Defence Entrance Exams 2026: NDA & CDS Complete Guide
Joining the Indian Armed Forces through NDA (after 12th) or CDS (after graduation) requires clearing UPSC written exam followed by a rigorous 5-day SSB interview. Both test academic knowledge, personality, and officer-like qualities.
NDA 2026 Preparation Strategy
Paper 1: Mathematics (300 marks)
Algebra, Matrices, Trigonometry, Coordinate Geometry, Calculus, Statistics, Probability. Class 12 level but tricky questions. Practice speed and accuracy. Target: 100+ marks for safety.
Paper 2: General Ability Test (600 marks)
English (200 marks): Grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, sentence correction. Practice daily. Read newspapers for comprehension skills.
General Knowledge (400 marks): Physics, Chemistry, Biology, History, Geography, Polity, Current Affairs. Wide syllabus—focus on frequently asked areas from previous years.
CDS 2026 Preparation Strategy
3 papers for IMA/INA/AFA (English, GK, Mathematics). OTA requires only English + GK. Mathematics is Class 10 level—scoring if practiced. GK covers extensive range.
SSB Interview Preparation (5 Days)
Day 1: Screening (OIR test + Picture Perception & Discussion)
Day 2: Psychology tests (TAT, WAT, SRT, Self-Description)
Day 3-4: GTO tasks (Group Discussion, Planning Exercise, Progressive Group Task, Half Group Task, Individual Obstacles, Command Task, Final Group Task)
Day 5: Personal Interview + Conference
Officer-Like Qualities (OLQs) to Develop
- Effective Intelligence, Reasoning Ability
- Organizing Ability, Power of Expression
- Social Adaptability, Cooperation
- Initiative, Self-Confidence, Decisiveness
- Courage, Stamina, Determination
Physical Fitness Preparation
Start physical training early. Running (1600m in 5:30 min), push-ups (minimum 20), sit-ups (minimum 30), chin-ups (minimum 6). Swimming proficiency helps.