The National Defence Academy (NDA) is a premier military training institution located in Khadakwasla, near Pune, in the state of Maharashtra, India. It is the joint services academy of the Indian Armed Forces, where cadets from the Army, Navy, and Air Force receive training together before they go on to join their respective service academies for specialized training.

Established in 1954, the NDA aims to train and mold young individuals to become officers in the Indian Armed Forces. The academy follows a rigorous training curriculum that combines academic education, military training, and physical fitness development. It is renowned for producing some of the finest military leaders in India.

The NDA provides a three-year training program to cadets, which includes six terms of six months each. The curriculum encompasses a wide range of subjects, including humanities, science, and military studies. The cadets receive education in various disciplines such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer science, international relations, history, and economics.

Apart from academic education, physical fitness and military training are given equal importance at the NDA. Cadets undergo rigorous physical exercises, obstacle courses, drill training, and sports activities to develop their physical stamina, endurance, and discipline. They also receive training in weaponry, tactics, leadership skills, and military ethics.

After completing their training at the NDA, cadets go on to join their respective service academies—the Indian Military Academy (IMA) for Army cadets, the Naval Academy for Navy cadets, and the Air Force Academy (AFA) for Air Force cadets. At these specialized academies, they undergo further training in their chosen service and are commissioned as officers upon graduation.

The NDA is considered a prestigious institution, and admission to the academy is highly competitive. Candidates undergo a selection process that includes a written examination, followed by an interview conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB). Only those who pass the selection process and meet the required eligibility criteria are offered admission to the NDA.

NDA apply online link will remain active from May 17 to June 6. NDA 2 2023 exam will be conducted on September 3, 2023. The written exam comprises two papers-Math's and General Ability Test (GAT). The total marks allotted to the test are 900. Candidates qualifying the written exam are called for SSB interview. 

Eligibility

The eligibility criteria for the National Defence Academy (NDA) in India are as follows:

Nationality: The candidate must be a citizen of India, or a subject of Bhutan, or a subject of Nepal, or a Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanently settling in India, or a person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, or East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, and Ethiopia or Vietnam, with the intention of permanently settling in India.

Age Limit: For the Army Wing of NDA: The candidate must be between 16.5 and 19.5 years old.

• For the Air Force and Naval Wings of NDA and the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at the Indian Naval Academy: The candidate must be between 16.5 and 19.5 years old.

Educational Qualifications: For the Army Wing of NDA: The candidate must have completed 10+2 education or its equivalent from a recognized board or university.

• For the Air Force and Naval Wings of NDA and the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at the Indian Naval Academy: The candidate must have completed 10+2 education or its equivalent with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects from a recognized board or university.

Marital Status: Only unmarried male and female candidates born not earlier than January 2, 2005 and not later than January 1, 2008, candidates are eligible to apply for NDA.

Physical Standards: The candidate must meet the prescribed physical standards set by the NDA. This includes requirements related to height, weight, chest measurements, and visual acuity.

Medical Fitness: The candidate must be medically fit as per the medical standards set by the NDA. This involves passing a medical examination conducted by a medical board.