National Defence Academy (NDA) Exam 2021 is a National level exam organized by Union Public Service Commission UPSC to recruit candidates in Army, Navy, and Air Force. It is conducted twice every year and the exams are NDA 1 and NDA 2. NDA conducts its exam in two stages i.e Written exam and SSB interview. The exam is conducted for admission to Army, Navy and Air Force wings of NDA and Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC) and more than 4 lakh aspirants appear for NDA exam every year, out of which approximately 6000 qualified candidates are called for SSB Interview. A list of the candidates is prepared who have qualified the written exam by UPSC Hence the candidates who are in the list are called for SSB Interview for Intelligence and Personality Test.

 

Enrol now for SSB - NDA/NA - (I) & (II) - 2020 ( With a small size banner of the course)

 

As you have read about what NDA then follows the article for more information about NDA. 

 

Table of Contents  1. NDA 2021 Important Details 2. NDA 2021 Eligibility Criteria NDA 2021 Nationality  NDA 2021 Age Limit  NDA 2021 Educational Qualification  NDA 2021 Marital Status  NDA 2021 Physical Standards 3. NDA 2021 Important Dates  4. NDA 2021 Exam Pattern  5. NDA 2021 Syllabus  6. NDA 2021 SSB Interview  7. NDA 2021 Exam Preparation

 

NDA 2021 Important Details

Exam name	National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (NDA & NA)
Conducted by	UPSC
Exam level	National
Exam category	After class 12
Frequency of exam	Twice a year
Exam stages	Written Test and SSB Interview
Exam mode	Offline
Exam duration	5 hours (Mathematics: 2 ½ hours, General Ability Test (GAT): 2 ½ hours)
Exam syllabus	Mathematics: Algebra, Trigonometry, Matrices and Determinants, Differential Calculus, Analytical Geometry of two and three dimensions, Vector Algebra, Statistics and Probability. GAT: English, General Knowledge, Chemistry, Physics, General Science, Geography, Current Events etc.
Exam pattern	GAT: 150 objective type questions  Mathematics: 120 objective type questions
Language	English and Hindi
Exam purpose	For admission to National Defence Academy (NDA) and Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC)
Test cities	41
Exam helpdesk	011-23385271/011-23381125/011- 23098543
Official website	upsc.gov.in

 

NDA Dates 2021

The dates of NDA I and II exams had been announced through UPSC.

NDA I Dates 2021

Events	Dates	Details
Notification	30-Dec-2020	The complete schedule along with other details will be released on the website.
Application form	30-Dec-2020	Commencement of registrations for the NDA exam will begin.
Last date to apply	19-Jan-2021	Candidates can submit their application forms online before the last date.
Application withdrawal	To be notified	The facility to withdraw the application form of NDA will be made available after the completion of the application process
Written exam	18-Apr-2021	The exam will be conducted in two shifts:  Morning  Afternoon  The exam will be conducted across 41 cities spread throughout the country
Admit card	March 2021	All registered candidates will be issued admit cards for the exam that they need to carry at the exam centre.
Declaration of written result	June 2021	The result of the written exam is declared online by UPSC and displays the roll numbers of shortlisted candidates.
SSB Interview	July to Sept 2021	SSB Interview is conducted for the shortlisted candidates who have qualified the written exam.

NDA 2 Dates 2021

Events	Dates	Details
Notification	09-Jun-2021	NDA 2 notification will be released on the website. Candidates can check for the same.
Application form	09-Jun-2021	Application forms will be made available along with the notification
Last date to apply	29-Jun-2021	Candidates need to apply within the application deadline
Written exam	05-Sept-.2021	The written exam of NDA will be conducted in two shifts i.e morning and afternoon and comprises two papers
Admit card	August 2021	The admit card will be issued online for registered candidates
Declaration of written result	December 2021	The result of the written exam is declared on the official website
SSB Interview	January 2022 to April 2022	SSB Interview is conducted in two stages and the shortlisted candidates are called for the same.

 

NDA 2021 Exam Pattern

Exam Mode	Offline
Number of papers	GAT and Mathematics
Duration of test	GAT: 2 ½ hours Mathematics: 2 ½ hours
Exam time	GAT: 10 am to 12.30 pm Mathematics: 2 pm to 4.30 pm
Number of questions	GAT: 150 Mathematics: 120
Language of question paper	English and Hindi
Total marks	Written Exam: 900 (600 for GAT and 300 for Mathematics) SSB Interview: 900

 
 

Enrol now for NDA/NA (I) - 2021 - Target Batch

 

As you are well versed with the pattern syllabus and interview process let's concentrate on clearing the exam in the first attempt.

Check UPSC NDA 2020: Stipend, Salary, Pay Scale, Allowances, Promotion Avenues, Incentives, Cost of Training Navy & Air Force

 

NDA syllabus 2021 

NDA Syllabus 2021 Mathematics 

•  Algebra

• Matrices and Determinants

• Trigonometry

• Analytical Geometry of 02 & 03 Dimensions

• Differential Calculus

• Integral Calculus and Differential Equations

• Vector Algebra

• Statistics

• Probability

NDA Syllabus 2021 (Paper 2)

Paper 2 is the General Ability Test. UPSC NDA April 2021 Paper 2 syllabus contains topics from English, General Knowledge, History and Science

Part A - English- The maximum mark is 200

• Correct Use of words

• Fill in the blanks

• Synonyms & antonyms

• Grammar and usage

• Vocabulary

• Comprehension and cohesion

Part B- General Knowledge - The Maximum Marks are 400

The question paper on General Knowledge will cover Physics, Chemistry, General Science, Social Studies, Geography and Current Events.

Below is the complete syllabus of different exams. Candidates have to prepare almost every topic to qualify the test.

NDA Syllabus 2021 for Physics

• Physical Properties and States of Matter

• 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

• 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; Lightning Conductors, Safety Fuses.

NDA Syllabus 2021 for 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 & salts.

• Carbon—different forms. Fertilizers—Natural and Artificial.

• Preparation of Soap, Glass, Paints, Ink, Paper, Cement, Safety Matches and Gun-Powder.

• Structure of Atom, Atomic Equivalent and Molecular Weights, Valency.

NDA Syllabus 2021 for General Science

• Difference between the living and nonliving

• Basis of Life—Cells, Protoplasms and Tissues

• Growth and Reproduction in Plants and Animals

• Human Body and its important organs

• Common Epidemics, their causes & prevention.

• Constituents of food & Balanced Diet.

• The Solar System—Meteors and Comets, Eclipses

• Achievements of Eminent Scientists

  Enrol now for NDA/NA (I) - 2021 - Target Batch

NDA 2021 Syllabus for History

• Indian History including Culture and Civilisation.

• Freedom Movement in India

• Indian Constitution and Administration.

• Five Year Plans of India

• Panchayati Raj, Co-operatives and Community Development

• National Integration and Welfare State

• Basic Teachings of Mahatma Gandhi

• Renaissance, Exploration and Discovery

• American Independence.

• French Revolution, the Industrial Revolution and the Russian Revolution.

• Impact of Science and Technology on Society.

• Concept of one World, United Nations, Panchsheel, Democracy, Socialism and Communism.

NDA Syllabus 2021 for Geography

• Latitudes and Longitudes

• Concept of time

• International Date Line

• Origin of Earth, its Movements and their effects

• Rocks and their classification

• Weathering— Mechanical and Chemical, Earthquakes and Volcanoes

• Ocean Currents and Tides

• Temperature and Atmospheric Pressure

• Planetary Winds, Cyclones and Anticyclones

• 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 Seaports

• Imports and Exports of India.

NDA Syllabus 2021 for Current Events

• Knowledge of all the important events that have happened in India in recent years or across the world. 

• Prominent personalities—both Indian and International including those connected with cultural activities and sports etc.

• Check Out the Free Study Materials and Previous Year Question Paper Now.

   

NDA 2021 Mock Tests

It is important that candidates practise mock tests daily for cracking the UPSC NDA 2021 Exam. Practising mock tests regularly will help the candidates in clearing the cut-off marks of the UPSC NDA Written Exam. Therefore,  on the basis of the latest exam pattern & syllabus of the UPSC NDA 2021 Exam, we have created and compiled mock tests of both the sections, i.e., Mathematics & General Ability Test (GAT).

 

NDA Eligibility Criteria 2021

 Nationality

To apply for NDA, candidates must be: 

1) A citizen of India or

2) A subject of Nepal or

3) A subject of Bhutan

4) A Tibetan refugee who came over to India before January 1, 1962, intending to permanently settle in India or

5) A person originally Indian who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka and East African Countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire and Ethiopia or Vietnam intending to permanently settle in India

Provided that a candidate belonging to categories 2, 3, 4 and 5 shall be a person in whose favour a certificate of eligibility has been issued by the Indian government.

Certificate of eligibility will not, however, be necessary in case of candidates who are Gorkha subjects of Nepal.

NDA Eligibility Criteria 2021: Age Limit

• For NDA 2, candidates must have been born not earlier than January 2, 2002, and not later than January 1, 2005. 

• For NDA 1, candidates should be born not earlier than July 2, 2001, and not later than July 1, 2004. 

• The commission will accept the date of birth that is entered in Class 10 or 12 certificates of the candidate.

• Candidates need to submit these certificates after the declaration of the result of the written exam.

NDA Eligibility Criteria: Educational Qualification

The educational qualification prescribed for admission to the different academies is given below:

The Army wing of NDA	Passed class 12 or equivalent examination from a recognized board
The Air Force and Naval wings of NDA and 10+2 Cadet entry scheme at INA	Passed Class 12 or equivalent examination with Physics and Mathematics

• Candidates who are appearing in Class 12th  or equivalent examination can apply.

• Candidates appearing in Class 11th exam are not eligible.
   

NDA Eligibility Criteria: Marital Status

Only unmarried male candidates can apply for the exam. An undertaking should be taken by the candidate to not to marry until they complete their training. Any candidate who marries during the training will be discharged or disqualified and the candidate needs to refund all expenditure spent on him by the government during the training period.
 

NDA Eligibility Criteria 2021: Physical Standards

According to the physical standards for NDA, exam candidates must be physically fit

Height & Weight for Army and Air Force

The minimum height prescribed is 157 cms  (For the Air Force it is 162.5 cms). Certain exceptions are applicable for candidates based on the region from where they belong.

Height (in cms)	Weight (in kgs)
	16-17 years	17-18 years	18-19 years
152	42.5	44.0	45.0
155	43.5	45.3	47.0
157	45.0	47.0	48.0
160	46.0	48.0	49.0
162	48.0	50.0	51.0
165	50.0	52.0	53.0
167	51.0	53.0	54.0
170	52.5	55.0	56.0
173	54.5	57.0	58.0
175	56.0	59.0	60.0
178	58.0	61.0	62.0
180	60.0	63.0	64.5
183	62.5	65.0	66.5

For Gorkhas and candidates belonging to hills of North-Eastern areas of India, Garhwal and Kumaon, the minimum height will be 5 cms less than the figure mentioned above. For candidates belonging to Lakshadweep, the minimum height standard is reduced by 2 cms.

Height and Weight requirements for Navy

Height (In cms)	Weight (in kgs)
	16 years	18 years	20 years
152	44	45	46
155	45	46	47
157	46	47	49
160	47	48	50
162	48	50	52
165	50	52	53
167	52	53	55
170	53	55	57
173	55	57	59
175	57	59	61
178	59	61	62
180	61	63	64
183	63	65	67

Candidates who wish to be pilot need to fulfill the following requirements -

• Leg Length: The minimum Leg Length of 99 cms and maximum of 120 cms

• Thigh Length: The thigh Length should be a maximum of 64 cms

• Sitting Height: The sitting height should be a minimum of 81.50 cms and maximum of 96 cms

Visual Standards

• The distance vision (corrected) of candidates should be 6/6 in the better eye and 6/9 in the worse eye.

• Myopia should not be more than 2.5 D

• Hypermetropia should  not be more than 3.5 D including Astigmatism

• Air Force candidates must not wear spectacles and their eyes need to fit.

Candidates can check below the visual standards for Navy and Air Force-
 

Specification	Naval	Air Force
Uncorrected without glass	6/6	6/6, 6/9
Corrected with glass	6/6	6/6 (only for Hypermetropia)
Limits of Myopia	-0.75	Nil
Limits of Hypermetropia	+1.5	+2.00 D Sph
Limits of Colour Perception	I	Nil
Binocular Vision	III	Nil
Manifest Myopia	N.A.	Nil Re
Retinoscopic Myopia	N.A.	0.5
Colour Vision	N.A.	CP-I (MLT)
Astigmatism	N.A.	+0.75 Cyl (within + 2.0 D.Max)
Near Vision	N.A.	N-5 each eye

Candidates must not suffer from any of the following minor conditions

• Wax (Ears)

• Deviated Nasal Septum

• Hydrocele / Phimosis

• Condition of Overweight / Underweight

• Under Sized Chest

• Piles

• Tonsillitis

• Gynaecomastia

• Varicocele

Guidelines regarding Tattoos

• Any permanent body tattoos should be present only on the inner side of candidates forearms. 

• Under no circumstances, UPSC accepts tattoos on the inside of the elbow to the wrist and the reverse side of the palm/back (dorsal) side of the hand.

• Permanent body tattoos on any other part of the body are also not acceptable.

• In case a candidate belongs to a tribe where it is customary to have a tattoo, exceptions will be granted considering the traditions involved of that particular region.

Spinal Conditions

Candidates must not have the following diseases:

• Granulomatous disease of the spine

• Arthritis/spondylosis (Rheumatoid arthritis and allied disorders / Ankylosing spondylitis / Osteoarthritis, spondylosis and degenerative joint disease / Non-articular rheumatism (e.g. lesions of the rotator cuff, tennis elbow, recurrent lumbago etc.) & Miscellaneous disorders including SLE, polymyositis, vasculitis.

• Spondylolisthesis / spondylolysis.

• Compression fracture of vertebrae.

• SC Heuerman’s disease (Adolescent kyphosis)

• Loss of cervical lordosis when associated with clinically restricted movements of the cervical spine.

• Unilateral / Bilateral cervical ribs with demon stable neurological or circulatory deficit.

• Scoliosis is more than 15 degrees as measured by Cobb’s method.

• Degenerative Disc. Disease.

• Presence of Schmorl’s nodes at more than one level.

• Atlanto-occipital and atlantoaxial anomalies.

• Hemi vertebrae and/or incomplete block (fused) vertebrae at any level in cervical, dorsal or lumbar spine and complete block (fused) vertebrae at more than one level in cervical or dorsal spine.

• Unilateral Sacralisation or summarisation (Complete or incomplete) at all levels and bilateral incomplete sacralisation or lumbarisation.

• Any other abnormality if so considered by the specialist.

X-Ray Exam

Any of the following conditions will disqualify the applicant Armed Forces:

• Granulomatous disease of the spine.

• Arthritis / spondylosis      

• Scoliosis is more than 15 degrees as measured by Cobb’s Method (10 degrees for Army and Navy).

• More than mild Kyphosis/Lordosis

• Spondylolisthesis / Spondylosis / Spondylolysis

• Herniated nucleus pulposus.

• Compression fracture of Vertebra.

• Sacralisation Disease

• Cervical ribs with demonstrable neurological or Circulatory deficit.

• Presence of Schmorl’s node at more than one level.

• Atlanto-occipital and atlanto-axial anomalies.

• Incomplete Sacralisation Unilateral or Bilateral

• Spina Bifida other than SV 1 and LV 5 if completely Sacralised

• Any other abnormality, if so considered by specialist

Other medical conditions 

• There should not be any symptoms of the weak constitution or bodily defects. 

• Candidates must have a well-developed chest.

• The function of the bones or joints should be good.

• No history of medical breakdown or fits

• Candidates must have normal hearing capabilities

• No impediment of speech.

• Normal blood pressure with no signs of heart disease or blood vessel disease. 

• No liver or spleen enlargement

• No abnormalities in urine

• No skin diseases

• No abnormalities in USG abdomen examination

• A sufficient number of natural and sound teeth. 

• Routine ECG for Air Force candidates must fall within normal limits.

To get the complete details about the eligibility criteria   Download The PDF Now

SSB Interview 2021

SSB interview is considered to be the most exhaustive and toughest among all the interviews that are conducted for any government job examinations. It's really important to clear the SSB interview if you desire to become an officer in Indian Armed Forces. SSB interview has equal marks to that of the written exam. There is a cut-throat competition in SSB interview because just qualifying the written exam doesn't give you the ticket to NDA, there are lots of candidates, who have qualified NDA or CDS written exam several times but they failed in SSB interview. Many candidates have been sent back on the very first day of the interview. The rate of selection in the SSB interview accounts for nearly 6-10% of the candidates who have appeared. 

To clear the SSB interview the candidates require 80% mental efforts and 20% physical efforts. The interview conducting body always looks for officer-like qualities in a  candidate i.e suitable personality, approach towards solving a real-time problem and attitude towards your goals & life. SSB interview is not a one day process but a 5-days process, which is of very long duration. 

The day-wise SSB interview process is explained below.

Day 1

On the very first day, the screening test is conducted consisting of an OIR (Officers Intelligence Rating) test and PPDT (Picture Perception & Description Test).

In the OIR test, candidates are given a set of 50 questions based on Quantitative Aptitude and Verbal & Non-verbal Reasoning. The time given to solve these questions will be 30 minutes. After that in PPDT, candidates will be shown a static picture on the projector for 30 seconds and they have to come up with a thoughtful story based on your perception. The candidates who do not perform well are sent back on the very first day.

Day 2  

On this day, the candidate is called for psychological testing.

TAT (Thematic Appreciation Test) – In this test, the candidates are shown 11 hazy/blur pictures on the projector one by one and the candidates need to write a positive story on the shown pictures.  The 12th picture will be blank and the candidate needs to write a Self-Description on the same.

WAT (Word Association Test) - this test is to determine the candidate’s psychology. Candidates will be shown 60 words on a projector consecutively and they have to associate these words with some positive events.

SRT (Situation Reaction Test) - SRT is conducted after WAT and 10 minutes will be given to the candidate for answering these questions. The total number of questions will be 60 and the candidates have to write 2-3 sentences in each situation.

Day 3 & 4

On the third and fourth day of the interview, GTO tasks are done to determine the suitable candidate. The Group Testing Officer (GTO) is the most powerful person in the SSB interview because he will spend 2 days testing your abilities. GTO testing comprises the following tasks-

Group Discussion (GD) –  the group will be given two topics for discussion.

Group Planning Exercise (GPE) – this test will consist of 5 parts.

-      Model explanation

-      Reading of narratives by GTO

-      5 minutes for self-reading

-      10 minutes for writing your individual plan

-      Finally, 20 minutes to discuss the common plan

Progressive Group Task (PGT)- PGT is a set of obstacles in a specified area in which the team members need to cross each obstacle complying with certain rules and regulations. The difficulty level of this task increases after every obstacle.

Group Obstacle Race- This is also known as snake race. The group has to take part in a race of six obstacles. Here, the Group Testing Officer GTO wants to see the co-operation and team-leading quality in you.

Half Group Task (HGT) – HGT is almost similar to PGT, but the group is divided into two parts. Here, the Group Testing Officer wants to see the individual performance of the candidate. The rules for HGT will be the same as in PGT.

Lecturette- In this round, each candidate will be given 3 minutes to deliver a speech in front of the group. Scores depend upon your expressions, body language, fluency, confidence, and the knowledge you have.

Individual Obstacles- In this round, the candidate has to perform individually and needs to cross 10 obstacles. These obstacles are Single Ramp, Double Barrel, Screen Jump, Balancing Beam,  Tarzan Swing, Burma Bridge, Double Ditch, Double Platform Jump, Tiger Leap, and Commando Walk. 

Command Task- this round is to find the commanding ability in a candidate and is conducted before the FGT. The candidates are allowed to choose any two members out of the group that you have been allotted. This task is like PGT and HGT.

Final Group Task (FGT)- this is the final task in testing. All group members are required to finish this task and all rules remain the same as in PGT and HGT. This task is tougher and time taking 

Day 5: This is the D-day of the SSB interview. On this day, the candidate is called for the conference for verification by the panel and after this, results are announced.

Note: A personal interview round is also organized on any day between second to the fourth day. The interviewing officers are a top senior officer like Colonel or Brigadier. Personal Interview is an integral part of the SSB interview process in which the details in PIQ (Personal Information Questionnaire) form are matched with your personality so they need to be correct. 
 

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NDA Exam 2021 Preparation

The NDA exam is also the toughest of all. Hence, start your preparation now.

Enroll for online coaching for NDA  and get the guidance from the best faculty who not only teaches you but guides you personally. 

What do you get in the online course for NDA 2021

What you get  Live Interactive Sessions                                        Personalized Learning Recorded Classes Mock Tests

 
Read anywhere any time with Safalta.

Mode of Study	Online Live Classes, with App Support
Targeted Exams Course Duration	NDA/NA (I) - 18th April 2021 5 Months
Hours of Study	450+ hours of Live Study
Paper Covered	NDA/NA (I) - Paper 1 & Paper 2
Subjects Covered	Mathematics, English, GS (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, History, Polity, Geography, Economics, Current Affairs)
New Batch Start Date	26th October 2020
Class Schedule	5 Days in a week (Monday to Friday)
Daily Class Timings	4 Hrs.

 

So, what are you waiting for Click to register now for the online course of  NDA/NA (I) - 2021 - Target Batch

 

Read Related Articles

1. NDA Previous Year Question Papers

 

1. Check UPSC NDA 2020: Stipend, Salary, Pay Scale, Allowances, Promotion Avenues, Incentives, Cost of Training Navy & Air Force

 

1. Clear all your queries with  Frequently Asked Questions on NDA