Introduction:
The National Defence Academy (NDA) exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to select candidates for admission into the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The selection process involves a written examination followed by a Services Selection Board (SSB) interview. Many candidates wonder whether the marks obtained in the SSB interview are added to the written exam scores. Let's delve into the details to understand this better.

Written Exam and SSB Interview:
The NDA exam consists of a written examination and an SSB interview. The written exam carries a maximum of 900 marks and is conducted in two stages, consisting of Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT). Candidates who qualify the written exam are then called for the SSB interview, which is a comprehensive selection process comprising various tests and assessments.

Components of the SSB Interview:
The SSB interview is a five-day process that evaluates a candidate's suitability for a career in the defense forces. It consists of various components, including:

1. Screening Test: This includes intelligence and personality tests to shortlist candidates for further assessments.
2. Psychological Tests: These tests assess the candidate's personality, intelligence, and compatibility for a career in the armed forces.
3. Group Testing: Candidates participate in group activities, such as group discussions, group planning exercises, and outdoor tasks, to evaluate their leadership, communication, and teamwork skills.
4. Personal Interview: Candidates face a personal interview with experienced officers to assess their motivation, aspirations, and knowledge.
5. Medical Examination: A comprehensive medical examination is conducted to ensure the candidate's fitness for military service.

Are SSB Interview Marks Added to the Written Exam Scores?
No, the marks obtained in the SSB interview are not added to the written exam scores. The written exam and SSB interview are considered as two separate stages of the selection process. The final selection is based on the candidate's performance in both the written exam and the SSB interview, but the marks are not combined.

Final Merit List:
After the completion of the SSB interview, a final merit list is prepared based on the candidate's performance in both the written exam and the SSB interview. The final selection is made considering the vacancies available and the preferences indicated by the candidates.

Conclusion:
In the NDA exam, the marks obtained in the SSB interview are not added to the written exam scores. The written exam and the SSB interview are evaluated separately, and the final selection is based on the candidate's performance in both stages. It is essential for candidates to perform well in both the written exam and the SSB interview to increase their chances of being selected for admission into the National Defence Academy.