Defence exams
NDA 2027: Exam Pattern, Syllabus & Eligibility
National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination · conducted by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
The NDA & NA exam, conducted by UPSC twice a year, selects candidates after Class 12 for the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy and the Indian Naval Academy’s 10+2 cadet entry. The written test has two papers on the same day — Mathematics (300 marks) and the General Ability Test (600 marks), 2½ hours each — followed by a 900-mark SSB interview.
When is NDA?
UPSC holds NDA twice a year: NDA (I) usually in April and NDA (II) in September. NDA (II) 2026 was held on 13 September 2026.
NDA at a glance
- Conducted by
- Union Public Service Commission
- Frequency
- Twice a year (NDA I and NDA II)
- Mode
- Pen and paper (OMR)
- Written test
- Mathematics 300 + General Ability Test 600 = 900 marks
- SSB interview
- 900 marks
- Negative marking
- One-third of the question’s marks
- Age
- 16½ to 19½ years
- Open to
- Unmarried men and women
NDA exam pattern
| Paper | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 120 | 300 | 2½ hours |
| General Ability Test — English | 50 | 200 | 2½ hours (one paper) |
| General Ability Test — General Knowledge | 100 | 400 | |
| SSB interview | — | 900 | About five days |
| Total | 1,800 |
- Mathematics questions carry 2.5 marks each (−0.83 for a wrong answer); GAT questions carry 4 marks each (−1.33).
- Both written papers are on the same day.
NDA syllabus
Mathematics
- Algebra
- Matrices and determinants
- Trigonometry
- Analytical geometry of two and three dimensions
- Differential calculus
- Integral calculus and differential equations
- Vector algebra
- Statistics and probability
GAT — English
- Grammar and usage
- Vocabulary
- Comprehension and cohesion in extended text
GAT — General Knowledge
- Physics
- Chemistry
- General science
- History and the freedom movement
- Geography
- Current events
NDA eligibility
- Unmarried men and women aged 16½ to 19½ years on the dates given in the notification.
- Army wing: Class 12 (any stream), passed or appearing.
- Air Force and Navy wings and the Naval Academy: Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.
- Physical and medical standards as laid down by the services.
How to prepare for NDA
- 1Mathematics has the highest cut-off risk — practise Class 11–12 maths daily under time pressure.
- 2GAT General Knowledge is 400 marks: revise science, history, geography and current affairs systematically.
- 3Mind the one-third negative marking; skip questions you cannot narrow down.
- 4Start physical fitness and SSB preparation early — the interview carries as many marks as the written test.
NDA FAQs
Can girls apply for NDA?
Yes. Unmarried women have been eligible for the NDA exam since 2021.
What is the age limit for NDA?
16½ to 19½ years; the exact birth-date window is given in each notification.
Is there negative marking in NDA?
Yes. One-third of the marks for a question is deducted for each wrong answer.
Can commerce or arts students apply for NDA?
Yes, for the Army wing. The Air Force, Navy and Naval Academy entries need Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics in Class 12.
How many times a year is NDA held?
Twice — NDA (I) usually in April and NDA (II) in September.
Practise NDA on GyanBook
Timed quizzes and mock tests that follow the real marking scheme, instant scores with step-by-step solutions, and progress tracking for every subject. Free to start.
Related exams
GyanBook India is an independent practice platform and is not affiliated with the body that conducts NDA. These details were checked against official sources on 13 October 2026. Exam dates, eligibility rules and patterns can change — always confirm them on the official website (upsc.gov.in) before you apply.