You cannot sit the NDA exam in Class 10 or Class 11, because UPSC requires a Class 12 pass or a candidate who is appearing in Class 12. But the preparation can start after Class 10, and even in Class 9. Build a strong base in Mathematics and English first, choose Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics in Class 11, begin the UPSC syllabus seriously then, and plan a first attempt while you are in Class 12.
This roadmap works backwards from the UPSC notice for the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (II) 2026, the latest in force when we checked on 12 October 2026. Parents also search “NDA ki taiyari kaise kare after 10th”; the answer below is the same in any language. For Class 11 and Class 12 study methods, see our companion guide on how to prepare for NDA.
Can I give NDA after 10th?
No. The eligibility rules in the UPSC notice are clear on three points.
- Education: a Class 12 pass, or a candidate appearing in Class 12, can apply. Candidates appearing in the Class 11 exam are not eligible.
- Age: the notice for the 2026 September exam accepted unmarried candidates born between 1 January 2008 and 1 January 2011. The window moves forward each year.
- Marks: the notice names no minimum percentage for Class 10 or Class 12. It requires a pass, plus age, nationality, marital status and medical fitness.
So “NDA after 10th” really means a head start. The student who spends Classes 9 to 12 on a steady plan reaches Class 12 with the Mathematics and English that the exam rewards, and with habits that the Services Selection Board looks for. Our guide on how to join NDA after 10th and 12th explains the full route.
What does the NDA exam test?
| Part | Marks | Time | Content |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I: Mathematics | 300 | 2½ hours | Algebra, matrices and determinants, trigonometry, analytical geometry, calculus, vector algebra, statistics and probability |
| Paper II: General Ability Test | 600 | 2½ hours | English (200) and General Knowledge (400) |
| SSB test and interview | 900 | Several days | Intelligence and personality assessment for those who qualify the written exam |
All written papers are objective, with four options. Each wrong answer costs one third of the marks for that question, and an unanswered question costs nothing. Calculators and tables are not allowed. Maths and Part B of the General Ability Test are set in Hindi and English. UPSC fixes qualifying marks at its discretion, and the final merit list combines the written marks with the SSB marks.
What is the class-by-class roadmap?
| Class | Main aim | Mathematics | English and General Knowledge | Fitness and SSB basics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class 9 | Build the base | Number systems, polynomials, coordinate geometry, linear equations, geometry, mensuration | Read a newspaper page daily, a notebook of new words, school Science and Social Science with care | Daily outdoor play or sport, team games, speaking in class |
| Class 10 | Board year, first look ahead | Quadratic equations, progressions, trigonometry and heights and distances, coordinate geometry, statistics, probability | Add a weekly writing task; start a current events notebook | Annual health check, posture, regular running or sport |
| Class 11 | Start the UPSC syllabus | Sets, relations, trigonometric functions, complex numbers, permutations and combinations, binomial theorem, straight lines, conics, limits and derivatives | Grammar and vocabulary practice; Physics, Chemistry and Biology facts from NCERT | Build running, strength and stamina; first group-discussion practice |
| Class 12 | Complete the syllabus and attempt | Matrices, determinants, calculus, differential equations, vectors, three-dimensional geometry | Full General Ability mock tests; History, Geography, Civics and current events | Medical check-up, SSB practice and group tasks |
A Class 10 student who wants a structured start can look at our NDA Foundation course, and anyone can call or WhatsApp us on +91 70170 31757 for free counselling about the right level to begin.
How do NCERT chapters map to the UPSC papers?
The UPSC Mathematics syllabus is mostly Class 11 and 12 content, but its roots lie in Classes 9 and 10. Chapter titles differ between NCERT editions, so match by topic.
| UPSC topic | Where it begins | Where it is completed |
|---|---|---|
| Algebra: quadratic equations, progressions | Class 10: quadratic equations, arithmetic progressions | Class 11: complex numbers, sequences and series, permutations and combinations, binomial theorem |
| Trigonometry, heights and distances | Class 10: introduction to trigonometry and its applications | Class 11: trigonometric functions; Class 12: inverse trigonometric functions |
| Analytical geometry | Class 9 and 10: coordinate geometry | Class 11: straight lines, conic sections, three-dimensional geometry |
| Differential and integral calculus | Class 11: limits and derivatives | Class 12: continuity, differentiation, integrals, differential equations |
| Matrices, determinants, vectors | Class 12 | Class 12 |
| Statistics and probability | Class 9 and 10 | Class 11 and 12 |
The General Ability Test is simpler to map. Part A, English, is grammar, vocabulary and comprehension. Part B, General Knowledge, has approximate weightings in the notice: Physics 25 per cent, Chemistry 15 per cent, General Science 10 per cent, History and freedom movement 20 per cent, Geography 20 per cent and Current Events 10 per cent. NCERT Science for Classes 9 and 10 and the Social Science books for Classes 6 to 12 cover most of the first five.
What fitness and SSB habits should start early?
The SSB runs in two stages. Stage I has the Officer Intelligence Rating tests and the Picture Perception and Description Test. Only those who clear it go to Stage II, which has the interview, Group Testing Officer tasks, psychology tests and the conference over four days. The notice says assessors judge the candidate holistically, and the tests aim to bring out officer-like qualities and trainability. Our guide to the SSB interview process explains each test.
That means the early work is character and health, not coaching tricks. Encourage sport, reading, public speaking, responsibility at school and honest self-assessment. The notice also warns that a number of qualified candidates are rejected later on medical grounds and advises a medical check before applying, so see a doctor regularly. Common minor defects it lists include ear wax, a deviated nasal septum, weight problems, an undersized chest and tonsillitis, which are better treated early.
When are the NDA exams?
UPSC holds the exam twice a year. The NDA (II) 2026 exam was on 13 September 2026 for the course starting 1 July 2027. UPSC’s 2027 calendar lists NDA (I) 2027 with the notification on 2 December 2026, the last date for applications on 22 December 2026 and the exam on 11 April 2027, and NDA (II) 2027 on 19 September 2027. The calendar says dates can change, so check upsc.gov.in. A Class 12 student can therefore try the April exam and, if needed, the September one, subject to the age limit.
Frequently asked questions
FAQs
Questions parents ask us.
Can't find yours? Ask on WhatsApp; a counsellor usually replies within working hours.
Ask on WhatsAppCan I join NDA after 10th?
Not directly. UPSC requires a Class 12 pass or candidates appearing in Class 12, and Class 11 candidates are not eligible. After Class 10 you can choose a stream and begin preparing.
Kya 10th ke baad NDA ki taiyari kar sakte hain?
Haan, taiyari 10th ke baad ya 9th se shuru ho sakti hai, par exam 12th pass ya 12th mein padh rahe candidates ke liye hai. Maths aur English ka base banayein, 11th mein PCM chunein aur UPSC syllabus shuru karein.
Can I start NDA preparation from Class 9?
Yes. Classes 9 and 10 teach the foundations of the UPSC Mathematics syllabus, and reading and fitness habits are best built early. Keep the load light so school results do not suffer.
How many marks are the NDA written exam and SSB?
The written exam is 900 marks, Mathematics 300 and General Ability 600, and the SSB test and interview is another 900 marks.
Is there negative marking in NDA?
Yes. One third of the marks for a question is deducted for each wrong answer, and nothing is deducted for an unanswered question.
Is physical fitness tested in the NDA written exam?
No. The written exam is Mathematics and General Ability. Fitness is checked in the medical examination and observed in SSB tasks.
Is there a minimum Class 10 percentage for NDA?
The UPSC notice names none. It asks for a Class 12 pass or appearing in Class 12, with age, nationality, marital status and medical standards.
Sources
GS India Defence Academy offers classroom NDA coaching in Dehradun, home of the Indian Military Academy, including an NDA Foundation course, with separate boys’ and girls’ hostels and a mess. Call or WhatsApp +91 70170 31757 to ask about batches.
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