Defence entries | as of 2026-05-31
NDA eligibility, pattern, syllabus, and official sources
UPSC defence entry for Army, Navy, Air Force, and Naval Academy pathways after class 12.
Eligibility at a glance
| Age | DOB-window based in notice Use the current UPSC NDA notice for exact date windows. |
|---|---|
| Education | Army Wing requires 12th class. Air Force, Naval Wings, and Naval Academy require 12th with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. |
| Relaxations | As listed in the UPSC notice. |
Pattern and selection process
Stages
- Written examination
- Services Selection Board
- Medical and merit
Mode: Written exam plus SSB. Marks: Notice-defined.. Duration: Notice-defined.
Selection flow
- Written exam
- SSB
- Medical
- Final merit
Syllabus outline and cadence
Syllabus buckets
- Mathematics
- English
- General knowledge
- Science and social studies
- Current affairs
Cadence
Usually twice yearly. Use the UPSC annual calendar and notice.
Comparable exams and hiring routes
| Entity | Education | Age band | Interview | Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NDA | Class 12 | DOB-window based | Yes | Written plus SSB |
| CDS | Graduate | Academy-specific | Yes | Written plus SSB |
| AFCAT | Graduate or engineering by branch | Branch-specific | Yes | Online plus AFSB |
| Agniveervayu | Class 12 stream-specific | DOB-window based | No | Online plus physical |
| Agniveer Army | 8th to 12th by category | 17.5-21 typical | No | CEE plus rally |
| Agniveer Navy | Class 10 or 12 by entry | DOB-window based | No | INET plus physical |
Sources by field
Each row links a field on this page to the official source it is drawn from. Confirm the current cycle's exact figures on the linked source before you apply.
| Field | Official source | Last checked |
|---|---|---|
| Age eligibility | NDA NA I 2025 notification | 2026-05-31 |
| Education | NDA NA I 2025 notification | 2026-05-31 |
| Relaxations | NDA NA I 2025 notification | 2026-05-31 |
| Exam pattern | NDA NA I 2025 notification | 2026-05-31 |
| Syllabus outline | NDA NA I 2025 notification | 2026-05-31 |
| Selection process | NDA NA I 2025 notification | 2026-05-31 |
| Cadence | Official source on upsc.gov.in | 2026-05-31 |
| FAQ 1 | NDA NA I 2025 notification | 2026-05-31 |
| FAQ 2 | NDA NA I 2025 notification | 2026-05-31 |
FAQs
Can a class 12 PCM candidate apply for NDA Navy or Air Force?
The referenced notice lists Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics at 12th level for Air Force and Naval pathways.
Does NDA have SSB after the written exam?
Yes. SSB follows the written examination for shortlisted candidates.