NDA – Eligibility, Syllabus, Application, Admit Card, Cut off, Results, Counselling, Answer Key, Latest Updates

National Defense Academy (NDA) exam is conducted for admission to Army, Navy and Air Force wings of NDA and Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC). It is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The exam is conducted twice a year, in two stages – written exam and SSB interview. Around 4 lakh aspirants sit for the exam every year, out of which approximately 6000 are called for SSB interviews. Service Selection Board or SSB is the body that schedules, organizes and conducts the interview of the candidates applying for Indian Military Forces. The interview is a five-day-long procedure that includes two stages of testing – stage I & stage II.

As per the official notification, UPSC had started the UPSC NDA 1 2023 online application process from 21 December 2022, which continued till 10 January 2023. The written exam of NDA I 2023 will begin from 16 April 2023 and the NDA admit card has released on 24 March 2023.

Similarly, the official notification, UPSC had started the UPSC NDA 2 2023 online application process from 17 May 2023 to 16 June 2023. The written exam of NDA II03 September 2023 and the NDA admit card will be released on August 2023.

Before knowing about the NDA 2023 exam in detail, check out the current updates.

Latest Update

• 21 December 2022 to 10 January 2023 – NDA (I) 2023 application timeline
• 17 May 2023 to 16 June 2023 – NDA (II) 2023 application timeline
• 24 March 2023 – NDA (I) admit card releasing date
• 16 April 2023 – NDA (I) exam date
• 03 September 2023 – NDA (II) exam date 

NDA 2023 – Important Dates

Events	NDA I	NDA II
Release of Notification	21 December 2022	21 December 2022
Availability of Application Form	21 December 2022	17 May 2023
Last date to apply	10 January 2023	16 June 2022
Availability of Admit card	24 March 2023	August 2023
Exam Date	16 April 2023	30 September 2023

NDA 2023 – Exam Highlights

Particulars	Details
Exam Name	National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (NDA & NA)
Conducting Body	UPSC (Union Public Service Commission)
Exam Level	National
Exam Frequency	2 times a year (April & September)
Mode of Exam	Offline
Exam Stages	Written exam and SSB Interview
Number of Papers	Paper 1: GAT Paper 2: Maths
Language/Medium of Exam	English and Hindi
Total Questions	GAT: 150 Mathematics: 120
Exam Duration	GAT: 2 hours 30 minutes (180 minutes) Mathematics: 2 hours 30 minutes (180 minutes)
Total Marks	Written Exam: 900 SSB Interview: 900
Exam Fees	INR 100 for male candidates belonging to the General and OBC categories. However, SC/ST/Women candidates/Sons of JCOs/NCOs/ORs are exempted from paying the fees.
Test Cities	More than 70 test cities
Official Website	upsc.gov.in
Contact Details	011-23385271/011-23381125/011- 23098543

NDA 2023 – Eligibility Criteria

Candidates who wish to apply for NDA 2023 have to fulfil the predetermined eligibility criteria to register and sit for the exam. The below table will highlight the eligibility criteria of the exam in terms of domicile, educational qualification and age. Different components of UPSC NDA eligibility criteria are mentioned below:

• Nationality and Domicile
• Age limit
• Educational Qualification
• Sex and Marital Status
• Physical Standard

Nationality and Domicile

As per NDA eligibility criteria, a candidate should either be an Indian citizen or a citizen of the countries highlighted below.

The applying candidate must be either a:

1. Subject of Bhutan
2. OR a subject of Nepal
3. OR a Tibetan Refugee who came over to India before 1st January 1962 intending to settle in India permanently

4. OR a Person of Indian origin who has migrated from:

   • Sri Lanka
   • East African Countries (Uganda, Ethiopia, Malawi, Zambia, Kenya, the United Republic of Tanzania ((formerly Tanganyika and Zanzibar), and Zaire (to settle permanently in India))
   • Burma
   • Pakistan
   • Vietnam

Note: The certificate of eligibility has to be issued by the Government of India to all foreign nationals. However, it is not necessary to be produced by the Gorkha subjects of Nepal.

Age Limit

• Both unmarried male and female candidates are eligible to apply for NDA
• The minimum age of the candidate applying for UPSC NDA 1 Exam 2023  must be 16.5 years while the maximum age should be 19.5 years during the commencement of the course. The candidates must have been born between 2nd July 2003 and 1st July 2006
• For UPSC NDA 2 Exam 2023, the candidates must be born between 2nd January 2004 and 1st January 2007

Educational Qualification

Candidates applying for the NDA exam 2023 must have the minimum educational qualifications from a recognized university board as indicated in the table below:

Academy	Educational Qualification
Army Wing of National Defence Academy	Class 12/HSC or equivalent pass from a recognised board or university
Air Force, Navy, and Naval Academy of National Defence Academy	Class 12/HSC pass with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics

Note: Students appearing for the 12th level are also eligible to apply.

Sex and Marital Status

• Both male and female candidates must be unmarried throughout the selection and training process.
• If a candidate marries before training, the selection will be annulled/ rejected.
• If a candidate marries during training, he/she will be discharged and liable to pay all the expenses incurred on him/her during the government training.

Physical Standard

The NDA physical criteria comprise the physical and mental state of the candidate, which are tested by the authorities. In case the candidates fail to meet the authority prescribed medical standards, they are disqualified from the test.

• Running: 2.4 km in 15 minutes
• Rope Climbing: 3.4 meters
• Skipping
• Chin-ups: Minimum 08
• Push-ups & Sit-ups: Minimum 20 each

Indian Army (Height and Weight Requirement) – Male

Height (cm)	Weight (Kg)
	For all ages	17 to 20 years	20 to 30 years	30 to 40 years	Above 40 years
140	35.3	43.1	45.1	47.0	49.0
141	35.8	43.7	45.7	47.7	49.7
142	36.3	44.4	46.4	48.4	50.4
143	36.8	45.0	47.0	49.1	51.1
144	37.3	45.6	47.7	49.8	51.8
145	37.8	46.3	48.4	50.5	52.6
146	38.4	46.9	49.0	51.2	53.3
147	38.9	47.5	49.7	51.9	54.0
148	39.4	48.2	50.4	52.6	54.8
149	40.0	48.8	51.1	53.3	55.5
150	40.5	49.5	51.8	54.0	56.3
151	41.0	50.2	52.4	54.7	57.0
152	41.6	50.8	53.1	55.4	57.8
153	42.1	51.5	53.8	56.2	58.5
154	42.7	52.2	54.5	56.9	59.3
155	43.2	52.9	55.3	57.7	60.1
156	43.8	53.5	56.0	58.4	60.8
157	44.4	54.2	56.7	59.2	61.6
158	44.9	54.9	57.4	59.9	62.4
159	45.5	55.6	58.1	60.7	63.2
160	46.1	56.3	58.9	61.4	64.0
161	46.7	57.0	59.6	62.2	64.8
162	47.2	57.7	60.4	63.0	65.6
163	47.8	58.5	61.1	63.8	66.4
164	48.4	59.2	61.9	64.6	67.2

Indian Army (Height and Weight Requirement) – Female

Height (cm)	Weight (Kg)
	For all ages	17 to 20 years	20 to 30 years	30 to 40 years	Above 40 years
140	35.3	43.1	45.1	47.0	49.0
141	35.8	43.7	45.7	47.7	49.7
142	36.3	44.4	46.4	48.4	50.4
143	36.8	45.0	47.0	49.1	51.1
144	37.3	45.6	47.7	49.8	51.8
145	37.8	46.3	48.4	50.5	52.6
146	38.4	46.9	49.0	51.2	53.3
147	38.9	47.5	49.7	51.9	54.0
148	39.4	48.2	50.4	52.6	54.8
149	40.0	48.8	51.1	53.3	55.5
150	40.5	49.5	51.8	54.0	56.3
151	41.0	50.2	52.4	54.7	57.0
152	41.6	50.8	53.1	55.4	57.8
153	42.1	51.5	53.8	56.2	58.5
154	42.7	52.2	54.5	56.9	59.3
155	43.2	52.9	55.3	57.7	60.1
156	43.8	53.5	56.0	58.4	60.8
157	44.4	54.2	56.7	59.2	61.6
158	44.9	54.9	57.4	59.9	62.4
159	45.5	55.6	58.1	60.7	63.2
160	46.1	56.3	58.9	61.4	64.0
161	46.7	57.0	59.6	62.2	64.8
162	47.2	57.7	60.4	63.0	65.6
163	47.8	58.5	61.1	63.8	66.4

Indian Navy – Height and Weight Requirement

Height (metres)	Weight (Kg)
	Up to 17 years	17 to 18 years	18 to 20 years	20 to 30 years	Above 30 years
1.47	37 – 45	40 – 45	40 – 48	40 – 50	40 – 52
1.48	37 – 46	41 – 46	41 – 48	41 – 50	41 – 53
1.49	38 – 47	41 – 47	41 – 49	41 – 51	41 – 53
1.5	38 – 47	42 – 47	42 – 50	42 – 52	42 – 54
1.51	39 – 48	42 – 48	42 – 50	42 – 52	42 – 55
1.52	39 – 49	43 – 49	43 – 51	43 – 53	43 – 55
1.53	40 – 49	43 – 49	43 – 51	43 – 54	43 – 56
1.54	40 – 50	44 – 50	44 – 52	44 – 55	44 – 57
1.55	41 – 50	44 – 50	44 – 53	44 – 55	44 – 58
1.56	41 – 51	45 – 51	45 – 54	45 – 56	45 – 58
1.57	42 – 52	46 – 52	46 – 54	46 – 57	46 – 59
1.58	42 – 52	46 – 52	46 – 55	46 – 57	46 – 60
1.59	43 – 53	47 – 53	47 – 56	47 – 58	47 – 61
1.60	44 – 54	47 – 54	47 – 56	47 – 59	47 – 61
1.61	44 – 54	48 – 54	48 – 57	48 – 60	48 – 62
1.62	45 – 55	49 – 55	49 – 58	49 – 60	49 – 63
1.63	45 – 56	49 – 56	49 – 58	49 – 61	49 – 64

Indian Air Force (Height and Weight Requirement) – Male

Height (cm)	Weight (Kg)
	15 to 16 years	16 to 17 years	17 to 18 years	18 to 19 years
152	41	42.5	44	45
155	42	43.5	45.3	47
157	43	45	47	48
160	45	46.5	48	49
162	46	48	50	51
165	48	50	52	53
167	49	51	53	54
170	51	52.5	55	56
173	52.5	54.5	57	58
175	54.5	56	59	60
178	56	58	61	62
180	58.5	60	63	64.5
183	61	62.5	65	66.5

Indian Air Force (Height and Weight Requirement) – Female

Height (cm)	Weight (Kg)
	15 to 16 years	16 to 17 years	17 to 18 years	18 to 19 years
147	38	40	41	42
148	39	40	42	43
149	39	41	42	43
150	40	41	43	44
152	41	42.5	44	45
155	42	43.5	45.3	47
157	43	45	47	48
160	45	46.5	48	49
162	46	48	50	51
165	48	50	52	53
167	49	51	53	54
170	51	52.5	55	56
173	52.5	54.5	57	58
175	54.5	56	59	60
178	56	58	61	62
180	58.5	60	63	64.5
183	61	62.5	65	66.5

Vision Requirement

Indian Navy

Requirements	Vision Standard
Uncorrected without glass	6/6, 6/9
Corrected with glass	6/6, 6/6
Limits of Myopia	-0.75
Limits of Hypermetropia	1.5
Binocular vision	III
Limits of colour perception	I

Indian Air Force

Requirements	Vision Standard
Minimum distant vision	6/6, 6/9
Corrected with glass (for Hypermetropia)	6/6, 6/6
Colour vision	CP-I
Hypermetropia	+2.0 D
Sph Manifest Myopia	Nil
Retinoscopic Myopia	0.5 in any Meridian permitted
Astigmatism	+ 0.75 D Cyl (within + 2.0 D maximum)
Maddox Rod Test at 6 meters	Exo-6 prism D Eso-6 prism D Hyper-1 prism D Hypro-1 prism D
Maddox Rod Test at 33 cms.	Exo-16 prism D Eso-6 prism D Hyper-1 prism D Hypo-1 prism D

Height, Sitting Height, Leg Length and Thigh Length

Indian Air Force – Male

Parameters	Minimum	Maximum
Height	162.5	–
Sitting height	81.5 cm	96.0 cm
Leg Length	99.0 cm	120.0 cm
Thigh Length	–	64.0 cm

Indian Air Force – Female

Parameters	Minimum	Maximum
Height	162.5	–
Sitting height	81.5 cm	96.0 cm
Leg Length	99.0 cm	120.0 cm
Thigh Length	–	64.0 cm

NDA 2023 – Application Process

On 22nd December 2021, the UPSC had released the NDA application form for the stage 1 exam. The online registration process is expected to be a lengthy process as the number of vacancies is 400 and application submission for the same will be more than lakhs (predictable).

NDA application process 2023 comprises online registration, application and fee payment. The foremost thing candidates need to do is register themselves for the exam. They need to visit the official NDA website, register themselves, fill up the application form and submit it after paying the application fee. However, candidates must keep in mind that the NDA registration is divided into 2 parts and they have to fill in the information in both parts to successfully register themselves for the exam.

How to fill NDA Application Form?

Candidates must pay heed to the below-mentioned application process of NDA:

PART 1

• Visit the official website of UPSC
• Click on the UPSC NDA application link
• Part 1 is the registration process. Complete the registration process by submitting all the details correctly in the application form
• Select the preferred branch
• Enter the email id, phone number and verify the details
• Click on the Submit tab
• Candidates will be prompted to check the details and make corrections, if any, in the application
• A registration ID will be generated after the completion of part 1 of the application process

PART 2

The National Defence Academy application process is incomplete without uploading of scanned photo identity card, photograph, signature, application fee payment, selection of centre and agree to declaration. So, candidates must follow the below steps to complete their registration process.

• Pay the application fee of INR 100 for the UPSC NDA I exam
• Select the preferred exam centre as per suitability (max. 3 centres can be selected)
• Upload the scanned photograph, signature, and photo identity proof
• Candidates need to scan the documents as specified in the NDA notification. Check specifications in the table below.

Documents	Size	Bit Depth	Pixels	Format	Specification
Photograph	20 – 300 KBs	24 bit	350 x 350 (min) 1000 x 1000 (max)	.JPG	Must be recent passport size, colour photograph
Signature	20 – 300 KBs	24 bit	350 x 350 (min) 1000 x 1000 (max)	.JPG	It has to be on white paper
Photo Identity Card	20 – 300 KBs	24 bit	350 x 350 (min) 1000 x 1000 (max)	PDF	–

• Before submitting the application form, candidates are required to agree to the declaration and submit the form. Candidates can view the application form by clicking the View/Print button

NDA 2023 – Admit Card

Generally, UPSC releases NDA admit cards three weeks before the exam. Candidates can collect/download their respective admit cards by logging into the official website. Candidates can download their respective NDA admit cards until the day of the exam. However, they must note that the hard copy of the admit card will not be sent to candidates by post. 

To download the NDA admit cards, candidates must follow the below-mentioned steps:

• Visit the official website of NDA
• Find and select the ‘E-admit card National Defence Academy examination’ link
• When the login page opens, select the offered option – registration number or roll number
• In case candidates select the registration number option, they need to enter their registration number and date of birth
• Similarly, on selecting the roll number option, candidates must enter their roll number and date of birth
• Click the ‘Submit’ tab
• The admit card will be displayed on the screen
• Download the admit card and take its printout for future use

NDA 2023 – Exam Centre

As per the recent reports, the NDA exam will be conducted in more than 70 cities. During the submission of the NDA application form, the candidates must select a specific examination centre. The candidates must make the selection as soon as possible because the centres are allocated based on a first-come-first-serve basis. Once the exam centres reach their capacity, applicants can’t select that particular centre.

However, certain exam centres do not fall under the imposed sear limits. They are:

• Kolkata
• Chennai
• Nagpur
• Dispur

NDA Latest Exam Centres

Agartala	Agra	Ahmedabad	Aizwal
Aligarh	Almora	Ananthapur	Aurangabad
Bilaspur	Bareilly	Bengaluru	Bhopal
Chandigarh	Chennai	Coimbatore	Cuttack
Delhi	Dharwad	Dispur	Faridabad
Gangtok	Jorhat	Gautam Budh Nagar	Garwhal (Srinagar)
Ghaziabad	Gorakhpur	Gurgaon	Gwalior
Hyderabad	Indore	Hyderabad	Itanagar
Jabalpur	Imphal	Jaipur	Jammu
Kohima	Jodhpur	Kolkata	Kochi
Lucknow	Ludhiana	Leh	Madhurai
Nagpur	Mysuru	Sambalpur	Mumbai
Panaji (Goa)	Navi Mumbai	Shimla	Shillong
Patna	Port Blair	Siliguri	Srinagar
Thiruvananthapuram	Prayagraj (Allahabad)	Puducherry	Thane
Raipur	Pune	Tirupati	Tiruchirapalli
Varanasi	Rajkot	Vellore	Udaipur
Warangal	Vishakhapatnam	Ranchi	Vijayawada

Exam Day Instructions

• Applicants will have to enter the preferences of exam centres in the NDA Application Form 2023
• Applicants failing to get an exam centre of their choice due to the ceiling will be required to choose another exam
• Applicants will have to enter the preferences of exam centres
• Candidates can select three exam centres of their choice
• The name of the exam centres will be mentioned in the admit card
• No request for a change in the NDA Exam Centres 2023 will be entertained once it is allotted

NDA – Guidelines for Exam Day

Candidates must follow the online test instructions and guidelines set by the UPSC authority. The test instructions will help the candidates to attempt the computer-based exam without any hassles. Given below is a list of online test instructions set by the NDA panel that candidates need to abide by:

1. The candidate/s must report at the examination centre at least an hour before the allotted exam time
2. Candidates reporting 30 minutes after the reporting time mentioned in the hall ticket, will not be allowed to enter the examination hall
3. The candidate/s must compulsorily bring the NDA admit card and photo identity proof. The test centre officials will verify it and then allow the candidate to sit for the examination.
4. Admit cards must be in good condition. Dismantled, disfigured or mutilated admit cards compromising the details of the candidate will not be accepted
5. A seat with Roll Number will be allotted to each candidate. They should find and sit on their allocated seats only
6. No baggage is allowed inside the examination hall

What to carry inside the NDA exam centre?

Candidates are advised to bring the following documents to the examination hall. Without these documents, candidates won’t be allowed to enter the examination venue.

• A hard copy of Admit Card
• Photo ID proof
• Black ballpen
• Clipboard or hardboard

Candidates need to carry any one of the below-mentioned photo ID cards to the exam hall:

• Aadhaar card with a photograph
• Identity card issued by a recognized college
• PAN Card
• Driving Licence
• Passport
• ration card
• Voter’s ID Card

What NOT to carry inside the exam centre?

• Mobile phones/pagers
• Geometry/pencil box
• Writing pad, pen drives, log table
• Any extra papers
• Calculator
• Electronic pen/scanner 
• Scale
• Cap
• Belt
• Handbags
• Goggles/sunglasses

NDA – Mandatory COVID-19 Guidelines

• Social distancing would be maintained strictly at the exam centres. Candidates have to maintain at least 6 feet or 2-metre distance from other candidates.
• Exam authority will ensure that monitor, keyboard, mouse, webcam, desk, chair, etc. are thoroughly sanitised.
• A significant gap has to be present between two seats inside the exam hall.
• Hand sanitisers would be present at the entrance door and various places inside the exam centre for both candidates and the staff.
• Invigilators will distribute rough sheets to candidates wearing gloves.
• To avoid crowding, exam room numbers would not be displayed outside the centre.
• Candidates violating COVID-19 directives/advisories would not be allowed to sit for the exam
• Candidates would be allowed to leave the test centre one at a time to avoid the rush and maintain social distancing.

NDA 2023 – Syllabus

UPSC has released the NDA syllabus 2021 along with the IBPS SO notification. Candidates can find the syllabus by visiting the official website.

As per the notification, the syllabus is divided into 9 sections:

1. Mathematics
2. English
3. General Knowledge
4. Physics
5. Chemistry
6. General Science
7. History
8. Geography
9. Current Events

 

Mathematics

Topic	Topic-wise Syllabus
Algebra	Sets, Venn diagrams, De Morgan laws, Cartesian product, relation, equivalence relation. Real numbers, Complex numbers, Modulus, Cube roots, Conversion of a number in Binary system to Decimals, and vice-versa. Arithmetic, Geometric and Harmonic progressions. Quadratic equations, Linear inequations, Permutation and Combination, Binomial theorem, and Logarithms.
Integral Calculus and Differential Equations	Integration as inverse of differentiation, integration by substitution and by parts, standard integrals involving algebraic expressions, trigonometric, exponential, and hyperbolic functions. Evaluation of definite integrals—determination of areas of plane regions bounded by curves—applications. Definition of order and degree of a differential equation, formation of a differential equation by examples. General and particular solution of differential equations, solution of the first order, and first-degree differential equations of various types—examples. Application in problems of growth and decay.
Calculus	Concept of a real-valued function, domain, range, and graph of a function. Composite functions, one-to-one, onto, and inverse functions. The notion of limit, Standard limits, Continuity of functions, algebraic operations on continuous functions. Derivative of function at a point, geometrical and physical interpretation of a derivative-application. Derivatives of sum, product, and quotient of functions, a derivative of a function concerning another function, the derivative of a composite function. Second-order derivatives. Increasing and decreasing functions. Application of derivatives in problems of maxima and minima
Analytical Geometry Of Two and Three Dimension	Rectangular Cartesian Coordinate system. Distance formula. Equation of a line in various forms. The angle between two lines. Distance of a point from a line. Equation of a circle in standard and a general form. Standard forms of parabola, ellipse, and hyperbola. Eccentricity and axis of a conic. Point in a three-dimensional space, the distance between two points. Direction Cosines and direction ratios. Equation two points. Direction Cosines and direction ratios. Equation of a plane and a line in various forms. The angle between two lines and the angle between two planes. Equation of a sphere.
Trigonometry	Angles and their measures in degrees and radians. Trigonometric ratios. Trigonometric identities Sum and difference formulae. Multiple and Sub-multiple angles. Inverse trigonometric functions. Applications-Height and distance, properties of triangles.
Statistics and Probability	Probability: Random experiment, outcomes, and associated sample space, events, mutually exclusive and exhaustive events, impossible and certain events. Union and Intersection of events. Complementary, elementary, and composite events. Definition of probability—classical and statistical—examples. Elementary theorems on probability—simple problems. Conditional probability, Bayes’ theorem—simple problems. Random variable as function on a sample space. Binomial distribution, examples of random experiments giving rise to Binomial distribution.
Vector Algebra	Vectors in two and three dimensions, magnitude, and direction of a vector. Unit and null vectors, the addition of vectors, scalar multiplication of a vector, scalar product, or dot product of two vectors. Vector product or cross product of two vectors. Applications—work done by a force and moment of a force and in geometrical problems.
Matrices and Determinants	Types of matrices, operations on matrices. Determinant of a matrix, basic properties of determinants. Adjoint and inverse of a square matrix, Applications-Solution of a system of linear equations in two or three unknowns by Cramer’s rule and by Matrix Method.

English

Spotting Errors	Sentence Improvement
Comprehension	Antonyms
Selecting Words	Synonyms
Ordering of Words in a Sentence

Physics

Physical Properties and States of Matter	Earth as a Magnet
Modes of transference of Heat	Force and Momentum
Mass, Weight, Volume, Sound waves and their properties	Static and Current Electricity
Simple musical instruments	Parallelogram of Forces
Rectilinear propagation of Light	Conductors and Non-conductors
Density and Specific Gravity	Stability and Equilibrium of bodies
Reflection and refraction	Ohm’s Law
Principle of Archimedes	Gravitation
Spherical mirrors and Lenses	Simple Electrical Circuits
Pressure Barometer	Elementary ideas of work
Human Eye	Heating, Lighting, and Magnetic effects of Current
Motion of objects	Power and Energy
Natural and Artificial Magnets	Measurement of Electrical Power
Velocity and Acceleration	Effects of Heat
Properties of a Magnet	Primary and Secondary Cells
Newton’s Laws of Motion	Measurement of Temperature and Heat
General Principles in the working of Simple Pendulum, Simple Pulleys, Siphon, Levers, Balloon, Pumps, Hydrometer, Pressure Cooker, Thermos Flask, Gramophone, Telegraphs, Telephone, Periscope, Telescope, Microscope, Mariner’s Compass; Lightning Conductors, Safety Fuses	Use of X-Rays

Chemistry

Preparation and Properties of Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen and Carbon Dioxide, Oxidation and Reduction.	Mixtures and Compounds
Acids, bases and salts.	Elementary ideas about the structure of Atom
Carbon— different forms	Symbols, Formulae, and simple Chemical Equation
Physical and Chemical Changes	Atomic Equivalent and Molecular Weights
Fertilizers—Natural and Artificial	Law of Chemical Combination (excluding problems)
Elements	Valency
Material used in the preparation of substances like Soap, Glass, Ink, Paper, Cement, Paints, Safety Matches, and Gunpowder	Properties of Air and Water

General Science

Common Epidemics, their causes, and prevention	Growth and Reproduction in Plants and Animals
Difference between the living and non-living	Balanced Diet
Food—Source of Energy for man	Elementary knowledge of the Human Body and its important organs
Basis of Life—Cells, Protoplasms, and Tissues	The Solar System—Meteors and Comets, Eclipses. Achievements of Eminent Scientists
Constituents of food

History

Elementary knowledge of Five Year Plans of India	Forces shaping the modern world;
United Nations	Renaissance
Panchsheel	Exploration and Discovery;
Panchayati Raj, Democracy, Socialism and Communism	A broad survey of Indian History, with emphasis on Culture and Civilisation
Role of India in the present world	Freedom Movement in India
Co-operatives and Community Development	French Revolution, Industrial Revolution, and Russian Revolution
Bhoodan, Sarvodaya	War of American Independence,
National Integration and Welfare State	Impact of Science and Technology on Society
Basic Teachings of Mahatma Gandhi	Elementary study of Indian Constitution and Administration
Elementary knowledge of Five Year Plans of India	Concept of one World

Geography

Movements of Earth and their effects	The Earth, its shape and size
Regional Geography of India	Ocean Currents and Tides Atmosphere and its composition
Climate, Natural vegetation. Mineral and Power resources;	Latitudes and Longitudes
Location and distribution of agricultural and Industrial activities	Temperature and Atmospheric Pressure, Planetary Winds, Cyclones, and Anticyclones; Humidity; Condensation and Precipitation
Origin of Earth. Rocks and their classification	Concept of time
Important Sea ports and main sea, land, and air routes of India	Types of Climate
Weathering—Mechanical and Chemical, Earthquakes and Volcanoes	International Date Line
Main items of Imports and Exports of India	Major Natural Regions of the World

NDA 2023 – Exam Pattern

The written test comprises two sections – Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT). The total marks for the written exam is 900 marks and applicants who secure the minimum qualifying marks are called for an SSB interview that includes psychological aptitude and intelligence.

The table includes details on the NDA exam pattern like subjects to study, time duration, number of questions and total marks.

NDA Exam Pattern

Sections	GAT Mathematics
Duration of test	GAT – 2 ½ hours Mathematics – 2 ½ hours
Exam time	GAT – 10 am to 12.30 pm Mathematics – 2 pm to 4.30 pm
Total No. of Questions	GAT – 150 Questions Mathematics – 120 Questions
Question Paper Language Format	English, Hindi
Total marks	GAT – 600 Mathematics – 300

The GAT section carries 600 marks while the Mathematics section carries 300 marks. The GAT section is divided into two parts:

Part A – English

Part B – General Knowledge

The general knowledge part contains questions from Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, Current affairs.

Marking Scheme for NDA exam

Subject	Correct answers marking	Incorrect Answer marking
GAT	4	1.33
Mathematics	2.5	0.83

There is no deduction in marks for the unanswered questions. 

SSB Interview

This interview is divided into 2 stages:

1. Stage 1 – Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception and Description Test (PP & DT)
2. Stage 2 – Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests and the Conference.

Stage 1 test comprises verbal and non-verbal tests (screening test) and psychological tests.

The psychological test contains the following things:

• Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)
• Word Association Test (WAT)
• Situation Reaction Test (SRT)
• Self Description Test (SD)

In the second stage, the applicants who pass the stage 1 test have to pass group discussion (GD) round. This round will test the following:

1. GD
2. GPE
3. PGT
4. HGT
5. IOT
6. Command Task
7. Snake race/Group Obstacle Race
8. Individual lecture
9. FGT

After the candidates pass both stages, there will be a personal interview and conference before concluding the test.

NDA 2023 – Previous Year’s Question Paper

Subjects	NDA-1	NDA-2
Mathematics	Question Paper PDF	Question Paper PDF
General Ability	Question Paper PDF	Question Paper PDF

Also Read: NDA Exam 2022: SC Questions Centre Regarding Lack of Women Candidates

NDA – FAQs

Q. Can girl candidates apply for NDA exam?

From now, female candidates are eligible to apply for the NDA admission tests.

Q. How to apply for NDA 1 Exam?

Visit the official website, register for an account, download forms, fill up and upload your documents online to submit the application.

Q. How are the exam centres allotted to NDA candidates?

It is based on a first apply-first allot basis.

Q. When does the NDA admit card release?

Generally, admit cards are released one week prior to the exam.

Q. What are the qualifications required for the NDA exam and what’s the application fee for the test?

Aspirants should have passed class 12 exam and they will have to pay INR 100 for the application.