Some believe the NDA is a job, while others think of it simply as a training centre. The full form of NDA is National Defence Academy. One of the country’s most prestigious military academies, it is located in Khadakwasla, Pune, Maharashtra. The NDA is neither a direct job nor merely a training centre. It is an academy where cadets from the Army, Navy and Air Force train together. Understand the role of English, the SSB interview process, and how language affects chances of selection. (File Photo/Representational)

Getting admission to the NDA puts one on the path to becoming a defence officer. However, the actual officer commission comes only after completing the required education and military training. After clearing the UPSC NDA written examination and the SSB interview, selected candidates join the academy and begin a three-year journey. Cadets complete their graduation through courses such as BA, BSc or BTech. The degree is awarded by Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). (File Photo/Representational)

Along with academics, cadets undergo rigorous physical training and develop discipline, leadership, teamwork and other qualities required of military officers. After three years at the NDA, cadets move on to one year of advanced training in their respective service—for example, IMA Dehradun for the Army, INA Ezhimala for the Navy or AFA Dundigal for the Air Force. After successfully completing this training, they are commissioned as officers, with an initial rank such as Lieutenant in the Army or the equivalent rank in the other services. (AI Image)

In simple terms, the NDA combines education and military training to create a pathway towards a government officer position in the Armed Forces. One do not need to have studied in an English-medium school to apply for the NDA or appear for the written exam. Students who have completed Class 12 in Hindi medium or another regional language can also appear for the exam. The UPSC NDA written examination is conducted in both Hindi and English, allowing candidates to attempt the relevant sections in the language they are comfortable with. (AI Image)

After clearing the written NDA examination, candidates are called for the SSB interview. The SSB assesses qualities such as the candidate’s thinking, communication, decision-making, leadership ability and behaviour under pressure. Students should have enough basic English to communicate your thoughts clearly, however, it  alone does not determine the selection. Perfect grammar or highly fluent English is not a requirement. Hindi may be used in certain situations. Those who face difficulty expressing themselves in English during a group discussion or interview, they may communicate in Hindi where permitted. (AI Image)