Armed Forces Officer (NDA)

Become a commissioned officer through the National Defence Academy: clear the UPSC NDA written exam and the SSB interview, train at the NDA (and then a service academy), and lead in the Army, Navy or Air Force. Army TES is a PCM-based technical route.

A career of honour, leadership and service, with excellent security, benefits and respect — and lifelong purpose.

• ✓Prestige, leadership and a strong sense of purpose.
• ✓Excellent job security, allowances and benefits.
• ✓Adventure, training and lifelong camaraderie.
• ✓Clear promotion and pension structure.

• •Unmarried candidate, 10+2 (PCM required for Air Force / Navy / Army TES).
• •Meet strict age, physical and medical standards.
• •Clear the NDA written exam (UPSC) and the SSB interview.

• •Academics (maths, science, humanities) plus military training at NDA.
• •Service-specific training at IMA / INA / AFA.
• •Physical fitness, leadership and field craft.

1. 1Apply for NDA via the UPSC portal (notification twice a year).
2. 2Clear the written exam, then the SSB interview and medicals.
3. 3Join NDA on merit; train and get commissioned.

Always confirm dates, eligibility and fees on the official site — rules change each year.

• →Master Class 11–12 Maths and General Ability (science + GK + English).
• →Build real physical fitness early for the SSB and training.
• →Prepare for the SSB — reasoning, group tasks and personal interview.

• !Extremely competitive written + tough SSB and medicals.
• !Physically and mentally demanding; postings can be remote.
• !A serious, long-term service commitment.

• •Commissioned officer in the Army, Navy or Air Force.
• •Technical, combat, logistics and specialist branches.
• •Leadership roles rising to senior ranks over a career.

• •UN peacekeeping and international assignments.
• •Highly valued leadership profile for post-service careers.

Indicative: cadet stipend during training; officer pay per 7th Pay Commission + allowances (attractive + pension).