Free Coaching, Meals, and Accommodation for NDA and CDS Aspirants in Maharashtra
Nashik, 21st December 2024: The Maharashtra Sainik Welfare Department has announced a free training program for National Defence Academy (NDA) and Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam aspirants at its pre-cadet training centre in Nashik. Over the next three months, selected candidates will receive not only free coaching but also complimentary accommodation and meals.
“This batch will comprise 50 students, including 10 girls, who will benefit from comprehensive training for the NDA and CDS exams,” said Colonel Deepak Thonge (Retd), Director of the Maharashtra Sainik Welfare Department. “The program will begin in January, aiming to bridge the gap for students who cannot afford private coaching fees, which often run into lakhs of rupees.”
To ensure the right candidates are chosen, the centre will assess applicants based on aptitude, attitude, and academic qualifications. “We employ highly skilled teachers to conduct daily classes,” shared Lieutenant Colonel Vilas Sonawane (Retd), who oversees the Nashik centre. “Once students pass the written exams, we also provide them with tailored coaching for the Services Selection Board (SSB) interviews.”
Private coaching for the NDA exam often costs between ₹1 lakh and ₹3 lakh for a two-year period, making it inaccessible to many. “These exams demand specific preparation and expertise, which not all students can afford. Consequently, several talented candidates are unable to qualify,” noted an official from the Sainik Welfare Department.
The centre’s preparation approach has been fine-tuned over the years, but officials acknowledged room for improvement. “Our success rate in SSB interviews is still modest, primarily due to candidates’ lack of confidence and insufficient readiness. This year, we are prioritizing these areas to ensure better outcomes,” the official added.
Each year, around 10 lakh students across the country compete in the NDA entrance exam, with only 300 to 350 making it to the final merit list. By offering this initiative, the department aims to create more opportunities for deserving students and improve their chances of joining the armed forces.
