The NDA is India’s premier joint services residential academy that trains cadets for the Army, Navy, and Air Force. It offers a full-time 3-year undergraduate program (BA/BSc, and BTech for naval/Air Force cadets) followed by specialized training at respective service academies. Cadets receive rigorous physical fitness, military training, leadership development, and academic education—making NDA a cornerstone in shaping military officers
Ideal candidates are discipline-driven, patriotic, physically fit, and mentally resilient.
They should excel academically (12th pass with PCM for Navy/Air Force or any stream for Army), possess leadership qualities, and demonstrate strong teamwork under stress
Age: 16½–19½ years (exact range depends on exam session)
Education: Class 12 pass:
For Army: any stream
For Navy/Air Force wings: must have Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics (PCM)
Physical & medical standards: As per UPSC/NDA regulations
UPSC NDA/NA exam: Conducted twice yearly (April & September); comprised of Mathematics (300) + General Ability Test (600), followed by an SSB interview
National Defence Academy near Pune, Khadakwasla, as the central joint-services institution
3-Year Structure
Years 1–3 (NDA):
Compulsory courses: English, modern languages, PCM (science) or humanities subjects (history, economics, etc.)
Foundation: Military studies, general studies.
Optional (Years 5–6 semester): Service-specific subjects.
Additional year (BTech) for naval/air cadets at their respective academies
Leadership & decision-making under pressure
Physical fitness, discipline, endurance
Strategic & military knowledge
Adaptability, resilience, and teamwork
Space is limited; career leads to Commissioned Officer in the Army (Lieutenant), Navy (Sub-Lieutenant), or Air Force (Flying Officer), progressing through ranks
CDS route: Join IMA, INA, AFA post-graduation via CDS exam
Other service academies: IMA, OTA, etc.