Many school students are curious to learn about a career as a commissioned officer in the defence forces by studying at the National Defence Academy (NDA). Some frequently-asked questions include: “What is the basic qualification to apply? How much would be the fees? Can girl students apply?”

Here are the answers:
NDA, located at Khadakwasala, near Pune in Maharashtra, offers free training for both boys and girls who have passed Plus Two (Class 12) for becoming a commissioned officer in the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. There are 370 seats in the three services. Nineteen seats are reserved for female students.

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The entire educational expenses of each student at NDA are met by the government. This includes accommodation, food, uniform, medical treatment and books. The students have to find only Rs 35,376 as pocket allowance and some minor amounts. For students hailing from Kerala, the state government offers a scholarship of Rs 2 lakh.

Eligibility
Students who have cleared Class 12 in any stream can apply for Army subject to the age-limit. However, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry are needed at Plus-Two level for Navy and Air Force. For Army also, questions from Maths, Physics and Chemistry have to be answered in the NDA entrance test even by students who did not study science subjects in Class 12.

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Procedure
Students dreaming of joining NDA have to initially clear a written exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), followed by a five-day-long interview by the Services Selection Board (SSB). Subsequently, a medical examination will take place. Candidates successfully overcoming these challenges can start officers’ training at NDA and also earn a degree from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) alongside.

Selection to 25 seats at Naval Academy, Ezhimala in Kannur district of Kerala takes place along with NDA. All these 25 seats are set apart for male students.

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Website to apply
Currently, applications could be submitted for the NDA training starting in January, 2024. The last day to apply is January 10, 2023 and the website is www.upsconline.nic.in

More details are available from the link ‘Examination – Active Examination’ on www.upsc.gov.in

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