The NDA selection process consists of a written exam, SSB interview and a medical examination. As per the rules, the candidate will be called for the interview process only after clearing the written exam.
The NDA selection process 2025 contains three stages, namely a written exam, an SSB interview and a medical examination. Candidates who pass the NDA written test are selected for the SSB interview round
Stages of the NDA Selection Process 2025
The first stage in the NDA selection process is a written exam, then an SSB interview, and lastly, candidates must appear for the medical examination. Per the rules, the candidate will be called for the interview process only after clearing the written exam.
Besides, candidates must check NDA question papers to prepare for the NDA 2025 written exams. The final merit list will be drafted after the performance of the candidates is evaluated for both the written exam and interview stage.
Per the tentative schedule, the NDA 1 2025 will be administered offline on Apr 16, 2025.
NDA Selection Process-Written Exam
Being the first stage of the NDA selection process, the NDA exam process includes two papers. They are Elementary Mathematics and General Ability Tests. Authorities mark candidates with a total of 900 marks. However, students must note that they must qualify in both papers individually to proceed to the next stage.
The NDA paper 1 includes 120 questions for 300 marks. Whereas the NDA paper 2 involves a 600-mark question paper featuring 150 questions. Although, authorities have notified that there will be negative marking of ⅓ marks on both papers for every wrong answer. Further authorities will invite candidates who have qualified with equal or more than the cutoff marks for the SSB interview round of the NDA selection process.
Also Check: NDA Preparation
NDA Selection Process-SSB Interview
The NDA SSB interview will be held across various selection centres. Moreover, candidates must note that it is a five-day process which takes place at the Indian Armed Force selection centres.
| Stages | Tests |
| Screening |
|
| Psychological Tests |
|
| Group Testing Officers Task (GTO) |
|
| Personal Interview | Personal Interview with Officers |
| Conference | It comprises interaction with all board members including GTO, psychologist, board president and others |
NDA SSB day 1 of the SSB interview will consist of a Picture Perception and Discussion test and an Officer intelligence rating test. Then, candidates shortlisted on day one must further appear for the examinations conducted over the next four days. Furthermore, the second phase of the NDA Interview process will consist of Psychological tests, a Group testing officer's task, a personal interview and a conference.
NDA SSB Interview Centres
Similarly, candidates appearing for the NDA interview stage, must note the interview centres.
| Branch Name | SSC Centres |
| Indian Air Force (IAF) | 1 AFSB Dehradun2 AFSB Mysore3 AFSB Gandhi Nagar 4 AFSB Varanasi |
| Indian Navy | NSB Coimbatore12 SSB Bangalore 33 SSB Bhopal |
| Indian Army | Selection Center East AllahabadSelection Center Central BhopalSelection Center South Bangalore |
NDA Selection Process-Medical Examination
At the end of the NDA selection process, candidates must participate in the medical examination round after qualifying in the SSB interview round. Likewise, authorities will examine several factors in the candidate, such as height, weight, physical fitness and more. Upon completing the medical examination process, physically fit candidates will be commissioned as Cadets at numerous Indian Army Forces academies.
Mandatory Document List
These are the vital documents the authorities require for the NDA selection process. Candidates must carry both original and photocopies of these documents.
- Original 10th pass certificate or equivalent in support of date of birth
- Original 10+2 pass certificate or equivalent in support of educational qualification
- Valid Photo ID proof
- Caste certificate if belonging to SC, ST, OBC etc
- SSB call letter
Final Merit List
To get accepted in the Indian Armed Forces through NDA, candidates must score the prescribed NDA cutoff 2025 to receive the SSB call letter. Moreover, the aspirants must qualify in the Computerised Pilot Selection System. Authorities will compose the final merit list based on performance in the written and interview rounds of the NDA selection process.
Post-Process
Once the final NDA selection process is complete, candidates are commissioned into the three services: Army, Navy and Air Force. Firstly, the candidates will have to undergo preliminary training in academic and physical terms for three years at the National Defence Academy. On the other hand, Air Force cadets are trained for 1.5 years. At the end of the training, they are awarded a provisional commission rank of Flying Officer. After undergoing a six-month training process, the candidates are given permanent commissioned officer posts.
Grounds for Disqualification
In summary, aspirants must note these reasons for disqualification in the NDA selection process.
- Candidates who had earlier been rejected by the authorities based on medical standards will not be permitted to appear for the NDA interview process.
- Suppose candidates had withdrawn themselves from the program of NDA/NA on medical grounds or left the training voluntarily. In that case, they must qualify for a medical fitness test to be eligible for admission.
