National Defense Academy (NDA) Entrance Exam is conducted for recruiting eligible candidates to Indian Armed Forces. This is an objective model test that comprises basic section on Mathematics and General Ability. Plus two or its equivalent is the minimum qualification required to appear for this exam. To apply for this exam, one can select either online or offline application procedure.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates should have passed XII standard or its equivalent examination held by any recognized Board/University. Those who are appearing for any of the examinations mentioned earlier are also eligible to apply. But they have to submit their pass certificate before the commencement of training.

Only unmarried male candidates between 16 ½ and 19 years can apply for the exam

Candidates who are applying for the exam should have Indian citizenship. Otherwise they should be a citizen of Bhutan or Nepal. Tibetan refugees are eligible to apply if they came to India before 1st January, 1962 for permanent settling. Migrants from Pakistan, Srilanka, Burma and East African countries of Kenya, Uganda and United Republic of Tanzania are also eligible to apply. But such candidates should be of Indian origin.

Structure and Pattern

NDA Entrance Exam will be an objective type written test with two papers. Time allotted to complete each paper is 2 ½ hours. Paper I is Mathematics having total 300 marks and Paper II is General Ability having total 600 marks. Part I include questions from Arithmetic, Geometry, Mensuration, Statistics, Algebra and Trigonometry. Part A and Part B are there in General Ability. Part A is English is having total 200 marks. Following are the sections in Part B with marks.

• Section A: Physics – 100 marks
• Section B: Chemistry – 60 marks
• Section C: General Science – 40 marks
• Section D: History, Freedom Movements etc. – 80 marks
• Section E: Geography – 80 marks
• Section F: Current Events – 40 marks

Application Procedure

Online procedure

For applying online, one should visit the website of Union Public Service Examination (UPSC).  Applicants should go through Part I and Part II stages of application process. Each of these stages should be completed according to the instructions given on the website. Applicants can make use of drop down menus to fill the relevant details. They have to pay an application fee of Rs. 25/- in form of cash or online payment. Visa, Master Credit or Debit Card can be used for making payment. Application fee is not needed in the case of SC/ST candidates. Before applying online, one should obtain scanned photograph and signature. Scanned image should be in png format and should not be more than 40kb. Applicants should submit their online application before closing date.

Offline procedure

If the candidates prefer to forward their applications through offline, then they should purchase the application forms from the designated post offices along with the Information Brochure. Candidates should enter the relevant details into the form with their own handwriting as per the instruction given on the Information Brochure. HB pencil should be used for darkening circles and Black/Blue pen should be used for filling corresponding boxes.  Candidates should ensure that both these entries match each other. Application forms should be sent to Commission’s office on or before last date along with the Acknowledge card. Application Number and Examination Name should be written on the Acknowledgement card and it should be affixed with a stamp of Rs. 6/-.