Which Subject to Choose After 10th for NDA?

As a defence aspirant who dreams of wearing a uniform representing your nation, it’s important to understand that there are many options when it comes to choosing a subject after Class X for NDA. The first question many defence aspirants have is, Which subject should I choose after 10th for NDA?

The good news is that students from all streams who have completed their Class XII can join the NDA (Army Wing). But, based on your goals, choosing the right stream after Class X may have a positive or negative effect on your eligibility and confidence during your examination.

The following comprehensive guide will not only help you determine the best subject to choose for NDA after Class X but will also explain the NDA qualification criteria for students who aspire to pursue a career in defence, but do not know yet what stream to consider: Class XI – XII and the significance of studying subjects related to Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM), and how India’s most trusted defence academy, Trishul Defence Academy guides aspirants in their preparation and to their success.

Choosing the Right Subject for NDA After 10th

When determining which subject to study in levels 11-12, understanding the NDA eligibility process is very important. The NDA trains future leaders of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force at their state-of-the-art facility located in Khadakwasla, Pune. Any student, regardless of their previous academic experience, can eventually be accepted into the NDA once they meet certain requirements.

Which subjects you select following your 10th standard studies will affect your eligibility and ease upon taking the NDA examination. 

Understanding the NDA Qualification Criteria

In this section, you can find a quick and clear explanation of the eligibility criteria for the NDA exam:

NDA Wing	Required Stream in 10+2	Eligibility
Indian Army Wing	Any stream (PCM / PCB / Commerce / Arts)	Eligible
Indian Air Force Wing	Physics & Mathematics (PCM)	Required
Indian Navy Wing	Physics & Mathematics (PCM)	Required

• Students currently in the 12th grade may apply.
• The NDA exam can only be taken after graduation from 12th grade, NOT immediately following graduation from the 10th grade.
• The age limit to be eligible for the NDA is 16.5 to 19.5 years
• NDA can be attempted twice a year, almost 12–13 attempts depending on age.

Can We Give NDA After 10th?

One of the most frequently asked questions is: Can we give NDA after 10th?

Answer: No! Students in the 10th grade cannot apply for the NDA examination. You can apply for an NDA when:

• You have completed your 12th-grade education.

Or

• You are completing your 12th-grade education when the NDA announcement is made.

Plans should begin right after the 10th grade.

Students need to choose the right subject stream and start preparing early, especially if they’re aiming for NDA Foundation classes and are serious about becoming an officer.

Advantages of Choosing PCM After 10th for NDA

Although the NDA allows students from all streams of education to participate in the Army Wing, there are many benefits to pursuing PCM (Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics) after the 10th grade:

1. Eligibility for All 3 Wings

If you choose PCM, you will be able to participate in the Army, the Navy and the Air Force.

2. Strong Support for NDA Maths Paper

All NDA applicants are required to complete a mathematics examination as a prerequisite for participation. The NDA mathematics examination covers the syllabus for the 11th and 12th grades. Students from PCM backgrounds generally perform much better on the mathematics examination than students from other educational backgrounds (Commerce/Arts).

3. Better Technical Understanding

Technical reasoning is a requirement during the selection process for the Navy and Air Force courses for students pursuing a career in the Tactical/Military Engineering speciality area, which the subjects of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics provide a long-term basis for.

Is PCM Mandatory for NDA?

Only for the Air Force and Navy.
Not mandatory for the Army Wing.

For individuals pursuing a career exclusively with the Army, the Commerce and Humanities streams can provide similar pathways towards acceptance into the NDA through focused study of Mathematics.

Examples of NDA Success Across Streams

There are aspirants across India who selected PCM, Commerce, or Arts and still cleared NDA. The aspirants who have achieved success within the NDA have proven that even though a stream adds value, success is achieved by hard work. The Trishul Defence Academy provides training for aspirants from all streams to assist them in achieving final selections for the NDA.

NDA After 10th Class – How to Start?

Even though you cannot take the exam after 10th, here’s how you can begin smartly:

• The first step is to select the most appropriate stream (usually PCM), so that there are maximum options available for achieving success.
• Then focus on building a good foundation in Mathematics & General Ability Test (GAT).
• Next, begin strengthening your physical fitness as early as possible.
• You should consider joining an NDA Foundation coaching school, which will provide you with guided preparation.
• Additionally, it is vital to develop Officer-like Qualities (OLQs) that will be required for SSB.
• When you prepare in advance, you will have a competitive advantage over thousands of NDA aspirants.

Why Choose Trishul Defence Academy – India’s Most Trusted NDA Coaching Institute

✔ 2 decades of experience in education and excellence in Defence training

✔ Over 630+ selections (and counting) of Defence officers through results-driven training

✔ Personalised guidance from SSB-trained professionals to help you prepare for the selection process

✔ Premium NDA foundation courses, which allow students to begin training after the 10th Grade

✔ State-of-the-art Classes, Sports facilities, Exercise testing, and Real-time SSB experiences.

✔ A motivational and disciplined atmosphere for your future career as an Officer

If you choose to study at Trishul, you won’t just prepare; you’ll transform into a confident leader who will qualify to join the best of the best in our Nation.

Conclusion

Deciding on a course of study after 10th is a significant decision that can be made without too much trouble. The best option for study after 10th would be to choose PCM; this will guarantee the widest selection of courses and an easier preparation in maths.

Commerce & Arts students still can run the Army Wing; however, they will have to prepare themselves and work hard in Mathematics.

All that matters to the selection process is how hard you work and how consistently you stay disciplined and dedicated to your goals. 

For those seeking expert guidance, Trishul Defence Academy has a team of Staff dedicated to helping you!

FAQs

1. Which subject is best for NDA after 10th?

 The PCM stream provides full eligibility for NDA Maths and is valid for any branch of the Indian Armed Forces; hence, it’s the best stream for students to choose.

2. What is the main subject for NDA?

Mathematics is the main focus of the NDA exam; therefore, it will have a compulsory paper for students who are enrolled in 11th and 12th grades in the regular education system and who have taken PCM as their stream.

3. What are the eligibility criteria of NDA exam?

To be eligible to sit for the NDA exam, candidates must either have completed or be currently enrolled in a 12th-grade course. Candidates wishing to join the Air Force or Navy must have taken PCM, whereas those wishing to join the Army may choose any stream.

4. Can we give NDA after 10th?

No, you cannot apply to take the NDA exam until after you have completed or are currently enrolled in a 12th-grade course; however, you may apply while still in the process of completing your 12th-grade course.

5. Is NDA after 10th or 12th?

The NDA examination is open to candidates who have completed their 12th-grade course; you will not be eligible to apply for it after completing your 10th-grade course.

6. How to join NDA after 10th class?

If you are currently in the 10th grade and you want to apply for the NDA, you should select your stream (preferably PCM), concentrate on developing your Basic Maths and General Aptitude skills, maintain a good level of fitness, and consider joining an NDA Foundation course such as what is provided by Trishul Defence Academy.

7. How many times NDA can be given?

Candidates may take the NDA examination up to two times per year; thus, the maximum number of opportunities will depend on an individual’s date of birth.