Defence Exams After 12th: Preparation Tips and Books

The primary defence exams after 12th include the National Defence Academy (NDA) entrance, which acts as a gateway for candidates wishing to join the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force. It is the first step for people who want to join the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force. To find out if you have leadership and officer-like skills, the Services Selection Board gives you a written test and then a long personality and IQ test.

Check Out: PW NDA/Defence Books!

Best Defence Exams After 12th for Female and Male Candidates

Joining the Indian Armed Forces is a prestigious career path that offers immense honor and responsibility. For students who have completed their schooling, various defence exams after 12th for male and defence exams after 12th for female 2025 candidates provide a structured route into the officer cadres. While the NDA is the most prominent, there are specialized entries like the Technical Entry Scheme (TES) for the Army and the B.Tech Cadet Entry Scheme for the Navy.

The eligibility for these entries generally requires candidates to be between 16.5 and 19.5 years old and unmarried. Specifically, defence exams after 12th science students are highly sought after, as the Naval and Air Force wings of the NDA require Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level. Female candidates now have equal opportunity to appear for the NDA, following the same syllabus and physical standards as their male counterparts.

Table of Major Defence Entry Schemes

Check Out: AFCAT Books

Strategic Preparation Tips for NDA and Defence Exams

To crack the defence exams after 12th, you need more than just rote learning; you need a strategy that balances academic knowledge with physical readiness.

1. Analyze the Exam Pattern and Syllabus

The NDA written exam is divided into two papers: Mathematics (300 marks) and the General Ability Test (GAT) (600 marks).

• Mathematics: Covers Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, Matrices, and Statistics.

• GAT Part A (English): Focuses on grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension.

• GAT Part B (General Knowledge): Includes Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, and Current Events.

2. Focus on Basic Concepts with NCERTs

Toppers suggest that clearing fundamental concepts from NCERT books (Class 6 to 12) is the most effective way to build a strong base. This is particularly vital for the Science and Mathematics sections. Once you've mastered the basics, you can move on to advanced practice sets.

3. Subject-Specific Strategies

• Mathematics: Practice at least 20–30 questions daily. Focus on high-scoring areas like Algebra and Trigonometry. Use shortcut tricks to improve speed and accuracy.

• English: Read newspapers and magazines daily to build vocabulary. Focus on spotting errors, synonyms, antonyms, and idioms.

• General Knowledge: Stay updated with current affairs from the last 6 months. For Geography, use an atlas to study maps and ocean currents. For History, prepare short notes on the freedom movement.

4. Time Management and Mock Tests

Practice solving previous year question papers (PYQs) from the last 5–10 years. This helps you understand question trends and difficulty levels. Taking full-length mock tests under exam conditions will help you manage the 2.5-hour limit for each paper and reduce exam-day anxiety.

5. Physical and Personality Development

Since the SSB interview carries 900 marks, you must work on your communication skills and physical fitness. Engaging in regular running, push-ups, and sit-ups ensures you meet the medical and physical standards. Participating in group discussions can help develop the confidence required for the interview stage.

Check Out: CDS Books

PW NDA Study Material for 2026 Exams

PW NDA Study Material for 2026 exams is specially designed to help aspirants prepare in a clear and systematic way. It covers the complete NDA syllabus with easy explanations for Mathematics, English, and General Ability. The material includes topic-wise notes, important formulas, practice questions, and previous years’ questions to improve accuracy and speed. Regular revision support helps students strengthen basics and identify weak areas. With a well-structured approach and simple language, this study material builds strong concepts and boosts confidence for both the written exam and overall NDA preparation.

Defence Exams After 12th FAQs

1. Can women apply for all defense tests after the 12th grade?

Yes, women can join the NDA (Army, Navy, and Air Force) and the Technical Entry Scheme (TES) if they match the age and education requirements.

2. What are the greatest books for NDA math?

NCERT books for Class 11 and 12 are very important. R.S. Aggarwal's Mathematics for NDA and NA is a great book for advanced preparation.

3. Does the NDA test have negative marking?

Yes, you will be punished for giving the wrong answer. In the Math section, you lose 0.83 points for each wrong answer.

4. How much time should I spend each day getting ready for the NDA?

Most people think that studying for 2 to 3 hours every day and doing 45 minutes of physical activity is enough to make steady improvement.