National Defence Academy

Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, laid down the foundation stone of the National Defence Academy on 6th October 1949. NDA was commissioned on 7th December 1954 and the inaugural ceremony took place 16th January 1955. The academy, situated in Khadakwasla, is a joint services academy of Army, Navy and Air Force. Cadets of all the three forces receive training at the Khadakwasla Academy before going for pre-commission in their respective academies.

The Course
The three-year course offered at NDA comprises of all subjects that are taught in case of a University Degree. Along with that, the cadets are also given basic training of fundamental military sciences. In their final year, they choose the branch of the Indian military services they want to join.

Admission
Entrance examination for NDA is conducted twice a year by the UPSC. The candidates who qualify the written examination are called for multiple-round interview including physiological and group testing. This is followed by a medical examination. The minimum qualification required is high school (12th).

Facilities at NDA

Clubs
Cadets at the National Defence Academy of Pune are given facilities for pursuing their hobbies. They can choose from the following clubs.

Outdoor Clubs
The outdoor clubs consist of Aeromodelling, Archery, Automotive, Astronomy, Camera, Fencing, Golf, Gymnastics, Karate, Kayaking, Nature and Wildlife Study, Para Gliding, Para Sailing, Riding and Polo, Rifle and Pistol, Rowing, Sailing, Swimming, Taekwando, Tennis, Trekking and Rock Climbing, Water Skiing, Wind Surfing, Ship Modeling, 10m Air Weapon Shooting, Trap Shooting, Skeet Shooting

Indoor Clubs
Indoor Clubs are for those interested in Arts, Dramatics, Design & Craft, Journalism, Music, Radio & Electronics, Squash and Yoga.

Military Hospital
The military hospital at NDA, started as 15 bedded Section Hospital of the Military Hospital of the Poona city of India. Presently, it has facilities for treating 98 patients at a time.

Dental Center
The Dental Center of NDA was started in 1966 and shifted to the present building in 1971.

Veterinary Hospital
There is also a veterinary hospital inside the academy.

Cadet's Mess
The mess for the cadets has the capacity of accommodating 1800 plus students at a time.