What is the selection process for the National Defence Academy

STAGE 1: NDA Written Exam Selection Process (900 Marks)

The Written Exam Includes:

Selection Criteria for Written Exam

• Cut-off is decided by UPSC every cycle.
• Cut-off usually ranges from 340 to 370 out of 900 (varies yearly).
• Minimum 25% in each paper is required to qualify, even if total cut-off is met.

 Example:

If NDA I cut-off is 350, but you score:

• Maths = 200/300
• GAT = 140/600  (Below 25%) You will be disqualified.

 Only those who score above the cut-off AND 25% in each paper are called for SSB.

STAGE 2: SSB Interview Selection Process (900 Marks)

 Step-by-Step Selection in SSB Interview:

 Stage I: Screening (Day 1) – Elimination Round

 How Selection Happens in Stage I:

• Based on combined performance in OIR and PPDT
• Candidates are either 'Screened In' or 'Screened Out'
• Around 60–70% are eliminated on Day 1

 If 'Screened In' → You stay for 4 more days for Stage II

Stage II: Full Assessment (Day 2–5)

 What They Look For:

• Officer-Like Qualities (OLQs): Leadership, initiative, communication, reasoning, confidence, teamwork, etc.
• Your personality is judged holistically, not by marks in a test

Final Day – Conference & Recommendation

• All three assessors give marks out of 300
• You need a balanced performance across all three assessors
• If they are uncertain, you may be asked extra questions in the conference
• After discussion, candidates are either:
•  Recommended
•  Not Recommended

 Final Merit Selection After SSB

• Only medically fit + recommended candidates are considered for final merit list.
• Top ranks get their preferred service (Army, Navy, Air Force).

 Summary: How You’re Selected