National Defence Academy (NDA) is the joint services
academy of three armed forces of India - Army, Navy and Air Force. It is
situated at Khadakwasla, which is approximately 17 km away from the Pune
city of Maharashtra. The foundation stone of the NDA, also known as
Khadakwasla Academy, was laid by the first Prime Minister of India,
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, on 6th October 1949. It took a couple of years
to fully construct the academy and it was inaugurated on 16th January
1955. The National Defence Academy serves as the training center for the
cadets of Army, Navy and Air Force, where they are fully taught before
going for pre-commission in their respective academies.
The Course
The duration of the course at the National Defence Academy is three
years, after which the cadets pass out with a Bachelors' Degree. All the
subjects taught at the university, at the graduation levels, form a part
of the curriculum at NDA also. Apart from that, they are also taught and
trained in the fundamental military sciences. Till two years, all the
cadets are taught the same subjects. It is only in the third year that
they choose one of the three branches of the Indian military services
that they would join and then, are trained accordingly.
Admission
Admission to the courses at NDA is done on the basis of an entrance
examination. It is conducted twice a year, by the Union Public Service
Commission (UPSC) of India. After the written examination is cleared by
a candidate, he is called in for multiple-round interviews. These
include physiological testing and group discussions. The last hurdle to
be crossed by the candidate comprises of the medical examination.
Minimum Qualification
The minimum qualification required to sit for the NDA Entrance
Examination is high school (12th).
Facilities at NDA
The following facilities are provided at the National Defence Academy,
Khadakwasla.
Cadet's Mess
One of the most magnificent structures situated within the complex of
the National Defence Academy of India is the Cadet's Mess. The seating
capacity of the mess is more than 180.
Clubs
As far as recreation is concerned, National Defence Academy of Pune
comprises of a number of indoor as well as outdoor clubs. Here, the
cadets can pursue the activities of their own choice. The choices of
clubs include
Outdoor Clubs
The outdoor clubs comprise of activities such as Aeromodelling,
Archery, Automotive, Astronomy, Camera, Fencing, Golf, Gymnastics,
Karate, Kayaking, Nature and Wildlife Study, Para Gliding, Para Sailing,
Riding and Polo, Rifle and Pistol, Rowing, Sailing, Swimming, Taekwando,
Tennis, Trekking and Rock Climbing, Water Skiing, Wind Surfing, Ship
Modeling, 10m Air Weapon Shooting, Trap Shooting, Skeet Shooting, etc.
Indoor Clubs
Indoor Clubs provides facilities for those interested in pursuing Arts,
Dramatics, Design & Craft, Journalism, Music, Radio &
Electronics, Squash and Yoga.
Military Hospital
There is also a military hospital situated within the premises of NDA.
Initially, it was started as 15 bedded 'Section Hospital' of the
Military Hospital of the Pune. With time, the facilities as well as
capacity of the hospital grew and today, this hospital can handle around
98 patients, simultaneously.
Dental Center
The Dental Center located at National Defence Academy was inaugurated
in the year 1966. For the first few years, it was located somewhere else
and got shifted to the present building in 1971.
Veterinary Hospital
National Defence Academy of India also houses a veterinary hospital
inside its premises.
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