NDA Full Form

NDA Full Form: NDA stands for National Defence Academy. It is recognized as India’s leading institution for the joint training of future officers. It trains cadets for the Indian Army, Navy, & Air Force. Cadets here begin their military journey. They later join their specific service academies. NDA is located at Khadakwasla, Pune, Maharashtra. It is the world’s first tri-service academy.

What is the Full Form of NDA?

Full Form of NDA is National Defence Academy

NDA is famous for its discipline and training. Many famous officers have trained here. NDA alumni include 3 Param Vir Chakra awardees. There are also 11 Ashoka Chakra awardees. The academy has produced 32 Chiefs of Staff so far.

In 2019, all three chiefs of the Army, Air Force, & Navy came from NDA. They were from the 61st course. This demonstrates the academy’s significant impact. In 2021, the Supreme Court of India opened the doors of the NDA to female cadets. This marked a historic milestone in the history of Indian defence services and promoted gender equality in the armed forces.

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NDA Full Form – NDA Motto

The NDA’s motto is “सेवा परमो धर्मः,” which translates to “Service Before Self” in English. It inspires cadets to place their duty to the nation above their own personal interests. It inspires them to serve the nation with dedication. It reflects sacrifice, discipline, and commitment. Every cadet follows this in life.

NDA Overview

The NDA is one of India’s most respected defence training institutions. It is renowned for its discipline, strong values, & dedication to excellence. Below is a brief overview highlighting key details about the NDA.

NDA History

NDA’s history started after World War II. Field Marshal Claude Auchinleck suggested a joint academy. He submitted his report in 1946. The idea for the NDA was inspired by West Point in the USA.

After India gained independence in 1947, this plan was put into action. An interim academy called the Joint Services Wing (JSW) started in 1949. It was set up at Dehradun. Army cadets stayed in India for training. Navy and Air Force cadets were sent to the UK for training.

In 1941, Sudan gave £100,000 to India for a war memorial. After partition, India received £70,000. This money helped in building the NDA. Jawaharlal Nehru laid the foundation stone in 1949. NDA was formally commissioned in December 1954. The inauguration was held in January 1955.

NDA Campus

NDA’s campus is located near Khadakwasla Lake. It is about 17 km from Pune city. It spreads over 7,015 acres. The land was donated by the Bombay State. NDA’s location was chosen carefully. It is close to the sea and air bases. It also offers a good climate for training.
Sinhagad Fort forms a beautiful backdrop. The campus had an old training centre and a mock landing ship. This helped during site selection.

Sudan Block

The administrative headquarters of the NDA is called the Sudan Block. It was named in memory of the Indian soldiers who fought in Sudan during the East African campaign. It was inaugurated in 1959. It is a grand building. It is made of basalt, granite, & Jodhpur red sandstone. The inside uses Italian marble. The building has arches, pillars, and a dome.

NDA has world-class facilities. The NDA campus offers classrooms, laboratories, football fields, swimming pools, gym, polo grounds, a cricket stadium, squash courts, & tennis courts. The training year is divided into two terms: Spring and Autumn. These are Spring (January-May) and Autumn (July-December). Cadets complete six terms before graduation.

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NDA Academy Prayer

The NDA Prayer does not follow any specific religion. It is a neutral and universal prayer. The prayer asks for strength to serve the nation. It seeks blessings to stay honest and morally strong. It also asks for opportunities to serve the country and lead others with dedication.

NDA Administration

The NDA is headed by a Commandant. This is a three-star officer. Officers from Army, Navy, and Air Force take turns. The first head was Major General Mahadeo Singh. The current NDA head is Vice Admiral Gurcharan Singh.

NDA Academics

NDA offers a full-time residential program. Army cadets earn BA or BSc degrees. Navy and Air Force cadets earn BTech degrees. Navy cadets complete their BTech at INA. Air Force cadets complete it at AFA.

Streams of Study

• Science Stream: Physics, Chemistry, Maths, Computer Science
• Humanities Stream: History, Economics, Political Science, Geography, Languages

NDA Courses

• Compulsory Courses: English, Foreign Languages, Science, Maths, History, Politics, Economics, Geography.
• Foundation Courses: Military Studies, General Studies
• Optional Courses: Service-specific training

The First four semesters focus on compulsory and foundation studies. The last two semesters have focused on optional subjects.

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Training

All cadets join the National Defence Academy after passing their 10+2 exams. They undergo three years of training at the academy. After training, they receive a BSc, BA, or BSc (Computer Science) degree. The degree is awarded by JNU & University of Delhi. The first batch to get degrees was the 46th course in 1974.

Along with academics, cadets are trained in drill, physical training (PT), and sports. They also learn a foreign language up to the B1 level, as per international standards.

NDA Outdoor Training

Cadets train in drill, PT, and games. They learn a foreign language up to the B1 level.

NDA Eligibility Criteria

To appear for the NDA exam, candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria. NDA Eligibility criteria include age, marital status, education, physical fitness, etc.

• Gender and Marital Status: Only unmarried male & female candidates are eligible.
• NDA Age Limit: Candidates must be between 16.5 to 19.5 years old.
• For the Army Wing: Candidates must have passed or be appearing in Class 12.
• For the Air Force and Naval Wings: Candidates must have passed or be appearing in Class 12 with Physics, Mathematics & Chemistry.
• NDA Physical Test: Candidates must satisfy the required weight, height, and medical standards to qualify.

NDA Selection Process

NDA Selection is through a written exam by the Union Public Service Commission. SSB interviews follow this. Tests cover aptitude, psychology, teamwork, leadership, physical, and social skills. Medical tests are also conducted. Exams are held twice a year. About 4 lakh candidates apply each time. Around 6,300 reach the interview stage. Finally, about 300-350 cadets are selected.

Air Force candidates take an extra test. It is called CPSS. It checks their flying abilities. After the NDA, cadets go for further training. Army cadets join IMA, Dehradun. Air Force cadets join AFA, Hyderabad. Navy cadets join the INA, Kerala.

NDA Training

The National Defence Academy provides rigorous & specialized training to prepare cadets for service in the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force. The training culminates with the prestigious Passing Out Parade, marking the successful completion of their journey at NDA.

Army Training

Army cadets at NDA are taught basic military skills. These include weapon handling, firing, field engineering, tactics, and map reading. This training builds a strong foundation for their future training at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) and other service courses.

The training is both theoretical and practical. It involves classes, lectures, demonstrations, and exercises. These help cadets apply their knowledge in real situations on the ground. Special camps are held for practical learning:

• Camp Green Horn is held during the second term of NDA training.
• Camp Rover is conducted in the fourth term.
• Camp Torna is held in the sixth term. It is named after Shivaji’s first victory as a teenager.

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Air Force Training

The Air Force Training Team teaches aviation basics. Ground training uses models and simulators. Flying training includes 8 sorties on Super Dimona aircraft. Cadets also practice skeet shooting.

Visits are arranged to Air Force bases. Cadets learn about real-life aviation. Facilities include a runway, weather station, and air traffic control.
AFTT started in 1956. Earlier cadets trained on gliders. Super Dimona replaced gliders in 2001. Cadets earn mini-wings after solo flying.

Navy Training

The Naval Training Team (NTT) is the oldest. Navy cadets learn navigation, seamanship, and communication. Both theory and practical classes are held. Facilities include Peacock Bay and scale models.
Cadets visit Mumbai for exposure. They tour ships, submarines, and training schools. Final term cadets sail during Camp Varuna. They apply their knowledge in practical conditions. Watermanship training includes yachting, kayaking, windsurfing, rowing, and water-skiing

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NDA Passing-Out Parade

Passing Out Parade is a grand event. In May 2025, 336 cadets graduated. Among them were 17 female cadets. This was the first batch of female graduates. General V.K. Singh was the chief guest.

NDA Alumni

The first NDA cadet commissioned into the Air Force was Chaman Lal Gupta. He holds a special place in NDA’s history. NDA alumni have served in all of India’s wars. They have won many awards:

• 3 Param Vir Chakras
• 31 Maha Vir Chakras
• 160 Vir Chakras
• 12 Ashoka Chakras
• 40 Kirti Chakras
• 135 Shaurya Chakras

NDA has produced 11 Army Chiefs, 10 Navy Chiefs, and 4 Air Chiefs. Some squadrons are famous for producing top officers. Hunter Squadron has produced many IAF Chiefs. Alpha and Foxtrot Squadrons are also notable.

NDA Battalions and Squadrons

The NDA follows a well-structured system of organization for its cadets. Cadets are grouped into squadrons and battalions to promote teamwork, discipline, and healthy competition. NDA has 18 Squadrons. These are divided into 5 Battalions.

Squadrons

1. 1st Battalion: Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta
2. 2nd Battalion: Echo, Foxtrot, Golf, Hunter
3. 3rd Battalion: India, Juliet, Kilo, Lima
4. 4th Battalion: Mike, November, Oscar, Panther
5. 5th Battalion: Quebec, Romeo

Each squadron has 100-120 cadets. In 2012, three new squadrons were added: P, Q, R. The best squadron wins the Inter Squadron Trophy. They carry the Champion banner in parades. Every squadron has its own nickname, mascot, and unique traditions.

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NDA Full Form FAQs

Is the NDA open to female candidates?

Yes. Since 2021, female candidates have been allowed to join the NDA after a Supreme Court order.

What degree do cadets receive from NDA?

Army cadets receive BA or BSc degrees. Air Force & Navy cadets pursue B.Tech degrees through INA & AFA, respectively.

What is the NDA selection process?

The NDA selection process includes a written exam conducted by UPSC, followed by SSB interviews, physical tests, and medical examinations. Air Force cadets also take the CPSS test.

Why is an NDA important?

NDA shapes the future leaders of India’s armed forces. It has produced many Chiefs of Army, Navy, and Air Force, along with gallantry award winners.