Complete Guide to Defence Exams in 2025: NDA, CDS, AFCAT, SSB

A career in the Indian armed forces is very prestigious and fulfilling. However, one must pass all competitive exams such as NDA, CDS, AFCAT, and SSB to get there. Preparation calls for complete dedication and the right strategy. In this article, we shall discuss these exams in-depth and find out how getting into the coaching programs of Lakshya Academy will get one ahead.

1. NDA Exam

This test enables a student to enter the Army, Navy, or Air Force directly after clearing Class 12. Being a highly competitive and biannual test held by the UPSC, it requires scheduled preparation.

Eligibility for appearing at the test

  • Age: Between 16.5 to 19.5 years
  • Education: 12th pass with Physics and Mathematics for Air Force and Navy; 12th pass in any stream for the Army.
  • Gender: Male only

The selection process by the NDA is strictly conducted on written test and an SSB interview coupled with a medical examination. Mathematics and general ability are used as the main tools during the written test. An SSB interview tests the personality, leadership skills, and team spirit that the applicants should possess.

Register with a reputed NDA Coaching Institute. In that way, you will certainly avail the services of a mentor by an expert. If you stay in Delhi, NDA Coaching will be near you. The best NDA Academy in India is Lakshya Academy, which provides individualistic course structures and mock defence exam tests and prepares individuals for interviews.

2. Combined Defence Services (CDS) Exam

CDS examination allows meritorious students to apply for the above services in the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Officers Training Academy (OTA). UPSC conducts these examinations twice a year and offers multiple entrances into the defence services.

Each candidate’s age and educational requirements vary when applying to IMA, INA, and AFA. OTA is a graduation degree that can be obtained by men and women between the ages of 19 and 25.

Selection includes a written test, an SSB interview, and a medical exam. Three forces have specific syllabi for the written exam, so they require separate preparation. A significant benefit is that they offer a particular training facility to students preparing to go to OTA coaching Delhi.

Lakshya Academy has a comprehensive candidate support program under its CDS Coaching Academy Delhi. It covers all the subjects in the exam and offers enough practice to the students with mock tests and interview drills.

3. Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT)

AFCAT is an entry test for candidates looking to join the Indian Air Force. It tests candidates from the Flying, Technical, and Ground Duty wings.

Eligibility criteria for every branch are different. In the Flying Branch’s case, an aspirant must be between 20 and 24 years old and pass out at degree level in Physics and Mathematics at the 12th-class level. In the case of Ground Duty candidates, age ranges from 20 to 26 years, relevant degrees.

The tests comprise General Awareness, Verbal Ability, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning sections. Candidates who qualify by getting the minimum marks on a written test receive further training in an SSB interview and medical examination.

Joining a good academy like Lakshya would greatly help in the highly competitive selections carried out by the AFCAT. Highly qualified and well-experienced instructors, structured course modules, and mock tests like the actual exam situations are helpful.

4. Services Selection Board Interview

SSB Interview is a five-day test that analyzes a person’s psychological traits, group performance, and leadership ability. This phase is typical in every major defence exam but is also one of the toughest for many aspirants.

The interview begins with an entrance test followed by psych testing using the TAT and Word Association Tests. The group assignments, regarding discussion and command tasks, are intended to judge the working together and following the orders. The interviews finally lead up to the personal interview and conference, which finally formulates the selectivity as done by the selection board.

SSB requires not only mental preparation but also physical fitness. When joining an SSB Academy, candidates are ensured expert guidance through practice interviews, group activities, and fitness routines. SSB Coaching Delhi brings quality preparation resources to Delhi’s doorstep.

Why Coaching is Required

It is not just self-study that can crack a defence exam. A course in a specialized coaching program will give you structured coaching, expert mentorship, and valuable study materials. Many institutes coach students for the defence exams, where mock tests, interview preparation, and personal feedback will assist you in cracking the tests.

Lakshya Academy is one of the best NDA academies in India. Lakshya Academy provides NDA, CDS, AFCAT, and SSB preparation courses. The course by NDA Coaching Institute has been outstanding, while CDS Coaching Academy Delhi courses ensure that the OTA candidates are well-equipped.

NDA Coaching Delhi or OTA Coaching Delhi– Lakshya Academy will provide the best support from experienced mentors and well-structured training programs.

A defence career requires commitment, discipline, and a proper preparation strategy. As competition is this high in every exam—NDA, CDS, AFCAT, and SSB—winning in a battle of will with expert guidance from institutions like Lakshya Academy would ideally help candidates.

If you want to join the armed forces, the first step forward is to register at NDA Coaching Delhi or SSB Coaching Delhi in Lakshya Academy. They are, in fact, a leading institute for NDA Coaching and the first choice of defence aspirants all over India.

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