• January-22-2025

Entrance Exams for Defence Academies

India has several Defence Academies that prepare candidates for the Indian Armed Forces (Army, Navy, and Air Force). These academies conduct rigorous training and entrance exams to select candidates who are eligible for various positions in the military.

 Defence Academies:

1. National Defence Academy (NDA)

• Location: Khadakwasla, Pune, Maharashtra
• Courses Offered: Three-year undergraduate training program for Army, Navy, and Air Force.
• Eligibility:
  • Age: 16.5 to 19.5 years
  • Educational Qualification: 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics for candidates applying for the Army, Navy, or Air Force.
• Entrance Exam: NDA Exam (conducted by UPSC twice a year)
• Website:https://nda.nic.in/site-page-viewer/6

2. Indian Military Academy (IMA)

• Location: Dehradun, Uttarakhand
• Courses Offered: Regular Commission Training for Indian Army
• Eligibility:
  • Age: 19 to 24 years
  • Educational Qualification: Graduation from a recognized university.
• Selection Process:
  • IMA is part of the selection process for candidates applying through CDS (Combined Defence Services) exam or through direct entries like TGC (Technical Graduate Course).
• Website: https://164.100.158.23/ima.htm

3. Officers Training Academy (OTA)

• Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
• Courses Offered: Short Service Commission training for Indian Army
• Eligibility:
  • Age: 19 to 25 years
  • Educational Qualification: Graduation.
• Selection Process: OTA is part of the CDS exam, which is conducted by UPSC.
• Website: http://www.joinindianarmy.nic.in

4. Indian Naval Academy (INA)

• Location: Ezhimala, Kerala
• Courses Offered: Training for Naval Officers
• Eligibility:
  • Age: 19 to 22 years (for candidates joining the Naval Academy through the NDA exam).
  • Educational Qualification: 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics for NDA entrants. For direct entry, a graduation or engineering degree is required.
• Selection Process:
  • Naval Academy Cadet Training is through NDA or direct entry schemes.
• Website: http://www.ina.gov.in

5. Air Force Academy (AFA)

• Location: Dundigal, Hyderabad, Telangana
• Courses Offered: Training for Indian Air Force officers
• Eligibility:
  • Age: 19 to 23 years (for candidates joining through NDA). Age limits vary for other entry modes.
  • Educational Qualification: 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics for NDA entrants. For direct entry, candidates need a graduation or engineering degree.
• Selection Process:
  • AFA is part of the NDA exam for those pursuing Air Force careers or the AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) for graduate-level entry.
• Website: https://indianairforce.nic.in/air-force-academy/

6. National Defence College (NDC)

• Location: New Delhi
• Courses Offered: Higher Command Course for senior military officers (Brigadier and above), civil services officers, and members of the police, diplomatic, and international organizations.
• Eligibility: Senior Officers from all branches of the Armed Forces and other government departments.
• Website: https://ndc.nic.in/

7. Military Nursing Service (MNS)

• Location: Various Military Hospitals
• Courses Offered: Nursing training for female candidates to serve as officers in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
• Eligibility:
  • Age: 17.5 to 25 years
  • Educational Qualification: 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
• Selection Process: Entrance exam followed by interviews and medical tests.
• Website: https://exams.nta.ac.in/SSCMNS/

Defence Exams

• NDA (National Defence Academy) Exam: Conducted by UPSC for entry into NDA for Army, Navy, and Air Force.
  • Website: NDA Exam
• CDS (Combined Defence Services) Exam: For entry into IMA, OTA, INA, and AFA.
  • Website: CDS Exam
• AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test): For entry into the Indian Air Force (officers in various branches).
  • Website: http://AFCAT
• TA (Territorial Army) Exam: For entry into the Territorial Army.
  • Website: Territorial Army

These academies and exams play a critical role in shaping future leaders of India’s armed forces. The selection process typically includes written exams, physical fitness tests, and interviews at SSB (Services Selection Board).