National Defence Academy (NDA)
The National Defence Academy (NDA) is the joint defence service training institute of the Indian Armed Forces, where cadets of the three services i.e. the Indian Military Service, the Indian Naval Service and the Indian Air Force Service train together before they go on to respective service academy for further pre-commission training. The NDA is located in Khadakwasla, Pune, Maharashtra. It is the first tri-service academy in the world. NDA Exam is conducted by UPSC (Union Public Service commission).
NDA is one of the most sought-after defense entrance exams in the country. The NDA Exam is conducted for admission to Army, Navy and Air Force wings of NDA and Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC). NDA is conducted twice a year in two stages: written exam and SSB Interview. Around four lakh, aspirants appear for NDA every year, out of which approximately 6,000 are called for SSB Interview. UPSC prepares a list of candidates who obtain minimum qualifying marks in the written exam. Such candidates are called for SSB Interview for Intelligence and Personality Test.
NDA Eligibility Criteria 2021
Candidates need to fulfill the following eligibility criteria in order to be eligible for the exam.
Age Limit: For NDA 1 exam, candidates must have born not earlier than July 2, 2002, and not later than July 1, 2005. For NDA 2 exam, candidates must have born not earlier than January 2, 2002, and not later than January 1, 2006.
Educational qualification: The educational qualification is different for different academies. Candidates can check the educational qualification prescribed for different academies below:
| Army Wing of National Defence Academy | Passed Class 12/HSC or equivalent from a recognised board or university. |
| For Air Force and Naval Wings of National Defence Academy and for the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at the Indian Naval Academy : | 12th Class pass with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent conducted by a State Education Board or a University. |
NDA Exam Importance Bulletin:
- Candidates who are appearing in the 12th Class under the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent examination can apply for this examination.
- Candidates appearing in the 11th class exam are not eligible for this examination
- Those candidates who have yet to qualify in the 12th class or equivalent examination and are allowed to appear in the UPSC Examination should note that this is only a special concession given to them. They are required to submit proof of passing the 12th class or equivalent examination by the prescribed date (i.e. 24th December 2021) and no request for extending this date will be entertained on the grounds of late conduct of Board/University Examination, delay in declaration of results or any other ground whatsoever.
- Candidates who are debarred by the Ministry of Defence from holding any type of Commission in the Defence Services shall not be eligible for admission to the examination and if admitted, their candidature will be cancelled.
- website www.joinindianarmy.nic.in. All Information to check the website
PENALTY FOR WRONG ANSWERS:
Candidates should note that there will be a penalty (Negative Marking) for wrong answers marked by a candidate in the Objective Type Question Papers.
Note- For both writing and marking answers in the OMR sheet (Answer Sheet) candidates must use a black ball pen only Pens with any other colour are prohibited. Do not use Pencil or Ink pen. Candidates should note that any omission/mistake/discrepancy in encoding/filling of details in the OMR answer sheet especially with regard to Roll Number and Test Booklet Series Code will render the answer sheet liable for rejection
(The Scheme and Syllabus of Examination)
| Subject | Code | Marks | Maximum Marks |
| Mathematics | 01 | 2½ Hours | 300 |
| General Ability Test | 02 | 2½ Hours | 600 |
| SSB Test/Interview: | Total | 900 |
Note-THE PAPERS IN ALL THE SUBJECTS WILL CONSIST OF OBJECTIVE TYPE QUESTIONS ONLY. THE QUESTION PAPERS
(TEST BOOKLETS) OF MATHEMATICS AND PART “B” OF GENERAL ABILITY TEST WILL BE SET BILINGUALLY IN HINDI AS
WELL AS ENGLISH.
SYLLABUS OF THE EXAMINATION
PAPER-I
MATHEMATICS
- ALGEBRA
Concept of set, operations on sets, Venn diagrams. De Morgan laws, Cartesian product, relation, equivalence relation.
Representation of real numbers on a line. Complex numbers—basic properties, modulus, argument, cube roots of
19 unity. Binary system of numbers. Conversion of a number in decimal system to binary system and vice-versa. Arithmetic, Geometric and Harmonic progressions. Quadratic equations with real coefficients. Solution of linear inequations of two variables by graphs. Permutation and Combination. Binomial theorem and its applications. Logarithms and their applications. - MATRICES AND DETERMINANTS :
Types of matrices, operations on matrices. Determinant of a matrix, basic properties of determinants. Adjoint and inverse of a
a square matrix, Applications-Solution of a system of linear equations in two or three unknowns by Cramer’s rule and by Matrix Method. - TRIGONOMETRY :
Angles and their measures in degrees and in radians. Trigonometrical ratios. Trigonometric identities Sum and difference
formulae. Multiple and Sub-multiple angles. Inverse trigonometric functions. Applications-Height and distance, properties of triangles. - ANALYTICAL GEOMETRY OF TWO AND THREE DIMENSIONS:
Rectangular Cartesian Coordinate system. Distance formula. Equation of a line in various forms. The angle between two lines.
Distance of a point from a line. Equation of a circle in standard and in a general form. Standard forms of parabola, ellipse and
hyperbola. Eccentricity and axis of a conic. Point in a three-dimensional space, the distance between two points. Direction Cosines and direction ratios. Equation two points. Direction Cosines and direction ratios. Equation of a plane and a line in various forms.
The angle between two lines and the angle between two planes. Equation of a sphere. - DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS :
Concept of a real-valued function–domain, range and graph of a function. Composite functions, one to one, onto and
inverse functions. Notion of limit, Standard limits—examples. Continuity of functions—examples, algebraic operations on
continuous functions. Derivative of function at a point, geometrical and physical interpretation of a derivative—applications.
Derivatives of sum, product and quotient of functions, a derivative of a function with respect to another function, a derivative of a
composite function. Second-order derivatives. Increasing and decreasing functions. Application of derivatives in problems of
maxima and minima. - INTEGRAL CALCULUS AND DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS :
20 Integration as inverse of differentiation, integration by substitution and by parts, standard integrals involving algebraic
expressions, trigonometric, exponential and hyperbolic functions. Evaluation of definite integrals—determination of areas of plane
regions bounded by curves—applications. Definition of order and degree of a differential equation, formation of a differential equation by examples. General and particular solution of differential equations, solution of the first order and first-degree differential equations of various types—examples. Application in problems of growth and decay. - VECTOR ALGEBRA :
Vectors in two and three dimensions, magnitude and direction of a vector. Unit and null vectors, the addition of vectors,
scalar multiplication of a vector, scalar product or dot product of two vectors. Vector product or cross product of two vectors.
Applications—work done by a force and moment of a force and in geometrical problems. - STATISTICS AND PROBABILITY :
Statistics: Classification of data, Frequency distribution, cumulative frequency distribution—examples. Graphical
representation—Histogram, Pie Chart, frequency polygon— examples. Measures of Central tendency—Mean, median and
mode. Variance and standard deviation—determination and comparison. Correlation and regression.
Probability: Random experiment, outcomes and associated sample space, events, mutually exclusive and exhaustive events,
impossible and certain events. Union and Intersection of events. Complementary, elementary and composite events. Definition of
probability—classical and statistical—examples. Elementary theorems on probability—simple problems. Conditional probability,
Bayes’ theorem—simple problems. Random variable as function on a sample space. Binomial distribution, examples of random
experiments giving rise to Binominal distribution.
PAPER-II
GENERAL ABILITY TEST
Part ‘A’—ENGLISH (Maximum Marks—200)
The question paper in English will be designed to test the candidate’s understanding of English and workmanlike use of
words. The syllabus covers various aspects like Grammar and usage, vocabulary, comprehension and cohesion in extended text
to test the candidate’s proficiency in English.
Part ‘B’—GENERAL KNOWLEDGE (Maximum Marks—400)
The question paper on General Knowledge will broadly cover the subjects: Physics, Chemistry, General Science, Social Studies, Geography and Current Events. The syllabus given below is designed to indicate the scope of these subjects included in this paper. The topics mentioned are not to be regarded as exhaustive and questions on topics of similar nature not specifically mentioned in the syllabus may also be asked.
The candidate’s answers are expected to show their knowledge and intelligent understanding of the subject.
Section ‘A’ (Physics)
Physical Properties and States of Matter, Mass, Weight, Volume, Density and Specific Gravity, Principle of Archimedes,
Pressure Barometer. The motion of objects, Velocity and Acceleration, Newton’s Laws of Motion, Force and Momentum, Parallelogram of Forces, Stability and Equilibrium of bodies, Gravitation, elementary ideas of work, Power and Energy. Effects of Heat, Measurement of
Temperature and Heat, change of State and Latent Heat, Modes of transference of Heat. Sound waves and their properties, Simple musical instruments. Rectilinear propagation of Light, Reflection and refraction. Spherical mirrors and Lenses, Human Eye. Natural and Artificial Magnets, Properties of a Magnet, Earth as a Magnet. Static and Current Electricity, conductors and Nonconductors, Ohm’s Law, Simple Electrical Circuits, Heating, Lighting and Magnetic effects of Current, Measurement of Electrical Power, Primary and Secondary Cells, Use of X-Rays.
General Principles in the working of the following: Simple Pendulum, Simple Pulleys, Siphon, Levers, Balloon, Pumps, Hydrometer, Pressure Cooker, Thermos Flask, Gramophone, Telegraphs, Telephone, Periscope, Telescope, Microscope, Mariner’s Compass; Lightening Conductors, Safety Fuses.
Section ‘B’ (Chemistry)
Physical and Chemical changes. Elements, Mixtures and Compounds, Symbols, Formulae and simple Chemical
Equations, Law of Chemical Combination (excluding problems).Properties of Air and Water. Preparation and Properties of Hydrogen, Oxygen,
Nitrogen and Carbon dioxide, Oxidation and Reduction. Acids, bases and salts. Carbon—different forms. Fertilizers—Natural and Artificial. The material used in the preparation of substances like Soap, Glass, Ink, Paper, Cement, Paints, Safety Matches and GunPowder. Elementary ideas about the structure of Atom, Atomic Equivalent and Molecular Weights, Valency
22
Section ‘C’ (General Science)
Difference between living and non-living. Basis of Life—Cells, Protoplasms and Tissues. Growth and Reproduction in Plants and
Animals. Elementary knowledge of the Human Body and its important organs.
Common Epidemics, their causes and prevention. Food—Source of Energy for man. Constituents of food, Balanced
Diet. The Solar System—Meteors and Comets, Eclipses. Achievements of Eminent Scientists.
Section ‘D’ (History, Freedom Movement etc.)
A broad survey of Indian History, with emphasis on Culture and Civilisation. Freedom Movement in India. Elementary study of Indian
Constitution and Administration. Elementary knowledge of Five Year Plans of India. Panchayati Raj, Co-operatives and Community
Development. Bhoodan, Sarvodaya, National Integration and Welfare State, Basic Teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. Forces shaping the modern world; Renaissance, Exploration and Discovery; War of American Independence. French Revolution,
Industrial Revolution and Russian Revolution. Impact of Science and Technology on Society. Concept of one World, United Nations,
Panchsheel, Democracy, Socialism and Communism. Role of India in the present world.
Section ‘E’ (Geography)
The Earth, its shape and size. Lattitudes and Longitudes, Concept of time. International Date Line. Movements of Earth and their effects. Origin of Earth. Rocks and their classification; Weathering—Mechanical and Chemical, Earthquakes and Volcanoes. Ocean Currents and Tides
The atmosphere and its composition; Temperature and Atmospheric Pressure, Planetary Winds, Cyclones and Anti-cyclones; Humidity;
Condensation and Precipitation; Types of Climate, Major Natural regions of the World. Regional Geography of India—Climate,
Natural vegetation. Mineral and Power resources; location and distribution of agricultural and Industrial activities. Important Sea
ports and main sea, land and air routes of India. Main items of Imports and Exports of India.
Section ‘F’ (Current Events)
Knowledge of Important events that have happened in India in recent years. Current important world events.
Prominent personalities—both Indian and International including those connected with cultural activities and sports.
NOTE: Out of maximum marks assigned to part ‘B’ of this paper, questions on Sections ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’, ‘D’, ‘E’ and ‘F’ will carry
approximately 25%, 15%, 10%, 20%, 20% and 10% weightage respectively.
Intelligence and Personality Test
The SSB procedure consists of a two-stage Selection process
- stage I and stage II. Only those candidates who clear stage I are permitted to appear for stage II. The details are :
(a) Stage I comprises Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests are Picture Perception * Description Test (PP&DT). The candidates
will be shortlisted based on a combination of performance in the OIR Test and PP&DT.
(b) Stage II Comprises of Interview, Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests and the Conference. These tests are conducted over 4 days. The details of these tests are given on the website joinindianarmy.nic.in.
NDA Salary: Check Pay Scale, Allowances & Other Benefits
Joining the armed forces has always been a dream come true for the majority of youths. Besides, the opportunity to serve the nation, candidates are offered attractive pay scale and allowances. The pay benefits to the candidates selected through NDA begins during the training period. Stipend given to Gentlemen Cadets during the entire duration of training in Service Academies i.e. during training period at IMA is Rs 56,100. On successful commissioning, in NDA the pay in the Pay matrix of the Officer commissioned will be fixed in the first Cell of Level 10. The period of training will not be treated as commissioned service and arrears on account of admissible allowances (as applicable) for the training period will be paid to cadets. Read below for more details on NDA salary.
Previous Year Question Papers Archives
| Sr.No | Year bulletin | Question Paper–1 Mathematics | Question paper-2 General Ability Test |
| 1. | 2016 | MATH_1_2016_1.pdf | GAT_2.pdf |
| 2. | 2016 | Mathematics_0_0.pdf | GENERAL_ABILITY_TEST_0_0.pdf |
| 3. | 2015 | MATH-2_2015.pdf | GAT-1_2015.pdf |
| 4. | 2015 | MATH_2_2015.pdf | GAT_3_2015.pdf |
| 5. | 2014 | Math2_2014.pdf | GAT1_2014.pdf |
| 6. | 2014 | MATH_0_2014.pdf | GAT_1_2014.pdf |
| 7. | 2020 | NDA-I_II-2020-Math.pdf | NDA-I_II-2020-GAT.pdf |
| 8. | 2019 | NDA-II-2019-Math_0.pdf | Genral-Ablity-Test-NDAI-2019.pdf |
| 9. | 2018 | MATHS-2-2018.pdf | GAT-1-2018.pdf GAT-2-2018.pdf |
| 10. | 2017 | Math_I_QP-2017-Part-1.pdf | GAT_I_QP-2017-part-1.pdf |
| 11. | 2017 | Math_I_QP-2017-part-2.pdf | GAT_II_QP-2017-Part-2.pdf |
NDA Exam Salary 2021: Pay Scale, Allowances, Perks
Before getting into the details of the salary structure, let’s have an overview of UPSC NDA exam from the table below:
| Name of the Exam | National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Recruitment Exam (NDA Exam) |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Purpose of Exam | To Join Indian Army, Navy & Airforce. |
| Frequency | Twice a Year |
| Exam Mode | Offline |
| Educational Eligibility | 12th Pass |
| Selection Stages | Written Test & SSB Interview |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
NDA Exam 2021 Salary Allowances & Perks
Apart from the basic salary, candidates will also be eligible for various allowances and perks. Check the details from the table below:
| Name of Allowances | Amount Payable (Per Month) |
| Dearness Allowance | Admissible at the same rates and under the same conditions as are applicable to the civilian personnel from time to time. |
| Para Allowance | Rs.10,500/- |
| Para Reserve Allowance | Rs.2,625/- |
| Para Jump Instructor Allowance | Rs.10,500/- |
| Project Allowance | Rs.3,400/- |
| Special Forces Allowance | Rs.25,000/- |
| Technical Allowance (Tier I) | Rs.3,000/- |
| Technical Allowance (Tier 2) | Rs.4,500/- |
Flying Allowances
The Army Aviators (Pilots) serving in the Army Aviation Corps are entitled to flying allowance at Rs. 25,000/- per month.
Allowances Based on Posting Area
Depending upon rank and area of posting, an officer posted to Field Areas will be eligible for the following Field Area allowances:
| Highly Active Field Area Allowance | Rs.16,900/- (Per Month) |
| Field Area Allowance | Rs.10,500/- (Per Month) |
| Modified Field Area Allowance | Rs.6,300/- (Per Month) |
NDA Exam Salary Insurance & Other Benefits
- Army Group Insurance Fund provides insurance cover of Rs. 15 lakhs on payment of one time non-refundable premium of Rs. 7,200/- by cadets for 3 years (from the date of joining for pre-commission training)
- In case of relegation, an additional premium of Rs. 1,355/- per relegated term will be paid.
- Candidates who are invalidated by IMB on account of disability will be provided Rs.15 lakhs for 100% disability. Whereas, for 20% disability Rs. 3 lakhs will be paid. Moreover, for less than 20% disability only an Ex-Gratia Grant of Rs. 50,000/- for first two years of training and Rs. 1 lakh during the third year of training will be paid.
- The Gentlemen Cadets at IMA when in receipt of stipend are insured for Rs. 75 lakh with a monthly contribution of Rs 5,000 as applicable to officers of regular Army.
- For candidates invalidated out by IMB account of disability and not entitled to any pension will be provided Rs 25 lakhs for 100% disability and Rs. 5 lakhs for 20% disability. For less than 20% disability, an Ex-Gratia Grant of Rs. 50,000/- will be paid.
Asked Questions On NDA Salary
Q. What is In-hand Salary for NDA Graduates?
A. The In-hand salary for NDA graduates will include Basic Pay and various allowances. After the training, the candidates will be eligible for a salary with the pay scale of Rs.56,100/- to Rs.1,77, 500/-.
Q. What is the NDA salary during training?
A. Candidates undergoing the training will be eligible for a fixed stipend of Rs.56100/-