How to Join NDA After 12th - Eligibility, Exam Pattern, Selection Process Etc... [Full Details]

How to Join NDA After 12th 

NDA stands for National Defence Academy. It is a premier institution that provides training to cadets for commissioning into the Indian Armed Forces as officers. The NDA is located in Khadakwasla, near Pune in the state of Maharashtra, India. The academy offers a three-year training program to cadets, who are selected through a rigorous selection process that includes a written exam, a selection interview, and a medical examination. Cadets at NDA receive training in various subjects, including academics, military training, physical fitness, and character development. After completing their training at NDA, cadets are commissioned into the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force as officers. The NDA is a highly respected institution in India and has produced several notable alumni who have gone on to serve the nation with distinction.

How to Join NDA After 12th 

Selection Process For NDA 2023

To join the National Defence Academy (NDA) after 12th in 2023, you need to meet the eligibility criteria and pass the selection process. Here are the steps to follow:

Meet the Eligibility Criteria:

You should have completed 10+2 or equivalent examination from a recognized board.

You should be a citizen of India, or a subject of Bhutan or Nepal.

You should be between 16.5 to 19.5 years of age at the time of joining the academy.

You should be physically fit and have no history of mental or physical health problems.

Register for the Exam:

You can register for the NDA exam online through the official website of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) when the notification for the exam is released.

The exam is usually conducted twice a year in April and September.

Clear the Written Exam:

The NDA exam consists of two papers - Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT).

The exam is conducted in a multiple-choice question format.

You need to score above the cut-off marks in both the papers to qualify for the next round.

Clear the SSB Interview:

If you qualify for the written exam, you will be called for the Service Selection Board (SSB) interview.

The SSB interview consists of various tests such as psychological tests, group discussions, and personal interviews.

The SSB interview is conducted over a period of five days.

Medical Examination:

If you clear the SSB interview, you will be called for a medical examination.

The medical examination will test your physical and mental fitness.

Final Selection:

Based on your performance in the written exam, SSB interview, and medical examination, the final selection will be made.

If you clear all the stages of the selection process, you will be admitted to the National Defence Academy for training.

Eligible for the National Defence Academy (NDA)

To be eligible for the National Defence Academy (NDA), you need to fulfill the following eligibility criteria:

Nationality:

You should be a citizen of India, or

A subject of Bhutan or Nepal, or

A Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1st January 1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India, or A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, or East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, and Ethiopia or Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.

Age:

You should be between 16.5 to 19.5 years of age at the time of joining the academy.

Your date of birth should fall between 2nd January 2004 and 1st July 2006 for NDA I 2022 and 2nd July 2004 and 1st January 2007 for NDA II 2022.

Educational Qualification:

You should have completed 10+2 or equivalent examination from a recognized board.

For Air Force and Naval wings of NDA and for the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at the Indian Naval Academy, you should have studied Physics and Mathematics in 10+2.

Physical Standards:

You should be physically fit and have no history of mental or physical health problems.

You should meet the physical standards set by the NDA.

It is important to note that meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee selection for the NDA. You also need to pass the selection process, which includes a written exam, SSB interview, and medical examination, to be admitted to the academy.

NDA Written Exam Paper Pattern 2023

The NDA written exam consists of two papers - Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT). The paper pattern for each paper is as follows:

Mathematics Paper:

The mathematics paper consists of 120 multiple-choice questions.

The total marks for the paper are 300.

The duration of the paper is 2.5 hours.

General Ability Test Paper:

The GAT paper consists of two parts - Part A and Part B.

Part A consists of 50 questions on English, while Part B consists of 100 questions on General Knowledge, Physics, Chemistry, History, Geography, and Current Affairs.

The total marks for the paper are 600.

The duration of the paper is 2.5 hours.

Both papers are conducted on the same day, with a break between the two papers. The total marks for the written exam are 900, and candidates need to score above the cut-off marks in both papers to qualify for the next round of the selection process. The written exam is conducted in both English and Hindi languages.

NDA Negative Marking 

There is negative marking in the NDA written exam. For each incorrect answer, one-third of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted as a penalty. However, if you leave a question unanswered, there is no penalty for it.

For example, in the mathematics paper, each question carries two and a half marks, so for each incorrect answer, 0.83 marks (i.e., 2.5/3) will be deducted as a penalty. In the GAT paper, each question carries four marks, so for each incorrect answer, 1.33 marks (i.e., 4/3) will be deducted as a penalty.

Therefore, it is important to attempt only those questions for which you are confident about the answer to avoid negative marking. It is also important to manage your time effectively during the exam to ensure that you have enough time to attempt all the questions within the allotted time.

Physical Standard Criteria - Army, Navy and Air Force

Indian Army Height and Weight requirement for male candidates as per the NDA

The Indian Army has specific height and weight requirements for male candidates who want to join the National Defence Academy (NDA). The minimum acceptable height for male candidates is 157 cm (or 5 feet 2 inches), while the minimum weight is proportionate to the height and age of the candidate.

The weight of the candidate should be according to the Body Mass Index (BMI) standards set by the Indian Army. The BMI is calculated as the weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in meters. The acceptable range of BMI for male candidates is between 18.5 and 24.9.

Here is the height and weight requirement for male candidates as per the NDA medical standards:

Height and Weight Requirement for Male Candidates:

Indian Army Height and Weight requirement for male candidates as per the NDA

The Indian Army has specific height and weight requirements for female candidates who want to join the National Defence Academy (NDA). The minimum acceptable height for female candidates is 152 cm (or 5 feet), while the minimum weight is proportionate to the height and age of the candidate.

The weight of the candidate should be according to the Body Mass Index (BMI) standards set by the Indian Army. The acceptable range of BMI for female candidates is between 18.5 and 24.9.

Here is the height and weight requirement for female candidates as per the NDA medical standards:

Height and Weight Requirement for Female Candidates:

Indian Navy Height and Weight requirement for male candidates as per the NDA

The Indian Navy has specific height and weight requirements for candidates who wish to join the National Defence Academy (NDA) as a male officer. Here are the height and weight requirements for male candidates applying for the NDA:

The minimum acceptable height for male candidates is 157 cm (5'2").

The acceptable weight range for male candidates is based on their Body Mass Index (BMI), which is calculated by dividing their weight (in kilograms) by the square of their height (in meters). The acceptable BMI range for male candidates is between 18.5 and 24.9.

Indian Navy Height and Weight requirement for Female candidates as per the NDA

The Indian Navy has specific height and weight requirements for female candidates who wish to join the National Defence Academy (NDA) as an officer. Here are the height and weight requirements for female candidates applying for the NDA:

The minimum acceptable height for female candidates is 152 cm (5'0").

The acceptable weight range for female candidates is based on their Body Mass Index (BMI), which is calculated by dividing their weight (in kilograms) by the square of their height (in meters). The acceptable BMI range for female candidates is between 18.5 and 22.5.

Indian Airforce Height and Weight requirement for Male candidates as per the NDA

The Indian Air Force has specific height and weight requirements for male candidates who wish to join the National Defence Academy (NDA) as an officer. Here are the height and weight requirements for male candidates applying for the Indian Air Force through the NDA:

The minimum acceptable height for male candidates is 157.5 cm (5'2").

The acceptable weight range for male candidates is based on their Body Mass Index (BMI), which is calculated by dividing their weight (in kilograms) by the square of their height (in meters). The acceptable BMI range for male candidates is between 18 and 23.

Indian Airforce Height and Weight requirement for Female candidates as per the NDA

The Indian Air Force has specific height and weight requirements for female candidates who wish to join the National Defence Academy (NDA) as an officer. Here are the height and weight requirements for female candidates applying for the Indian Air Force through the NDA:

The minimum acceptable height for female candidates is 152 cm (5'0").

The acceptable weight range for female candidates is based on their Body Mass Index (BMI), which is calculated by dividing their weight (in kilograms) by the square of their height (in meters). The acceptable BMI range for female candidates is between 18 and 22.

It is important to note that these requirements may be subject to change, and candidates are advised to refer to the latest official guidelines issued by the Indian Army for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

NDA Visual Standards for Army, Navy and Airforce

The National Defence Academy (NDA) has specific visual standards for candidates who wish to join the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force. Here are the general visual standards for each branch:

Indian Army:

The candidate must have minimum distant vision of 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in the other eye without correction.

Myopia should not exceed minus 2.5D including Astigmatism.

Manifest Hypermetropia must not exceed plus 3.5D including Astigmatism.

There must be no colour blindness or night blindness.

Indian Navy:

The candidate must have a minimum distant vision of 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in the other eye without correction.

Myopia should not exceed minus 1.5D and hypermetropia not more than plus 1.5D including Astigmatism.

The candidates should have no colour blindness or night blindness.

Indian Air Force:

The candidate must have a minimum distant vision of 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in the other eye without correction.

Myopia should not exceed minus 0.75D and hypermetropia not more than plus 2.0D including Astigmatism.

The candidates should have no colour blindness or night blindness.

How to Apply Online to Join NDA After 12th?

If you want to apply online to join the National Defence Academy (NDA) after 12th, you can follow these steps:

Visit the official website of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), which conducts the NDA exam - www.upsc.gov.in.

Click on the 'Examination' tab on the homepage, and then click on 'Active Examination' to find the NDA exam link.

Click on the 'Apply Online' link for the NDA exam.

Fill out the online application form with all the required information, including personal details, educational qualifications, and other relevant information.

Upload scanned copies of your photograph and signature, as per the specifications mentioned on the application form.

Pay the application fee online, through credit/debit card or net banking.

Submit the application form and take a printout of the confirmation page for future reference.

Keep checking the website regularly for updates and notifications regarding the exam.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

1Q. What is the eligibility criteria to join the NDA after 12th?

A. To join the NDA after 12th, candidates must have completed their 12th standard or equivalent from a recognized board. Additionally, candidates must be between 16.5 to 19.5 years of age, unmarried, and must meet the physical and medical fitness requirements.

2Q. How can I apply for the NDA after 12th?

A. Candidates can apply for the NDA after 12th by filling out the online application form on the official website of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Candidates must also pay the application fee and submit the required documents, as per the instructions mentioned in the application form.

3Q. What is the selection process for the NDA after 12th?

A. The selection process for the NDA after 12th consists of a written exam, followed by a Services Selection Board (SSB) interview, and a medical examination. Candidates who qualify in the written exam will be called for the SSB interview and medical examination. The final selection is based on the candidate's performance in all three stages.

4Q. What is the NDA written exam pattern?

A. The NDA written exam consists of two papers - Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT). The Mathematics paper carries 300 marks, and the GAT paper carries 600 marks. Both papers are conducted in an objective type format, and candidates are given 2.5 hours to complete each paper.

5Q. What are the physical fitness requirements for joining the NDA after 12th?

A. Candidates who wish to join the NDA after 12th must meet the physical fitness requirements specified by the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force. The requirements include minimum height, weight, chest measurement, and eyesight standards, among others.

6Q. Is coaching necessary to crack the NDA exam?

A. While coaching is not mandatory to crack the NDA exam, it can certainly help in preparing for the exam. Coaching institutes can provide guidance on exam pattern, time management, and subject-specific tips and tricks, which can be beneficial for candidates. However, self-study and practice are equally important, and candidates must focus on developing a strong foundation in their 12th standard subjects.