Welcome to PHOTON ACADEMY– Your Aim Our Goal!
"Service to the Nation, Ultimate Honour, and a Prestigious Officer Career Opportunity" — Gateway to Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force after Class 12.
Premier joint training academy of the Indian Armed Forces providing officer cadre entry right after school .
NDA is one of India's most prestigious defence entrance examinations conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) . It gives young aspirants an unparalleled direct pathway to join the armed forces as commissioned officers .
Training Hub: Cadets undergo joint initial training at NDA Khadakwasla (Pune), followed by specialized pre-commissioning training at the respective Army, Navy, or Air Force Academy .
| Parameter | Official Details |
|---|---|
| Examination | NDA (National Defence Academy) |
| Conducted By | UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) |
| Exam Frequency | Twice a Year (NDA I & NDA II) |
| Exam Mode & Duration | Offline (Pen & Paper) | 5 Hours (2 Papers) |
| Core Subjects | Mathematics + General Ability Test (GAT) |
| Selection Stages | Written Exam + 5-Day SSB Interview + Medical Test |
| Total Training | Approx. 4 Years (Joint + Service Academy) |
| Initial Commission Rank | Lieutenant / Flying Officer / Sub Lieutenant |
Detailed educational, age, and physical eligibility criteria along with the step-by-step selection cycle .
Approx. 16.5 to 19.5 Years (as prescribed in the official UPSC notification) .
Male: Eligible Female: Eligible
Comprehensive breakdown of the written test structure, 5-day SSB stages, and mandatory medical/physical fitness benchmarks .
| Paper | Subjects Included | Questions | Max Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Mathematics (Class 11 & 12 Level) | 120 Questions | 300 Marks |
| Paper 2 | General Ability Test (GAT) — English, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, History, Geography, Current Affairs | 150 Questions | 600 Marks |
| Total Written Stage Score | 270 Questions | 900 Marks | |
| Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview Score | 900 Marks | ||
| Grand Total Assessment (Written + SSB) | 1800 Marks | ||
Comprehensive intelligence and personality evaluation assessing Officer Like Qualities (OLQs) :
Important topics to prepare, recommended reading materials, and realistic applicant screening data .
High-weightage Class 11 & 12 topics :
Language proficiency & comprehension :
Science, humanities & updates :
| Selection Stage | Estimated Count |
|---|---|
| Total Applicants | 6 – 8 Lakh |
| Exam Test Takers | 3 – 5 Lakh |
| Written Exam Qualified | Approx. 6,000 – 8,000 |
| SSB Recommended Candidates | Approx. 1,500 – 2,000 |
| Final Recommended Selection | Approx. 700 – 900 |
Stipend during training, monthly rank-wise remuneration, military allowances, and hierarchy of command in the Armed Forces .
| Commissioned Rank | Approx. Monthly Base Pay |
|---|---|
| During Training (Cadet Stipend) | ₹56,100 / Month |
| Lieutenant (Starting Commission Rank) | ₹56,100+ |
| Captain | ₹61,300+ |
| Major | ₹69,400+ |
| Colonel | ₹1,21,200+ |
| Brigadier | ₹1,39,600+ |
| Major General | ₹1,44,200+ |
| Lieutenant General | ₹1,82,200+ |
Includes comprehensive academic and joint physical training at NDA Khadakwasla, followed by 1 year of specialized pre-commissioning training at IMA, INA, or AFA .
Joining the Armed Forces through NDA provides world-class leadership grooming, adventure, and unmatched respect in society .
Phase-wise roadmap from Class 9 to Class 12 alongside an ideal daily discipline and workout schedule .
| Subject / Module | Allocated Time |
|---|---|
| Mathematics Practice | 2 Hours |
| English Language & Grammar | 1 Hour |
| General Knowledge (GK) | 2 Hours |
| Current Affairs Reading | 30 Minutes |
| Physical Training & Stamina | 1 Hour |
| Full Mock Test Series | 2–3 Times / Week |
Phase-wise roadmap from Class 9 to Class 12 alongside an ideal daily discipline and workout schedule .
| Subject / Module | Allocated Time |
|---|---|
| Mathematics Practice | 2 Hours |
| English Language & Grammar | 1 Hour |
| General Knowledge (GK) | 2 Hours |
| Current Affairs Reading | 30 Minutes |
| Physical Training & Stamina | 1 Hour |
| Full Mock Test Series | 2–3 Times / Week |
Key candidate queries, quick topic hubs, scholarship opportunities, and dedicated mentorship support .
Join our Foundation (Class 9–10) or Target Batches (Class 11–12) with integrated Board and SSB guidance .
Comprehensive Mathematics Mastery & GAT Modules
Specialized 5-Day SSB Orientation & GDs
Photon Academy NDA Scholarship Program