Notification for NDA Exam 2024: A Comprehensive Guide
Eligibility Criteria
Nationality: Candidates must be citizens of India.
Age Limit:
- For the National Defence Academy (NDA): 16.5 to 19.5 years as on the 1st January of the year of the examination.
- For the Naval Academy (NA): 16.5 to 19.5 years as on the 1st July of the year of the examination.
Educational Qualification:
- NDA: 12th standard pass of the 10+2 pattern of education or equivalent.
- NA: 12th standard pass of the 10+2 pattern of education or equivalent with Physics and Mathematics as subjects.
Physical Standards:
- Height: Minimum height for male candidates is 157 cm and for female candidates is 152 cm.
- Chest: Minimum chest expansion for male candidates is 5 cm.
- Weight: Candidates must be of proportionate weight as per their height.
- Medical Standards: Candidates must be medically fit as per the standards prescribed by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
Number of Attempts:
- NDA: Maximum of six attempts.
- NA: Maximum of four attempts.
Note: Candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) are exempted from the upper age limit.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | To be announced |
| Online Application Submission | To be announced |
| Last Date for Application Submission | To be announced |
| Admit Card Download | To be announced |
| Examination Date | To be announced |
| Result Declaration | To be announced |
Note: The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change. Candidates are advised to refer to the official notification for the latest updates.
Exam Pattern
NDA Exam:
The NDA exam is conducted in two stages:
Stage 1: Written Examination
- Paper 1: Mathematics (240 Marks)
- Algebra
- Trigonometry
- Geometry
- Calculus
- Statistics and Probability
- Paper 2: General Ability Test (600 Marks)
- English
- General Knowledge
- Current Affairs
- History
- Geography
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
Stage 2: SSB Interview
- The SSB Interview is conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB) of the Ministry of Defence.
- It is a five-day process that assesses candidates’ personality, intelligence, leadership qualities, and other attributes.
NA Exam:
The NA exam is conducted in two stages:
Stage 1: Written Examination
- Paper 1: Mathematics (300 Marks)
- Algebra
- Trigonometry
- Geometry
- Calculus
- Statistics and Probability
- Paper 2: General Ability Test (200 Marks)
- English
- General Knowledge
- Current Affairs
- History
- Geography
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
Stage 2: SSB Interview
- The SSB Interview is conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB) of the Ministry of Defence.
- It is a five-day process that assesses candidates’ personality, intelligence, leadership qualities, and other attributes.
Syllabus
NDA Exam:
Mathematics:
- Algebra
- Trigonometry
- Geometry
- Calculus
- Statistics and Probability
General Ability Test:
- English: Comprehension, Grammar, Vocabulary, and Composition.
- General Knowledge: History, Geography, Economics, Polity, and Current Affairs.
- Current Affairs: National and International events.
- History: Indian History, World History, and Ancient Indian History.
- Geography: Physical Geography, Human Geography, and Indian Geography.
- Physics: Basic concepts of Physics, Mechanics, Heat, Sound, Light, Electricity, and Magnetism.
- Chemistry: Basic concepts of Chemistry, Atomic Structure, Chemical Bonding, Chemical Reactions, and Organic Chemistry.
- Biology: Basic concepts of Biology, Cell Biology, Genetics, Evolution, and Human Physiology.
NA Exam:
Mathematics:
- Algebra
- Trigonometry
- Geometry
- Calculus
- Statistics and Probability
General Ability Test:
- English: Comprehension, Grammar, Vocabulary, and Composition.
- General Knowledge: History, Geography, Economics, Polity, and Current Affairs.
- Current Affairs: National and International events.
- History: Indian History, World History, and Ancient Indian History.
- Geography: Physical Geography, Human Geography, and Indian Geography.
- Physics: Basic concepts of Physics, Mechanics, Heat, Sound, Light, Electricity, and Magnetism.
- Chemistry: Basic concepts of Chemistry, Atomic Structure, Chemical Bonding, Chemical Reactions, and Organic Chemistry.
- Biology: Basic concepts of Biology, Cell Biology, Genetics, Evolution, and Human Physiology.
Preparation Strategy
- Understand the Syllabus: Thoroughly understand the syllabus for both the written exam and the SSB interview.
- Create a Study Plan: Create a realistic study plan that covers all the topics in the syllabus.
- Refer to the Right Study Material: Use reliable study materials like NCERT textbooks, coaching institute materials, and previous years’ question papers.
- Practice Regularly: Practice mock tests and previous years’ question papers to get familiar with the exam pattern and time management.
- Develop Time Management Skills: Learn to manage time effectively during the exam.
- Improve Your English: Focus on improving your English language skills, especially reading comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary.
- Stay Updated with Current Affairs: Read newspapers, magazines, and online resources to stay updated with current affairs.
- Prepare for the SSB Interview: Understand the SSB interview process and prepare for the various tests, including psychological tests, group discussions, and personal interviews.
- Stay Motivated: Stay motivated throughout the preparation process and believe in yourself.
Important Points to Remember
- The NDA exam is conducted twice a year, in April and September.
- The NA exam is conducted once a year, in April.
- The exam is conducted online.
- Candidates must carry their admit card and a valid photo ID proof to the examination center.
- The exam is conducted in English and Hindi languages.
- Candidates must secure a minimum qualifying score in the written exam to be eligible for the SSB interview.
- The final selection is based on the performance in the written exam and the SSB interview.
Resources
- UPSC Website: https://www.upsc.gov.in/
- NDA Exam Preparation Websites:
- https://www.ssbcrackexams.com/
- https://www.defenceguru.com/
- https://www.nda.nic.in/
- SSB Interview Preparation Websites:
- https://www.ssbcrackexams.com/
- https://www.defenceguru.com/
- https://www.ssb.gov.in/
Table 1: NDA Exam Pattern
| Stage | Paper | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1: Written Examination | Paper 1: Mathematics | 240 | 2.5 Hours |
| Paper 2: General Ability Test | 600 | 2.5 Hours | |
| Stage 2: SSB Interview | 5 Days |
Table 2: NA Exam Pattern
| Stage | Paper | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1: Written Examination | Paper 1: Mathematics | 300 | 2.5 Hours |
| Paper 2: General Ability Test | 200 | 2.5 Hours | |
| Stage 2: SSB Interview | 5 Days |
Note: The exam pattern and syllabus are subject to change. Candidates are advised to refer to the official notification for the latest updates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the eligibility criteria for the exam?
- You must be a citizen of India.
- Age limit varies for NDA and NA, check the official notification.
- Educational qualification is 12th standard pass for NDA and 12th with Physics and Mathematics for NA.
2. When will the notification be released?
- The official notification date is yet to be announced. Keep checking the UPSC website for updates.
3. How can I apply for the exam?
- Applications are submitted online through the UPSC website.
4. What is the exam pattern?
- The exam is conducted in two stages: written exam and SSB interview.
- The written exam consists of two papers: Mathematics and General Ability Test.
- The SSB interview assesses personality, intelligence, and leadership qualities.
5. What is the syllabus for the exam?
- The syllabus covers topics in Mathematics, General Knowledge, Current Affairs, English, and other subjects. Refer to the official notification for detailed syllabus.
6. How can I prepare for the exam?
- Create a study plan, refer to reliable study materials, practice mock tests, and stay updated with current affairs.
7. What are the important dates for the exam?
- The dates for notification release, application submission, admit card download, exam date, and result declaration are yet to be announced.
8. What are the physical standards required?
- Minimum height and chest expansion requirements are specified for male and female candidates. Refer to the official notification for details.
9. How many attempts are allowed?
- The number of attempts varies for NDA and NA. Check the official notification for details.
10. What is the selection process?
- Candidates must clear the written exam and SSB interview to be finally selected.
11. Where can I find more information about the exam?
- Visit the official UPSC website and other relevant websites for detailed information.