The NDA Selection Process 2027 has three main stages: the UPSC written examination, the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview stage, and a medical examination culminating in a final merit-based selection.
- The UPSC written examination is 900 marks, and 900 for the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview. Medical fitness adds no marks but can end your candidature.
Most aspirants prepare only for the written paper and reach SSB underprepared. This guide covers each stage, how marks combine, where candidates drop out and how rank is decided.
The NDA 1 2027 notification is due on 2 December 2026, with the exam on 11 April 2027.
What Is the NDA Selection Process 2027?
The NDA selection process is the three-stage route through which UPSC and the armed forces select cadets for the National Defence Academy and Indian Naval Academy. Written and SSB scores decide rank; the medical board decides whether you join.
The stages, in order:
- UPSC written exam: Mathematics and General Ability Test
- SSB Interview: Clear OIR test and PPDT screening, psychology tests, GTO tasks, interview and conference.
- Medical examination: a Special Medical Board assesses fitness
Final Merit List: Selection depends on written and SSB marks, medical fitness, service preferences and vacancies.
📥 Free Download: NDA 2027 Eligibility & Medical Self-Check PackNone of these stages matter if you’re ineligible. Check your DOB window, PCM-based wing options and basic medical standards before the 2 December notification. |
Stage 1: How Does the NDA 2027 Written Examination Work?
The UPSC NDA written examination is the first qualifying stage. It consists of two objective-type papers (Maths & GAT) conducted on the same day. Candidates must meet UPSC's qualifying requirements to be shortlisted for the SSB interview.
Stages | Conducted By | Marks | Counts Towards Merit? | |
Stage 1 | Mathematics | UPSC | 300 | Yes |
General Ability Test | UPSC | 600 | Yes | |
Stage 2 | SSB Interview | Services Selection Board | 900 | Yes |
Stage 3 | Medical Examination | Armed Forces Medical Board | None | No, qualifying only |
Total | 1,800 | |||
Marking Scheme:
- Mathematics: +2.5 for correct answers; −0.83 approximately for incorrect answers.
- GAT: +4 for correct answers; −1.33 approximately for incorrect answers.
- Unattempted questions carry no penalty.
See the NDA 1 2027 exam pattern for the topic-wise marking scheme.
Important: SSB shortlisting depends on UPSC's written cut-off and prescribed paper-wise qualifying marks.
How UPSC Shortlists You for SSB?
UPSC applies two filters. You must clear at least 25% in each paper (75/300 in Mathematics and 150/600 in GAT), then cross the overall cut-off, which shifts with vacancies and paper difficulty. A strong GAT won’t rescue Maths below that minimum.
After the results, shortlisted candidates register on joinindianarmy.nic.in to get the SSB centre and dates allotted.
For detailed preparation, refer to the NDA 1 2027 syllabus and exam pattern.
“By the time the written result arrives, that score is fixed. The other 900 marks are still yours to win.” - Saurabh Singh, Academic Director, Major Kalshi Classes
Stage 2: The 5-Day SSB Interview
Candidates who qualify for the written examination are shortlisted for the five-day SSB interview, carrying 900 marks. It assesses intelligence, personality, communication, leadership and Officer-Like Qualities (OLQs) through two stages.
Day 1: Stage I Screening
An Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) test is followed by the Picture Perception and Discussion Test (PPDT). Candidates who don’t clear screening return home the same day.
In our experience, more candidates lose out on a weak PPDT story than on OIR scores.
Days 2–5: Stage II Assessment
Three independent assessors evaluate you:
Psychology Tests
Includes the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT), Word Association Test (WAT), Situation Reaction Test (SRT) and Self-Description Test (SDT) to assess personality and responses.
GTO Tasks
Candidates participate in group discussions, planning exercises and outdoor tasks that assess teamwork, initiative and leadership.
Personal Interview
An interviewing officer checks your background, choices and consistency.
Conference
On day five, all assessors meet and decide whether you’re recommended.
Pro Tip: SSB assesses consistent behaviour, not memorised answers. Develop your Officer-Like Qualities for SSB through regular practice.
CPSS for Air Force AspirantsRecommended candidates opting for the Air Force also take the Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS), a one-time test. Failing, it closes the Flying Branch, but Army and Navy options stay open. |
Stage 3: What Happens in the NDA Medical Examination 2027?
Candidates recommended by the SSB undergo a medical examination conducted by an Armed Forces Medical Board. Medical fitness is mandatory for selection but carries no additional marks.
What Does the NDA Medical Test Check?
The medical examination assesses:
- Physical measurements: Height, weight and overall physique.
- Eyesight and hearing: Visual acuity, colour vision and hearing ability.
- General health: Heart, lungs, dental health and musculoskeletal conditions.
- Medical history: Previous surgeries, illnesses and tattoos.
Medical standards vary across the Army, Navy and Air Force, particularly for flying roles.
What Happens If You Are Declared Medically Unfit?
Candidates may appeal through an Appeal Medical Board (AMB) and Review Medical Board (RMB) according to the prescribed procedures. Further review is subject to applicable rules.
- Appeal Medical Board (AMB): apply within the deadline you're given
- Review Medical Board (RMB): possible in some cases, but not a right
📥 Free ResourceUnsure about your height, weight, eyesight or tattoos? Use MKC's NDA 1 2027 Eligibility & Medical Self-Check Pack to identify potential concerns before your official examination. |
How Is the NDA Final Merit List 2027 Prepared?
The NDA final merit list 2027 is prepared based on candidates' combined written examination and SSB interview marks, subject to prescribed qualifying requirements.
How Are NDA Final Merit Marks Calculated?
Final Merit Score = Written Exam Marks + SSB Interview Marks
Selection Component | Example Score |
NDA Written Examination | 420/900 |
SSB Interview | 450/900 |
Combined Merit Score | 870/1,800 |
This is an illustrative score, not a qualifying cut-off.
Does Clearing SSB Guarantee Final NDA Selection?
No. Final selection depends on:
- Combined merit rank
- Medical fitness
- Service preferences and eligibility
- Available vacancies
Candidates opting for Air Force Flying roles must also satisfy applicable CPSS and flying medical requirements.
If your rank misses your first-choice service, you’re considered for your next preference with vacancies remaining. Selected candidates then train at NDA Khadakwasla or INA Ezhimala.
Key Takeaway: Medical fitness carries no marks, but being declared medically unfit can prevent final selection, regardless of your merit score.
How Can Major Kalshi Classes Help You Prepare for NDA 2027?
Clearing the NDA written exam requires strong Maths and GAT fundamentals, while SSB demands communication, leadership and decision-making skills.
Major Kalshi Classes (MKC) helps aspirants prepare through structured NDA coaching, expert guidance, study materials, mock tests and SSB preparation resources.
Identify your weak areas through practice tests, improve your Officer-Like Qualities and explore MKC's NDA coaching to strengthen your preparation.
Conclusion
The NDA selection process 2027 comes down to this: written and SSB marks count equally, the medical is pass or fail, and rank decides your service.
With the notification due on 2 December, confirm your eligibility now and start SSB preparation alongside written practice.
📥 Download Free Eligibility Self-Check Pack, then take our free NDA mock test to see where you stand.
