To join the National Defence Academy, candidates must clear a three-tiered selection process designed to test academic proficiency, psychological stability, and physical robustness.

Stage 1: Written Examination (900 Marks)

First, candidates must sit for the pen-and-paper written test. To qualify, you must achieve the sectional cutoff (25% in each paper) and cross the overall aggregate written cutoff.

Stage 2: SSB Interview (900 Marks)

Qualified candidates are invited to a Services Selection Board (SSB) center for a comprehensive 5-day testing procedure. The SSB tests candidates across intelligence, personality, and leadership potentials.

Stage 3: Medical Examination

Recommended candidates undergo a thorough physical checkup by a Board of Service Medical Officers to ensure they conform to military healthcare standards.