Published 10 Nov 2026 · Solanki Defence Academy · Facts from the official notifications
The NDA exam accepts unmarried candidates who are between 16.5 and 19.5 years on the date specified in the official notice. Applicants must have passed or be appearing in class 12. The Army wing accepts any stream; the Air Force and Navy wings require Physics and Mathematics. Women have been eligible since 2021.
Exam Structure and Marks Distribution
The UPSC written stage consists of two papers. Mathematics carries 300 marks and is conducted for 2.5 hours. The General Ability Test carries 600 marks and also lasts 2.5 hours. Both papers are objective type and together form a total of 900 marks. Candidates must attempt both papers in a single day. The examination is held twice a year as per UPSC schedule. Performance in these papers determines eligibility for the next stage.
The second stage is the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview. It lasts five days and carries 900 marks. The assessment includes psychological tests, group tasks, personal interview and a final conference. Each day tests different qualities such as leadership, teamwork, and decision making. The scores from all five days are added to give the SSB total. The interview is conducted by officers of the Army, Navy and Air Force.
Final merit is calculated by adding the written score (out of 900) and the SSB score (out of 900), giving a maximum of 1800 marks. Candidates with the highest combined scores are placed in the final merit list. The list is used to allocate seats in the Army, Navy or Air Force wings according to preferences and vacancies. A medical fitness certificate is required before the final appointment.
- Mathematics paper - 300 marks, 2.5 hours
- General Ability Test - 600 marks, 2.5 hours
- Total written marks - 900
- SSB interview - 5 days, 900 marks
- Final merit - 1800 marks
Selection Process Steps
The first step is the UPSC written examination. It is conducted twice a year and tests candidates on mathematics and general ability. Only those who meet the age, marital and qualification criteria can appear. The written score decides whether a candidate moves to the next stage. Candidates receive a roll number and admit card after successful registration.
The second step is the five‑day SSB interview. During these days candidates undergo psychological tests, group tasks, personal interview and a final conference. The process evaluates leadership, teamwork, mental agility and officer like qualities. Marks earned here are out of 900 and are added to the written score. Successful candidates are then shortlisted for the medical examination.
The third step is the medical fitness test followed by final merit ranking. A medical board checks physical standards, vision, hearing and overall health. Only medically fit candidates are placed in the final merit list, which combines written and SSB scores out of 1800. Seats are allotted based on rank, wing preference and available vacancies.
- Step 1: UPSC written exam - mathematics and GA test
- Step 2: SSB interview - 5 days, personality assessment
- Step 3: Medical examination - fitness verification
- Final merit - sum of written (900) and SSB (900)
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 16.5 to 19.5 years on the date mentioned in notice (unmarried only) |
| Qualification | Class 12 passed or appearing |
| Streams | Army: any stream; Air Force & Navy: must have studied Physics and Mathematics |
| Women Eligibility | Allowed to apply since 2021 |
Key Eligibility Criteria for NDA
How to Prepare with Solanki Defence Academy
The academy campus in Adampur provides daily physical training on the ground. Every morning students perform timed runs, high jump, long jump, gola and beam exercises. This routine builds stamina, speed and the specific skills required for the NDA physical standards. The training is supervised by ex‑Para Commando Ranjit Singh Solanki, ensuring discipline and correct technique.
Written preparation is delivered through classroom lectures and a weekly test series. Teachers from Patna conduct live classes that cover mathematics and general ability topics as per the UPSC syllabus. Weekly mock tests help students gauge their progress and identify weak areas. The academy also provides study material that aligns with the official notification, keeping the content up to date.
Hostel and mess facilities are on the same campus, allowing students to focus on study and training without commuting. A separate girls batch and hostel ensure a comfortable environment for female aspirants. The mess provides balanced meals to support physical training. The campus location near the NCC Campus offers a quiet atmosphere for focused study and regular revision.
- Morning PT: runs, high jump, long jump, gola, beam
- Live written classes by Patna teachers
- Weekly mock tests and performance analysis
- Separate girls batch and hostel
- Balanced mess meals for stamina
Next Steps for Aspirants
First, download the latest official notification from the UPSC website. Verify the age range of 16.5 to 19.5 years on the date mentioned in the notice and confirm the unmarried status requirement. Check the qualification details for each wing - any stream for Army, and Physics‑Maths for Air Force and Navy. If any number is missing, refer to the official notice for the most current data.
Second, complete the online registration on the UPSC portal within the dates announced in the notice. Prepare scanned copies of class‑12 mark sheets, identity proof and recent photograph. Pay the prescribed application fee as mentioned in the notice and submit the form. After submission, note the roll number and download the admit card when it becomes available.
Third, contact Solanki Defence Academy for guidance on study planning and physical preparation. Call +91 97982 20164 or use WhatsApp to discuss batch options, hostel availability and test series enrollment. The academy can help you align your preparation schedule with the official dates and provide mentorship throughout the written and SSB stages.
- Check official UPSC notification for age, marital and qualification details
- Register on UPSC portal within the announced window
- Prepare required documents: class‑12 marks, ID, photo
- Download admit card after registration
- Contact Solanki Defence Academy (+91 97982 20164) for coaching and hostel support
- Age limit is 16.5‑19.5 years and candidates must be unmarried.
- Class‑12 pass or appearing is the minimum educational requirement.
- Army accepts any stream; Air Force and Navy need Physics‑Mathematics.
- Women have been eligible for NDA since 2021.
Frequently asked questions
What is the age limit for NDA?
Candidates must be between 16.5 and 19.5 years on the date specified in the official notice and must be unmarried.
Can I apply for the Air Force wing without Physics?
No. The Air Force and Navy wings require the candidate to have studied Physics and Mathematics in class 12.
Are married candidates eligible for NDA?
No. Only unmarried candidates are allowed to apply for the NDA exam.
How often is the NDA exam conducted?
UPSC conducts the NDA & NA exam twice a year.
What is the total merit score for NDA selection?
The written exam is out of 900 marks and the SSB interview is out of 900 marks, making the final merit out of 1800.
Physical and written preparation on one campus in Adampur, Bhagalpur, with hostel and mess, run by Ranjit Singh Solanki, Ex-Para Commando. +91 97982 20164