NDA (National Defence Academy) Entry
Last updated · Confirm dates, fees and eligibility on the official website before you apply.
Cadets receive a JNU-awarded B.Sc, B.Sc (Computer Science) or BA degree alongside military training, with full stipend and no tuition cost. One of the few routes offering a funded degree plus a commissioned officer career directly after 12th; selection is highly competitive through UPSC and SSB.
- Duration
- 1–3 years
- Entry after
- Class 12
- Entrance exam
- None
- Study mode
- OnCampus
- Licence
- Not required
Course overview
Cadets receive a JNU-awarded B.Sc, B.Sc (Computer Science) or BA degree alongside military training, with full stipend and no tuition cost. One of the few routes offering a funded degree plus a commissioned officer career directly after 12th; selection is highly competitive through UPSC and SSB.
Eligibility and admission
Who can apply. 12th pass (Physics and Maths required for Air Force and Navy); unmarried; age 16.5-19.5; SSB and medical standards.
How you get in. UPSC NDA and NA Examination followed by SSB interview and medical board.
How it is studied. Full-time residential training; distance mode not applicable.
Admission rules change every year. Confirm eligibility, the entrance test and the calendar against the current official notification.
Where this can lead
Where people work.
- Indian Army
- Indian Navy
- Indian Air Force
What you can study next.
- Defence Services Staff College
- Technical staff courses
- Higher command courses
- Post-service corporate and government roles
Cost, duration and indicative earnings
Indicative total course fee. No tuition cost - cadets and recruits receive a stipend during training.
Indicative starting salary. 56,100+ basic pay plus allowances per month.
Typical duration. 3 years NDA + 1 year academy training.
Fees and salaries here are indicative ranges, not quotes. Confirm the current fee with the institution and treat the salary as a starting range that varies by employer and location.
Who can apply
1 route into this course.
| Qualification | Stream | Minimum | Subjects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 12 | Science - PCM | — |
Percentages are indicative. Individual universities set their own cut-offs, and reserved-category relaxations differ by state and institution.
Careers this course leads to
1 route mapped from this qualification.
A course supports eligibility and preparation. It never guarantees a particular job.
Common questions
Who can apply for NDA (National Defence Academy) Entry?
12th pass (Physics and Maths required for Air Force and Navy); unmarried; age 16.5-19.5; SSB and medical standards. Admission is through UPSC NDA and NA Examination followed by SSB interview and medical board.
How long does NDA (National Defence Academy) Entry take?
3 years NDA + 1 year academy training. Full-time residential training; distance mode not applicable.
What does NDA (National Defence Academy) Entry cost?
No tuition cost - cadets and recruits receive a stipend during training. These are indicative ranges, not quotes. Confirm the current fee with the institution.
What can I study after NDA (National Defence Academy) Entry?
Defence Services Staff College, Technical staff courses, Higher command courses, Post-service corporate and government roles.
Turn this into a decision you can defend
Compare the route, follow where it actually leads, and keep one alternative in view before you apply.