Understanding the Preparation of the Final Merit List for the NDA Exam

The National Defence Academy (NDA) is a prestigious institution for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces. The process to secure a place at NDA involves a series of steps, culminating in the preparation of a final merit list. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on how the final merit list is prepared.

The NDA Selection Process

The selection process for the NDA comprises several steps, each meticulously designed to identify the most suitable candidates for a career in the Indian Armed Forces.

1. Written Examination

The first step in the NDA selection process is the written examination, which consists of two crucial papers: Mathematics and the General Ability Test (GAT).

Mathematics: Candidates are assessed on their mathematical aptitude through a paper of 300 marks, which is to be completed in 2.5 hours.General Ability Test (GAT): This paper evaluates a candidate's general knowledge, reasoning, and understanding with a total of 600 marks over 2.5 hours.

The scores obtained in these papers are combined to determine a candidate's ranking.

2. Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview

Candidates who clear the written examination are called for the SSB interview, a comprehensive assessment that includes various tests, interviews, and group discussions. This process is designed to evaluate the suitability of candidates for a career in the Indian Armed Forces.

SSB Interview Duration: The SSB interview typically spans 5 days, and the process is intense and rigorous.Components: The SSB interview includes a screening phase on Day 1, followed by multiple rounds of interviews, drafting sessions, and psychological tests conducted by GTOs, IOs, and psychologists.

3. Final Scores Calculation

The final merit list for the NDA is prepared by combining the marks obtained in the written examination and the SSB interview. The weightage assigned to each component may vary but typically, the written exam carries a significant portion of the total score.

Written Examination Total: 900 marks (Mathematics - 300, GAT - 600).SSB Interview Total: 900 marks.Final Total: 1800 marks.

4. Medical Examination

Candidates who successfully clear the SSB interview undergo a medical examination to determine their physical fitness. Only candidates who pass this medical examination are considered for the final merit list.

5. Final Merit List

The final merit list is published based on the combined scores from the written examination and the SSB interview, with the medical fitness criteria taken into account. Candidates are then ranked according to their scores, and those who meet the cut-off are selected for admission to the NDA.

Additional Information

Clearing the NDA written examination and SSB interview is a significant achievement, but it is just the first step. The final merit list ensures that only the most qualified candidates are selected for training at the NDA.

There is no specific marking scheme for the medical examination. Candidates are required to pass the medical fit criteria, which includes physical, medical, and mental assessments. Once the medical examination is cleared, the candidates' names are included in the final merit list.

It is important to note that the process is designed to be challenging, ensuring that only the best candidates are selected for a career in the Indian Armed Forces.