Joining the National Defence Academy (NDA) is a dream of many young individuals who aspire to serve the nation and build a career in the defence forces. The NDA is a premier military training institution that prepares cadets for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. However, the selection process for NDA is rigorous and highly competitive.

To join the NDA, candidates must fulfil the eligibility criteria and undergo a rigorous selection process that includes a written examination and a Service Selection Board (SSB) interview. In this guide, we will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the eligibility criteria, selection process, and preparation tips to help you increase your chances of success and achieve your dream of joining the National Defence Academy.

How to Join NDA:

Eligibility Criteria:

Age: Candidates should be between 16.5 and 19.5 years of age. The date of birth should fall between January 2, 2004, to January 1, 2007, inclusive.
Educational Qualification: Candidates must have completed their 10+2 education from a recognized board. Candidates who are appearing for their 10+2 exams are also eligible to apply for NDA, provided that they submit their passing certificate and mark sheet at the time of the SSB interview.
Marital Status: Candidates must be unmarried at the time of application and throughout the training period.
Nationality: Candidates must be a citizen of India or a subject of Bhutan or Nepal. Tibetan refugees who came to India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanently settling in India are also eligible to apply for NDA.
Physical Fitness: Candidates must be physically fit as per the prescribed standards. The NDA has specific physical standards for height, weight, and chest measurements, and candidates who do not meet these standards may be deemed ineligible.
It is important to note that meeting the eligibility criteria alone does not guarantee admission to the NDA. Candidates must also clear the selection process, which comprises a written examination and a Service Selection Board (SSB) interview. Therefore, candidates must prepare thoroughly and stay disciplined throughout the selection process to increase their chances of success.

How to Join NDA: Application Form
To join the National Defense Academy (NDA), candidates need to fill out the application form for the NDA exam. The application form is available on the official website of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Here are the steps to fill out the NDA application form:

Step 1: Visit the official website of UPSC and complete the Online One-Time Registration (OTR) by providing personal and contact details if not already completed.

Step 2: Login using valid login credentials such as Email ID and OTP/Password or Mobile number and OTP/Password or OTR ID and OTP/Password.

Step 3: Fill out the UPSC NDA 2024 application form in two parts, including filling in other details, fee payment, uploading of scanned documents, signature, photo identity card document, selection of preferred exam centre, and agreeing to the declaration.

Step 4: Check all the details furnished in the UPSC NDA 1 application form 2024 thoroughly and edit the details if needed.

Step 5: Once submitted, applicants will not be able to make changes in their UPSC NDA 1 2024 application form.

Step 6: After submission, a registration number will be generated. Download it as a pdf file and take a printout for future reference.

Step 7: To start NDA 2024 application Part 1, click on the NDA 2024 part 1 registration link, read the instructions on how to fill the online NDA application form 2024, and press the “Yes” button.

Step 8: There will be five pages to complete the NDA 2024 part 1 registration.

Step 9: The first page comprises filling basic details like category, father’s name, mother’s name, date of birth, and others.

Step 10: The second page allows claiming age relaxation.

Step 11: The third page allows choosing “Engineering Branch” and Centre for Engineering Services (Main/Stage II) Examination.

Step 12: The fourth page allows editing and making any changes in the furnished details.

Step 13: The fifth page generates the ‘Registration ID’.

Step 14: To complete NDA 1 part 2 application process 2024, candidates need to pay the application fee, choose the preferred exam centre, and upload the signature, photograph, and document proof as per the specifications.

How to Join NDA – Selection Process

The selection process for joining the National Defence Academy (NDA) is rigorous and highly competitive. The selection process consists of two stages – a written examination and a Service Selection Board (SSB) interview. Here’s a detailed explanation of the selection process:

Written Examination: The written examination comprises two papers – Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT). The Mathematics paper is of 300 marks, and the GAT paper is of 600 marks. The GAT paper includes questions from English, Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, and Current Affairs. The duration of each paper is two and a half hours. The written examination is conducted twice a year, in April and November, by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Candidates who qualify in the written examination are called for the SSB interview.
Service Selection Board (SSB) Interview: The SSB Interview is a five-day process that evaluates a candidate’s aptitude, personality, and suitability for a career in the defence forces. The SSB Interview is conducted in two stages – Stage I and Stage II. Stage I of the SSB Interview comprises Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception and Description Test (PPDT). Candidates who qualify in Stage I are eligible to appear for Stage II. Stage II of the SSB Interview includes Group Testing Officer (GTO) tasks, Psychological tests, and Interview. Candidates who qualify in Stage II are recommended for admission to the NDA.
It is essential to note that the selection process is highly competitive, and only a small percentage of candidates who appear for the written examination are recommended for admission to the NDA. Therefore, candidates must prepare thoroughly and stay disciplined throughout the selection process to increase their chances of success.

How to Join NDA – Preparation Tips
Joining the National Defense Academy (NDA) is a dream of many young aspirants who want to serve their country by joining the Indian Armed Forces. NDA is a tri-service academy that provides training to candidates for joining the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.

The NDA examination is conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The selection process consists of a written test, followed by an interview conducted by the Service Selection Board (SSB). The exam pattern includes two papers – Mathematics and General Ability Test.

Here are some preparation tips that can help you crack the NDA examination:

Understand the Exam Pattern: The first step to cracking any exam is to understand its pattern and syllabus. Understand the exam pattern, the topics covered, and the marking scheme before you start preparing for the examination.
Make a Study Plan: Once you understand the exam pattern and syllabus, make a study plan that suits your schedule. Divide your time between Mathematics and General Ability Test, and set realistic goals to cover the entire syllabus.
Practise Previous Year Question Papers: Solving previous year question papers is an excellent way to prepare for the NDA examination. It gives you an idea of the type of questions asked, the difficulty level, and helps you manage your time during the exam.
Improve Your General Knowledge: General Knowledge is an essential component of the General Ability Test. You can improve your general knowledge by reading newspapers, watching news channels, and reading books on various topics.
Improve Your Mathematics Skills: Mathematics is a crucial component of the NDA examination. It is essential to have a strong foundation in Mathematics. Practice Mathematics regularly, and try to solve complex problems to improve your problem-solving skills.
Stay Fit: Being physically fit is also an essential component of the NDA selection process. Start exercising regularly, maintain a healthy diet, and prepare for the physical tests conducted during the SSB interview.
Develop Leadership and Communication Skills: The SSB interview assesses your leadership and communication skills. It is essential to develop these skills by participating in extracurricular activities, public speaking, and group discussions.

Cracking the NDA examination requires hard work, dedication, and a systematic approach. By following these preparation tips, you can increase your chances of success and achieve your dream of joining the Indian Armed Forces.

How to Join NDA – Conclusion
Joining the National Defense Academy (NDA) is a prestigious career option for young aspirants who want to serve their country by joining the Indian Armed Forces. The NDA is a tri-service academy that provides training to candidates for joining the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.

To join the NDA, candidates must qualify for the NDA examination, which is conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The selection process consists of a written test and an interview conducted by the Service Selection Board (SSB). The written test consists of two papers – Mathematics and General Ability Test.

To crack the NDA examination, candidates must have a systematic approach to their preparation. They should understand the exam pattern, syllabus, and marking scheme, and make a study plan that suits their schedule. Solving previous year question papers is an excellent way to prepare for the exam.

Candidates must also improve their general knowledge, mathematics skills, and physical fitness to increase their chances of success. Developing leadership and communication skills is also crucial to crack the SSB interview.

In conclusion, joining the NDA requires dedication, hard work, and a systematic approach to preparation. With determination and focus, one can successfully crack the NDA examination and achieve their dream of serving their country by joining the Indian Armed Forces.