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.
Overview of the NDA Selection Process
The NDA selection process is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and includes multiple stages:
Written Examination
SSB Interview (Services Selection Board)
Medical Examination
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
