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Step into bravery — Expert-led NDA preparation for Written Exam, SSB Interview & Physical Training
The National Defence Academy (NDA) examination is conducted twice a year by UPSC — and it is one of the most prestigious entry points into the Indian Armed Forces. Candidates who qualify go on to become officers in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force after completing training at NDA, Khadakwasla, Pune.
NDA is not just an exam — it is a doorway to lifelong national service, leadership, and a permanent career in one of the most respected institutions in the world. The NDA written exam tests Mathematics and General Ability (English + GK), followed by the SSB Interview and a strict medical examination.
Young Star Defence Academy's NDA coaching programme is built to prepare students completely — from written exam mastery to SSB interview confidence and physical fitness — so they enter NDA as fully prepared, officer-worthy candidates.
NDA is the Joint Services academy of the Indian Armed Forces where cadets train together before being commissioned into the Army, Navy, or Air Force. Located at Khadakwasla near Pune, Maharashtra.
UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) conducts the NDA entrance exam twice a year — NDA I (April) and NDA II (September). Applications are submitted through the official UPSC website.
Following a Supreme Court order, female candidates are now eligible to apply for the NDA exam — making Young Star's NDA coaching open to both boys and girls aiming for a defence career.
NDA leads to a permanent commission in the Indian Armed Forces — with officer-level pay, allowances, job security, prestige, and lifelong career progression across Army, Navy, and Air Force wings.
Unlike AISSEE, the NDA exam has negative marking — one-third (1/3) mark is deducted for each wrong answer in both Mathematics and GAT papers. Accuracy is as important as speed.
The NDA written exam has two papers. Negative marking of 1/3 for each wrong answer applies to both papers. Conducted offline (pen & paper).
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 120 |
| Marks per Correct Answer | +2.5 |
| Marks per Wrong Answer | −0.83 |
| Duration | 2.5 Hours |
| Total Marks | 300 |
Topics: Algebra, Matrices, Trigonometry, Calculus, Statistics, Probability, Vector Algebra
| Section | Marks |
|---|---|
| Part A — English | 200 |
| Part B — General Knowledge | 400 |
| Total Questions | 150 |
| Duration | 2.5 Hours |
| Total Marks | 600 |
GK covers: Physics, Chemistry, Science, History, Geography, Current Affairs
Mathematics (300) + GAT (600) = 900 total marks in the written exam. Minimum qualifying marks are set by UPSC each year.
After clearing written exam, candidates appear for SSB Interview (Services Selection Board) — carrying 900 marks. It tests personality, leadership, communication & mental agility over 5 days.
All SSB-qualified candidates undergo a strict medical examination. Vision, height, weight, chest, and overall fitness are tested. Young Star prepares students for these standards from day one.
Submit the NDA application form on the official UPSC website during the application window. Young Star assists students with error-free form submission and document preparation.
Clear the UPSC written exam — Paper I (Mathematics, 300 marks) and Paper II (GAT, 600 marks). Total 900 marks. Negative marking applies. Our coaching maximises accuracy and speed.
Shortlisted candidates attend a 5-day SSB Interview at Services Selection Boards across India. Tests include OIR, PPDT, psychological tests, GTO tasks, and a personal interview. We prepare you fully.
SSB-recommended candidates undergo a medical examination. Final selection is based on written + SSB scores combined merit list. Young Star's physical and medical preparation ensures readiness.
Deep conceptual clarity and sharp problem-solving skills through structured lessons. Practice with targeted exercises and NDA previous year papers to maximise accuracy and confidence in Paper I.
Full preparation for Paper II — English (grammar, vocabulary, comprehension) and General Knowledge (Physics, Chemistry, History, Geography, Current Affairs, Science). Regular mock tests included.
Structured SSB-oriented interview guidance, personality enhancement drills, leadership grooming, communication practice, and psychology test preparation to help candidates succeed at the 5-day SSB board.
Daily physical conditioning sessions aligned with NDA physical standards — building stamina, strength, speed, and discipline. Fitness is not an afterthought here; it is a core part of our daily routine.
Regular full-length mock tests designed to exactly match the NDA pattern — with detailed performance analysis, scoring trend insights, and targeted weak-area revision sessions after every test.
We design yearly study schedules to prepare students for both NDA exam cycles — April (NDA I) and September (NDA II) — maximising the number of attempts within the eligible age window.
Candidates must be between 16.5 and 19.5 years of age as on the date specified in the UPSC notification. Multiple attempts are possible within this age window — NDA I and NDA II each year.
Candidates must have passed or be appearing in Class 12. For Army Wing — any stream. For Navy & Air Force Wing — Physics and Mathematics in Class 12 are compulsory.
Candidates must be a citizen of India. Certain categories of Nepali and Bhutanese subjects and Tibetan refugees who entered India before 1962 are also eligible as per UPSC norms.
Candidates must be unmarried at the time of applying, during the selection process, and throughout the entire training period at NDA. Marriage during training leads to immediate disqualification.
Candidates must meet UPSC's specified standards for height, weight, chest, vision, and overall physical fitness. Young Star's physical training programme ensures students arrive medically prepared.
Both male and female candidates are eligible to apply for the NDA exam following the Supreme Court ruling. Young Star Defence Academy welcomes and coaches aspiring girls for NDA just as actively.
Students in Class 11–12 with a burning desire to serve the nation through the Army, Navy, or Air Force — and the discipline to commit to long-term, structured preparation.
Candidates who are physically active and want to strengthen their fitness further to meet NDA's demanding physical standards — while simultaneously excelling in academics.
Students who thrive in a structured, high-intensity learning environment — and who want expert mentoring to plan their NDA preparation timeline effectively within the age window.
Aspirants who understand that clearing the written exam is only half the battle — and want comprehensive SSB interview preparation, personality development, and leadership training alongside academics.
Cadets commissioned into the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force after NDA coaching at Young Star.
Students selected across all 133 Sainik Schools — the pipeline that feeds the NDA and defence careers.
Boys selected into RIMC Dehradun — India's most elite pre-military institution.
Students selected across all 5 Rashtriya Military Schools — Chail, Ajmer, Dholpur, Bengaluru & Belgaum.
NDA trains cadets for three wings of the Indian Armed Forces. After completing NDA and further training at respective academies, cadets are commissioned as officers with competitive pay, allowances, and lifelong career progression.
Commissioned as Lieutenant. Further training at IMA Dehradun. Command, strategy, and combat leadership roles across regiments and corps.
Commissioned as Sub-Lieutenant. Further training at INA Ezhimala. Maritime warfare, submarines, aircraft carrier operations and naval strategy.
Commissioned as Flying Officer. Further training at AFA Dundigal. Fighter pilots, transport aircraft, helicopters and aerospace operations.
The NDA (National Defence Academy) exam is a national-level defence entrance test conducted twice a year by UPSC — NDA I (April) and NDA II (September). It selects candidates for training as future officers in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Young Star Defence Academy prepares students for both cycles with structured coaching and full guidance.
Candidates must be Indian citizens aged between 16.5 and 19.5 years, unmarried, and must have passed or be appearing in Class 12. For Army Wing, any stream is acceptable. For Navy and Air Force Wings, Physics and Mathematics are compulsory in Class 12. Both male and female candidates are now eligible following the Supreme Court ruling.
Yes — unlike AISSEE, the NDA exam has negative marking. One-third (1/3) mark is deducted for each incorrect answer in both Paper I (Mathematics) and Paper II (GAT). This makes accuracy critical. Young Star's mock test programme specifically trains students to manage negative marking through strategic answering techniques.
After clearing the written exam, candidates are shortlisted for a 5-day SSB (Services Selection Board) Interview — which carries 900 marks and assesses personality, leadership potential, communication, psychological stability, and officer-like qualities. SSB-recommended candidates then undergo a strict medical examination. Final merit is based on written + SSB combined score.
There is no fixed limit on the number of NDA attempts — candidates can appear in as many exams as fall within their eligible age window of 16.5 to 19.5 years. Since UPSC conducts NDA twice a year, most eligible candidates can attempt 4 to 6 times in total, depending on when they start. Young Star prepares students early to maximise available attempts.
Yes — many candidates clear NDA on their first attempt with proper, structured preparation. Young Star Defence Academy has multiple first-attempt success stories. The key factors are starting early, following a disciplined study plan, regular mock tests, SSB preparation, and physical fitness training — all of which are core parts of our coaching programme.
Mathematics in Class 12 is compulsory for candidates applying to the Navy and Air Force Wings of NDA. For the Army Wing, any stream in Class 12 is acceptable. However, since NDA Paper I is entirely Mathematics (300 marks), strong maths skills are essential for all candidates regardless of the wing they target.
Applications for NDA are submitted online through the official UPSC website (upsc.gov.in) when the notification is released. Young Star Defence Academy provides complete step-by-step assistance — from filling the application form and uploading documents to understanding exam dates and preparing for every stage of the selection process. Contact us and our team will guide you through everything.
Young Star Defence Academy has guided 5,000+ students into the Indian Armed Forces through NDA. Expert faculty, complete written + SSB preparation, physical training, and a proven track record await you.
