NDA National Defence Academy Apply for NDA Exam
The NDA and NA exams offer a unique opportunity for individuals to serve as guardians of national security. Successful candidates can become commissioned officers in the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings after undergoing free study training. This opportunity is not limited to boys; girls can also apply. The government covers expenses such as education, accommodation, food, treatment, and books. Additionally, Malayali students may be eligible for a state government scholarship of Rs 2 lakh. During NDA training, participants can also earn a degree in B.Tech/BSc/BA from Jawaharlal Nehru University. The UPSC has announced the national-level examination for admission, with the written exam scheduled for April 21. There are a total of 400 vacancies: 208 in the Army (including 10 seats for women), 42 in the Navy (including 12 for women), and 120 in the Air Force (including 6 for women). The Ezhimala Naval Academy offers 30 positions (including 9 for women). Various exam centers, including locations in Kochi, Kozhikode, and Thiruvananthapuram, are available for candidates to choose from.
Eligibility Criteria:
Candidates who have completed their plus two education in any subject are eligible to apply for the army wing. However, for those aspiring to join the navy or air force, it is essential to have studied mathematics, physics, and chemistry in plus two. Additionally, applicants must be unmarried and meet specified physical qualifications.
Applicants should have been born between July 2, 2005, and July 1, 2008, to be considered for the examination.
Application Process:
To apply, visit www.upsconline.nic.in and submit your application through the UPSC's One-Time Registration (OTR) platform. If you have registered previously, you can apply directly. In the application, specify the order of priority for the services you are interested in joining. The deadline for submitting applications is 6 pm on January 9. Any discrepancies can be corrected between January 10 and 16.
The application fee is Rs 100, and there is no fee for women, Scheduled Castes, and dependents of soldiers. The hall ticket will be available on the website seven days before the exam.
Admission Process:
Admission to the program is based on a rigorous selection process comprising a written test and an interview conducted by the esteemed Service Selection Board (SSB). The written test consists of two papers, each spanning two and a half hours. The first paper assesses mathematical proficiency with 300 marks, while the second paper delves into the General Ability Test with 600 marks. It's important to note that negative marks will be applied for incorrect answers.
The General Ability Test scrutinizes proficiency in English and general knowledge. The latter encompasses a wide array of subjects, including physics, chemistry, general science, history, freedom struggle, geography, and current events. For a comprehensive understanding of the syllabus and to access previous questions, candidates can refer to the official website (www.upsc.gov.in).
Successful candidates from the written test proceed to the second phase, which involves the Intelligence and Personality Test conducted by the SSB. This phase holds a weightage of 900 marks and encompasses a detailed personality assessment over a five-day period. Travel expenses are provided for those participating in the interview for the first time, adding to the accessibility and fairness of the selection process.
Flying in the Air Force:
Aspiring Air Force pilots must successfully navigate the computerized pilot selection system (CPSS) to determine their aptitude for piloting before gaining admission to the branch. The Service Selection Board (SSB) interview is scheduled to take place between July and September.
Individuals who qualify in the NDA and NA exam and are chosen as cadets in Pune will undergo training with a stipend at the National Defence Academy and the Naval Academy in Ezhimala, Kannur. The initial training spans three years at the NDA. Following comprehensive training at centers in Dehradun, Ezhimala, and Hyderabad, successful candidates will be commissioned into the roles of Lieutenant (Army), Sub-Lieutenant (Navy), and Flying Officer (Air Force).
An Article By Anver Muttancheri
CIGI Career Team