The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the National Defence Academy (NDA) examination twice a year, offering aspiring young individuals a golden opportunity to serve in the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force. The UPSC NDA 2021 notification marked a significant milestone for defence enthusiasts, with details released for both NDA I and NDA II exams. This article delves deep into every aspect of the UPSC NDA 2021 process, from eligibility criteria and application procedures to exam patterns, syllabus, and selection stages. Whether you’re searching for NDA exam details, NDA eligibility, or NDA application form guidance, we’ve got you covered.
UPSC NDA 2021 Notification Released
UPSC NDA 2021 Recruitment Notification: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the notification for those candidates who are waiting National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (I) 2021, for admission to the 147th course in the Army, Navy, and Air Force Wings. Check the official notification carefully.
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
UPSC NDA I 2021 Online Form
Advt No. : 04/2020
Table of Contents
ToggleImportant Dates for UPSC NDA 2021
| Event | NDA I 2021 | NDA II 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| Notification Release | December 30, 2020 | June 9, 2021 |
| Application Start | December 30, 2020 | June 9, 2021 |
| Last Date to Apply | January 19, 2021 (6:00 PM) | June 29, 2021 |
| Exam Date | April 18, 2021 | September 5, 2021 |
| Admit Card Release | March 2021 (three weeks prior) | August 2021 |
| Result Announcement | To be announced | To be announced |
| Course Commencement | January 2, 2022 | January 2, 2022 |
Application Fee
- General / OBC: 100/-
- SC / ST : 0/- (Nil)
- Pay online the exam fee for UPSC NDA through net banking, debit card, or credit card.
- or
- You can also pay the exam fee through cash by e-challan fee mode at the State Bank of India
Eligibility Criteria for UPSC NDA 2021: Who Can Apply?
Eligibility is the foundation of any competitive exam, and for UPSC NDA 2021, it was straightforward yet strict. Only unmarried male candidates (note: later changes allowed females, but 2021 notifications specified males) born between July 2, 2002, and July 1, 2005, for NDA I, and January 2, 2003, to January 1, 2006, for NDA II, were eligible. This NDA age limit ensured candidates were at the prime of youth, ready for rigorous training.
UPSC NDA 1 Age Limit
- Age Between: 02/07/2002 to 01/07/2005
Educational Qualification:
| Academy | Educational Qualification |
|---|---|
| Army Wing of National Defence Academy | 12th Class pass of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent examination conducted by a State Education Board or a University |
| Air Force and Naval Wings of National Defence Academy | 12th class pass of the 10+2 pattern of school education or equivalent with physics and mathematics conducted by a state education board or a university. Candidates who are appearing in the 12th Class under the 10+2 pattern of school education or an equivalent examination can also apply for this examination. |
| UPSC NDA Physical Standard: | Candidates must be physically fit according to physical standards for admission to National Defence Academy and the Naval Academy Examination (I), 2021 |
Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide
Applying for UPSC NDA 2021 was digital and user-friendly. Start by registering on upsconline.nic.in with basic details and photo ID. Part I involved personal info, Part II involved uploading photos/signatures and fee payment. Common pitfalls? Incorrect photo sizes or mismatched IDs – avoid them for smooth processing.
For NDA application form 2021 queries, remember: no offline modes. The system allowed preference selection for services (Army, Navy, Air Force, Naval Academy), advising multiple options based on rank.
Exam Pattern and Syllabus: Blueprint for Success
The NDA exam pattern remained consistent: a written test worth 900 marks, divided into Mathematics (300 marks, 120 questions, 2.5 hours) and General Ability Test (GAT) (600 marks, 150 questions, 2.5 hours). Objective questions with 1/3 negative marking for wrong answers encouraged accuracy.
Syllabus breakdown:
- Mathematics: Algebra, Matrices, Trigonometry, Calculus, Vectors—focus on NCERT Class 11/12.
- GAT: English (grammar, vocabulary), General Knowledge (physics, chemistry, history, geography, current affairs), emphasising conceptual understanding.
UPSC NDA 2021 Selection Procedure
The selection will be done on the basis of performance in the Written Test (900 marks) and the SSB interview/personality test (900 marks).
UPSC NDA Exam Pattern 2021
There will be objective-type questions on:
| Subject | No. of Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maths (Post Code – 01) | 120 | 300 | 2 Hours & 30 Minutes |
| General Ability Test (Post Code – 02) | 150 | 600 | 2 Hours & 30 Minutes |
How to Apply for UPSC NDA 1 Recruitment 2021?
Interested and eligible candidates can apply for UPSC NDA NA 2021 through the online mode from 30 December to 11 January 2021 through official website of UPSC.
UPSC NDA 1 Important Links
| Activity | Important Links |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Link Activate 30/12/2020 |
| Part II Registration | Link Activate 30/12/2020 |
| Re Print Application Form | Link Activate 30/12/2020 |
| Download UPSC NDA Short Notification | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
UPSC NDA 2021 Vacancy Details
National Defence Academy for 147th Course
- Army
- Navy
- Air
109th Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC)
UPSC NDA 2021 Salary:
Fixed Stipend for Cadet Training for Army Officers and Equivalent Ranks in the Air Force and Navy:
Rs 56,100/- p.m. (Starting pay in Level 10)
Pay:
Lt to Major
- Lt – Level 10 (56,100 – 1,77,500)
- Capt – Level 10 B (61,300-1,93,900)
- Maj – Level 11 (69,400 –2,07,200)
Lt Colonel to Major General
- Lt Col – Level 12A (1,21,200 –2,12,400)
- Col – Level 13 (1,30,600-2,15,900)
- Brig – Level 13A (1,39,600-2,17,600)
- Maj Gen – Level 14 (1,44,200-2,18,200)
Lt Gen AG Scale
- Level 15 (1, 82, 200-2,24,100)
HAG + Scale
- Level 16 (2,05,400 – 2,24,400)
VCOAS/ Army Cdr/ LtGen (NFSG)
- Level 17 (2,25,000/-) (fixed)
COAS
- Level 18 (2,50,000/-) (fixed)
Military Service Pay (MSP) to the officers from the rank of Lt to Brig:
Rs 15,500 p.m. fixed
Flying Allowance:
The Army Aviators (Pilots) serving in the Army Aviation Corps are entitled to flying allowance at Rs 25,000/- p.m.









