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Defence Exams 2026 – Complete Guide to NDA, CDS, AFCAT & More

Your Ultimate Guide to Cracking India's Top Defence Exams

Indian Defence Institute is your one-stop informative hub for defence exams, preparation strategies, syllabus breakdowns, and expert resources.

As a dedicated platform under the Indian Defence Academy – recognized as the Best NDA Coaching in Dehradun – we empower thousands of aspirants to crack prestigious exams like NDA, CDS, AFCAT, and more.

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Major Defence Exams in India

We break down every aspect of India’s top defence entrance exams. Whether you’re a Class 12 student eyeing the NDA or a graduate targeting the CDS, our guides cover eligibility, syllabus, exam patterns, previous papers, and cut-offs.

1. National Defence Academy (NDA) Exam : The Gateway to National Defence Academy

The National Defence Academy (NDA) exam is your first step toward becoming an officer in the Army, Navy, or Air Force. Conducted twice a year by UPSC, it tests Mathematics and General Ability.

Eligibility: 10+2 passed, age 16.5–19.5 years.
Exam Pattern: 900 marks (Maths: 300, GAT: 600); 2.5 hours each.
Key Prep Tip: Master NCERT Maths (Class 11–12) and stay updated on current affairs via newspapers like The Hindu.

Explore NDA Syllabus & Mock Tests →

2. Combined Defence Services (CDS) Exam : Commissioning for Officers in IMA, INA, AFA

Combined Defence Services (CDS) opens doors to Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Air Force Academy (AFA). Ideal for graduates aiming for direct officer entry.

Eligibility: Graduation; age 19–25 years (varies by academy).
Exam Pattern: English, GK, and subject-specific papers (600 marks total).
Proven Strategy: Focus on English comprehension (35%) and build stamina for the SSB interview phase.

CDS Prep Guide →

3. AFCAT: Soar High with Air Force Common Admission Test

AFCAT recruits flying, ground duty, and technical branches for the Indian Air Force. A thrilling choice for aviation enthusiasts.

Eligibility: Graduation (60%+); age 20–24/26 years.
Exam Pattern: 300 marks (English, Reasoning, GK, Military Aptitude); EKT for technical roles.
Top Tip: Practice 50+ reasoning puzzles daily and revise aviation history.

Latest AFCAT Notifications →

4. Agniveer Recruitment Exams

Under Agnipath Scheme | Army, Navy, Air Force Short-term service entry for soldiers, sailors, and airmen.

Eligibility: 17.5–21 years, 10th/12th pass.
Selection: CEE + Physical + Medical.

[Agniveer Full Guide]

Other Key Defence Exams: SSB, TES, TGC & More

Exam	Focus	Eligibility Highlights
SSB Interview	Personality & Officer Traits	Post-written exam qualifier
TES (Technical Entry Scheme)	Engineering Cadets for Army	10+2 with PCM (70%+)
TGC (Technical Graduate Course)	Technical Officers	B.E./B.Tech graduates
INET (Navy)	Navy Executive Branch	Graduates, age 19–24

Master SSB with the Best NDA Coaching in Dehradun

The Services Selection Board (SSB) is a 5-6 day rigorous evaluation by the Indian Armed Forces for officer entries (NDA, CDS, AFCAT, TES, etc.). It tests Officer Like Qualities (OLQs) such as leadership, teamwork, initiative, decision-making, social adaptability, stamina, and mental resilience—focusing on natural personality over rote answers.

SSB Stages Overview

Day 1 (Screening): Verbal/Non-Verbal intelligence tests + PPDT (story writing & group discussion). ~30-50% proceed.
Days 2-4: Psychological tests (TAT, WAT, SRT, SDT) + GTO tasks (GD, GPE, PGT, obstacles, command task, lecturette) + personal interview.
Day 5: Conference for final recommendations.
Medicals follow if recommended.

Preparation Tips

Develop confidence, fitness, positive body language, and honest responses. Practice TAT/WAT stories, GTO teamwork, current affairs, and PIQ-based interview questions. Stay natural—assessors detect faking. Read newspapers, do mocks, and build genuine OLQs.

Self-study works for some, but coaching provides expert feedback, realistic simulations, and weakness correction.

Indian Defence Academy is widely regarded as one of the best for SSB preparation, especially in Dehradun. It offers experienced faculty (ex-assessors), personalized mentoring, full-stage mocks, and a strong track record of recommendations. Its disciplined, result-oriented approach helps serious candidates succeed in one attempt. (If nearby or willing to travel, it’s an excellent choice.)

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Why Dehradun is the Ideal City for NDA Preparation

Dreaming of the NDA uniform? Your preparation city shapes your success—Dehradun is the top choice for serious aspirants, home to the Indian Military Academy (IMA) and immersed in true military discipline. In the peaceful Doon Valley, you develop intense focus, physical strength, and vital Officer Like Qualities (OLQs) to ace NDA written exams and SSB interviews. Indian Defence Academy, the best NDA coaching in Dehradun, uses this inspiring setting with expert ex-defence faculty for complete, result-focused training that turns dreamers into officers. Choose the right ground—choose Dehradun, choose the best. Join Indian Defence Academy today and step toward victory!

Complete NDA Syllabus Coverage & Exam Pattern Guide

Your aspiration to wear the uniform and serve the nation with honor is truly noble, and we are committed to guiding you every step of the way—from building strong fundamentals to mastering exam strategies and SSB preparation.

The first and most critical step toward your goal is conquering the UPSC NDA & NA Written Examination (for NDA 2026). A rock-solid grasp of the latest syllabus is the foundation of any winning preparation strategy.

The UPSC NDA 2026 syllabus (as detailed in the official Notification for NDA & NA Examination (I), 2026, released on 10 December 2025) remains consistent with recent years—no major revisions have been announced. It continues to align with Class 11–12 CBSE/equivalent standards, focusing on conceptual clarity, application, and analytical skills.