A fulfilling and respectful career

A fulfilling and respectful career

Nothing gives more satisfaction than defending the country. And a career in the armed forces not only fulfils that desire to serve the country but it's also glamorous and respectful in the eyes of the society.
The National Defence Academy (NDA) is the most chosen method to enter into defence services and it's a prestige to crack the test and pass out in flying colours. With the schedule for the National Defence Academy (NDA) admission tests announced, it is time for interested candidates to get serious.
If you are pursuing your intermediate education or have just passed your intermediate in this academic year, then the NDA exam scheduled to be held in August 2010 is an excellent opportunity to choose a career in the Air Force, Army or the Navy as a Class I Commissioned Officer at the national level.
The last date for submission of the forms is April 19 this year.
In the Armed Forces, one can opt for Administration, Logistics, Meteorology, Accounts, Engineering, Computer Sciences, Signals and Communication Technology Academies, apart from sailing, flying, architecture and host of other options.
The Forces is one place where professional growth takes place at every step. Nowhere else will you get such phenomenal opportunities to constantly upgrade your skills. NDA cadets are awarded Bachelors degrees in Arts, Science or Computer Science on completion of training.
If you join the technical stream, you will acquire graduate and post-graduate degrees in Engineering, at some of the finest institutes of technology, with all expenses taken care off. Selection for the prestigious Defence Services Staff College course results in the awarding of a M.Sc. in Defence and Strategic Studies.
What's more, you can also get a study leave for two years to further upgrade your professional skills. These growth opportunities are virtually unlimited. You could even get into Research and Development, if you have the aptitude.
The Forces run some of the country's most prestigious academies and institutes. These cover a wide range. From engineering to medicine, from administration to strategy, from armament technology to management, you name it, they have it.
Eligibility
General: The NDA entrance examination is conducted by the UPSC during April and September every year. The advertisement for the same comes out in the Employment News and other National Dailies approximately four to five months earlier.
The entrance examination is objective type and the 10 + 2 level.
Age of the applicants should be between 16 years to 18 years at the time of writing the examination and they should have passed 10 + 2 or in final year from any discipline.
After completing the graduation course at NDA, candidates automatically branch out either in the Army, Navy or Air Force depending upon their choice given.
In case the candidate opts for Air Force, candidates proceed to the Air Force Academy at Hyderabad and after completion of their basic training passes out as a Commissioned Officer in the rank of a Flying Officer.
Navy: Individuals opting for navy proceed to the Indian Naval Academy at Cochin and after completion of his basic training and passes out as a Commissioned Officer in the rank of a Sub-Lieutenant.
Army: Individuals opting for Army proceed to the Indian Military Academy at Dehradun and after completion of his basic training passes out as a Commissioned Officer in the rank of a Lieutenant.
After getting commissioned as Class I Gazetted Officer, candidates start their career with any of the Defence Establishments in the country and enjoy excellent pay and perks.
The selection process for NDA involves two Stages.
The first stage involves a written examination of 900 marks conducted by Union Public Service Commission. Stage two involves the interview of 900 marks conducted by the Service Selection Board.
Candidates are tested on all aspects. Candidates are selected on the total final score obtained both in the written and SSB out of 1800 Marks.
Self preparation is mostly difficult due to the vast syllabus of NDA and several institutes offer coaching for the same.
They run courses specifically aimed at training them for the exam since the test needs specific skills. Officers Academy in Secunderabad is one such institute with vast experience.
Notification by the UPSC: March 20, 2010
Last date for submission of forms: April 19, 2010
Date of exam: August 22, 2010. The UPSC also issues a notification in the month of October 2010 for the examination to be held in April 2011.



Source Link: http://beta.thehindu.com/education/article396023.ece