The National Defence Academy (NDA) is a premier joint services academy of the Indian Armed
Forces, where cadets of the Army, Navy, and Air Force train together before they go on to
respective service academies for further pre-commissioning training. Located in Khadakwasla,
near Pune, Maharashtra, the NDA is a symbol of jointmanship and unity among the different
branches of the Indian military.
Overview
Established: 7 December 1954
Location: Khadakwasla, Pune, Maharashtra, India
Motto: "Seva Paramo Dharma" (Service Before Self)
Training Duration: 3 years at NDA, followed by specialized training at respective service
academies.
Entry into NDA
The primary route to join the NDA is through the NDA Entrance Examination conducted by the
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The exam is held twice a year, typically in April and
September.
Eligibility Criteria
1. Age: Candidates must be between 16.5 to 19.5 years of age at the time of commencement of
the course.
2. Educational Qualification:
o For Army Wing: Candidates must have passed or be appearing in their 10+2 (Class 12) or
equivalent examination.
o For Air Force and Naval Wings: Candidates must have passed or be appearing in their
10+2 (Class 12) with Physics and Mathematics.
3. Nationality: Must be a citizen of India, or a subject of Bhutan/Nepal, or a Tibetan refugee who
came to India before 1 January 1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India.
Selection Process
1. Written Examination:
o Conducted by the UPSC, the written exam comprises two papers:
Mathematics: 300 marks
General Ability Test (GAT): 600 marks (divided into English and General
Knowledge sections)
2. Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview:
o Candidates who pass the written exam are called for the SSB interview, which is a
comprehensive process spread over five days.
o The SSB interview assesses the candidates on various parameters such as officer-like
qualities (OLQs), psychological tests, group tasks, and personal interviews.
3. Medical Examination:
o Candidates who clear the SSB interview undergo a medical examination to ensure they
meet the required medical standards.
4. Final Merit List:
o The final selection is based on the candidate's performance in the written exam, SSB
interview, and medical examination.
Training at NDA
1. Duration: The training at NDA lasts for three years, split into six terms of six months
each.
2. Academic Training: Alongside military training, cadets receive a full undergraduate
education, with the option to pursue a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BSc),
or Bachelor of Technology (BTech) degree. The academic curriculum includes subjects
like physics, chemistry, mathematics, social sciences, and computer science.
3. Military Training: Military training at NDA is intensive and rigorous. Cadets undergo
training in drill, weapons handling, physical fitness, tactics, leadership, and other
essential military skills. They are trained in a manner that prepares them for further
specialized training in their respective service academies.
4. Personality Development: The NDA places a strong emphasis on the overall personality
development of cadets. This includes leadership training, discipline, teamwork, and moral
and ethical education.
Post-NDA Training
After completing three years at NDA, cadets are sent to their respective service academies for
specialized training:
Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun: For Army cadets.
Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala: For Navy cadets.
Air Force Academy (AFA), Dundigal: For Air Force cadets.
After completing their specialized training, cadets are commissioned as officers in the respective
branches of the Indian Armed Forces.
Importance of NDA
The NDA is a unique institution that symbolizes the unity of the armed forces and is the first tri-
service academy in the world. It has produced some of the most distinguished military officers in
India, including many Chiefs of Staff of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The training and
education provided at NDA are designed to produce well-rounded, highly skilled, and disciplined
officers who are ready to serve the nation with distinction.
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