Reservation Policy in NDA Exam and its Impact on Final Merit List and Selection of Candidates

The National Defence Academy (NDA) exam is conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to select candidates for admission to the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the NDA. The reservation policy in the NDA exam aims to provide equal opportunities to candidates from various categories and promote social inclusion. Here is an explanation of how the reservation policy affects the final merit list and selection of candidates in the NDA exam.

1. Reservation Categories:
- The reservation policy in the NDA exam includes reservations for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).
- The percentage of reservation varies for different categories. Currently, the reservation percentages are as follows: SC - 15%, ST - 7.5%, OBC - 27%, and EWS - 10%.

2. Merit List Preparation:
- The NDA exam consists of a written test and an interview conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB). The written test includes subjects like Mathematics and General Ability Test.
- After the written test, a merit list is prepared based on the candidates' performance in both the written test and the SSB interview.
- The merit list is prepared separately for each category, taking into account the reservation quotas.

3. Impact on Final Merit List:
- The reservation policy ensures that a certain percentage of seats are reserved for candidates from different categories.
- Candidates from reserved categories who secure the minimum qualifying marks and meet the eligibility criteria are considered for selection.
- In the final merit list, candidates from reserved categories who have performed well and have secured a position based on merit are included.
- The reservation policy does not mean that candidates from reserved categories are selected even if they do not meet the required standards. Merit remains the primary criterion for selection.

4. Selection of Candidates:
- The selection process for NDA includes qualifying the written test and SSB interview.
- Candidates who qualify the written test are called for the SSB interview, which consists of various stages like psychological tests, group tasks, and personal interviews.
- The final selection of candidates is based on their overall performance in the written test and the SSB interview.
- The reservation policy ensures that candidates from reserved categories who meet the required standards and perform well in the selection process are given equal opportunities for selection.

In conclusion, the reservation policy in the NDA exam aims to provide equal opportunities to candidates from various categories. It affects the final merit list by ensuring a certain percentage of seats are reserved for candidates from reserved categories. However, the final selection is based on merit, and candidates from reserved categories must meet the required standards and perform well in the selection process to secure a position in the NDA.