UPSC NDA & NA (I) Examination 2024

Examination Notice No. 3/2024-NDA-I

Brief Description

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will be conducting the National Defence Academy (NDA) & Naval Academy (NA) Examination (I), 2024 for admission to the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the NDA for the 153rd Course, and for the 115th Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC) commencing from 2nd January, 2025. This recruitment is open to unmarried male and female candidates. The selection process involves a written examination followed by an interview by the Services Selection Board (SSB).

Important Dates

Application Start Date 20/12/2023
Application Last Date 09/01/2024
Written Exam Date 21/04/2024

Application Fee

General & Others ₹ 100/-
SC / ST / Female / Wards of JCOs, NCOs, ORs No Fee (Exempted)

Payment Mode: Online via Visa/Master/Rupay Credit/Debit Card, UPI Payment, or Net Banking.

Vacancy Details Total: 400 Posts

Wing / Academy
Vacancies
Army (National Defence Academy)
208 (including 10 for female candidates)
Navy (National Defence Academy)
42 (including 12 for female candidates)
Air Force (National Defence Academy)
120 (Flying: 92 including 02 for females; Ground Duties (Tech): 18 including 02 for females; Ground Duties (Non-Tech): 10 including 02 for females)
Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme)
30 (including 9 for female candidates)

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

  • For Army Wing of NDA: 12th Class pass of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent examination conducted by a State Education Board or a University.
  • For Air Force and Naval Wings of NDA and for the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at the Indian Naval Academy: 12th Class pass with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent.
  • Candidates appearing in the 12th Class under the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent examination can also apply.

Age Limit & Marital Status

  • Age Limit: Only unmarried male/female candidates born not earlier than 02nd July, 2005 and not later than 1st July, 2008 are eligible.
  • Marital Status: Only unmarried male/female candidates are eligible.

Selection Process

Two-Stage Selection

  • Written Examination: An objective-type test conducted by UPSC. It consists of two papers: Mathematics (300 Marks) and General Ability Test (600 Marks), both with a duration of 2.5 hours each. There is negative marking for wrong answers.
  • SSB Interview: Candidates who qualify the written exam will undergo a two-stage selection process at a Services Selection Board (SSB). This includes an Intelligence and Personality Test.
  • Final selection is based on the total marks secured in the written examination and the SSB tests.

How to Apply

  1. Candidates must apply online only at the official UPSC website: `upsconline.nic.in`.
  2. It is essential to first complete the One Time Registration (OTR) on the commission's website before filling the application form.
  3. Have a valid Photo ID Card (Aadhaar Card is preferred) ready, as its details are required.
  4. Fill the application form, pay the examination fee online (if applicable), and select your examination center carefully.
  5. After final submission, download the application for your records.

Important Links

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do I need to register for OTR before applying?

Yes, One Time Registration (OTR) is essential. You must register on the OTR platform on the commission's website before you can fill the online application for the examination.

2. I am currently in the 12th grade. Can I apply for the NDA & NA (I) 2024 exam?

Yes, candidates who are appearing in the 12th Class under the 10+2 pattern of School Education or an equivalent examination are eligible to apply.

3. Is there negative marking in the written examination?

Yes, there will be a penalty (Negative Marking) for wrong answers marked by a candidate in the Objective Type Question Papers.

4. Can female candidates apply for all the vacancies?

No, female candidates are eligible for a specific number of vacancies within the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Naval Academy wings, as detailed in the vacancy table.

5. Can I withdraw my application after submission?

No, the facility for withdrawal of application is not available for this examination.

6. How will I receive my admit card for the exam?

The e-Admit Card will be made available on the UPSC website for you to download. Admit cards will not be sent by post.