NDA Exam Overview

The National Defence Academy (NDA) exam is a highly competitive national-level exam conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)—in April and September. It is the entry gateway for students to join the Indian Armed Forces in the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Eligibility Criteria for NDA Exam

• Educational Qualification: Students must have completed or be appearing in their 12th standard (10+2) examination. For the Air Force and Navy wings, students need to have studied Physics and Mathematics.
• Age Limit: Candidates must have attained 16.5 years of age and must not have attained 19.5 years of age. For NDA II 2026, candidates must have been born between 02nd January 2008 to 01st January 2011. For NDA I 2027, candidates must have been born between 02nd July 2008 to 01st July 2011.
• Physical Fitness: Candidates must meet the required physical fitness standards, including height, weight, and vision criteria set by the NDA.

NDA Exam Structure

The NDA entrance exam consists of two stages:

1. Written Examination:
   • Mathematics: 300 marks (Objective-type questions from topics like Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, Geometry, and Statistics)
   • General Ability Test (GAT): 600 marks (Comprises English, General Knowledge, and Science questions from Physics, Chemistry, History, Geography, and Current Affairs)
2. Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview:

   Candidates who clear the written exam are invited to attend the SSB interview, a five-day intensive process that tests the candidate’s psychological, physical, and leadership capabilities. The SSB interview includes tasks such as:

   • Psychological tests: Assessing personality traits and decision-making abilities.
   • Group tasks: Evaluating teamwork, leadership, and communication skills.
   • Personal interviews: Gauging the candidate’s confidence, motivations, and aspirations for a defence career.

The final merit list is prepared based on the performance in both the written test and the SSB interview.

NDA Coaching at Chanakya Defence College

1. Academic Coaching for NDA Written Exam

   The college offers specialized coaching in subjects that are part of the NDA written exam:

   • Mathematics: Students are rigorously trained in advanced topics like algebra, trigonometry, and calculus, with a focus on solving NDA-level questions.
   • General Ability Test (GAT): The coaching covers English grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension, as well as general knowledge topics like history, geography, and current affairs. Regular quizzes and tests help students stay updated on national and international events.
   • Science: Detailed coaching in Physics and Chemistry, tailored to the NDA syllabus, ensures that students can handle questions from these subjects confidently.
2. Physical and Psychological Preparation for SSB Interview

   The college provides extensive training for the SSB interview:

   • GTO Training: Students are put through mock SSB drills on the college’s GTO ground. The exercises include obstacle courses, group discussions, and leadership tasks, helping students develop the mental and physical resilience needed to succeed in the SSB interview.
   • Psychological Tests: Regular practice of personality tests, including situation-based questions and group discussions, prepares students for the psychological evaluation phase.
   • Personal Interviews: Students undergo mock interviews where they are guided on improving their communication skills, leadership qualities, and self-confidence.
3. Mock NDA Exams and Continuous Evaluation

Students take part in regular mock NDA tests, which simulate the actual exam environment. These practice tests are evaluated by experts, and detailed feedback is provided to help students improve their performance. The college also conducts dedicated remedial classes and personalized doubt-clearing sessions to ensure that each student receives the support they need to achieve their full potential.

In today’s competitive environment, Dehradun has become a hub for NDA coaching, but choosing the right institution is crucial. Chanakya Defence College stands out for its commitment to excellence, providing a robust learning environment and exceptional facilities. The college's integrated approach ensures that students are well-prepared not only for their academic success but also for the challenges of the NDA exam and the SSB interview.