1. Statutory Eligibility Criteria
NDA: 16.5 to 19.5 Years (Unmarried male/female candidates). CDS: 19 to 24 Years (IMA/INA/AFA) and 19 to 25 Years (OTA). Zero category age relaxation under defence service rules.
NDA Army: 12th pass. NDA Navy/Air Force: 12th pass with Physics and Mathematics. CDS IMA/OTA: Degree in any discipline. CDS INA: Degree in Engineering. CDS AFA: Degree with Physics & Math at 10+2 OR Bachelor of Engineering.
Citizen of India.
Unlimited within permissible age brackets.
2. Multi-Stage Selection Framework
NDA: Mathematics (300 Marks) + General Ability Test (600 Marks). CDS: English (100), GK (100), Elementary Math (100) [Math omitted for OTA].
Stage-I: Screening (OIR + PPDT). Stage-II: Psychology Tests (TAT, WAT, SRT), GTO Outdoor Tasks, and Personal Interview. Total: 900 Marks (NDA) / 300 Marks (CDS).
Comprehensive medical testing including spinal X-rays, anthropometric measurements, and surgical fitness.
3. Examination Scheme & Syllabus
Focuses on higher mathematics, English comprehension, and general science.
| Section / Paper | Questions | Marks | Duration | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NDA: Mathematics (10+2 Standard) | 120 | 300 | 2.5 Hours | 0.83 marks |
| NDA: General Ability Test (GAT) | 150 | 600 | 2.5 Hours | 1.33 marks |
| CDS: English | 120 | 100 | 2 Hours | 0.33 marks |
| CDS: General Knowledge | 120 | 100 | 2 Hours | 0.33 marks |
| CDS: Elementary Mathematics | 100 | 100 | 2 Hours | 0.33 marks |
4. 7th CPC Pay Scale & Career Growth
Commissioned as Lieutenant / Sub-Lieutenant / Flying Officer at Pay Level 10 (₹56,100–₹1,77,500) plus Military Service Pay (MSP)
Starting Basic & In-Hand Range:₹56,100 + ₹15,500 MSP = ₹71,600 Starting Pay Element (Estimated in-hand: ₹95,000 to ₹1,20,000 per month (plus Flying Allowance, Field Area Allowance, or High Altitude Allowance where deployed).)
- Lieutenant / Sub-Lieutenant / Flying Officer (Level 10)
- Captain / Lieutenant (Navy) / Flight Lieutenant (Level 10B)
- Major / Lt Commander / Squadron Leader (Level 11)
- Lt Colonel / Commander / Wing Commander (Level 12A)
- Colonel / Captain / Group Captain (Level 13) -> Brigadier -> Major General -> General
5. Frequently Asked Questions (National Defence Academy (NDA) & Combined Defence Services (CDS))
Can female candidates apply for NDA and CDS?
Yes. Following landmark Supreme Court directives, female candidates are fully eligible to apply for both NDA and CDS entries across the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Are there reservations or age relaxations for SC/ST candidates in NDA/CDS?
No. The Indian Armed Forces do not provide caste-based reservations or age concessions for commissioned officer ranks. All candidates compete on identical merit and physical standards.
What is Military Service Pay (MSP)?
Military Service Pay is a specialized statutory monthly allowance of ₹15,500 granted to commissioned officers in recognition of the arduous nature and hazards of military life. It counts for DA and pension calculations.
What is the duration of training at NDA Khadakwasla?
Cadets undergo a 3-year joint training curriculum at the National Defence Academy, earning a B.A., B.Sc., or B.Tech degree from JNU, followed by 1 year of specialized pre-commission training at IMA, INA, or AFA.
What is the passing score in the 5-day SSB Interview?
Candidates must achieve a minimum qualifying score across Psychology, GTO, and Interview assessments. The recommendation is finalized during the Day-5 Board Conference.