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The NDA exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission i.e. UPSC is considered to be the biggest and most prestigious opportunity for the youth who dream of serving the country by becoming officers in the Indian Defense Forces. However, often the big question in the minds of students who are completing or passing 12th class is that why is there an option of NDA and NA while filling the form and what is the real difference between these two? If you also wish to join the army and want to understand the difference between these two, then this detailed guide will prove to be very useful for you. Let us know what NDA and NA are, what is the difference between them and how students can make a great career by getting admission in these prestigious wings of the army immediately after 12th.
What is the full meaning of NDA and NA and their brief introduction?
First of all it is important to know what is the full name of these two words. The full name of NDA is National Defense Academy, while the full name of NA is Naval Academy (Naval Academy – 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme). The combined examination of NDA and NA is conducted twice a year at the national level by UPSC. The exam pattern, question paper and selection process is exactly the same for both, but there is a fundamental difference in the training and further service wings available through both. Students who want to join Army, Navy or Air Force participate in the selection process on the basis of their merit and preference through this common examination.
Main difference between NDA and NA: Difference of wings and training
Now let’s talk about where the main difference lies between these two options. When a student opts for NDA, he is given training at the National Defense Academy, Khadakwasla, Pune. After completion of training from here, cadets are sent to the wings of Indian Army, Indian Air Force or Indian Navy as per their choice and merit. In contrast, when a student specifically opts for NA (Naval Academy), his initial and specialized training takes place at the prestigious Indian Naval Academy (INEA) at Ezhimala, Kerala. Only and only through the Naval Academy, permanent commission as an officer is given under the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme in the Executive Branch of the Indian Navy.
Complete selection process to become an officer in the army after 12th
This process of getting admission in the Indian Armed Forces after class 12th is very transparent and disciplined. For this, first of all the candidate has to apply for NDA and NA examination of UPSC. The educational qualification to appear in this examination is that the student must have passed 12th class from any recognized board. An important rule is that if you want to join Air Force or Naval wing, then it is mandatory to have Physics and Mathematics subjects in your 12th, whereas for Army wing, 12th pass student from any preferred stream (Arts, Commerce or Science) can apply. After clearing the exam, candidates have to go through a five-day round of SSB (Services Selection Board) interview, the most difficult and prestigious in the country, in which mental, physical and psychological tests are conducted.
Golden future of medical fitness, training and career
Promising youth who are found completely fit in the SSB interview and medical examination get admission in the academies on the basis of the final merit list. After being selected in NDA or NA, cadets are given extremely rigorous and high level combined military and academic training for about 3 to 4 years. During this period, graduation degrees (like B.Sc., BA, or B.Tech) are also awarded to the cadets in coordination with the prestigious universities of the country. After successful completion of training, cadets are posted in the Indian Army as Permanent Commissioned Officers with the rank of ‘Lieutenant’ or equivalent. This career not only gives you respect in the society and a great lifestyle, but also provides an amazing opportunity to protect the integrity of the country.