National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (NDA/NA)
Overview
The UPSC NDA/NA Examination is a national-level defence entrance exam conducted twice a year to recruit cadets for the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy (NDA) and for the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme of the Indian Naval Academy (INA).
It is one of India’s most prestigious examinations for students aspiring for a permanent commissioned career in the Armed Forces.
Candidates undergo rigorous written and SSB interview stages before joining the tri-service NDA training at Khadakwasla or Naval Academy at Ezhimala.
Recruiting Body
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Recruiting Exam
National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination
Type of Service
Commissioned Officer (Permanent Commission)
Service Domain
Indian Army, Indian Navy & Indian Air Force
Year of Commencement
1954
Controlling Ministry
Ministry of Defence, Government of India
Entry Level Rank
Lieutenant (Army) / Sub-Lieutenant (Navy) / Flying Officer (Air Force)
Highest Rank
Chief of Army/Navy/Air Staff
Training Academies
NDA Khadakwasla & INA Ezhimala
Recruitment and Entry
Recruitment through NDA/NA is conducted to select candidates for officer training in:
- Indian Army (NDA)
- Indian Air Force (NDA)
- Indian Navy (NDA)
- Indian Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry)
Stages of the Examination
- Written Examination: Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT)
- SSB Interview: Tests personality, intelligence, leadership, and officer-like qualities
- Medical Examination: Comprehensive physical and mental fitness assessment
Selected candidates undergo military training followed by commissioning as officers.
Wings & Services under NDA/NA
National Defence Academy (NDA)
- Army Wing
- Navy Wing
- Air Force Flying Branch
- Air Force Ground Duty
Naval Academy (NA)
- 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme
- B.Tech Naval Architecture
- Executive Branch Cadets
- Technical Branch Cadets
Career Hierarchy and Ranks
| Level | Rank | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | Lieutenant / Sub-Lieutenant / Flying Officer | Junior leadership & field operations |
| Mid-Level | Captain / Lieutenant / Flight Lieutenant | Company-level command & operational duties |
| Senior Level | Major / Lt. Commander / Squadron Leader | Administrative & tactical leadership |
| Higher Command | Colonel / Captain / Group Captain | Unit/Ship/Squadron command |
| Apex Level | General / Admiral / Air Chief Marshal | Head of respective Armed Force |
Pay Structure and Salary
| Rank | Level | Pay Scale | Approx Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lieutenant / Sub-Lieutenant / Flying Officer | Level 10 | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 | ₹70,000 – ₹90,000 |
| Captain / Lieutenant / Flight Lieutenant | Level 10B | ₹61,300 – ₹1,93,900 | ₹90,000 – ₹1,00,000 |
| Major / Lt. Commander / Squadron Leader | Level 11 | ₹69,400 – ₹2,07,200 | ₹1,10,000+ |
| Colonel / Captain / Group Captain | Level 13 | ₹1,30,600 – ₹2,15,900 | ₹1,50,000+ |
| General / Admiral / Air Chief Marshal | Apex | ₹2,50,000 (fixed) | ₹2,50,000 |
Allowances: MSP, Flying Allowance, Field Area Allowance, Siachen Allowance, Uniform Allowance, and more.
Training Process
NDA/NA cadets undergo rigorous military, academic, and physical training designed to develop leadership, discipline, and combat readiness.
Training Phases
- Joint Training at NDA: Army, Navy, and Air Force cadets train together for three years.
- Service-specific Training: Conducted at IMA, AFA, and INA after NDA.
- Specialized Warfare Training: Technical, flying, maritime, and operational training as per service branch.
Service & Posting Structure
Officers serve in multiple commands, units, and bases under:
- Army Commands & Regiments
- Air Force Stations & Squadrons
- Naval Fleets, Ships & Submarines
Postings follow armed forces cadre rules and operational requirements.
Significance of the NDA/NA Exam
The NDA/NA exam plays a pivotal role in shaping India’s defence leadership by:
- Providing a direct pathway to officer ranks.
- Developing future military leaders.
- Ensuring joint training for tri-service cooperation.
- Maintaining operational readiness and national security.
- Promoting discipline, patriotism, and character-building.
Officers from NDA/NA have led India in major military operations and continue to uphold national security.
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