NDA Selection Process Steps, Tips, and Requirements

NDA Selection Process:- In 2024, the NDA selection process will be conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice a year to enlist male and female candidates for admission to the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of NDA, along with the Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC). The process consists of two stages: the written exam and the SSB Interview. Initially, all registered candidates must appear for the written exam. Based on their performance in the written test, candidates are shortlisted for the SSB Interview, which includes Personality and Intelligence Tests. Final selection and allocation to NDA and the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme of the Indian Naval Academy are based on vacancies, eligibility, medical fitness, and the merit-cum-preference of candidates.

NDA 2024

The NDA Selection Process 2024 picks out candidates who are the best fit for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. It happens in two stages and looks at candidates' physical, mental, and psychological abilities. Only those who meet all the requirements move on to the next rounds. As the NDA 1 exam is nearing, candidates who are interested should understand the NDA Selection Process 2024.

Getting into the defence forces through the NDA exam is tough because there are many candidates for only a few spots. To stand out, candidates should know the details of the NDA selection process explained below.

NDA Selection Process Stages

The NDA selection process includes the following stages:

• Written Exam: All registered candidates are required to appear for the written exam, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

• SSB Interview: Candidates who qualify for the written exam undergo the SSB (Services Selection Board) Interview, which includes Personality and Intelligence Tests.

NDA Selection Process for Written Exam

The first stage of the NDA selection process is the written exam, which has two papers: Mathematics and the General Ability Test. This 180-minute exam features objective questions. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifying marks move on to the SSB Interview for Psychological Aptitude and Intelligence or Personality tests. The structure of the written exam is as follows.

Also check out:- NDA 2024 Sample Paper

NDA Selection Process for SSB Interview

Candidates in the SSB Interview are evaluated on their potential to become officers. The SSB Interview process is divided into two stages and spans five days:

• Stage I: Includes the Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test and the Picture Perception & Description Test (PP & DT).

• Stage II: Includes the Interview, Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks, Psychology Tests, and the Conference.

• The entire SSB Interview process carries a total of 900 marks.

NDA Selection Process Medical Round

Upon the release of SSB results, the recommended candidates must undergo a medical examination by a Board of Service Medical Officer at the designated military hospital. This process typically takes 4 to 5 days. The president of the medical board oversees the appeals and review processes. Candidates deemed unfit can request a review or appeal based on the President's Special Medical Board’s recommendation.

As part of the NDA selection procedure, female candidates must also provide a detailed gynaecological, obstetric, and menstrual history, in addition to the standard medical check-up.

The final selection for the NDA depends on the results of these medical examinations.

Check out: NDA 2024 PYQs

NDA Final Selection Process

The final selection process for the NDA is as follows:

• For the Air Force, candidates must pass the Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS).

• Candidates must meet the NDA cutoff marks separately in both the written exam and the SSB interview for admission to the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the NDA.

• The scores from both the NDA written exam and the SSB interview are considered for final selection.

• Final admission to the respective academies is based on the number of vacancies, eligibility, medical fitness, and the merit-cum-preference of the candidates.

Can Girls Join NDA?

In August last year, the Supreme Court of India allowed women to join the National Defence Academy (NDA), pending the final ruling on a petition. Women must meet the same eligibility criteria as men, but their medical standards differ. The age limit for women is 16.5 to 19.5 years, and they can apply if they have passed or are currently in Class 12.

Documents Required for SSB Interview

Candidates selected for the interview must carry the following documents:

• Original Class 12 passing certificate or equivalent as proof of educational qualification.

• Certificate of eligibility for specific categories of students.

• Caste certificate, if applicable, for SC, ST, OBC, etc.

• Proof of identity and address (Aadhar Card, Voter ID, Passport, or Residence Certificate).

NDA Selection Process: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Application Submission: Candidates need to complete and submit their applications online through the UPSC website.

Step 2: Written Exam: The written exam consists of two papers: 

• Mathematics and General Ability Test.

• The duration of the exam is 180 minutes with objective-type questions.

• Candidates must secure minimum qualifying marks to proceed further.

Step 3: Results of Written Exam: UPSC releases the written exam results, indicating candidates qualified for the SSB interview.

Step 4: SSB Interview Call: Qualified candidates receive call letters for the SSB interview, scheduled over 4-5 days.

Step 5: SSB Interview (Stage I): Includes Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test and Picture Perception & Description Test (PP & DT).

Step 6: SSB Interview (Stage II): Consists of Interviews, Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks, Psychology Tests, and Conferences.

Step 7: Medical Examination: Candidates recommended by the SSB undergo a comprehensive medical examination at a Military Hospital.

Female candidates must provide detailed gynaecological, obstetric, and menstrual history.

Step 8: Final Merit List: UPSC prepares the final merit list based on the written exam and SSB interview marks.

Medical fitness is crucial for the final selection.

Step 9: Document Verification: Selected candidates need to present original documents for verification, including education certificates, category certificates, and identity/address proof.

Step 10: Admission and Training: Final selected candidates join the National Defence Academy (NDA) or Indian Naval Academy (INA) based on preferences, merit, and vacancies. Training at NDA spans three years, followed by further training at respective service academies.

Read More: NDA Exam 2024 Best Books to Ace Your Preparation

NDA Selection Process FAQs

Q1. What is the NDA selection process?

Ans. The NDA selection process involves a written exam conducted by UPSC, followed by the SSB interview, medical examination, and final merit-based selection.

Q2. Who conducts the NDA exam?

Ans. The NDA exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice a year.

Q3. What are the eligibility criteria for the NDA exam?

Ans. Candidates must be unmarried Indian citizens aged between 16.5 to 19.5 years and have passed or are appearing in Class 12.

Q4. What does the SSB interview involve?

Ans. The SSB interview consists of two stages: Stage I includes intelligence and picture perception tests, and Stage II includes interviews, group tasks, and psychology tests.

Q5. How is the final merit list prepared?

Ans. The final merit list is based on the candidate's performance in the written exam, SSB interview, and medical examination.