The National Defence Academy (NDA) is the combined defence service training facility for the Indian Armed Forces, where cadets from the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force train together before moving on to their individual service academies for more pre-commission training. Khadakwasla, Pune, Maharashtra is where the NDA is situated. The academy is the world's first tri-service institution. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) of India administers the NDA exam.


Each year, the UPSC conducts a written exam to select candidates for the NDA. This is followed by a lengthy interview process by the Services Selection Board that includes questions about general aptitude, psychological testing, teamwork, leadership qualities, physical and social skills, as well as medical exams.


All cadets who join the NDA after completing their 10+2 exams receive three years of training in the academy, resulting in graduation with a BA(or) BSc or BCs (Computer Science) degree from Jawaharlal Nehru University and University of Delhi.