NDA 1 Selection Process 2023: Written Exam, SSB Interview & NDA Joining Instructions
Candidates who wish to appear for the NDA 1 Exam 2023 should go through the official notification and check important details about the exam or visit this site for detailed information. Candidates who wish to apply for the NDA Recruitment must be well aware of the selection process and the exam pattern. It is important to know all the stages. The details of the NDA Selection Process have been covered elaborately in this article.
- The NDA 1 Selection Process 2023 will be having two stages which will be further divided into two sub-stages.
- The whole process will be conducted for 1800 marks. Each stage will be conducted for 900 each.
- The marking scheme for every test will be different, so make sure to read this article carefully.
- Have a look at the article to get the detailed UPSC NDA Selection Process & Exam Pattern.
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NDA Selection Process 2023
The NDA Exam Selection process is a step-by-step process that candidates should know very well. The process starts with filling up the application form and ends after the candidates are finally selected through the SSB selection procedure. The detailed process is made available by UPSC once the active calendar starts. The following table gives brief information about the NDA Exam Selection Process.
NDA Selection Procedure 2023 Overview |
|
Pre-Selection Process |
Application Submission |
Stage 1 |
Written Exam |
Stage 2 |
Interview with SSB |
Stage 3 |
Medical Examination |
Stage 4 |
Final Merit List |
Check out NDA Preparation Tips here.
The selection process consists of three rounds of exams which are the written exam, physical fitness round, and interview round. Candidates need to clear each round in order to proceed to the next one. Those who qualify for all three rounds are finally selected for the position.
The first round is the written exam which consists of two papers, Mathematics and General Ability Test. Candidates need to score the minimum required marks in each paper to proceed to the next round.
The second round is the physical fitness test which is conducted by the SSB. Candidates need to meet the physical standards set by the SSB to qualify for the next round.
The final round is the interview round which is conducted by the SSB. Candidates are evaluated on various parameters like their communication skills, leadership qualities, and overall personality.
Once the candidates successfully clear all three rounds, they are finally selected for the position. However, before the final selection, candidates need to undergo document verification. During this process, candidates are required to produce all the original documents and certificates that were submitted during the application process to ensure that the information provided by the candidate is accurate and authentic.
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NDA Selection Process 2023: Written Exam
As per the latest conducted NDA exam, there are two parts of the written exam: Mathematics and General Ability Test. The written exam has a total score of 900 marks. Each paper is held for two hours and twelve minutes. The total number of questions asked in the GAT is 150, while the number of questions asked in Mathematics is 120.
Papers |
Subject |
Maximum marks |
Duration |
Marking per Question |
Negative marking per Question |
Paper 1 |
Mathematics |
300 |
150 minutes |
2.5 |
1/3 of the marks allotted for the question |
Paper 2 |
General Ability Test |
600 |
150 minutes |
4 |
Algebra, Matrices and Determinants, Trigonometry, Analytical Geometry in two and three Dimensions, Differential Calculus, Integral Calculus and Differential Equations, Vector Algebra, Statistics, and Probability are among the mathematics topics included in the NDA exam.
English and General Knowledge are the two components of the General Ability Test. To assess a candidate's comprehension of and competency with the English language, an extended text on English covers themes including grammar and usage, vocabulary, comprehension, and cohesiveness. A general knowledge test measures a candidate's general awareness and familiarity with his environment. It may cover themes including History, Geography, Economics, politics, and current events.
In conclusion, the NDA entrance exam's Mathematics and General Ability Test is made to evaluate a candidate's ability and comprehension of general knowledge and mathematical ideas. Candidates should have a solid foundation in these topics and be well-equipped to handle the test's difficulty.
Candidates appearing for the written exam should practice NDA Previous Year Papers to boost their preparation.
Also Read: NDA Syllabus
NDA Exam Selection Process 2023: SSB Interview
The UPSC will release a detailed notification with respect to the SSB interview. Here, on the basis of 2022, the procedure is explained. There are two steps to the SSB interview. Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) assessments and the Picture Perception Description Test for Stage I. (PP&DT). Candidates will be shortlisted based on their results in both the OIR Test and the PP&DT. Interview, Group Testing Officer Duties, Psychology Assessments, and the Meeting for Stage II. These experiments take place over the course of four days.
Tests are administered as part of the Service Selection Board (SSB) process at the National Defence Academy (NDA) to determine applicants' physical, mental, and psychological suitability for a career in the Indian armed forces. The NDA SSB method includes the tests listed below:
- Screening Test: The purpose of the Intelligence and Personality Test (Screening Test), the first test in the SSB process, is to weed out applicants who don't meet the requirements for the NDA. The examination consists of the Picture Perception and Description Test and the Officers Intelligence Rating Test (OIR Test) (PPDT).
- Psychological Tests: This test is intended to assess the candidate's mental and emotional stability. The examinations include the Situation Reaction Test, Word Association Test, Self-Description Test, and Thematic Apperception Test (TAT).
- Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks: The Group Testing Officer (GTO) tasks are made to gauge a candidate's capacity for problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership. Group discussions, group planning exercises, progressive group tasks, half-group tasks, individual obstacle races, and other tasks are among the assignments.
- Interviews: The goal of the interview process is to determine a candidate's personality, communication abilities, and drive for a career in the armed forces. An interviewing officer (IO) conducts the interview and evaluates the candidate's suitability for the NDA.
- Conference: The conference is the last step in the SSB process, where applicants are ultimately chosen after all test results have been analysed. A board of assessors, which makes the final decision on candidate selection, attends the conference.
The NDA SSB procedure, in sum, is a thorough and demanding process that evaluates a candidate's physical, mental, and psychological suitability for a career in the Indian armed services. In order to improve their chances of being chosen, candidates must be well-prepared and give each test their best effort.
Day |
Event |
Day 1 |
Picture Perception* test and Description Test |
Day 2 |
Psychology Tests |
Day 3 |
Group Testing Officers Task |
Day 4 |
Interview |
Day 5 |
Conference |
Also Read: NDA Exam Pattern
NDA Selection Process 2023: Document Verification
The NDA Selection Process also includes document verification as an important step. After the written exam and SSB interview, candidates who are shortlisted for the final selection are required to undergo document verification.
During document verification, candidates are required to produce all the original documents and certificates that were submitted during the application process. The purpose of document verification is to ensure that the information provided by the candidate is accurate and authentic.
The documents that are required to be produced during document verification include:
- 10th and 12th Marksheet and Passing Certificate
- Birth Certificate
- Category Certificate (if applicable)
- Character Certificate
- Aadhar Card
- Domicile Certificate
- Passport Size Photographs
Candidates must ensure that all the documents are in order and are legible. Any discrepancy in the documents may lead to disqualification of the candidate.
Once the documents are verified, candidates are required to sign a declaration stating that the information provided by them is true and accurate to the best of their knowledge. This declaration is an important document and candidates must read it carefully before signing it.
Also Read: NDA Exam Analysis
NDA Selection Process 2023: Medical Examination
The candidates who are shortlisted in the SSB interview round are recommended by the authorities for a medical checkup. This is an essential part of the selection process of NDA and the selected candidates have to appear at the Military Hospital.
- The NDA medical examination will be conducted at the Military Hospital by a Board of Service Medical Officers.
- The final selection of the candidate will depend on whether they are declared fit for the medical examination or not.
- For female candidates, a detailed gynaecological, obstetric, and menstrual history will be required along with regular medical details.
NDA Selection Process 2023: Final Merit List
Once the official UPSC notification is out and the different stages of the exam are conducted, the final merit list will be prepared. In the final merit list, only those candidates will be selected who have performed exceptionally well in every stage of the NDA 1 selection process in 2023. Your performance in the SSB interview and the subsequent personality tests will be taken into consideration while preparation of the merit list.
NDA Exam Selection Process - Reasons for Disqualification in NDA 2023
- Candidates who were previously accepted into the Indian Naval Academy's NDA or 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme but were later removed due to a lack of officer-like qualities or disciplinary reasons would not be considered.
- Candidates who were previously removed from the NDA or the Indian Naval Academy due to medical reasons or who voluntarily left are eligible for admission if they pass the medical fitness test.
Check out detailed NDA Eligibility.
NDA Selection Process: NDA Joining Instructions
After the NDA Selection Process is completed, candidates who are selected for admission to the National Defence Academy are issued NDA Joining Instructions.
NDA Joining Instructions are an official document that contains all the information that candidates need to know before joining the Academy. It includes details such as reporting time and date, reporting location, dress code, and other important instructions that candidates need to follow.
Candidates are required to carefully read and understand the NDA Joining Instructions to avoid any confusion or delays in the reporting process. They must also ensure that they carry all the necessary documents and items mentioned in the instructions.
The NDA Joining Instructions also provide information on the training schedule, syllabus, rules and regulations, facilities, and other important aspects related to the training program at the National Defence Academy.
In addition to the NDA Joining Instructions, candidates are also required to undergo a medical examination before joining the Academy. The medical examination is conducted to ensure that candidates are physically and mentally fit for the training program.
Candidates must report to the Academy on the specified date and time mentioned in the NDA Joining Instructions. Any delay or failure to report on time may result in the cancellation of the admission offer.
In conclusion, the NDA Joining Instructions are an important document that candidates must carefully read and understand before joining the National Defence Academy. It contains all the necessary information about the reporting process, training program, rules and regulations, and other important aspects related to the Academy. Candidates must ensure that they follow all the instructions and carry all the necessary documents and items to avoid any delays or complications in the reporting process.
What After NDA Exam Selection Process 2023?
After the NDA exam selection process in 2023, candidates who are selected will undergo training at the National Defense Academy (NDA) for three years. The training is designed to prepare the candidates for commissioning into the Armed Forces as officers. During the training period, candidates will undergo rigorous physical and mental training, as well as academic courses in various subjects related to the Armed Forces.
After the completion of the three-year training at the NDA, candidates are sent to one of the three training academies, namely the Indian Military Academy (IMA), the Air Force Academy (AFA), or the Naval Academy (NA). The academy that a candidate is assigned to depends on his preference, performance, and the requirements of the Armed Forces.
- At the IMA, candidates undergo specialized training in land warfare and learn tactics, leadership, and weapons handling.
- At the AFA, candidates learn flying and navigation skills, as well as the operation and maintenance of aircraft.
- At the NA, candidates undergo training in naval warfare, including navigation, seamanship, and operations on ships.
After completing the specialized training at the IMA, AFA, or NA, candidates are commissioned into the Armed Forces as officers. The commissioning ceremony is a momentous occasion for the candidates and their families, and it marks the beginning of their career in the Armed Forces.
As officers, candidates have a wide range of career opportunities in the Armed Forces. They can choose to serve in various branches, such as the Army, Navy, or Air Force, and specialize in different fields, such as combat, logistics, intelligence, or administration. They can also pursue further education and training to enhance their skills and knowledge.
After the NDA exam selection process in 2023, candidates who are selected will undergo rigorous training at the NDA and then at one of the three training academies, after which they will be commissioned into the Armed Forces as officers. The career opportunities in the Armed Forces are vast and varied, and officers can choose to specialize in different fields and pursue further education and training to enhance their skills and knowledge.
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Related Links
->UPSC NDA Application Correction Window is open from 7th July to 9th July 2025.
->UPSC had extended the UPSC NDA 2 Registration Date till 20th June 2025.
-> A total of 406 vacancies have been announced for NDA 2 Exam 2025.
->The NDA exam date 2025 has been announced. The written examination will be held on 14th September 2025.
-> The selection process for the NDA exam includes a Written Exam and SSB Interview.
-> Candidates who get successful selection under UPSC NDA will get a salary range between Rs. 15,600 to Rs. 39,100.
-> Candidates must go through the NDA previous year question paper. Attempting the NDA mock test is also essential.