Last Verified: 2026-03-01 from official conducting body notifications.
Official Overview & Examination Scope
Purpose, Scope & Academic Impact
The National Defence Academy (NDA) examination is conducted by UPSC for commissioning permanent officers directly out of Class 12 into the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The selection process comprises a 900-mark written examination followed by a rigorous 5-day Service Selection Board (SSB) interview and medical board.
Eligibility Criteria & Academic Qualifications
Exam Pattern & Test Structure
Total: 900 Marks (Written Examination)| Section / Paper | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1: Mathematics | 120 Questions (Class 11 & 12 Math) | 300 Marks (+2.5, -0.83) | 2.5 Hours (150 Mins) |
| Paper 2: General Ability Test (GAT) | English (50 Qs/200 M) + GK & Science (100 Qs/400 M) | 600 Marks (+4, -1.33) | 2.5 Hours (150 Mins) |
Math: +2.5 correct, -0.83 wrong. GAT: +4 correct, -1.33 wrong. Total 900 written marks + 900 marks for 5-Day SSB Interview = 1800 Marks.
Negative Marking Rule: One-third penalty (-0.83 on Math, -1.33 on GAT) for every wrong answer
Recommended Preparation Roadmap & Strategy
Cutoff Trends & Score Benchmark
Written exam qualifying cutoff hovers around 340-360 out of 900 (with mandatory 25% minimum score in each paper). Final merit cutoff after SSB is ~700-730 out of 1800.
Participating Institutes / Career Pathways
Frequently Asked Questions
Are female candidates eligible for the NDA exam?
Yes! Following Supreme Court directives, female candidates are fully eligible to apply and join the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings at NDA Khadakwasla.
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