Eligibility criteria , marking scheme and average sallary for NDA aspirants/Officers.

 To join the National Defence Academy (NDA) in India, there are specific criteria and eligibility requirements that applicants must meet. Here are the general criteria to go to the NDA

  1. Nationality: You must be an Indian citizen or a subject of Bhutan or Nepal. Tibetan refugees who came to India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanently settling in India are also eligible.

  2. Age Limit: You must be between 16.5 and 19.5 years old. This means you should be born between January 2 and July 1 of a specific year. The age criteria may vary, so it's important to check the official notification for the most up-to-date information.

  3. Educational Qualification:

    • Army Wing: You should have passed the 10+2 or equivalent examination from a recognized state or central education board.
    • Air Force and Navy Wings: You should have passed the 10+2 or equivalent examination with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects from a recognized state or central education board.
  4. Marital Status: Only unmarried male candidates are eligible for NDA.

  5. Physical Standards: You should be physically fit and meet the specified physical standards set by the Indian Armed Forces. This includes height, weight, chest measurements, and visual acuity.

  6. Selection Process: NDA admission involves a two-stage selection process:

    • Written Examination: Candidates need to qualify the written examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The written exam consists of subjects like Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT).
    • Service Selection Board (SSB) Interview: After clearing the written examination, candidates are called for an SSB interview, which includes intelligence and personality tests, group discussions, and personal interviews.
  7. Selection Process: The selection process involves a written examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), followed by a Services Selection Board (SSB) interview, medical examination, and document verification.

It's important to note that these criteria are subject to change, and it is always advisable to refer to the official notifications and websites of the NDA and UPSC for the most up-to-date information regarding eligibility and application procedures.



The National Defence Academy (NDA) examination is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in India. The NDA written examination consists of two papers: Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT). Here is the marking scheme for the NDA written examination:

1. Mathematics:

  • Total Marks: 300
  • Duration: 2.5 hours
  • Objective Type Questions: Each question carries 2.5 marks.
  • Negative Marking: For every incorrect answer, one-third (0.83) of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted as a penalty.

2. General Ability Test (GAT):

  • Total Marks: 600
  • Duration: 2.5 hours
  • Part A - English: Maximum 200 marks
    • Objective Type Questions: Each question carries 4 marks.
    • Negative Marking: One-third (1.33) of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted as a penalty for every incorrect answer.
  • Part B - General Knowledge: Maximum 400 marks
    • Objective Type Questions: Each question carries 4 marks.
    • Negative Marking: One-third (1.33) of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted as a penalty for every incorrect answer.

    • The final merit list is prepared based on the combined performance of candidates in the written examination and SSB interview. The marks secured in the written examination are scaled to a maximum of 1800, and the marks obtained in the SSB interview are scaled to a maximum of 900. The sum of these scaled marks determines the final merit position of the candidate.

    • It's important to note that the marking scheme may vary from year to year, and it's advisable to refer to the official UPSC notifications and guidelines for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the marking scheme and selection process for the NDA examination.

The salary of National Defence Academy (NDA) officers in India varies based on their rank and years of service. Here is an approximate salary structure for NDA officers at different ranks:

1. Cadets (during training):

  • Stipend: During their training at the NDA, cadets receive a fixed stipend. The current stipend is around Rs. 56,100 per month.

2. Indian Army (Commissioned Officers):

  • Lieutenant: The starting basic pay for a Lieutenant is around Rs. 56,100 per month.
  • Captain: The starting basic pay for a Captain is around Rs. 61,300 per month.
  • Major: The starting basic pay for a Major is around Rs. 69,400 per month.
  • Lieutenant Colonel: The starting basic pay for a Lieutenant Colonel is around Rs. 1,21,200 per month.
  • Colonel: The starting basic pay for a Colonel is around Rs. 1,30,600 per month.
  • Brigadier: The starting basic pay for a Brigadier is around Rs. 1,39,600 per month.
  • Major General: The starting basic pay for a Major General is around Rs. 1,44,200 per month.
  • Lieutenant General: The starting basic pay for a Lieutenant General is around Rs. 1,82,200 per month.
  • General: The starting basic pay for a General is around Rs. 2,05,400 per month.

3. Indian Air Force (Commissioned Officers):

  • Flying Officer: The starting basic pay for a Flying Officer is around Rs. 56,100 per month.
  • Flight Lieutenant: The starting basic pay for a Flight Lieutenant is around Rs. 61,300 per month.
  • Squadron Leader: The starting basic pay for a Squadron Leader is around Rs. 69,400 per month.
  • Wing Commander: The starting basic pay for a Wing Commander is around Rs. 1,21,200 per month.
  • Group Captain: The starting basic pay for a Group Captain is around Rs. 1,30,600 per month.
  • Air Commodore: The starting basic pay for an Air Commodore is around Rs. 1,39,600 per month.
  • Air Vice Marshal: The starting basic pay for an Air Vice Marshal is around Rs. 1,44,200 per month.
  • Air Marshal: The starting basic pay for an Air Marshal is around Rs. 1,82,200 per month.
  • Air Chief Marshal: The starting basic pay for an Air Chief Marshal is around Rs. 2,05,400 per month.

Please note that these figures are approximate and can vary based on factors such as allowances, promotions, and years of service. Additionally, there may be periodic revisions to the salary structure by the Indian government. It's always advisable to refer to official sources and the Indian Defence Services guidelines for the most accurate and up-to-date information on NDA officer salaries.


Post a Comment

Previous Post Next Post