What is NDA / Officer Entry
NDA = National Defence Academy. After 12th standard, an aspirant can join the NDA and then undergo training to become an officer in the Indian Army, Navy or Air Force.
The exam is conducted by UPSC twice a year (NDA-I and NDA-II).
Selection involves Written Exam → SSB Interview (Services Selection Board) → Medical Fitness.
Eligibility Criteria (General)
To apply for NDA:
Age: Usually 16½ to 19½ years.
Education: Must have passed or be appearing in 12th class (10+2) from a recognized board. For Navy & Air Force wings, Physics & Mathematics may be required.
Nationality: Must be an Indian citizen (or meet other criteria as per UPSC rules).
Physical & Medical Fitness: There are strict physical fitness and medical standards.
(Candidates should always check the latest UPSC notification for exact eligibility in the year they apply.)
Selection Stages
Written Exam
Mathematics paper
General Ability Test (English, General Knowledge, etc.)
SSB Interview – 5 days, with various tests:
Screening tests (e.g. picture perception & discussion, intelligence etc.)
Psychological tests (TAT, WAT, SRT, SDT)
Group tasks, group discussion, group planning
Personal Interview
Medical Examine – after SSB, to check whether you meet medical/fitness standards.
Final Merit – Based on written + SSB + medical, you are then selected.
What You Need to Do / Prepare
To become an NDA officer, you need strong preparation in:
Academics: Mathematics & General Ability Test. Clear understanding of all topics; regular practice; solving past papers; time management.
Physical Fitness: Running, pushups, situps, chin-ups etc. Also endurance, stamina, agility.
Personality Development: English fluency, confidence, communication skills, leadership qualities.
SSB Preparation: Learn how to handle group discussions & tasks; psychological tests; building good impression in interview; mental strength.
How Manasa Defence Academy Supports This
From what’s available, Manasa Defence Academy in Visakhapatnam offers strong support to NDA aspirants. Here’s how they help:
They provide well-designed NDA training, covering written exam + SSB + physical + personality development. Manasa Defence Academy+2Manasa Defence Academy+2
They use retired defence officers as faculty to coach students, which gives good insight into defence requirements. Manasa Defence Academy+1
Infrastructure and facilities: hostel (A/C & non-A/C), gym, playground, swimming pool etc. help students train physically and mentally. Manasa Defence Academy+1
They provide medical checkups at admission and before final selection. Manasa Defence Academy+1
They have crash / advance courses (4 month / 6 month / 1 year) so you can join depending on how much time you have. Manasa Defence Academy+1
Coaching for SSB, group discussions, personality development, English speaking are part of the course. Manasa Defence Academy+1