The National Defence Academy (NDA) and Indian Naval Academy (INA) Examination is one of the most prestigious defense exams conducted in India. It is organized by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice a year, usually in April (NDA 1) and September (NDA 2). This exam opens the door for young aspirants to join the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the NDA and INA. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover all the essential aspects of the NDA 2 2024 exam, including important dates, eligibility criteria, application process, exam pattern, preparation tips, and more.
Important Dates for NDA 2 2024
Staying updated with the key dates of the NDA 2 2024 exam is crucial for all aspirants. Below is a table summarizing the important dates for NDA 2 2024:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | May 15, 2024 |
| Application Start Date | May 15, 2024 |
| Application End Date | June 4, 2024 |
| Application Correction Window | June 11, 2024 |
| Admit Card Release | August 2024 |
| NDA 2 2024 Exam Date | September 1, 2024 |
| Result Declaration (Tentative) | October/November 2024 |
Overview of the NDA Exam
The NDA exam is conducted to select candidates for the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy. The exam comprises two stages: a written examination and the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview.
Exam Highlights
| Exam Particulars | Exam Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (NDA & NA) |
| Conducting Body | UPSC |
| Exam Level | National |
| Exam Frequency | Twice a year (April & September) |
| Mode of Exam | Offline |
| Exam Stages | Written Exam and SSB Interview |
| Total Registrations (2020) | 5.3 lakh |
| Total Test Takers (2020) | 2.4 lakh |
| Exam Purpose | Admission to NDA and INA |
| Exam Fees | INR 100 (General/OBC) / Exempted (SC/ST/Women) |
| Exam Duration | GAT: 2 ½ hours; Mathematics: 2 ½ hours |
| Total Marks | Written Exam: 900; SSB Interview: 900 |
| Language of Exam | English and Hindi |
| Number of Test Cities | More than 70 |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
Eligibility Criteria for NDA 2 2024
To apply for the NDA 2 2024 exam, candidates must meet certain eligibility criteria in terms of age, educational qualifications, and physical standards.
Age Limit
| Exam Session | Birth Date Range |
|---|---|
| NDA 1 2024 | July 2, 2005 – July 1, 2008 |
| NDA 2 2024 | January 2, 2006 – January 1, 2009 |
Educational Qualification
| Wing | Qualification |
|---|---|
| Army Wing | Passed Class 12/HSC or equivalent from a recognized board or university |
| Air Force, Navy, INA | Passed Class 12/HSC with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics |
Physical Standards
Candidates must be physically fit according to physical standards for admission to NDA and INA. The detailed physical standards, including height and visual standards, are as follows:
| Category | Minimum Height |
|---|---|
| Tribals from Ladakh Region | 155 cm |
| Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep, Minicoy Islands | 155 cm |
| Gorkhas, Nepali, Assamese, Garhwali, Kumaoni, Uttarakhand | 152 cm |
| Bhutan, Sikkim & North East Region | 152 cm |
Visual Standards
| Parameter | NDA (Army) | CDSE, IMA, OTA, UES, NCC, TGC & Equivalent | JAG, AEC, APS, RVC, TA, AMC, ADC, SL & Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncorrected vision (max allowed) | 6/36 & 6/36 | 6/60 & 6/60 | 3/60 & 3/60 |
| BCVA | Rt 6/6 & Lt 6/6 | Rt 6/6 & Lt 6/6 | Rt 6/6 & Lt 6/6 |
| Myopia | ≤ +/- 2.0 D Cyl | ≤ +/- 2.0 D Cyl | ≤ +/- 2.0 D Cyl |
| Hypermetropia | ≤ +/- 2.0 D Cyl | ≤ +/- 2.0 D Cyl | ≤ +/- 2.0 D Cyl |
| Lasik/equivalent surgery | Not permitted | Permitted* | Permitted* |
| Colour perception | CP-II | CP-II | CP-II |
Application Process
The application process for NDA 2 2024 is conducted online through the official UPSC website. The steps to apply are as follows:
- Visit the UPSC Website:
- Navigate to upsc.gov.in.
- Register Online:
- Complete the One Time Registration (OTR) process by providing personal details such as name, gender, date of birth, father’s name, mother’s name, valid mobile number, board examination roll number, etc.
- Fill Application Form:
- Log in using the registration number to fill Part II of the application form. Provide educational qualifications, select exam centers, and upload a photograph and signature.
- Pay Application Fee:
- Pay the application fee of INR 100 for General/OBC candidates. SC/ST/Women candidates/Sons of JCOs/NCOs/ORs are exempted from fee payment.
- Correction Window:
- Make corrections in the application form (excluding the choice of exam center) within the correction window period.
Exam Pattern
The NDA written exam comprises two papers: Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT). The exam pattern is detailed below:
| Code | Exam Name | Duration | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Mathematics | 2 ½ hours | 120 | 300 |
| 02 | General Ability Test | 2 ½ hours | 150 | 600 |
SSB Interview
The SSB interview carries 900 marks and is conducted in two stages:
- Stage 1: Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception and Description Test (PP&DT).
- Stage 2: Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests, and the Conference.
NDA Syllabus
Mathematics
The Mathematics syllabus includes topics such as:
- Algebra
- Matrices and Determinants
- Trigonometry
- Analytical Geometry
- Differential Calculus
- Integral Calculus and Differential Equations
- Vector Algebra
- Statistics and Probability
General Ability Test (GAT)
The GAT syllabus covers:
- English: Grammar, Vocabulary, Comprehension, Synonyms, Antonyms, etc.
- General Knowledge: Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, Current Events
Preparation Tips
- Understand the Syllabus and Exam Pattern:
- Familiarize yourself with the complete syllabus and exam pattern. This will help you prioritize topics based on their weightage.
- Create a Study Plan:
- Develop a realistic study schedule that covers all topics. Allocate more time to subjects you find difficult.
- Practice Previous Year Papers:
- Solve previous year question papers to understand the type of questions asked and the level of difficulty.
- Take Mock Tests:
- Regularly attempt mock tests to build your exam temperament and improve time management skills.
- Focus on Basics:
- Strengthen your fundamental concepts in Mathematics and General Knowledge. Clear understanding of basics is crucial for solving complex problems.
- Revision:
- Consistently revise the topics you have studied to retain information and improve recall during the exam.
NDA Admit Card
The NDA 2 admit card will be released in August 2024. Candidates can download the admit card from the UPSC website by logging in with their registration number or roll number. The admit card contains important details such as the candidate’s name, roll number, exam date, exam center, and instructions for the exam day.
Exam Centers
The NDA exam is conducted in more than 70 cities across India. Candidates can select their preferred exam center while filling out the application form. Some of the major exam centers include:
| City | State |
|---|---|
| Agartala | Tripura |
| Bengaluru | Karnataka |
| Chandigarh | Chandigarh |
| Delhi | Delhi |
| Hyderabad | Telangana |
| Kolkata | West Bengal |
| Mumbai | Maharashtra |
| Pune | Maharashtra |
Important Exam Day Guidelines
- Carry Admit Card:
- Bring the printed admit card along with a valid photo ID proof to the exam center.
- Stationery:
- Carry a black ballpoint pen to fill the OMR sheet.
- Prohibited Items:
- Do not carry any electronic devices, calculators, or study materials into the exam hall.
- Reporting Time:
- Reach the exam center at least 30 minutes before the scheduled time to avoid any last-minute hassle.
- Dress Code:
- Dress in comfortable attire suitable for the weather.
Result Declaration
The NDA 2 2024 result is expected to be declared in October/November 2024. The result will be available on the UPSC website in the form of a merit list. Candidates who clear the written exam will be shortlisted for the SSB interview.
Conclusion
Preparing for the NDA 2 2024 exam requires dedication, strategic planning, and consistent effort. By understanding the exam pattern, following a well-structured study plan, and staying updated with the latest notifications, candidates can enhance their chances of success. Remember to focus on both the written exam and the SSB interview, as both stages are crucial in securing a place in the National Defence Academy and Indian Naval Academy.
For more details and updates, aspirants should regularly check the official UPSC website and stay informed about the latest announcements related to the NDA 2 2024 exam. Good luck!