If you’re looking to join the National Defence Academy (NDA) in the future and want to start preparing right from Class 11 and 12, there are specialized NDA schooling programs across India that combine regular school education with NDA exam preparation. These schools typically follow CBSE or state board curriculum along with NDA coaching, physical training, and personality development.
Here’s a detailed guide to NDA schooling for Class 11 & 12, including what it means, benefits, top institutions, eligibility, and how to apply.
🛡️ What is NDA Schooling for Class 11 & 12?
NDA Schooling refers to an integrated academic program for boys (and now increasingly girls too) in Classes 11 & 12 that combines:
Academic curriculum (mostly CBSE-based)
NDA Written Exam coaching
Physical training (as per SSB/Defence standards)
Spoken English and personality development
SSB interview preparation
It is ideal for students who want to join NDA after 12th and wish to prepare in a structured and disciplined environment.
🎯 Key Benefits of NDA Schooling
Focused NDA preparation from an early stage
Military-style discipline and routine
Integrated academics + coaching under one roof
Regular physical fitness training
Mock SSB interviews and guidance
Saves time and energy compared to separate coaching after school
📝 Academic Curriculum
Most NDA schools follow the CBSE curriculum for Class 11 and 12 with the following stream focus:
Science stream with Mathematics (Physics, Chemistry, Maths) – mandatory for NDA eligibility.
Some also offer English and Computer Science as electives.
📚 NDA Coaching Includes:
Maths and General Ability Test (GAT) preparation
Current Affairs & General Knowledge
Geography, Polity, History basics
Science (NCERT-based)
Mock tests and previous year paper solving
SSB interview practice and personality development
💪 Physical Training
Regular drills and PT
Endurance training (running, push-ups, etc.)
Team sports like football, volleyball, basketball
Obstacle course (in some schools)
Medical fitness checks (as per NDA standards)
✅ Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Gender | Male (girls in some schools) |
| Class | After Class 10 (for admission to 11) |
| Stream | Science with Maths |
| Age | Usually 15–17 years |
| Medical | Must meet basic physical fitness norms |
🏫 Top NDA Schooling Institutions in India (for Class 11 & 12)
Here are some of the most popular and reputable schools offering NDA integrated coaching:
1. Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC), Dehradun
Govt-run, prestigious institution
Prepares students for NDA and Services Selection Board
Entrance exam after Class 8
Very limited seats
2. Sainik Schools (Across India)
Run by Ministry of Defence
Admission usually after Class 6 or 9
Some offer Class 11 with NDA coaching
Affordable and disciplined
3. Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey UP Sainik School, Lucknow
Prepares students specifically for NDA
Excellent past NDA results
4. Maharashtra Sainik Schools (Satara, Nagpur, Chandrapur)
State-run but follow military model
Prepare for NDA and other military entries
5. Private NDA Schools with Integrated Coaching
These schools are growing in popularity due to their intensive focus:
a. Centurion Defence Academy, Lucknow
CBSE + NDA coaching
Physical training, SSB guidance
Hostel facilities
b. Amity NDA Foundation School, Lucknow
CBSE board + NDA coaching + personality development
c. Delta Defence Academy, Dehradun
11th & 12th schooling with NDA coaching
Boarding and hostel options
d. Georgians Academy for Professional Studies (GAPS), Delhi
Prepares for SSB + NDA + academic studies
e. Warriors Defence Academy, Lucknow
NDA foundation programs after Class 10
💼 NDA School Admission Process
Step 1: Choose the school
Decide if you want to go for government options like Sainik/RIMC or private academies.
Step 2: Fill application form
Most schools release online/offline forms around January to March every year.
Step 3: Entrance Test & Interview
You may have to give a written test, interview, or physical fitness test depending on the school.
Step 4: Medical Fitness
Some schools have basic medical screening.
Step 5: Admission & Orientation
Once selected, you begin schooling in April or July session.
🧭 Important Subjects for NDA Aspirants in Class 11 & 12
| Subject | Importance |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | For Paper I of NDA Exam |
| Physics & Chemistry | Part of GAT (Science portion) |
| English | Very important for Paper II (GAT) and SSB |
| General Knowledge | Geography, History, Polity |
| Current Affairs | Required for both NDA exam and SSB interview |
📅 Ideal Timeline
| Class | Focus |
|---|---|
| 10th | Build strong basics; research schools |
| After 10th | Join NDA school |
| 11th | Foundation + Physical training starts |
| 12th | Full NDA syllabus + SSB prep |
| After 12th | Appear for NDA written exam, then SSB |
🔑 Final Tips
Choose a school that offers both academic excellence and NDA-focused coaching.
Ensure they have good infrastructure, hostels, experienced faculty, and SSB trainers.
Check their past NDA selections before enrolling.
Be ready to follow a disciplined routine — like the one in the armed forces.

























