NDA 2021 & NA 2021 (UPSC) – Admit Card (Released), Exam Dates, Syllabus, Pattern & Result

The NDA & NA exam is conducted twice a year. The important dates for both the sessions as per the revised calendar are here:

NDA & NA I 2021 Dates

NDA & NA II 2021 Dates

The exam will be conducted in pen and paper mode. The exam-takers are advised to use a black ballpoint pen to mark answers. There will be negative marking for the wrong answers. The medium of the exam is bilingual – English and Hindi.

Distribution of Marks and Question for NDA 2021 Exam

SSB Interview Process

After getting through the written test, the candidates will further be called for the SSB Interview. It lasts for 4 to 5 days and carries 900 marks. The SSB Interview is divided into two stages. In the first stage of the interview, the candidates will face two rounds of the test. In the first round, they will be tested for Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR), and the Picture Perception and Description Test will be carried in the second round.

In the second stage, the candidates will undergo the Officer Group Task Test, Psychological Test and the Conference.

NDA and NA Exam 2021 Syllabus

The syllabus of the NDA 2021 exam consists of Paper I (Mathematics) and Paper-II (General Ability Test).

Paper I (Mathematics) – It has 8 units. They are Algebra, Matrices & Determinants, Trigonometry, Analytical Geometry of Two & Three Dimensions, Differential Calculus, Integral Calculus & Differential Equations, Vector Algebra and Statistics & Probability. Sub-topics covered under these are:

Algebra - Concept of sets, operation on sets, Venn diagrams, Cartesian product, De Morgan Laws, Relation, Equivalence Relation, Real Numbers, Complex Numbers, Binary System, Arithmetic, Geometric, and Harmonic Progressions, Quadratic Equations, Linear Inequations, Permutation and Combination, Binomial Theorem, Logarithms.

Matrices and Determinants - Types of matrices, operations on matrices, Determinant of a matrix, basic properties of determinants, Adjoint and inverse of a square matrix, Applications.

Trigonometry - Angles and their measures in degrees and in radians, Trigonometric ratios, Trigonometric identities, Multiple and Sub-multiple angles, Inverse trigonometric functions, Applications.

Analytical Geometry of Two and Three Dimensions - Rectangular Cartesian Coordinate System, Equation of a line, Distance formula, Angle between two lines, Equation of a circle in standard and in general form, Standard forms of ellipse, parabola, and hyperbola, Eccentricity and axis of a conic, Point in a three-dimensional space, Direction Cosines and direction ratios, Equation of a plane and a line in various forms, Equation of a sphere.

Differential Calculus - Concept of a real-valued function, Composite functions, Notion of limit, Continuity of functions, Derivative of function at a point, Derivatives of sum, product and quotient of functions, derivative of a composite function, derivative of a function with respect to another function, Increasing and decreasing functions, Second-order derivatives, Application of derivatives in problems of maxima and minima.

Integral Calculus and Differential Equations - Integration as inverse of differentiation, standard integrals involving algebraic expressions, trigonometric, exponential and hyperbolic functions, integration by substitution and by parts. Evaluation of definite integrals, Definition of order and degree of a differential equation, Application in problems of growth and decay.

Vector Algebra - Vectors in two and three dimensions, Unit and null vectors, magnitude and direction of a vector, addition of vectors, scalar multiplication of a vector, Vector product or cross product of two vectors, scalar product or dot product of two vectors, Applications.

Statistics and Probability - Statistics: Classification of data, Frequency Distribution, Graphical Representation, Measures of Central Tendency, Variance and Standard Deviation, Correlation and Regression. Probability: Random Experiment, Union and Intersection of Events, Elementary, Complementary, and Composite Events, Definition of Probability, Elementary Theorems on Probability, Binomial Distribution.

Paper-II (GAT) – Paper-II has two parts. Part A is English (200 marks) and Part B (400 marks) is General Knowledge. Part A, i.e. English assesses the candidate's understanding of English and workmanlike use of words. The syllabus covers various aspects like Grammar and usage, vocabulary, comprehension and cohesion in extended text to test the candidate’s proficiency in English’.

Part B, i.e. General Knowledge broadly covers the following subjects – Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Freedom Movement, Geography and Current Events. These sections carry the following weightage out of the total marks assigned for Part-B of Paper-II:

Topics Covered Under Each Section

Section ‘A’ Physics - States of Matter, Physical Properties, Mass, Weight, Volume, Density, Principle of Archimedes, Pressure Barometer, Newton’s Law of Motion, Force and Momentum, Gravitation, Power and Energy, Effect of Heat, Reflection and Refraction, Spherical Mirrors and Lenses, Human Eye, Natural and Artificial Magnets, Static and Current Electricity, Ohm’s Law, Simple Pendulum.

Section ‘B’ Chemistry - Physical and Chemical Changes, Mixtures and Compounds, Chemical Equations, Properties of Air and Water, Preparation and Properties of Oxygen, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, and Carbon Dioxide, Acids, Bases and Salts, Carbon - different forms, Fertilizers, Structure of Atom.

Section ‘C’ General Science - Difference between Living and Non-Living, Basis of Life - Cells, Protoplasms, and Tissues, Growth and Reproduction in Plants and Animals, Food, Constituents of Food, Balanced Diet, the Solar System.

Section ‘D’ History, Freedom Movement - Indian History, Freedom Movement in India, Five Year Plans of India, Panchayati Raj, Basic Teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, Forces Shaping the Modern World, Impact of Science and Technology on Society, Role of India in the present world.

Section ‘E’ Geography - The Earth - shape, size, latitudes, Longitudes, Movements, origin. Weathering, Ocean Currents and Tides, Cyclones, Regional Geography of India, Main items of Imports and Exports of India.

Section ‘F’ Current Events - Important events of recent years in India and World, Prominent personalities, Prominent Personalities (Indian and International).

Nationality

The candidates should be an unmarried male and must be

• Indian nationals
• Or, subjects of Nepal or Bhutan or
• Tibetan refugees ‘who came over to India before the 1st January 1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India’
• Or, PIO (Persons of Indian Origin) who have migrated from Sri Lanka, Burma, Pakistan and East African Countries of Uganda, Kenya, Zambia, Zaire, Malawi, the United Republic of Tanzania, and Vietnam or Ethiopia with the intention of permanently settling in India.

The above-mentioned candidates except Indian citizens need to have a certificate of eligibility from the Government of India. For Gorkha subjects of Nepal, the eligibility certificate will not be necessary.

Educational Qualifications

• For Naval and Air Force – The candidates should have passed the 10+2 exam or the equivalent with the subjects of Physics and Mathematics. Those candidates who are appearing in their 10+2 are also eligible to appear for the exam.
• For the Armed Force – The candidates should have passed the 10+2 exams or the equivalent. Those candidates who are appearing for the 10+2 exams are also eligible to appear for the exam.

Candidates who qualify for the SSB interview but could not produce a 10+2/ Matriculation certificate (in original) at the time of SSB interview should forward the duly self-attested photocopies at the following address:

For Army candidates - Directorate General of Recruiting, Army HQ, West Block.III, R.K. Puram, New Delhi-110066

For Naval Academy candidates - Naval Headquarters, DMPR, OI&R Section, Room No. 204, ‘C’ Wing, Sena Bhavan, New Delhi-110011

The photocopies of the certificate are to be submitted by:

• 24th December 2021 for NDA & NA (I) 2021
• 24th June 2021 for NDA & NA (II) 2021

Failing to send the certificates to the above addresses will result in the cancellation of the candidature.

Physical Standard Criteria

The physical standards related to height, weight, vision, etc. for Army, Navy, and Air Force are available on the respective websites. Candidates must visit the websites for the same.

• Army - www.joinindianarmy.nic.in
• Navy - www.joinindiannavy.gov.in
• Air Force - www.careerindianairforce.cdac.in

Candidates must meet the physical standards set by NDA. The applicants must be a hundred per cent physically fit. If anyone has resigned or is withdrawn from any training academy on disciplinary grounds, he cannot apply.

Medical Examination

“A number of qualified candidates are rejected subsequently on medical grounds. Candidates are therefore advised in their own interest to get themselves medically examined before submitting their applications to avoid disappointment at the final stage.”

Here are some of the commonly found defects identified at the time of medical examination. Candidates can get them checked before the medical examination:

• Wax (Ears)
• Deviated Nasal Septum
• Overweight/Underweight
• Hydrocele/Phimosis
• Under Sized Chest
• Gynaecomastia
• Piles
• Varicocele
• Tonsillitis

Tattoos

Permanent tattoos are permitted only on the inner face of the forearm. Permanent tattoos on any other body parts are not acceptable and such candidates will be barred from the selection. However, tribes with tattoo marks on the face or body as a part of their custom and tradition will be permitted only on a case to case basis. Comdt Selection Center will be the competent authority for clearing such cases.

Medical Procedure

The medical procedure is conducted by a Board of Service Medical Officers for the candidates recommended by the Services Selection Board. Only those candidates who will be declared fit by the Medical Board will be admitted to the academy. “The proceedings of the Medical Board are confidential and will not be divulged to anyone. However, the candidates declared unfit will be intimated by the President of the Medical Board and the procedure for request for an Appeal to the Medical Board will also be intimated to the candidate.”

Age Limit, Marital Status and Gender

Age Limit

• The candidates must be 18 years old. For NDA-1 2021, they should have been born between 2nd July 2001 and 1st July 2004. For NDA-2 2021, the applicants should have been born between 2nd January 2002 and 1st July 2005.
• Only the date of birth mentioned in the Matriculation/ Secondary School Examination Certificate (or equivalent certificate) will be accepted by the commission. Any other document related to the date of birth such as affidavits, horoscopes, birth extracts from Municipal corporation, service records will not be accepted as proof of the date of birth.
• No changes in the date of birth will be considered under any circumstances.

Marital Status

• Only unmarried male candidates meeting the above eligibility requirements are eligible to apply for the exam.
• Candidates are required to take an undertaking not to marry-until the training is complete. If a candidate marries subsequent to the date of application, he will not be selected for training. “A candidate who marries during training shall be discharged and will be liable to refund all expenditure incurred on him by the Government.”

Gender

Only male candidates are eligible to appear for the NDA exams. Female candidates are not eligible to take this exam. If they wish to join the forces, they can do so through the CDS exam.

The application process for NDA & NA exam 2021 will be carried out at the official website. The registration procedure comprises two parts – Part I and Part II. Part I requires general details of the candidates, whereas Part II will need documents and an application fee. The applications need to be filled with correct details, followed by the application fee payment. Check the filled form before the final submission. Remember, applicants will not be given the opportunity to make any corrections at the later stages.

NDA (1) application form 2021 has been released on 30^th December 2020, by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The last date to apply and pay the application fees online for the exam is 19^th January 2021. Candidates can pay the application fees offline till 18^th January 2021. The application fees are ₹ 100, however, SC/ST candidates/Sons of JCOs/NCOs/O₹ are exempted from paying the fees. The facility to withdraw the NDA application form 2021 will be available from 27^th January to 02^nd February 2021.

Important Points

• Applicants are advised to submit only one application form. However, if a candidate submits more than one application form, the Commission will consider the application form with a higher Registration ID (RID). Thus, candidates must make sure that the form with higher RID is complete in all aspects.
• Candidates who have applied for NDA & NA I exam and are eligible for NDA & NA II exam can apply for the same. Such candidates must note that this year, there is a common written examination for both the recruitments. However, the results will be prepared separately. Such common candidates must note that for the purpose of exam center allotment; center choices, photograph, and signature as per the NDA & NA II application form will be considered.
• The application form will be available in both English and Hindi languages but can be filled only in the English language.
• Candidates must fill in all the details in the application form correctly as there will be no provision for correction after the application submission.

Documents Required for Filling the Application Form

• Scanned image of one photo ID proof (Aadhar Card, PAN Card, Passport, Voter Card, School Photo ID, Driving License, any other Photo ID card issued by a state/ central government). The scanned image of the Photo ID must be in PDF format with a file size between 20 KB and 300 KB.
• Scanned image of photograph and signature in .jpg format. The file size must be between 20 KB and 300 KB.
• Valid and active Email ID
• Mobile Number

Step-by-Step Guide to Fill NDA & NA (II) Application Form

• Visit the official website of UPSC.
• Click on the ‘Online Application for Various Examination of UPSC’ link.
• The application process is to be completed in two parts. Candidates must complete both parts.
• Click on the link under ‘Part-I Registration’ in front of the NDA exam.
• Read the important instructions and click on the ‘Yes’ button at the bottom.
• Provide details such as name, gender, DoB, father’s name, mother’s name, nationality, marital status, educational qualification, address, mobile number, and email ID. Check all the details carefully and click on the ‘Continue’ button if all the details are correct.
• You will be prompted to check the details and make corrections if required before submission. Do check the details carefully.
• After submitting the details, you will receive a unique Registration ID. This ID along with your DoB will be required to log-in to your portal and complete the Part-II registration. Also, these details will be useful for downloading the admit card, checking the result, and all future communication with the commission. So, keep them safe.
• Now, go to the registration screen again and click on the link under the ‘Part-II Registration’ column.
• Log-in using your registration ID and Date of Birth to complete the remaining form.
• In Part-II registration, candidates are required to provide details about the examination center, their preferences for services*, upload documents, make fee payment, etc.
• Upload the scanned image of the photograph, signature, and photo ID card.
• After a successful image upload, make the fee payment through your preferred mode. The fee payment details are provided below.
• After successful fee payment, submit the application form.
• After successful submission of the form, you will receive an auto-generated email message for the same at your registered email ID.

Application Fee

Applicants need to pay an amount of ₹ 100/- online by using the debit card, credit card, net banking or depositing cash in the SBI branch. Candidates belonging to SC/ ST categories and sons of JCOs/ NCOs/ O₹ are exempted from fee payment.

Offline Payment/ Pay by Cash - Candidates who wish to pay the application fee through cash must print the ‘Pay-in-slip’ during the Part-II registration and pay the fee on the next working day only.

The ‘Pay by Cash’ mode will be deactivated one day before the closing date of applications. However, those who have generated the ‘Pay-in-slip’ can deposit the fee on the closing date. In case there is any issue in depositing the fee through cash on the last day, candidates must make the online payment before the last date.

Application fee once paid will NOT be REFUNDED under any circumstances and nor will it be adjusted against any other examination in future.

Fictitious Payment Cases

Applicants whose payment details are not received from the bank are treated as fictitious payment cases. The applications of such candidates are rejected at first. The Commission provides a list of such candidates within two weeks of the last date of application submission. The applicants are required to submit their ‘proof of fee payment’ within 10 days from the release of the list. The proof can be submitted by hand or through speed post to the Commission. “On receipt of documentary proof, genuine fee payment cases will be considered and their applications will be revived, if they are otherwise eligible.”

Withdrawal of NDA & NA Exam Applications 2021

UPSC provides a facility to withdraw the NDA & NA applications for candidates who do not want to appear for the exam after application submission. The withdrawal link is activated at the official website for a given time. Candidates must keep the following things in mind:

• Only successfully completed and submitted forms can be withdrawn.
• Make sure you have access to your registered mobile number and email ID before submitting the withdrawal request. Separate OTPs will be sent to the candidate's mobile number and email ID. These OTPs are to be entered for validating the withdrawal. The OTPs will remain valid only for 30 minutes.
• If a candidate has submitted multiple applications, the application with a higher RID will be considered for withdrawal.
• Once an application has been withdrawn, it cannot be revived.
• After the withdrawal request is accepted, take a print of the authenticated receipt.
• The application fee amount will not be refunded even if the withdrawal is successful.
• On successful withdrawal of the application, an auto-generated SMS and email is sent to the candidate’s mobile number and email ID, respectively.
• If the candidate has not initiated the withdrawal of the online application, he must report the same to UPSC at [email protected].

Withdrawal of applications for NDA & NA (I) exam 2021 - 27^th January 2021 to 02^nd February 2021

Withdrawal of applications for NDA & NA (II) exam 2021 – to be announced

NDA & NA I Vacancies

NDA & NA (I) recruitment is being conducted for admission to the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings for the NDA 147th Course and 109th Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC) commencing from 2nd January 2021. The vacancies details are as under:

NDA & NA II Vacancies

NDA & NA (II) recruitment is being conducted for admission to the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings for the NDA 148th Course and 110th Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC) commencing from 2nd July 2021. The vacancies details are as under:

Facilitation Counter

In case of any clarification or information regarding the application form, candidates must contact the UPSC’s Facilitation Counter near Gate ‘C’ in person or over the telephone on working days between 10:00 hrs to 17:00 hrs. Telephone Numbers - 011-23385271/ 011-23381125/ 011-23098543.

Center of Examination

The examination will be held at the following centres:

1. Agartala
2. Ahmedabad
3. Aizawl
4. Prayagraj (Allahabad)
5. Bengaluru
6. Bareilly
7. Bhopal
8. Chandigarh
9. Chennai
10. Cuttack
11. Dehradun
12. Delhi
13. Dharwad
14. Dispur
15. Gangtok
16. Hyderabad
17. Imphal
18. Itanagar
19. Jaipur
20. Jammu
21. Jorhat
22. Kochi
23. Kohima
24. Kolkata
25. Lucknow
26. Madurai
27. Mumbai
28. Nagpur
29. Panaji (Goa)
30. Patna
31. Port Blair
32. Raipur
33. Ranchi
34. Sambalpur
35. Shilong
36. Shimla
37. Srinagar
38. Thiruvananthapuram
39. Tirupati
40. Udaipur
41. Visakhapatnam

There is a ceiling on the number of candidates at each center except for Kolkata, Chennai, Dispur and Nagpur. The exam centers will be allotted on a ‘first-apply-first-allot’ basis. Once an exam center is full, candidates are required to choose from the remaining centers. So, the applicants are advised to apply early for the exam to choose a center of their choice.

“The Commission reserves the right to change the Centres at their discretion if the situation demands.” No request for change in the examination center will be entertained under any circumstances.

Travelling Allowance

Candidates appearing for the SSB interview process for the first time are entitled to AC III Tier to and fro railway fare or bus fare including reservation cum sleeper charges within the Indian limits. Such candidates must produce the proof of the ticket (hard copy) at the time of entry to the SSB center. However, no TA will be provided for appearing for the written exam.

Admit Card for NDA and NA Exam 2021

NDA (I) admit card 2021 has been released on 26th March 2021 by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Registered candidates can download from the official website -upsc.nic.in. To download NDA admit card, candidates need to enter either the registration number or roll number. NDA 2021 admit card will be available to download till the day of the exam. The hard copy of the admit card will not be sent to candidates by post. Candidates can download their NDA admit card 2021 online. Candidates can download the same using the following steps:

• Visit the official website.
• Click on the link that says ‘NDA & NA 2021 Admit Card’.
• Provide details like registration number, date of birth and security PIN.
• The admit card will be displayed on the screen.
• Check the details on the call letter.
• In case of discrepancy, contact the officials.

Download the admit card and take a printout for future reference.

Exam Day Instructions

The exam day instructions are mentioned on the admit card. Candidates must read them carefully. Here are some important points:

Items Allowed inside the Examination Hall

Candidates can carry the following items inside the examination hall along with the admit card and Photo ID proof:

• Hardboard or clipboard (nothing should be written on it)
• Blackball pen

Items Not allowed inside the Examination Hall

The following items are banned from the examination hall. Thus, candidates must not carry them. There will be no arrangement for the safekeeping of mobile phones or any other valuable items. The Commission will not be responsible in case of loss of any such items.

• Books, notes, loose sheets
• Calculators
• Mathematical or drawing instruments
• Mobile phones
• Bluetooth
• Pagers
• Stencils of Maps
• Side rulers
• Log tables
• Rough sheets (these will be provided by the invigilator)

Details in NDA admit card 2021

The details in the NDA hall ticket are divided into three sections: personal details, exam details and exam centre details. The details printed under each section are given below.

NDA & NA Result 2020

The Authority has released the NDA result 2020 on 11^th October 2020. The result is available in PDF format. Those who qualify for the written test will be called for the SSB Interview round. Such candidates are required to register for the SSB round at the official website. The final result will be released after the SSB round.

Check UPSC NDA and Naval Academy Examination (I) and (II) 2020 results: Here’s How

Follow these steps to check the NDA & NA exam result:

1. Visit the official website at upsc.gov.in.
2. On the homepage, click on the link that reads, ‘Written Results: National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I) & (II), 2020”.
3. A new page will appear on the display screen.
4. Click on the link available to check the results.
5. The UPSC NDA and Naval Academy Examination (I) and (II) 2020 results in a pdf format will be displayed on the screen.
6. Scroll down and check for your roll number.
7. Download the results and take their print out for future use.

NDA & NA Cut-off 2021

The NDA & NA cut-off 2021 is the minimum mark for qualifying for the exam. The cut-off marks will be available on the official website within a week after the result is announced. Candidates must keep a check on the official website.

UPSC NDA Selection Process 2021

The final selection will be made on the basis of a number of vacancies available subject to eligibility, medical fitness and merit-cum-preference of the candidates.

The selected candidates will get admission to the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA). A total of 413 vacancies are available out of which 370 are in National Defence Academy and 43 in Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme).

NDA & NA SSB Interview

Candidates will be intimated about the NDA & NA SSB Interview 2021 after qualifying for the written test. It has two states – Stage I and II. In Stage I, applicants need to clear Officer Intelligence Rating and Picture Perception & Description Test. Selection for Stage II, which will conduct Psychology Test, Group Testing Officer Task, Conference and Interview, depends upon the score in OIR and PP & DT. The entire SSB Interview process will occur for 4 to 5 days. Lastly, there will be a medical round to be conducted for the final selection of the candidates.

NDA & NA Training

Naval Academy

Candidates selected for the Naval Academy are given preliminary training (physical and academic) for a period of 4 years at Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala. The cadets under the 10+2 cadet entry scheme are awarded a B.Tech degree (from JNU, Delhi) on completion of the training.

National Defence Academy

Candidates who are finally selected for the three services - Army, Navy, and Air Force - are given preliminary training (physical and academic) of 3 years at the National Defence Academy. The first two and half years of training is common for all three wings. All the cadets who successfully complete their training, receive the following degree from Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi:

“On passing out from the National Defence Academy, Army Cadets go to the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, Naval Cadets to Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala and Air Force cadets and Ground Duty-Non Tech streams to Air Force Academy, Hyderabad and Air Force cadets of Ground Duty–Tech stream to Air Force Technical College, Bengaluru.”

At IMA Dehradun, Gentlemen Cadets (GCs) are given strenuous military training for 1 year. On completion of the training, the GCs are granted Permanent Commission in the rank of Lieutenant.

At INA Ezhimala, the Naval Cadets are given further training for 1 year. On completion of the training, they are selected for the Executive branch of the Navy and are promoted to the rank of Sub Lieutenants.

Air Force cadets receive 1½ years of flying training. However, at the end of 1 year, they receive a provisional commission in the rank of Flying Officer. And, after completion of the remaining six months of training, they are granted Permanent Commission on probation of one year.

Air Force Ground Duties Branch cadets receive stream-wise training for 1 year. “At the end of one year of training, they are given a provisional Commission in the rank of Flying Officer. Subsequently, they are absorbed as permanent commissioned officers on probation of one year.”

Cost of Training

As per the official notification; “The cost of training including accommodation, books, uniforms, boarding and medical treatment will be borne by the Government. Parents or guardians of cadets, will, however, be required to meet their pocket and other private expenses. Normally these expenses are not likely to exceed ₹ 3000.00 p.m. If in any case a cadet's parents or guardian is unable to meet wholly or partly even this expenditure financial assistance of ₹ 1000.00 p.m. for the period of training may be granted by the Government whose parents income is less than ₹ 21,000/- per month. Cadet whose parent’s or guardian’s income exceeds ₹ 21,000/- per month will not be liable for the assistance. If more than one son/ward simultaneously under-going training at NDA, IMA, OTA and corresponding training establishment in the Navy and Air Force, then BOTH would be eligible for financial assistance. ”

The parent/ guardian seeking financial assistance from the Government should immediately submit an application through the District Magistrate (who must forward the application with his recommendation) to the Commandant, National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, Pune-411023. Such an application must be submitted after the candidate is finally selected for training at the National Defence Academy.