What is the Difference Between NDA and IMA Training?

NDA ( National Defence Academy) is a defence training institute of the Indian Armed Forces. It recruits candidates through the NDA entrance exam at a national-level. Any 12th passed student can apply for this exam. NDA exam is conducted in three tiers i.e. a written test, the SSB Interview and medical test. Candidates who qualify in all three stages get selected for the NDA training.

What is IMA Training?

IMA (Indian Military Academy), is a prestigious training institution of Indian Armed Services. Candidates can get selected for IMA training through three ways. First, when a candidate finishes 3 years of NDA training and chooses the Indian Army. Second, Candidates who qualify for all three stages of the CDS entrance exam. Third, an engineering graduate who applies for the SSB interview directly and qualifies.

The Difference Between NDA and IMA Training?

In Duration

The NDA Training for defense services in the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force is for 3 years while The IMA Training for Indian Army varies from 12 to 18 months.

In Selection Process

Candidates who qualify for the CDS exam and the SSB interview get selected for 18 months of training while candidates who enter after 3 years of NDA training and choose for Indian Armed Forces, get accepted for 12 months of training at IMA. Technical graduates who pass the SSB exam go for 12 months of training with IMA.
For NDA training selection, A candidate needs to pass all the three phases of the NDA exam. This training is given for all three wings of defense forces i.e. Indian Navy, Indian Army and Indian Air Force for 3 years.

Eligibility

For NDA Training entry, a candidate must have a 12th Board certificate. For IMA Training through the CDS exam, a candidate must have a bachelor’s degree. NDA training qualified candidates can directly begin IMA training after 3 years. A technical graduate must have a BE or B.Tech. from any recognized university of India to apply for the SSB interview and get selected for IMA Training.

Age Limit

NDA qualification requires students from age group 16.5 to 19.5 years. IMA entry through CDS exam accepts students aged from 19 to 25 years. IMA technical entries for engineering graduates require an age limit between 20 to 27 years.

Type

Candidates going through NDA training can go for any of the three defence services i.e. Army, Air Force or Navy after three years. IMA training is specially given for entry into the Indian Armed Forces.

Learning

In NDA training, candidates learn about military campaigns, military law history, and training for specific services. IMA training candidates learn mostly about drills, leadership improvement, weapons and physical training.