Understand the exam
Exam overview
UPSC recruitment examination for eligible NDA and Naval Academy entries.
NDA-NA
Recruitment
School
National
National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination
Last updated · Confirm dates, fees and eligibility on the official website before you apply.
UPSC recruitment examination for eligible NDA and Naval Academy entries.
Who can appear
Eligibility to appear
Class 12
Class 12; Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics are required for specified Naval Academy and Air Force/Naval wing routes. Age, sex, marital status, nationality and physical/medical standards are decisive. Follow the current UPSC NDA and NA notice.
Eligibility to appear is not the same as eligibility to be admitted. Individual institutions add their own criteria on top of the exam's rules.
Overview
What this exam is
The UPSC examination for entry to the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy directly after Class 12, leading to a commission as an officer after training. It is one of the few routes into an officer career that opens straight from school.
Subjects
What the paper tests
Two papers - Mathematics, and a General Ability Test covering English and general knowledge including physics, chemistry, general science, history, geography and current events. The mathematics is Class 11 and 12 standard. Success at the written stage is followed by the Services Selection Board and a medical examination, both of which eliminate large numbers.
PreparationPlan
How to prepare
Since you are preparing alongside board examinations, use the overlap - the mathematics and science syllabus is largely the same material. The General Ability paper carries more marks than candidates expect, so do not treat it as secondary. Physical and medical standards are decisive and disqualify many otherwise strong candidates, so get an honest medical check early rather than discovering a problem after the written result.
AdmissionProcess
Who can take it, and how it runs
Who can appear. 12th (PCM required for Navy and Air Force); unmarried; age 16.5-19.5.
How often. Twice a year.
Format. Pen and paper plus SSB interview.
Conducted by. Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
Dates, eligibility and the paper pattern change from year to year. Check the current official notification before you plan around any of this.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply while still in Class 12?
Yes, candidates appearing in Class 12 may apply subject to producing results by the required stage. Because this route is age-bound, applying at the first opportunity matters more here than for most examinations.
Which subjects do I need?
Class 12 pass is sufficient for the Army wing. Physics and Mathematics at Class 12 are required for the Air Force and Naval wings, so your subject choice in Class 11 effectively decides which wings are open to you.
How much does the General Ability paper matter?
More than most candidates assume - it carries greater weight than the Mathematics paper. Treating it as secondary is a common and expensive mistake, because it covers English plus a wide science, history, geography and current affairs syllabus.
What happens if I fail the medical examination?
You are out, regardless of written or Board performance, and medical standards eliminate a significant number of otherwise strong candidates. Get an honest medical check early rather than discovering a disqualifying condition after months of preparation.
What is National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination used for?
Officer entry to Army, Navy and Air Force after 12th.
Who is eligible to appear for National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination?
12th (PCM required for Navy and Air Force); unmarried; age 16.5-19.5. Confirm this against the current official notification, because eligibility rules are revised between sessions.
How often is National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination held, and in what format?
Twice a year. Pen and paper plus SSB interview.
Who conducts National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination?
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).