Defence Officer through NDA (Army, Navy, Air Force)
एनडीए के माध्यम से रक्षा अधिकारी (थल सेना, नौसेना, वायु सेना)
Officer entry after Class 12 through UPSC NDA — three years at the academy, a degree, then a commission as an officer.
Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force (through the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy) · Ministry of Defence
Exam
UPSC NDA
Qualification
12th pass
Age limit
16–19 years
Transfers
Anywhere in India
Work hours
Round-the-clock commitment; no fixed working hours
Probation
3 years at NDA, Khadakwasla, then about 1 year at IMA, the Air Force Academy or the Naval Academy
Pay on commissioning / month
₹1,14,560
| Basic pay (Level 10) | ₹56,100 |
| Military Service Pay | ₹15,500 |
| Dearness Allowance (60%) | ₹42,960 |
Before income tax. Transport allowance, free rations, dress allowance and field, flying or other risk allowances are extra, and married or single accommodation is normally provided in place of HRA. There is no NPS deduction; pension is under defence rules. Rates as of January 2026.
Cadets receive no salary during the three years at NDA. A fixed stipend of ₹56,100 a month is paid during the final phase of training at the service academies (IMA, AFA, INA).
What you will actually do
- Completing a degree with military training as a cadet
- Leading a platoon, flight or division of personnel after commissioning
- Training troops and maintaining weapons and equipment
- Operational duties on borders, at sea or in the air
- Administration, discipline and welfare of the people under your command
A typical day
As a cadet your day is fixed from 5 a.m. to lights out: physical training, drill, academic classes for a JNU degree, games, equitation or swimming, and study hours, with little personal time. After commissioning the day depends on the service and unit, but it centres on the people you command: morning PT with them, training, equipment checks, paperwork and being answerable for everything in your sub-unit.
Promotion path
Timelines are ranges and vary by cadre. See how promotions and MACP work.
Defence Officer through NDA (Army, Navy, Air Force) (joining)
Level 10 + MSP
Captain
2 years, time-scale · via dpc
Major
6 years, time-scale · Level 11 · via dpc
₹1,02,000–₹1,19,000 in-hand
Lieutenant Colonel
13 years, time-scale · via dpc
Colonel and above
By selection, from about 15–18 years; many officers do not get selected · Level 13 · via dpc
₹1,66,000–₹1,87,000 in-hand
Promotion timelines vary by cadre and vacancies. If not promoted, MACP gives a pay upgrade after 10, 20 and 30 years.
How to get in
Union Public Service Commission
- 1.Written examination (Mathematics 300 marks, General Ability Test 600 marks)
- 2.SSB interview (900 marks, about five days)
- 3.Medical examination
- 4.Merit list
Eligibility: Army wing: Class 12 pass in any stream. Air Force and Naval wings of NDA and the 10+2 Cadet Entry at the Naval Academy: Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Students appearing in Class 12 can apply. Open to unmarried men and women. Age 16–19. The age band is about 16½ to 19½ years on the course start date (for NDA-II 2026: born between 1 January 2008 and 1 January 2011). No category-based age relaxation. Candidates must be unmarried and must not marry during training.
Physical standards: Strict medical standards for height, weight, eyesight and general fitness, checked by a military medical board after the SSB. Air Force flying candidates also take a pilot aptitude test.
The good
- ✓ Become an officer by about 22 with a degree and no fees
- ✓ Early responsibility for people and equipment
- ✓ Pay, housing and medical cover from the day of commissioning
The hard parts
- – Very demanding training; some cadets are withdrawn or relegated
- – Frequent moves and long separation from family
- – Physical danger is part of the job
Postings
Anywhere the armed forces are deployed, including high-altitude posts, deserts, ships at sea and remote air bases, alternating with peace stations. Postings change every two to three years.
Questions people ask
What is the salary of Defence Officer through NDA (Army, Navy, Air Force)?+
On commissioning, pay is fixed at the start of Level 10: basic pay ₹56,100 plus Military Service Pay of ₹15,500. With dearness allowance at 60% (January 2026) that comes to about ₹1,15,000 a month, before transport, field, flying and other allowances. Cadets get a fixed stipend of ₹56,100 a month during training at the service academy.
What is the qualification and age limit for Defence Officer through NDA (Army, Navy, Air Force)?+
Army wing: Class 12 pass in any stream. Air Force and Naval wings of NDA and the 10+2 Cadet Entry at the Naval Academy: Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Students appearing in Class 12 can apply. Open to unmarried men and women. Age: 16–19 years. Relaxation: The age band is about 16½ to 19½ years on the course start date (for NDA-II 2026: born between 1 January 2008 and 1 January 2011). No category-based age relaxation. Candidates must be unmarried and must not marry during training.
Which exam do I need to clear for Defence Officer through NDA (Army, Navy, Air Force)?+
UPSC NDA (Union Public Service Commission).
Can girls apply for NDA?+
Yes. Unmarried women have been eligible since 2021, against the vacancies notified for them.
Is there any fee for NDA training?+
Training, boarding, lodging and books are at government cost. Parents meet pocket money and some personal expenses, as set out in the notice.
Compare with similar posts
Army Officer, Permanent Commission (CDS, Indian Military Academy)
थल सेना अधिकारी, स्थायी कमीशन (सीडीएस, आईएमए)
Permanent commission in the Army for graduates through UPSC CDS — 18 months at IMA Dehradun, then Lieutenant.
Air Force Officer, Flying Branch (Pilot)
वायु सेना अधिकारी, फ्लाइंग ब्रांच (पायलट)
Pilot in the Indian Air Force through UPSC CDS or AFCAT — fighter, transport or helicopter flying after training at Dundigal.
Agniveer (Indian Army)
अग्निवीर (भारतीय सेना)
Four-year engagement in the Army under the Agnipath scheme — a fixed monthly package, no pension, and up to 25% retained.
Sources
This profile is being reviewed. Confirm details in the latest official notification. Salary computed from pay rules as of January 2026.