The NDA & NA (National Defence Academy and Naval Academy) Examination is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for the recruitment of candidates into the National Defence Academy (NDA) and the Naval Academy (NA). This examination is crucial for entry into the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, and for the Naval Academy.
Conducting Body:
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Eligibility:
Nationality: Must be a citizen of India, a subject of Bhutan or Nepal, or an Indian origin person who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, or East African countries.
Age Limit: Generally, candidates must be between 16.5 and 19.5 years of age. Specific age limits are determined by the UPSC notification for each exam.
Educational Qualification:
Army Wing: 12th class pass of the 10+2 pattern of school education or equivalent.
Navy and Air Force Wings: 12th class pass of the 10+2 pattern of school education or equivalent with Physics and Mathematics as subjects.
Naval Academy (NA): Candidates should have passed the 12th class of the 10+2 pattern of school education or equivalent with Physics and Mathematics as subjects.
Exam Structure:
The NDA & NA Examination consists of two stages:
Written Examination
Service Selection Board (SSB) Interview
Papers:
Mathematics:
Marks: 300
Duration: 2.5 hours
General Ability Test:
Marks: 600
Duration: 2.5 hours
Total Marks: 900
Mode: Pen and Paper (Offline)
Mathematics:
Algebra: Complex numbers, quadratic equations, sequences and series.
Matrices and Determinants: Matrix operations, determinants, and their applications.
Trigonometry: Trigonometric functions, identities, equations, and heights and distances.
Analytical Geometry: Straight lines, circles, conic sections.
Differentiation and Integration: Basic concepts, applications of derivatives, integration.
Statistics and Probability: Mean, median, mode, probability, and distributions.
General Ability Test:
English:
Comprehension, usage of words, grammar, and vocabulary.
General Knowledge:
Physics: Basic concepts, mechanics, heat, light, and sound.
Chemistry: Basic concepts of chemistry, physical and organic chemistry.
Biology: Human body, basic biology, environment, and ecology.
History: Indian and world history.
Geography: Physical geography, human geography, and environment.
Current Affairs: Current events, sports, politics, etc.
Stages:
Stage I: Screening Test (Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) and Picture Perception & Description Test (PP&DT))
Stage II: Psychological Tests, Group Testing Officer Tasks (GTO Tasks), Personal Interview, and Conference.
Understand the Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the syllabus for both Mathematics and General Ability Test.
Study Plan: Develop a structured study plan covering all topics with time allocated for revision.
Reference Books:
Mathematics: "Objective Mathematics" by R.D. Sharma, "Mathematics for Class 11 & 12" by NCERT
English: "Wren & Martin High School English Grammar and Composition" by S. Chand
General Knowledge: "Manorama Yearbook," "Lucent's General Knowledge"
Current Affairs: Stay updated with current events by reading newspapers and magazines.
Practice Papers: Solve previous years’ question papers and take mock tests to improve time management.
Physical Fitness: Maintain good physical health and fitness, as it is essential for the SSB interview.
SSB Interview Preparation: Develop communication skills, leadership qualities, and problem-solving abilities. Consider joining coaching classes for SSB preparation if needed.
Mathematics:
"Objective Mathematics" by R.D. Sharma
NCERT Mathematics textbooks for Class 11 and 12
English:
"Wren & Martin High School English Grammar and Composition"
"Objective General English" by S.P. Bakshi
General Knowledge:
"Manorama Yearbook"
"Lucent's General Knowledge"
The UPSC NDA & NA Examination provides an opportunity for aspiring candidates to join the prestigious National Defence Academy and Naval Academy, where they will receive training for a career in the Indian Armed Forces. With thorough preparation, a clear understanding of the syllabus, and consistent practice, candidates can achieve success in this competitive exam and pursue a rewarding career in defense services.