Defence Exams Guide 2026
Your comprehensive guide to commissioning as an Officer in the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and Paramilitary Forces through NDA, CDS, AFCAT, and CAPF.
1. Overview of Defence Service Entries
A career in the Armed Forces offers unparalleled honor, leadership opportunities, and adventure. Defence officer entries are conducted through written examinations (administered by UPSC or Indian Air Force) followed by the renowned 5-day Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview and comprehensive military medical board examinations.
2. Premier Defence Recruitment Exams
NDA (National Defence Academy)
Direct entry for 10+2 students to undergo joint tri-service cadet training at Khadakwasla, Pune before proceeding to IMA, INA, or AFA.
CDS (Combined Defence Services)
Entry for college graduates into IMA Dehradun, INA Ezhimala, Air Force Academy (AFA) Dundigal, or Officers Training Academy (OTA) Chennai.
AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test)
Commissioning test conducted by the Indian Air Force for Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical), and Ground Duty (Non-Technical).
UPSC CAPF (Assistant Commandant)
Direct Gazetted Officer recruitment (AC) into Central Armed Police Forces: BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB.
3. NDA Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme
| Paper | Subject | No. of Qs | Maximum Marks | Duration | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Mathematics (11th & 12th Standard) | 120 | 300 | 2.5 Hours | -0.83 Marks |
| Paper II | General Ability Test (GAT): • Part A: English (200 Marks) • Part B: General Knowledge (400 Marks) |
150 | 600 | 2.5 Hours | -1.33 Marks |
| Written Exam Total | 270 Qs | 900 Marks | 5 Hours | Qualifying in each paper mandatory | |
| SSB Interview | 5-Day Board | 900 Marks | Grand Total: 1800 Marks | ||
4. 5-Day SSB Interview Testing Matrix
| Day | Stage | Key Assessments / Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Stage 1 (Screening) | Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test + Picture Perception & Discussion Test (PPDT). Screened-out candidates return on Day 1. |
| Day 2 | Stage 2 (Psychology) | Thematic Apperception Test (TAT), Word Association Test (WAT), Situation Reaction Test (SRT), Self-Description (SD). |
| Day 3 & 4 | Stage 2 (GTO Tasks & Interview) | Group Discussion (GD), Military Planning Exercise (GPE), Progressive Group Task (PGT), Snake Race, Command Task, Final Group Task (FGT), and Personal Interview with IO. |
| Day 5 | Stage 2 (Conference) | Final Board Conference with all assessors, results announcement, followed by 3-5 days Special Medical Board (SMB). |
5. Core Syllabus Breakdown
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the minimum height requirement for Defence entries?
For Male candidates, the standard minimum height for Army and Navy is 157 cm (162.5 cm for Air Force with specified leg/thigh length). For Female candidates, the minimum height is 152 cm (with Gorkhas and North-Eastern candidates receiving 5 cm concession).
Is there an age relaxation for reserved categories in NDA and CDS?
No. In pure military entries like NDA, CDS, and AFCAT, there are no caste-based age relaxations. All candidates must fall strictly within the identical age bracket specified in the notification.