NDA Stands for National Defence Academy (NDA) is the joint defence service training institute of the Indian Armed Forces, where cadets of the three services i.e. the Indian Army, the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force train together before they go on to respective service academy for further pre-commission training. The NDA is located in Khadakwasla, Pune, Maharashtra. Explore the premier joint training institution for Indian Armed Forces, shaping future leaders with professional, moral, and physical excellence. National Defence Academy is a premier joint training institution and center of excellence for grooming junior leaders for the Indian armed forces and armed forces of Friendly Foreign Countries. The training entails equipping the cadets with mental, moral and physical attributes required to cope with the challenges of the future battle field with the aim of leading troops to victory in conventional, non-conventional and asymmetrical conflicts. NDA (National Defence Academy) exam will be organized two times in a year at national level. Candidates seeking for entry in Defence forces (Army, Navy & Air Force) can apply through this exam. Can a Girls apply for NDA 2026 examination? Yes, Check complete eligibility below.