How to join NDA after 12th: eligibility, exam and SSB

The National Defence Academy (NDA) trains officers for the Army, Navy and Air Force. Entry is through the UPSC NDA & NA exam, held twice a year. Eligibility (check the latest UPSC notice) - Unmarried candidates, roughly 16.5 to 19.5 years of age at the course start date. - Army wing: Class 12 pass in any stream. - Air Force and Navy wings (and the Naval Academy 10+2 scheme): Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. - Women have been eligible since 2021. - You can apply while in Class 12. Selection in three steps 1. Written exam (UPSC): Mathematics, and a General Ability Test covering English, physics, chemistry, general science, history, geography and current events. 2. SSB interview: about five days of psychological tests, group tasks and a personal interview. It checks officer-like qualities, not just marks. 3. Medical examination: vision, height-weight, and overall fitness standards. Training: three years at NDA Khadakwasla, then one year at your service academy (IMA, Naval Academy, or Air Force Academy). Preparation tips - Maths is often the deciding paper; practise Class 11–12 maths thoroughly. - Read the news daily for GAT. - Build fitness early: running, push-ups, and good sleep. - For SSB, work on communication, confidence and honest self-awareness. SSB rewards being genuine. Other routes later: CDS after graduation, AFCAT for the Air Force, TES for technical entry, and Agniveer schemes. Guidopia's Career DNA can show your fit for defence careers based on your personality and reasoning strengths.