The programme at a glance
- Who it is for
- Students in Class 11 and Class 12 building their academic and defence-oriented foundation alongside school
- Format
- Residential, on the Mussoorie campus, for boys and girls (separate hostels)
- Batch size
- About 40 students per batch, according to class
- Session
- 2027–2028 admissions open, subject to seat availability
- Admission
- Entrance test: a written test and an interview
Board exams and the NDA, planned together
Class 11 is a good time to begin systematic NDA preparation while completing school education. The plan gives about 60% of the focus to board studies in Class 11, and the rest of the board preparation in Class 12, so the student is ready for both the board exams and the NDA written exam. Schedules are personalised, with extra support for students who need it.
NDA eligibility, in brief. For the NDA and NA (II) 2026 examination, UPSC accepted unmarried candidates born between 1 January 2008 and 1 January 2011. The Army wing requires Class 12 (10+2); the Air Force and Naval wings require Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Students appearing in Class 12 may apply. Always check the current notification on upsc.gov.in. Source: UPSC notice 10/2026-NDA-II; reviewed October 2026.
What preparation covers
For the written exam
- Mathematics
- English and the General Ability Test
- Current affairs
- NDA exam strategy and practice
For the SSB and beyond
- SSB orientation: group activities, GTO-oriented tasks, interview skills
- Psychological awareness and personality development
- Communication, leadership and decision-making
- Daily physical training
Learning by doing
Students plan and organise real activities themselves, such as events, tours and sports tournaments, to build resourcefulness, planning and execution. Teaching goes beyond rote learning: digital assessments, problem-solving, discussions and group activities develop the habit of thinking it through.
Understand the situation → analyse → decide → communicate → act.
Meet-ups with former students now serving in the Army, talks by ex-SSB assessors and visits to the IMA Passing Out Parade keep the goal in view.
Student support
Boys and girls live in separate hostels with 24×7 CCTV and retired-Army wardens who stay with the students. An in-house nurse, a local hospital tie-up and DMA vehicles cover medical needs. Parents receive a monthly Student Progress Report. Campus life and student support
Admission and fees
Share the student’s name, current class and age, then the entrance test follows. Fees depend on the class and hostel requirement, and a counsellor shares the current fees. How to apply · About fees
Questions parents ask
Can girls join the NDA Foundation Course?
Yes. Girls and boys live in separate hostels, with male and female wardens and 24×7 CCTV. Eligibility for the NDA itself is set by UPSC in each notification.
How is board preparation protected?
About 60% of the focus in Class 11 goes to board studies and the rest of the board preparation is planned in Class 12, with personalised schedules.
Does the course include SSB preparation?
Yes. Students are introduced to group activities, GTO-oriented tasks, psychological awareness, interview skills and personality development.
Does DMA guarantee selection?
No. DMA cannot promise selection. Selection depends on the student’s own performance; DMA provides guidance and preparation to help a serious student give their best.
Next steps: NDA Coaching after Class 12 · SSB Coaching