Becoming an Army Officer through the National Defence Academy (NDA) is one of the most prestigious and sought-after career paths for young aspirants in India. The NDA offers a direct gateway into the Indian Armed Forces—Army, Navy, and Air Force—right after Class 12, combining academic education with rigorous military training. It is the only tri-service academy in the world where cadets of all three services train together before moving on to specialized training academies. For those who dream of discipline, leadership, adventure, and a life dedicated to the nation, the NDA is the first and most important step. Understanding the complete process—from eligibility and written exam to SSB, medical tests, and final training—is crucial for every candidate aiming to earn the prestigious rank of an Indian Army officer.
✅ HOW TO BECOME AN ARMY OFFICER THROUGH NDA?
⭐ STEP 1 — Check Eligibility for NDA (Most Important)
1. Nationality
You must be:
- Indian citizen
or - Subject of Nepal / Bhutan
or - Tibetan refugee (before Jan 1, 1962)
2. Gender
- Only male candidates for Army wing (as of current rules).
3. Age
- 16.5 to 19.5 years
- Exact birth dates given in each UPSC notification.
4. Educational Qualification
- 10+2 passed or appearing
- For Army wing → any stream (Arts/Commerce/Science).
5. Marital Status
- Must be unmarried.
⭐ STEP 2 — Apply for NDA Exam (Through UPSC)
NDA exam is held twice a year:
- NDA 1 (April)
- NDA 2 (September)
How to apply:
- Visit upsc.gov.in
- Click NDA & NA Examination
- Fill Part 1 registration
- Fill Part 2 (photos, signatures, exam center)
- Download application form
No document upload is needed during form fill.
⭐ STEP 3 — Prepare for NDA Written Exam
The NDA written exam has two papers:
Paper 1 — Mathematics (300 Marks)
- Algebra
- Trigonometry
- Calculus
- Coordinate Geometry
- Statistics & Probability
- Vectors
(Syllabus mostly from Class 11–12 NCERT)
Paper 2 — GAT (600 Marks)
Includes:
- English (Grammar, comprehension)
- General Knowledge:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- History
- Geography
- Polity
- Economy
- Current Affairs
Tips:
- Strong NCERT base
- Solve previous 10-year UPSC NDA papers
- Give mock tests regularly
⭐ STEP 4 — Clear NDA Written Exam
UPSC publishes:
- Score
- Cutoff
- List of candidates shortlisted for SSB
If your roll number is there → you go to SSB interview.
⭐ STEP 5 — Register on Join Indian Army Website
SSB interview dates are selected on:
👉 joinindianarmy.nic.in
Download:
- Call letter
- SSB instructions
⭐ STEP 6 — Attend SSB Interview (5-Day Process)
SSB tests Officer Like Qualities (OLQs).
It is the MOST important stage.
DAY 1 — Screening
- OIR (Officer Intelligence Rating Test)
- PP&DT (Picture Perception & Description Test)
If screened IN → proceed to Stage II.
DAY 2 — Psychology Tests
- TAT (Thematic Apperception Test)
- WAT (Word Association Test)
- SRT (Situation Reaction Test)
- Self Description
DAY 3 & 4 — GTO Tasks
- Group Discussion
- Group Planning Exercise
- Progressive Group Task
- Half Group Task
- Individual Obstacles
- Command Task
- Final Group Task
Personal Interview
Based on:
- Family
- Education
- Hobbies
- Awareness
- Personality
- Situational questions
DAY 5 — Conference
Board decides Recommended / Not Recommended.
If recommended → go for Medical Examination.
⭐ STEP 7 — Medical Examination
Medical checks:
- Height & weight
- Blood/urine tests
- Chest X-ray
- Eye sight norms
- Ear/nose/throat
- Spine issues
- Heart and lungs
- Dental check
If declared unfit, you can apply for:
- Medical Appeal
- Review Medical Board
⭐ STEP 8 — Merit List by UPSC
Merit list =
Written Marks + SSB Marks
If your name is in the final merit list → you get a joining letter for NDA.
⭐ STEP 9 — Join NDA Training (3 Years)
Training place:
📍 National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla (Pune)
Training includes:
- Physical training
- Academics (BSc / BA / BTech depending on cadet)
- Drill
- Weapon training
- Leadership
- Discipline
- Sports
After 3 years → you graduate as a Cadet.
⭐ STEP 10 — Pre-Commission Training at IMA (1 Year)
After NDA:
📍 Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun
Training:
- Advanced military skills
- Tactical training
- Combat training
- Leadership roles
- Field exercises
⭐ STEP 11 — COMMISSIONED AS ARMY OFFICER
After IMA → you get the rank of:
🎖 Lieutenant
You officially join your regiment/unit as an Indian Army Officer.
