UPSC NDA Interview Questions and Answers

The UPSC conducts NDA exams to recruit eligible candidates for all the three wings – Army, Navy and Airforce. The selection is a two stage process comprising of written test and interview conducted by Services Selection Board (SSB). Once the results of the UPSC NDA written exams are declared, the shortlisted candidates will be called for the interview.

Entri App- The best app for exam preparations

UPSC NDA SSB Interview

The SSB interview will be of 900 marks. All the information regarding the center for interview and dates will be updated by UPSC in it’s official website.

Candidates heading for the interview should have a clear idea about the pattern of the interview. The interview will be in four levels.

The first level will consist of basic and general questions, more like an introductory session where the candidate will be asked about his/ her family, native place, interests etc. You should be honest and truthful in your approach while answering these questions. This will help you to ease up and reply in a confident manner.

In the next level candidates will be asked questions based on real life situations. This round will consist of rapid fire questions and stress questions. In rapid fire section, a set of questions will be asked simultaneously. The questions asked in this level are to determine your ability to tackle challenges, your decision making power and solution finding abilities. The questions asked will be based on your answers in the introduction level. In rapid fire round, back to back questions are asked by the interviewers to assess your truthfulness.

The questions in the third round will be regarding current affairs and world issues. Candidates will be assessed about their knowledge of the issues and their way of tackling it. Candidates should be prepared with the current issues and also important events in the history.

The final round will have some practical or technical questions in reference to your trade.

UPSC NDA Selection Process 2022

Basic Questions Asked in SSB Interview

Once the candidates who have attempted the UPSC NDA written tests get their results and get shortlisted for the next round i.e. the interview round, preparations to crack the interview should be underway. In this article, we have compiled some of the basic and usually asked questions. You can also find other tricky and complicated questions asked during the interview.

Candidates who have cleared the written exams should pass the interview round to be considered for recruitment. The questions can be a bit tricky and confusing, so better preparation helps the candidate to be confident and hence stress free.

The Personal Interview Round is the most crucial stage of the NDA SSB Selection Process. In this round, the Interviewing Officer (IO) assesses the personality of the candidates through questions on the personal life of the candidates, current affairs, social issue, etc. The key to ace the interview round is to  ‘Be well prepared, stress free  and confident’.

NDA Interview Questions and Answers

Tell me something about yourself.

You have to give a brief account of yourselves, your family and educational background. No need to elaborate.

What are your strengths and weaknesses?

You have to maintain a balance while answering this. You should neither praise nor criticize yourself too much.

Why do you want to join the defence forces?

Be honest to yourself and answer from the bottom of your heart while telling about your intention to join the force. The interviewer wants to know how passionate you are about the job.

Three qualities of your best friend that you do not like.

Here even though you have to tell about the drawbacks of your friend, you have to put it in a positive manner. The interviewer wants to know how you take things and how positive you are.

Why should we select you?

Express your passion for the job and highlight your potentials.

What if you do not get selected this time?

This question does not indicate that you will be rejected. The interviewer wants to know ho optimistic you are. You can say that you have worked hard for this opportunity and if you get rejected you will put in more hard work to rectify your shortcomings and try to make it in the next attempt.

Whom do you love the most – your father or mother? Why?

You should try to be logical while answering this. You can say you love both of them equally but they might compel you for a choice. Give an answer that shows your ability to give a candid opinion.

Is there anything you would like to ask me?

Here you can show your interest and passion towards the job by asking any doubt related to the field in defence  you have opted for.

Do you have a girlfriend/ boyfriend? If no, why?

The interviewer wants to know about your priorities and how focused you are about the job. If you do not have one, you can say that now my only priority is making a career in the armed forces. If you have one and you answer ‘yes’, expect a lot of counter questions.

What is your daily routine?

The interviewer wants to know about your personality and interests. Show an accurate picture of who you are but be careful not to disclose anything that might hamper your chances of getting selected.

Why didn’t you try for SSB after 12th through NDA?

The interviewer wants to know about your passion for the job. Answer honestly and give valid reasons.

SSB Interview Frequently Asked Questions

• Why do you think you were not selected in your previous attempt? (If the candidate’s attempt is not his first)
• Why have you applied only for army and navy?
• Which course would you like to opt after 10+2 if you are rejected today?
• Did you have any coaching or special preparation for SSB?
• Who is the General / Chief of India Army, Navy And Air Force?
• What Is the role Of Defence Forces in our country?
• What is the meaning of your name?
• Do you smoke or drink?
• Do you watch adult movies/ porn?
• Who is your best friend? Why did you choose him/her as your best friend?
• Can you guess the approximate volume of water in the glass on my table?
• What is the motto of artillery?   
• How do you motivate your friends?
• Why do birds not get shock while sitting on the wires containing high electricity?
•  What places do you visit with your friends during the outing?
•  Whenever you go through any problem, whom do you approach, or how do you solve it?   

Candidates can expect a lot of counter questions for each question asked by the interviewer. They might also compel the candidates to give a proper choice if the candidate replies in a diplomatic way. They always try to put pressure on the candidates to assess the character and personality of the individual. Answer in a way that shows your personality and integrity.

Candidates may also be asked questions related relationship, sex etc to understand the mental personality and ability. It is up to the candidate to answer those questions. If he/ she is uncomfortable they can answer “Sorry Sir, I’m not comfortable answering this as it’s a very personal matter.”

Candidates must be well aware of one’s native place, it’s geography, any history related to it , places of general interest in and around etc. It is a good practice to study about the different aspects of your area and your state while preparing for the interview.

Apart from the above, candidates must have a sound knowledge about the field he wants to join such as ranks, commands, formations, head of the organization etc.

Given below are some of the Rapid Fire Round questions:

• Tell me about your class 12th schooling, marks, along with any achievements you had?
• Tell me about your graduation details, marks, achievement, and any extracurricular activities you have participated in?
• What are your hobbies and interests?
• Tell me about your teachers whom did you liked and disliked most and why?
• Tell me about your friends whom did you liked and disliked most and why?

A large number of candidates make it through the written test but when it comes to the interview stage only a handful emerge successful. This is because most of them are unable to handle the stress and hence succumb to the pressure. The key to cracking the interview is to be calm. You should neither panic nor be too chilled out. This balance will help you face the interview in a better manner. Entri wishes all the candidates the very best.

Download Entri and ace your exams