
About Dehradun Naval & Defence Academy

Where Aspirations Take Flight and Uniforms Find Purpose
Choosing the right academy is the first mission in your defence journey—and at DNDA, we make that decision a confident one. With a legacy of excellence and a results-driven ethos, DNDA stands as one of India’s most trusted names in defence and maritime exam preparation.
Empowering Minds, Shaping Futures
Key Features of DNDA – Dehradun Naval & Defence Academy
At DNDA, we pride ourselves on delivering a transformative learning experience that goes beyond conventional coaching. Our programmes are designed to empower defence aspirants with the knowledge, discipline, and confidence required to succeed in competitive exams and serve the nation with honour.
NDA Coaching Programme
Our flagship NDA course offers in-depth preparation for the National Defence Academy entrance exam. Covering all subjects—Mathematics, General Ability, and English—our curriculum is aligned with the latest UPSC standards and includes physical fitness training and personality development to ensure holistic readiness.
01
DNDA provides specialised coaching for a wide range of defence entry exams, including CDS, AFCAT, CAPF, and more. Each course is tailored to the unique demands of its respective selection process, ensuring focused and effective preparation.
02
Our faculty comprises seasoned educators and retired defence personnel who bring real-world experience and academic excellence into the classroom. Their mentorship helps students understand not just the syllabus, but the ethos of military service.
03
We maintain small batch sizes to ensure every student receives personalised attention. Regular progress tracking, doubt-clearing sessions, and one-on-one mentoring help students stay on course and overcome challenges confidently.
04
Students receive access to meticulously curated study resources, including printed notes, reference books, and digital content. Our materials are updated regularly to reflect current exam trends and include past-year papers for strategic practice.
05
Frequent mock tests simulate real exam conditions, helping students master time management and negative marking strategies. Detailed performance analysis enables targeted improvement and builds exam-day confidence.
06

About us
Where Aspirations Take Flight and Uniforms Find Purpose
Choosing the right academy is the first mission in your defence journey—and at DNDA, we make that decision a confident one. With a legacy of excellence and a results-driven ethos, DNDA stands as one of India’s most trusted names in defence and maritime exam preparation.
Proven Track Record
-
Over 25 years of unmatched results, backed by a team of highly experienced educators.
-
Consistently high selection rates across NDA, CDS, AFCAT, Navy SSR/AA, Air Force, and IMU CET entries.
Updated & Exam-Focused Curriculum
-
Course material aligned with latest exam patterns and selection trends.
-
Regular test series designed to master negative marking strategies and time management.
Personalised Mentorship
-
Continuous extra classes for students who need additional support.
-
One-on-one counselling and motivational sessions to keep candidates focused and confident.
Holistic Development
-
Integrated training in SSB interview techniques, personality development, and spoken English.
-
Guest lectures by veteran defence officers, offering real-world insights and inspiration.
Infrastructure That Inspires
-
Access to India’s largest GTO ground and state-of-the-art training facilities.
-
Simulated environments that prepare candidates for both written and physical challenges.
Comprehensive Course Offerings
-
NDA Coaching – For 10+2 students aiming for officer-level entry
-
CDS Coaching – For graduates pursuing a career in the Armed Forces
-
AFCAT Coaching – For Air Force aspirants
-
Navy SSR/AA Coaching – For technical and sailor-level entries
-
Air Force Coaching – For Group X & Y and other Air Force roles
-
IMU CET Coaching – For Merchant Navy and maritime careers
VISION
To establish DNDA as a national benchmark in defence and maritime education, where students are not only trained to clear competitive exams but are transformed into leaders of integrity, discipline, and service. We envision a generation of cadets who carry the spirit of the tricolor in their hearts and the strength of ethical leadership in their actions.
MISSION
To deliver strategic coaching for NDA, CDS, AFCAT, Navy SSR/AA, Air Force, and IMU-CET with academic precision and holistic mentorship
To foster a culture of excellence through bilingual instruction, physical training, personality development, and SSB preparation
To guide students toward careers of honour in the Armed Forces and Merchant Navy, with clarity, confidence, and national pride
To uphold values of transparency, inclusivity, and ethical growth across every classroom, parade ground, and mentorship session
-
To build a legacy of service-driven education, where every cadet becomes a symbol of India’s strength and sovereignty
शपथ पत्र – कैडेट संकल्प
-
मैं, DNDA का एक गौरवशाली कैडेट, अपने राष्ट्र, अपने संस्थान और अपने भविष्य के प्रति यह संकल्प लेता हूँ:
-
मैं अनुशासन, ईमानदारी और सेवा की भावना को अपने जीवन में आत्मसात करूँगा
-
मैं परीक्षाओं की तैयारी पूरी निष्ठा और समर्पण से करूँगा
-
मैं अपने शरीर, मन और चरित्र को एक सच्चे अधिकारी के रूप में विकसित करूँगा
-
मैं अपने माता-पिता, शिक्षकों और देश के विश्वास को कभी टूटने नहीं दूँगा
-
मैं हर कार्य में राष्ट्रहित को सर्वोपरि रखूँगा
-
मैं DNDA की संस्कृति, मर्यादा और गौरव को बनाए रखूँगा
-
मैं एक ऐसा नागरिक बनूँगा जो भारत के लिए गर्व का कारण हो
-
जय हिंद।
Our Leaders

Dr. Ajay Gusain - B.Sc PCM/ M.Sc Mathematics/ B.ed/ PhD. (Discrete Mathematics)
Dean – DNDA
A results-driven educator with over 14 years of teaching experience, Dr. Ajay has mentored thousands of aspirants across NDA, CDS, AFCAT, CAPF, and IMU-CET domains. A former Army School teacher, he brings discipline, depth, and strategic clarity to every classroom.
He has successfully cracked NET (JRF in Mathematics), UKPSC Lecturer Exam, and UPSC Mains with Mathematics as an optional, reflecting his academic excellence and competitive insight.
Honoured by the Ministry of Education, Uttarakhand, Dr. Ajay is known for fostering inclusive learning environments, implementing innovative curricula, and leading institutional growth with integrity.
At DNDA, he serves as a Dean — committed to student success, faculty development, and national service through education.

Gp Capt A. Rai (Retd.) - Indian Airforce
Mentor - SSB Coaching
Gp Capt A. Rai (Retd.), a decorated Indian Air Force veteran and Kargil War participant, leads the SSB coaching vertical at Dehradun Defence College.
An alumnus of Air Defence College and TACDE, he brings deep expertise in officer selection and training.
He has served in multiple key operations and spent his career grooming future defence leaders.
For the past five years, he has mentored NDA and CDS aspirants, focusing on confidence, clarity, and life skills.
His coaching blends military precision with personal guidance, shaped by his own service legacy.
Coming from a family of officers and athletes, he continues to lead by example through fitness and discipline.
His sessions are known for their rigor, empathy, and real-world relevance—preparing candidates not just for selection, but for service.
He believes in nurturing character as much as competence, instilling values of integrity, resilience, and national pride.
Under his guidance, many students have gone on to join the armed forces, carrying forward his legacy of excellence and service.

Ms. Aarushi Kasturiwal – B.Ed | M.Sc Chemistry | M.A Education
Centre Head - DNDA
Miss Aarushi Kasturiwal brings a dynamic blend of academic excellence and competitive exam expertise to DNDA. With over four years of teaching experience across premier defence and maritime academies in Dehradun, she has mentored aspirants preparing for NDA, IMU-CET, CDS, AFCAT, and CAPF, consistently delivering results through concept clarity and exam-oriented strategies.
Her academic foundation—rooted in M.Sc Chemistry, B.Ed, and M.A in Education—is complemented by her personal achievements, having cleared NEET (2017) and AFCAT (2020) herself. In 2025, she was appointed by CBSE as an official evaluator, a testament to her pedagogical integrity and subject mastery.
At DNDA, Miss Kasturiwal is known for her student-centric approach, bilingual instruction, and ability to simplify complex topics for aspirants from diverse academic backgrounds. Her sessions combine scientific precision with motivational energy, making her a valued mentor in both academic and personality development domains.
Dean’s Message
Strategic Founders & Institutional Architect
In a country where service is sacred and leadership is legacy, DNDA stands as a national institution with a mission far greater than examination success. It is a place where young minds are shaped into future officers, merchant navy professionals, and ethical contributors to India's strength and sovereignty.
We envisioned more than just an academy—We envisioned a launchpad for disciplined transformation. Our goal is not merely to coach, but to cultivate. To nurture students with the clarity, competence, and character needed to thrive in uniformed careers and beyond.
DNDA proudly offers a comprehensive suite of preparatory programs designed to meet the evolving aspirations of today’s youth:
Our Flagship Courses
-
NDA Coaching – For entry into the National Defence Academy
-
CDS Coaching – For graduates aspiring to join the Armed Forces
-
AFCAT Coaching – For Air Force Common Admission Test preparation
-
Navy SSR/AA Coaching – For Senior Secondary Recruit and Artificer Apprentice entries
-
Air Force Coaching – For Air Force recruitment exams
-
IMU-CET Coaching – For entry into the Indian Maritime University and Merchant Navy careers
Each course is delivered with precision, empathy, and strategic depth—combining academic rigor, bilingual instruction, physical training, and personality development. Our faculty includes defence veterans, maritime experts, and subject specialists, all united by a shared commitment to student success.
DNDA is not just a campus—it is a culture of excellence. A place where every parade instills pride, every classroom fosters clarity, and every mentor walks beside our cadets with purpose. From SSB simulations to sponsorship guidance, from aptitude drills to medical readiness—we prepare students not just to qualify, but to lead.
To the students who dream of wearing the uniform: DNDA is your beginning. To the parents who entrust us with their children’s future: We honour your faith with results and responsibility. To the nation we serve: DNDA is our offering. A legacy in the making.
Let this academy be your compass. Let your journey be one of honour. Let your legacy be one of service.
Jai Hind.
Dean
Dehradun Naval & Defence Academy (DNDA)