & Personality Tests
🚀 Final merit selection is based on the combined Written Exam + SSB scores (Total: 1800 Marks).
🏆 How to Prepare?
📖 Study CBSE 11th & 12th textbooks, focusing on fundamentals.
📊 Analyze past UPSC question papers to understand topic weightage.
📝 Practice mock tests & timed exams to improve speed & accuracy.
📅 Important Dates & Application Details
✔ Total Vacancies: 406
- NDA: 370 positions (Army: 208, Navy: 42, Air Force: 120)
- Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme): 36 positions
✔ Eligibility: - Army Wing: Any 12th-grade qualification
- Air Force & Naval Wings: Must have Physics & Mathematics in 12th grade
✔ Age Limit: Born between Jan 1, 2007 – Jan 1, 2010
✔ Physical Standards: Mandatory fitness criteria apply.
✔ Application Mode: Online
✔ Last Date to Apply: June 17, 2025
✔ Application Fee: ₹100 (Free for Women, SC/ST candidates)
✔ Exam Date: September 14, 2025
🔗 Apply Online: 👉 UPSC Website
This is an incredible opportunity to serve the nation with pride, get top-tier education, and secure financial stability right after Intermediate. Prepare well and grab this golden chance!
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