Exam Overview
Written Examination
Two papers: Mathematics (300 marks) and General Ability Test (600 marks). Objective type questions with negative marking.
SSB Interview
5-day selection process including psychological tests, group tasks, and personal interview (900 marks).
Medical Examination
Rigorous medical tests to ensure candidates meet the physical and medical standards for armed forces.
Final Merit List
Combination of written exam (900) and SSB interview (900) marks determines final selection.
Written Exam Pattern
- Mathematics: 120 questions, 300 marks (2.5 hours)
- GAT: 150 questions, 600 marks (2.5 hours)
- Negative marking (0.33 marks deduction per wrong answer)
- Conducted twice a year (April & September)
SSB Interview
- 5-day rigorous selection process
- Tests intelligence, personality and officer potential
- Includes psychological tests, group tasks, and personal interview
- 900 marks (same weightage as written exam)
Medical Standards
- Strict physical and medical requirements
- Different standards for Army, Navy and Air Force
- Vision, hearing, dental and overall fitness tests
- Permanent tattoos not allowed
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualifications
- Army Wing: 12th Class pass with any stream
- Air Force & Naval Wings: 12th Class pass with Physics and Mathematics
- Appearing candidates can also apply
- For Air Force: Candidates with B.Tech (aviation/astronautics) also eligible
Age Limit
- 16.5 to 19.5 years at the time of course commencement
- Born between 2nd July 2005 to 1st July 2008 (for NDA 1 2025)
- Age relaxation not applicable to any category
Nationality
- Indian citizens only
- Subjects of Nepal/Bhutan can also apply
- Indian origin migrants from specific countries may apply
Physical Standards
Height & Weight
- Army: 157 cm (relaxable for certain regions)
- Navy: 157 cm
- Air Force: 162.5 cm
- Weight proportionate to height and age
Vision Standards
- Army: 6/6 correctable to 6/6
- Navy: 6/6 correctable to 6/6
- Air Force: 6/6 in better eye, 6/9 in worse eye, correctable to 6/6 only
- No color blindness for Navy/Air Force
Medical Fitness
- No history of mental illness
- No cardiovascular disease
- No major surgical procedure
- No hearing impairment
Selection Process
Written Examination
Objective type questions in Mathematics and General Ability Test. Minimum qualifying marks required in each paper.
SSB Interview Call
Candidates who clear written exam are called for SSB interview based on cutoff marks.
Stage I Testing
Intelligence test, picture perception test, and discussion (screening test). Candidates who qualify proceed to Stage II.
Stage II Testing
Psychological tests, group tasks, personal interview, and conference. Conducted over 4 days.
Medical Examination
Detailed medical tests conducted at designated military hospitals over 5-6 days.
Final Merit List
Based on written exam (900) + SSB interview (900) marks. Medical fitness is mandatory.
Previous Year Questions
Recent NDA Exams
Recommended Resources
Mathematics
- Class 11th & 12th NCERT Mathematics
- Quantitative Aptitude - R.S. Aggarwal
- NDA Mathematics - Arihant Publications
- Previous Year Solved Papers
General Ability
- NCERT Physics, Chemistry, Biology (Class 11-12)
- Lucent's General Knowledge
- Manorama Yearbook
- Newspapers (The Hindu/Indian Express)
SSB Preparation
- SSB Interview - Arihant
- Breaking the Code of SSB - Col. Retd. Ashok Kumar
- Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning - R.S. Aggarwal
- Current Affairs Monthly Magazines
Online Resources
- UPSC Official Website (Notification)
- SSBCrack Exams
- NDA Pathfinder App
- YouTube Channels (SSB Interview Tips)
Preparation Tips
Mathematics Preparation
Focus on calculus, algebra, trigonometry, and coordinate geometry. Practice speed and accuracy due to negative marking.
General Ability
Cover English, physics, chemistry, history, geography, and current affairs. Read newspapers daily for English and GK.
SSB Preparation
Develop leadership qualities, communication skills, and general awareness. Practice group discussions and psychological tests.
Physical Fitness
Maintain good physical health with regular exercise. Prepare for medical tests by maintaining proper BMI and vision standards.
Time Management
Create a study schedule balancing school studies and NDA preparation. Allocate time for revision and mock tests.
Mock Tests
Solve previous year papers under timed conditions. Analyze mistakes and work on weak areas.