🎖️ Defence Services (NDA)

What it costs to get there

Indicative total tuition for the whole course in Karnataka

NDA cadets pay no tuition. Food, accommodation, uniforms, medical care and training are provided by the government, and cadets receive a stipend during training. A refundable deposit is collected on joining.

Fees change every year and differ by college — confirm with the college before paying. Scholarships can cover much of this.

The journey, step by step

SSLC through to leadership.

1. 1Foundation · 1 Year🎓 SSLC — Class 10Finish Class 10. Your marks decide which colleges and subject combinations are open to you next.
2. 2Stream Selection · 2 Years🔬 PUC — ScienceTwo years of pre-university study in the Science stream. This is where you prepare for the entrance exam.
3. 3Entrance Exam · Exam year📝 UPSC NDA & NA ExaminationEntry to BA / B.Sc awarded by JNU, plus a commission is through UPSC NDA & NA Examination. NDA & NA Examination is run by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and leads to National Defence Academy and Naval Academy, leading to a commission as an officer. Dates change every year — always confirm on the conducting authority's official portal.
4. 4Degree · 3 Years at NDA + 1 Year at the service academy📘 BA / B.Sc awarded by JNU, plus a commissionDefence Services (NDA): 3 Years at NDA + 1 Year at the service academy. You can specialise in Army, Navy, Air Force and more.
5. 5First Job · After graduating💼 Lieutenant, Indian ArmyCommon starting roles include Lieutenant, Indian Army, Sub Lieutenant, Indian Navy, Flying Officer, Indian Air Force.
6. 6Higher Studies · Optional🎯 Defence Services Staff CollegeYou can continue with Defence Services Staff College, M.Tech at military institutions, MBA after service.
7. 7Research · 3–5 Years (PhD)🔬 DRDO research postingsDRDO research postings · Technical staff courses · Defence studies postgraduate degrees
8. 8Government Route · Exam-based🏛️ Commissioned officer in the Army, Navy or Air ForceCommissioned officer in the Army, Navy or Air Force · CDS entry after graduation · AFCAT entry for the Air Force · Territorial Army and paramilitary officer routes
9. 9Entrepreneurship · Any time🚀 Security and logistics consultancy after serviceSecurity and logistics consultancy after service · Adventure and training academy · Defence-sector advisory
10. 10Leadership · Long term⭐ Commanding OfficerCommanding Officer · Brigadier and above · Service Chief

Job roles and salary ranges

Salary figures are indicative annual ranges, not guarantees.

Where these facts come from

Union Public Service Commission conducts the NDA & NA Examination. Three years at the National Defence Academy, where cadets take a BA or B.Sc awarded by Jawaharlal Nehru University, then a year at the Indian Military Academy, Naval Academy or Air Force Academy before commissioning.