NDA After 10th: Eligibility, Age Limit, Syllabus
Starting NDA preparation after Class 10 or NDA after 10th provides a strategic advantage for defence aspirants. Ground Zero Defence Academy offers a rigorous, integrated Foundation Course to help students excel academically and in defence entrance exams. Every detail in this guide is verified using the latest UPSC notifications and official academy guidelines.
Eligibility Requirements For NDA After Class 10th
Foundation Program Eligibility (After Class 10)
Students can join the NDA Foundation Program (or a School Integrated Program) after passing Class 10. This course prepares students academically for Classes 11 and 12 while building NDA-specific skills, physical fitness, and SSB readiness. However, official NDA exam entry is permitted only after (or while in) Class 12—strictly as per UPSC’s eligibility rules.
| Path | Minimum Qualification to Join | Eligibility for Actual NDA Exam |
|---|---|---|
| NDA Foundation Course | Passed Class 10 (any recognised board) | Eligible for NDA exam after (or in) Class 12 |
| NDA Entry (UPSC) | Passed/Appearing in Class 12 | Class 12 (Army: any stream; Air Force/Navy: PCM only) |
Official NDA Exam Eligibility After 12th
- Army Wing: 12th pass/appearing in any stream
- Air Force/Navy: 12th pass/appearing with Physics & Mathematics
- Nationality: Indian
- Marital Status: Unmarried male and female candidates
- Experience: Not required
NDA Age Limit (With Official Cut-Off Dates)
- Minimum Age: 16.5 years
- Maximum Age: 19.5 years
- NDA (I) 2026 Example: Candidates eligible if born between 2nd July 2007 and 1st July 2010 (inclusive)
- Age Relaxation: None (no relaxation for any category)
- Marital Status: Unmarried only
NDA Syllabus & Exam Pattern (Latest Official Details)
Written Exam
- Mathematics: 120 questions, 2.5 marks each, total 300 marks (–0.83 per incorrect)
- General Ability Test (GAT): 150 questions, 4 marks each, total 600 marks (–1.33 per incorrect)
- Exam Duration: 2.5 hours per paper (5 hours total)
- Minimum Qualifying Marks: 25% in each section to proceed to SSB
- Medium: Bilingual (English & Hindi except English section in GAT)
Marks Distribution Table
| Paper | Questions | Marks | Duration | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 120 | 300 | 2.5 hrs | –0.83 per incorrect |
| GAT | 150 | 600 | 2.5 hrs | –1.33 per incorrect |
| Total | 270 | 900 | 5 hrs |
GAT Breakdown: English (200 marks/50 questions) + General Knowledge (400 marks/100 questions—Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, Current Affairs)
Official NDA Syllabus (Brief Overview)
- Mathematics: Algebra, Matrices & Determinants, Trigonometry, Analytical Geometry, Calculus, Statistics & Probability
- General Ability Test:
- English: Grammar, Vocabulary, Comprehension
- General Knowledge: Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, Current Events
NDA Physical, Medical & Additional Eligibility Criteria
Physical Standards
- Height/Weight:
- Males: Minimum 157 cm (Gorkhas/NE: 152 cm), Females: Minimum 152 cm
- Weight: According to age-height-weight table published in official notification
- Vision: 6/6–6/9 uncorrected; 6/6 corrected; Myopia up to –0.75D; Hypermetropia up to +1.5D
- Fitness: No chronic illness, no physical or mental disability, normal ECG, proper dental health, normal hearing
- Other: No permanent tattoos (except in culturally permitted areas); normal spine, limb, and joint function
Medical Standards
- Eyesight, hearing, heart, lungs, kidneys must be within normal limits;
- No history of serious illness, epilepsy, or major surgery;
- Full criteria as listed in latest UPSC notification and GZDA prospectus
NDA Foundation Course After 10th: Step-by-Step at Ground Zero Defence Academy
- Who Can Join?
- Students who passed Class 10 (any recognized board), aiming for NDA via a two-year school + NDA integrated program
- Course Structure
- Academic: Class 11–12 board preparation (science stream recommended), NDA-focussed maths/science/English/general studies as per NDA’s official syllabus
- Exam Prep: Rigorous NDA written coaching, mock exams, past-year paper practice
- Physical: Progressive fitness, running, obstacle courses, yoga, and daily PT
- Personality/SSB: SSB interview coaching, group discussion, psychological tests, public speaking, leadership, and OLQ (officer-like qualities) dev.
- Routine & Mentorship
- Structured daily schedule combining school, NDA prep, fitness, SSB tasks
- Expert mentoring, school progress review, parental updates
- Facilities
- Modern classrooms, science labs, sports grounds, hostel/residential option
- Special sessions by ex-defence officers and SSB interviewers
- Parental Involvement
- Monthly progress reports, academic/final PT feedback, counseling sessions
Role of Coaching & Advantages of Starting After Class 10
- Early Start: Build a strong conceptual foundation in maths, science, English, and current affairs
- Holistic Growth: Simultaneous school and NDA board/exam prep (saves time versus regular batch)
- Physical Fitness Foundation: Early routine instills discipline and stamina for services
- SSB Mastery: More time to develop communication, leadership, and group skills required for officer selection
- Expert Guidance: Mentorship, regular assessment, and peer competition foster motivation and growth
- Parental Transparency: Academy provides regular performance and fitness reports to parents
Admission Process (Ground Zero Defence Academy)
Step-by-Step Guide
- Apply Online/Offline: Fill the form at groundzerodefenceacademy.com or campus office
- Document Submission:
- Aadhar (front & back)
- 10th Marksheet (original)
- 10–12 passport-size photos
- Transfer/Migration Certificate
- Proof of Fee Payment
- Entrance/Assessment Test (if applicable)
- Counseling: Meet academic advisors, clarify doubts, and finalize study plan
- Seat Confirmation & Joining: Pay fees, collect study kit/uniform, begin induction
Fee Structure
- Registration/application fee on submission (as updated on academy website)
- Full program covers tuition, hostel, material, and periodic training (enquire directly for annual/term-wise fees and financial support)
- Click here For NDA Regular Course Details
- Click Here For NDA Foundation Course Details
FAQs: NDA Foundation Program After 10th
- Is direct NDA exam after 10th allowed?
- No, only after passing/appearing Class 12. Foundation helps you be fully ready.
- Are SSB, interview, and fitness training part of the course?
- Yes; GZDA’s integrated program covers SSB, routine PT, communication, and OLQ training.
- What documents are needed at the time of admission?
- Class 10 marksheet, Aadhar, photos, TC/Migration Certificate, fee proof.
- Are all eligibility criteria set by UPSC or the academy?
- All final eligibility for NDA entry is set strictly by UPSC; the academy ensures students meet every official requirement.
Ground Zero Defence Academy | Best NDA Coaching In Dehradun
- Comprehensive Preparation: Ground Zero specializes in NDA Foundation Courses for students after Class 10, combining school and NDA syllabus, rigorous physical training, and complete SSB preparation. This ensures holistic development—not just exam success but also leadership and personality growth.
- Unmatched Mentorship: The faculty includes ex-army educators focusing on discipline, academic guidance, and one-on-one mentoring. Unlike mass-market institutes, Ground Zero maintains controlled batch sizes for personal attention.
- Results-Driven Routine: The academy’s structured daily timetable, frequent mock exams, and practical SSB drills create a disciplined and motivating environment.
- Facilities: Modern classrooms, science labs, fitness facilities, and hostel options. Ground Zero also gives monthly progress reports and regular parental updates for complete transparency.
fill out the form and start your NDA journey with Ground Zero Defence Academy!☟⬇️