NDA Selection Process

NDA Selection Process full detail by Top NDA coaching in Lucknow

NDA Selection Process

NDA Selection Process Full Details by Shield Defence Academy – Top NDA Coaching in Lucknow

The National Defence Academy (NDA) is the gateway to a prestigious career in the Indian Armed Forces. Every year, thousands of aspirants dream of joining the NDA to serve the nation with pride and honor. At Shield Defence Academy, the top NDA coaching in Lucknow, we not only train students to crack the NDA written exam but also guide them through the entire NDA selection process with utmost precision and detail. Here, we present a comprehensive breakdown of the NDA selection process, ensuring you know exactly what lies ahead in your journey to becoming a proud officer.

NDA Selection Process full detail by Top NDA coaching in Lucknow


Overview of the NDA Selection Process

The NDA selection process is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and includes multiple stages:

  1. Written Examination

  2. SSB Interview (Services Selection Board)

  3. Medical Examination

  4. Final Merit List

Each stage is crucial, and success in one does not guarantee overall selection unless every step is completed with competence. Shield Defence Academy prepares aspirants in every aspect to ensure complete readiness.


Stage 1: NDA Written Examination

The NDA written exam is the first and foremost hurdle that every aspirant must overcome.

Exam Structure

  • Paper 1 – Mathematics

    • Total Marks: 300

    • Duration: 2.5 hours

    • Syllabus Includes: Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, Probability, Matrices, Vectors, etc.

  • Paper 2 – General Ability Test (GAT)

    • Total Marks: 600

    • Duration: 2.5 hours

    • Sections: English (200 marks) and General Knowledge (400 marks)

Marking Scheme

  • Each correct answer in Mathematics: +2.5 marks

  • Each incorrect answer in Mathematics: -0.83 marks

  • Each correct answer in GAT: +4 marks

  • Each incorrect answer in GAT: -1.33 marks

Shield Defence Academy focuses on conceptual clarity, time management, and mock test practice, enabling students to excel in both papers.


Stage 2: SSB Interview – The Real Game Changer

Once an aspirant clears the written examination, they are called for the SSB Interview, a rigorous 5-day selection process designed to assess an individual’s officer-like qualities (OLQs).

Day 1 – Screening Test

  • Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test

  • Picture Perception and Description Test (PP&DT)

Candidates who fail to clear this stage are sent back on the same day. Shield Defence Academy gives special attention to OIR practice and PP&DT narration techniques to ensure maximum selection.

Day 2 – Psychological Tests

  • Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)

  • Word Association Test (WAT)

  • Situation Reaction Test (SRT)

  • Self-Description Test (SDT)

These tests dive deep into a candidate’s subconscious behavior. With extensive training modules, we ensure our students reflect the right attitude and presence of mind.

Day 3 & 4 – Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks

  • Group Discussion (GD)

  • Group Planning Exercise (GPE)

  • Progressive Group Task (PGT)

  • Half Group Task (HGT)

  • Lecturette

  • Command Task

  • Individual Obstacles

  • Final Group Task (FGT)

These tasks test a candidate’s teamwork, leadership, communication skills, and physical fitness. Our academy’s mock GTO ground offers real-time practice and feedback from ex-GTO officers.

Day 5 – Personal Interview and Conference

A one-on-one interview with a senior officer and a final conference with the entire board marks the end of the SSB process. This stage examines a candidate’s clarity of thought, personality, aspirations, and motivation for joining the Armed Forces.


Stage 3: Medical Examination

Medical fitness is non-negotiable. After recommendation by the SSB board, candidates undergo a detailed medical exam by the Military Hospital.

Common Criteria Include:

  • Height & Weight Standards

  • Vision Test

  • Hearing Test

  • Cardiovascular and Musculoskeletal Health

  • ENT and Dental Examination

  • Mental Health Evaluation

Shield Defence Academy organizes pre-medical check-up sessions to ensure aspirants are medically fit before appearing for the final stage.


Stage 4: Final Merit List

Once both the SSB Interview and Medical Examination are cleared, UPSC compiles a merit list based on:

  • NDA written exam marks

  • SSB interview performance

Only those who make it to the merit list are eligible for joining the NDA. At Shield Defence Academy, our team monitors every student’s performance to ensure a high success rate and final selection.


Why Choose Shield Defence Academy fto know about NDA selection process?

1. Expert Faculty and Ex-Defence Mentors

Our team comprises retired defence officers, subject matter experts, and SSB psychologists, making us the best NDA coaching in Lucknow.

2. Comprehensive Study Material

Our updated study material is aligned with the latest UPSC syllabus and includes mock tests, previous year papers, and practice worksheets.

3. SSB-Oriented Training

We offer full-fledged SSB coaching, including GTO ground practice, personality development, and interview preparation.

4. Hostel & Schooling Facilities

For students who wish to start NDA preparation right after class 10th or 11th, we offer integrated NDA schooling with hostel, creating a disciplined environment akin to military lifestyle.

5. Physical Fitness Training

Our in-house physical trainers ensure candidates meet the required standards of endurance, stamina, and obstacle performance.


Eligibility Criteria for NDA Entry

Before starting your preparation, ensure you meet the following criteria:

  • Age: 16.5 to 19.5 years

  • Education: 12th passed or appearing

    • Army: Any stream

    • Navy & Air Force: Physics and Mathematics in 10+2

  • Nationality: Indian citizens

  • Gender: Male (as of latest notification, females may also be eligible based on UPSC updates)

  • Marital Status: Unmarried


Join Shield Defence Academy Today

If your dream is to wear the uniform and serve the country, your journey begins with Shield Defence Academy – the top-rated NDA coaching institute in Lucknow. With our unmatched training programs, experienced faculty, and results-driven methodology, we help you turn your aspirations into reality.

📞 For admission inquiries, call: +919519441948

📍 Visit us at: Alambagh & Indira Nagar, Lucknow

🌐 Website: www.shielddefenceacademy.com