Are you planning to appear in the NDA exam in 2024? If yes, then you must be wondering how to start NDA 2024 preparation. To help systematize your preparation for the NDA 2024 exam, Centurion Defence Academy has come up with a comprehensive guide to let you know about every aspect of the NDA 2024 exam in detail. In this exhaustive article, you will get to know about the NDA 2024 preparation strategy, NDA 2024 eligibility criteria, NDA 2024 important dates, NDA 2024 selection process and how you can boost your preparation for the NDA 2024 exam.

 

Difference Between NDA 1 2024 and NDA 2 2024

 

• Before we move ahead, let me be clear that NDA 1 2024 and NDA 2 2024 are two different exams, they are not related to each other. Many times NDA aspirants get confused about this, they think that these two exams are interrelated.
• However, the fact remains that UPSC conducts the NDA exam twice a year, and the reason behind this is that there are two courses at NDA in a year; one course starts in January and the other in July, and these two courses are separate. 
• So, for the January course, the exam is known as NDA 1, and for the July course, it is known as NDA 2. Interestingly, defence aspirants can apply for both courses at NDA separately, and details regarding important dates are given below.

 

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) provides a golden opportunity to young male and female aspirants to join the Indian Armed Forces. Both male and female candidates can apply for admission to National Defence Academy (NDA). As per the UPSC 2024 exam calendar, the official notification for the NDA 1 2024 exam will be released on 20th December 2023. While the notification for NDA 2 2024 exam will be issued on 15 May 2024. All eligible male and female defence aspirants between the age group of 16 ½ to 19 ½ years will be eligible to apply for the NDA exam in 2024. You can check the detailed educational qualification, age limit, syllabus and exam pattern and important dates for both the NDA 1 2024 and NDA 2 2024 in the sections below.

 

NDA 1 2024 Exam Date and Course

 

The Union Public Service Commission will conduct the NDA 1 2024 Examination on 21 April 2024, for admission to the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the NDA for the 153rd Course commencing from 2nd January, 2025.

 

NDA 2 2024 Exam Date and Course

 

The Union Public Service Commission will hold the NDA 2 2024 Examination on 1st September 2024, for admission to the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the NDA for the 154th Course commencing from 2nd July, 2025.

 

Key Highlights of the NDA 2024 Exam

 

Particulars	Details
Exam Name	National Defence Academy – NDA Exam
Exam Conducting Body	Union Public Service Commission – UPSC
Official Website	Welcome to UPSC | UPSC
Application Mode	Online
Exam Frequency	Twice a year
Eligible Category	Both Male and Female
Educational Qualification	10+2 Passed / Appearing
Age Limit	16 ½ – 19 ½ years
Subjects Covered	Mathematics General Ability Test (GAT)
Mode of Exam	Offline (OMR Based)
Selection Process	Written Exam  SSB Interview Medical Exam

 

NDA 1 2024 Important Dates

 

Events	Dates
Notification Issue Date	20th December 2023
Online Application Starts From	20th December 2023
Last Date to Apply Online	9th January 2024
Admit Card Availability	3 weeks before the date of examination
Date of NDA 1 2024 Examination	21st April 2024 (Sunday)
Date of Written Results	May 2024 (Tentative)
NDA 1 2024 SSB Interview	To be announced later
Date of Final Results	To be announced later

 

NDA 2 2024 Important Dates

 

Events	Dates
Notification Issue Date	15th May 2024
Online Application Starts From	15th May 2024
Last Date to Apply Online	4th June 2024
Admit Card Availability	3 weeks before the date of examination
Date of NDA 2 2024 Examination	1st September 2024 (Sunday)
Date of Written Results	October 2024 (Tentative)
NDA 2 2024 SSB Interview	To be announced later
Date of Final Results	To be announced later

 

• Candidates for the Air Force and Navy must have taken the 10+2 examination with Physics and Mathematics, while those for the Army Wing must have passed the 10+2 exam in any stream from a recognized board. Candidates may also apply for this exam if they are in the 12th grade.
• There are two papers in the NDA written exam: Mathematics and GAT (General Ability Test). The NDA written exam is conducted offline and only consists of objective questions that must have the correct answers put on an OMR sheet.

 

Eligibility Criteria for NDA 2024 Exam 

 

Candidates interested in joining the National Defence Academy (NDA) should check the eligibility criteria for the NDA 2024 exam, listed in the table below.

 

Particulars	Details
Nationality	Indian
Educational Qualification	For Army Wing – Should have passed the 10+2 examination in any stream from a recognized board. For Air Force & Navy – Should have passed the 10+2 examination with Physics and Mathematics. Note: Candidates who are in the 12th grade can also apply for this exam.
NDA 1 2024 Age Limit	02 July 2005 – 01 July 2008
NDA 2 2024 Age Limit	02 January 2006 – 1st January 2009
Marital Status	Unmarried
Physical Fitness	A candidate should be physically and mentally fit to comply with the military way of life.

 

NDA 2024 Syllabus and Exam Pattern

The Mathematics and GAT (General Ability Test) parts make up the written portion of the NDA exam. The exam is conducted offline and only comprises objective-type questions that must be answered on an OMR sheet. Below is a summary of the NDA exam pattern.

 

• Mathematics 
• General Ability Test (GAT) including English 

 

Particulars	Details of Papers
Subjects	Paper 1 (Mathematics)	Paper 2 (GAT)
No. of Questions	120	150 (English – 50)
Maximum Marks	300	600
Time Duration	2 ½ Hours	2 ½ Hours
Positive Marking	2.5 Marks	4 Marks
Negative Marking	0.83 Marks	1.33 Marks

 

Mathematics Syllabus for NDA 2024 Exam

 

• The Mathematics section of the NDA written exam is a substantial portion of the exam which consists of 120 objective questions carrying a total of 300 marks. 
• The major subjects covered in the Mathematics section with the highest weightage of marks are Algebra, Coordinate Geometry, Trigonometry, Statistics, Integral Calculus, Differential Equations, Matrices and Determinants.

 

GAT Syllabus for NDA 2024 Exam

 

• The General Ability Test – GAT section of the NDA written examination is further divided into two parts, English and General Knowledge. 
• Out of 150 objective questions asked in the GAT section, 50 questions belong to English and the remaining 100 questions are asked from General Knowledge. 
• The General Knowledge part comprises questions from Physics, Chemistry, General Science, Social Studies, Geography, and Current Events.

 

How to start NDA 2024 preparation?

 

The NDA exam is multidimensional and it involves various stages in the selection process. Further, lakhs of candidates appear in the NDA exam every year making it highly challenging to secure a seat at the National Defence Academy (NDA). Therefore, the right mentorship under the guidance of professionals becomes imperative. To start NDA 2024 preparation, it’s essential to plan and strategize effectively. Here are some tips to excel in NDA 2024.

 

• Familiarize yourself with the NDA exam pattern and syllabus.
• Set a study schedule with dedicated time for each subject.
• Gather the right study materials and books for NDA preparation.
• Focus on improving your general knowledge and current affairs awareness.
• Practice previous years’ question papers and mock tests regularly.
• Work on strengthening your mathematics and English language skills.
• Develop a habit of reading newspapers and magazines to stay updated.
• Join a reputable coaching institute for expert guidance and mentorship.
• Participate in physical fitness activities to prepare for the NDA physical tests.
• Stay disciplined and maintain a positive attitude throughout your preparation journey.

 

Best Coaching for NDA 2024 Preparation

 

Centurion Defence Academy stands out as the best coaching institute for NDA 2024 preparation due to its strong track record of success with the highest selection rate across the country. Candidates preparing for the NDA 2024 exam have the option to choose between the Lucknow and Dehradun branches of Centurion Defence Academy, both equipped with top-notch facilities and academic infrastructure. Centurion Defence Academy offers comprehensive guidance for both the written exam and SSB interview, ensuring holistic preparation for NDA aspirants. With its proven results and excellent guidance, joining Centurion is a wise choice for students aspiring to crack the NDA 2024 exam in their first attempt. Here is why you should join Centurion for NDA 2024 preparation.

 

• Highest selection rate in the NDA exam, ensuring better chances of success.
• Branches in both Lucknow and Dehradun with equal facilities and academic infrastructure, providing convenience and flexibility for aspirants.
• Comprehensive guidance for both the written exam and SSB interview, ensuring a holistic preparation approach.
• Proven track record of success, making Centurion a reliable choice for NDA preparation.

 

NDA 2024 Important FAQs

 

1. When will NDA 1 2024 notification be issued?

Ans. NDA 1 2024 notification will be issued on 20th December 2023.

 

2. When will UPSC release the NDA 2 2024 notification?

Ans. UPSC will release the NDA 2 2024 notification on 15th May 2024.

 

3. When can I apply for the NDA 1 2024 exam?

Ans.  You can apply for the NDA 1 2024 exam from 20th December 2023 to 9th January 2024.

 

4. When can I apply for the NDA 2 2024 exam?

Ans. You can apply for the NDA 2 2024 exam from 15th May 2024 to 4th June 2024.

 

5. What is the age limit for the NDA 1 2024 exam?

Ans. The age limit for the NDA 1 2024 exam is between 02 July 2005 and 01 July 2008.

 

6. What is the age limit for the NDA 2 2024 exam?

Ans. The age limit for the NDA 2 2024 exam is between 02 January 2006 and 01 January 2009.

 

7. What is the exam date for NDA 1 2024?

Ans. The exam date for NDA 1 2024 is 21st April 2024 (Sunday).

 

8. When will the NDA 2 2024 exam be conducted?

Ans. The NDA 2 2024 exam will be conducted on 1st September 2024 (Sunday).

 

9. I’m in class 12th, can I apply for the NDA 1 2024 exam?

Ans. Yes, if you are in class 12th, you can apply for the NDA 1 2024 exam.

 

10. I’m from the Arts stream, can I apply for the Air Force wing of NDA?

Ans. No, candidates from the Arts stream cannot apply for the Air Force wing of the NDA. Physics and Mathematics are required for the Air Force and Navy. However, you can apply for the Army wing.

 

11. I’m from the Arts stream, can I apply for the Army wing of NDA?

Ans. Yes, candidates from the Arts stream can apply for the Army wing of NDA.

 

12. I’m a 12th-appearing student, can I apply for the NDA 2 2024 exam?

Ans. Yes, 12th-appearing students can apply for the NDA 2 2024 exam.

 

13. Is joining coaching necessary for the NDA 2024 exam?

Ans. Joining coaching is not mandatory, but it can be helpful for NDA 2024 exam preparation.

 

14. Which is the best coaching for NDA 2024 preparation?

Ans. Centurion Defence Academy is the best coaching for NDA 2024 preparation. It has the highest selection rate in NDA and it provides comprehensive guidance for both the written exam and SSB Interview.

 

15. Which coaching should I join for NDA 2024 preparation?

Ans. For holistic preparation of NDA 2024, you can join Centurion Defence Academy as it is the best coaching for NDA with the highest final selection rate in India.

 

16. Is Centurion Defence Academy good for NDA 2024 preparation?  

Ans. Centurion Defence Academy has been providing the highest final selection rate in the NDA exam, therefore, it will be the best choice for your NDA 2024 preparation.

 

17. Which academy will be the best choice for NDA 2024 preparation?

Ans. The best choice for NDA 2024 preparation depends on your needs, location, and available resources. However, Centurion Defence Academy provides the best coaching for NDA, so it will be the best choice for NDA 2024 preparation.

 

18. What is the NDA 1 2024 and NDA 2 2024 exam?

Ans. NDA 1 2024 and NDA 2 2024 exams are the two separate exams for the two separate courses at NDA, one course commences in January and the other one in July.

 

19. Do I need to appear in both the NDA 1 2024 and NDA 2 2024 exams?

Ans. No, you don’t need to appear in both NDA 1 2024 and NDA 2 2024 exams as they both are separate exams. You can choose either one as per your preference or you can separately apply for both as well.

 

20. I’m a girl, can I apply for the NDA 2024 exam?

Ans. Yes, girls can also apply for the NDA 2024 exam.

 

21. Is mathematics compulsory for the NDA 2024 exam?

Ans. Yes, Mathematics is compulsory for the NDA 2024 exam because there is a separate paper on mathematics in the NDA exam.

 

22. How can I prepare for NDA 2024?

Ans. To prepare for NDA 2024, focus on academics, and physical fitness, and practice the previous year’s papers. For holistic preparation, you can also join a coaching institute like Centurion Defence Academy for NDA 2024 complete preparation.

 

23. Which city is best for NDA 2024 preparation?

Ans. Lucknow and Dehradun are the best cities for NDA 2024 preparation as many top coaching institutes are located there like Centurion Defence Academy which provides the best guidance for NDA preparation.

 

24. I’m in class 10th, can I apply for NDA?

Ans. No, you need to be in 12th grade or have passed 12th grade to apply for NDA. However, you can join the NDA Foundation Course of Centurion Defence Academy to prepare for your school exams of 11th and 12th along with the NDA preparation.