What Happens After Clearing the NDA Written Exam

Clearing the NDA written exam is a major milestone  but it's only the first step toward wearing the uniform. What follows is a journey that tests your personality, fitness, determination, and readiness to serve the nation. From the intense SSB interview to strict medical checks, and finally, life at the National Defence Academy, each stage prepares you for a career of discipline and honor.

If you're wondering what happens after the NDA written exam, here’s a complete breakdown of every stage that awaits you.

📢 Stage 1 – NDA Written Exam Result

UPSC declares the NDA results on its official site (upsc.gov.in). You’ll find a PDF with roll numbers of candidates who’ve cleared the written test.

Once selected:

• You must register on the Indian Army portal (joinindianarmy.nic.in)

• SSB interview call letters are issued via email or online portal

🧠 Stage 2 – Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview

The SSB interview is a 5-day assessment evaluating your personality, leadership, and intelligence. It is mandatory and the most critical part of the NDA selection procedure.

🩺 Stage 3 – NDA Medical Requirements

Candidates recommended by the SSB face medical exams at designated Military Hospitals. Common checks include:

If declared unfit:

• You can apply for Appeal Medical Board (AMB) within 42 days.

• Further escalation is possible to Review Medical Board (RMB).

📊 Stage 4 – NDA Merit List

Written Exam Stage (900 marks): Candidates must score at least the minimum qualifying cutoff in the NDA written exam, which is assessed out of 900 marks.
Final Merit (Total 1800 marks): Final selection is based on the combined aggregate score—900 marks from the written exam plus 900 marks from the SSB interview. Only candidates who pass the written cutoff are eligible.

Your allocation to the Army, Navy, or Air Force is determined by a combination of your service preference, merit rank, and the availability of vacancies.

📩 Stage 5 – NDA Joining Process

Issuing of Joining Instructions

Selected candidates receive joining letters with:

• Reporting date

• Reporting location (NDA, Khadakwasla)

• Required documents

• Dress code and preparation checklist

Reporting and Documentation

You must bring:

• Educational certificates

• Character certificate

• COVID vaccination certificate (if applicable)

• Identity proof

• Migration Certificate, if requested by NDA

🏋️ Stage 6 – NDA Training

The NDA, located in Khadakwasla, Pune, is the world’s first tri-service military academy where cadets from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force train together. The comprehensive three-year program is divided into six terms and leads to a B.A., B.Sc., or B.Tech degree, awarded through Jawaharlal Nehru University.

During this period, cadets undergo:

• Academic education in a broad range of subjects

• Military training, including drill, fieldcraft, obstacle courses, and weapon handling

• Physical conditioning and sports

• Leadership development, ethics, and endurance building 

🎖️ 1-Year Pre-Commissioning Training
After graduating from NDA, cadets proceed to specialized service academies for one final year of training before commissioning:

• Army cadets → Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun

• Naval cadets → Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala, Kerala

• Air Force cadets → Air Force Academy (AFA), Dundigal (Hyderabad)

✅ Final Thoughts

Clearing the NDA written exam is only the beginning. What lies ahead is a detailed and demanding process that filters only the best into the ranks of the Indian Armed Forces. From the SSB interview to the final merit list and training at NDA, every step tests your resolve, character, and commitment to serve the nation.

Prepare well, stay focused, and embrace this once-in-a-lifetime journey!

❓ FAQs

1. How long is the NDA selection process after the written exam?
It typically takes 6–9 months from written result to joining NDA.

2. Is SSB interview tough?
Yes, it’s competitive. It checks personality, leadership, and officer-like qualities.

3. What if I'm declared medically unfit?
You can appeal through an AMB or RMB within the allowed timeframe.

4. Do all candidates who clear NDA written get selected?
No. Only those who also clear SSB and medicals, and make it to the merit list, are selected.

5. Where is NDA located?
NDA is located in Khadakwasla, near Pune, Maharashtra.