UPSC NDA Exam 2025
UPSC NDA 2025 Registration: The UPSC NDA exam, or the National Defence Academy exam, is an important means of getting entry into the Indian Army. This exam opens a door for young candidates to serve in the Indian Armed Forces. The NDA was formed in 1954 and since then this exam has become a dream for thousands of students every year. The UPSC, i.e. Union Public Service Commission, conducts this exam to select eligible candidates for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Young students who appear for the NDA exam not only receive an excellent education but also get training in leadership skills and discipline. This exam is an opportunity for students who want to serve the country. After passing it, candidates get admission to the National Defence Academy, where they are exposed to various aspects of the armed forces.
Historically, the NDA exam has played an important role in the establishment of the Indian Defense Forces. This exam is not just an academic challenge but it also inspires the young generation to play an important role in the security of the nation. In recent years, the relevance of the NDA exam has increased even more, as more thoughtful youth are participating in it. Indian youth now consider NDA a matter of honor and consider it an important means of contributing to the defense of our country.
Highlights of UPSC NDA 2025 Registration
| Feature | Details |
| Exam Name | National Defence Academy (NDA) & Naval Academy (NA) Examination |
| Conducting Authority | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Mode of Examination | Offline (Pen and Paper-based) |
| Stages of Selection | Written Examination, SSB Interview, Medical Examination |
| Total Marks | 1800 (900 for Written Exam + 900 for SSB Interview) |
| Written Exam Subjects | Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT) |
| Exam Duration | 5 hours (2.5 hours for each paper) |
| Medium of Exam | English and Hindi (except for the English section of GAT) |
| Eligibility Criteria | 10+2 qualification; Physics and Mathematics for Air Force and Navy |
| Age Limit | – NDA 1: Born between July 2, 2006, and July 1, 2009 – NDA 2: Born between Jan 2, 2007, and Jan 1, 2010 |
| Gender | Both male and female candidates are eligible |
| Application Fee | ₹100 (SC/ST/females and wards of JCOs/NCOs/ORs are exempted) |
| Vacancies | 396 (208 for the Army, 42 for the Navy, 110 for the Air Force, 36 for the Naval Academy) |
| Negative Marking | Yes (0.83 marks for Mathematics, 1.33 marks for GAT) |
| Notification Release | NDA 1: December 11, 2024 NDA 2: May 28, 2025 |
| Exam Dates | NDA 1: April 13, 2025 NDA 2: September 14, 2025 |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
Eligibility Criteria for UPSC NDA Vacancy 2025
Applicants are required to follow particular eligibility criteria to appear for the UPSC NDA exam. Firstly, the educational qualification of the candidates is important; they must have passed 12th class from a recognized board. This qualification is mandatory for both men and women. Additionally, students who wish to be admitted to the National Defence Academy need to study science, mathematics, and physics as well as chemistry, especially for students who wish to join the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy.
The age of the candidates is also an important aspect of eligibility. Students aged between 16.5 years to 19.5 years are eligible to take the NDA exam. Also, candidates must be citizens of India, unless they are also nationals of Nepal or Bhutan. It is also very important that the applicants should be free from any kind of serious medical problems, as physical fitness is required.
There is no discrimination in the process of appearing for this exam for female candidates. The same standards are applied to all candidates to allow them to participate in the NDA exam. Women must also appear in this exam in equal numbers, which is a positive step towards opening new doors for women in NDA. Thus, every candidate should apply to keep in mind their educational qualification and other eligibility criteria.
UPSC NDA Notification 2025 Age Limit
The age limit of the candidates for the UPSC NDA exam is one of the important points. Generally, the age of the candidates should be between 16.5 years to 19.5 years to appear in this exam. This age limit is for those students who want to join the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force. The age limit has been determined so that a reasonable time can be fixed for the candidates to start the initial training. As far as age relaxation is concerned, certain relaxations are provided for different categories like OBC, SC, ST, etc.
- NDA 1: Born between July 2, 2006, and July 1, 2009.
- NDA 2: Born between January 2, 2007, and January 1, 2010.
- Gender: Both unmarried male and female candidates are eligible to apply.
- Physical Standards: Candidates must meet the prescribed physical and medical standards outlined by UPSC.
Application Fees
- General category candidates: ₹100
- SC/ST/female candidates and wards of JCOs/NCOs/ORs: Exempted from the fee.
UPSC NDA Recruitment 2025 Selection Process
The selection process begins with the qualifying exam, in which a written exam is conducted. The written exam consists of two major subjects: Mathematics and General Studies. Candidates have to clear these subjects to be eligible to proceed with medical examinations. After the written exam, the selected candidates are also required to appear for the Physical Efficiency Test (PFT). This test is conducted to assess the physical fitness of the candidates.
After the physical test, there is an interview stage for the candidates. In this stage, the candidates are evaluated mentally and physically. The interview ensures acceptance into the Indian Defence Services for the selected candidates. Thus, the written exam, physical test, and interview are all important stages in the selection process for the NDA exam. Under this entire process, the overall ability of a candidate is tested so that they can be trained properly.
UPSC NDA 2025 Exam Pattern
| Subject | Code | Duration | Maximum Marks | Remarks |
| Mathematics | 01 | 2.5 hours | 300 | Based on 10+2 level mathematics. Questions test analytical and problem-solving skills. |
| General Ability Test (GAT) | 02 | 2.5 hours | 600 | Divided into two sections: English and General Knowledge. |
| Total Written Exam | – | 5 hours | 900 | Candidates must qualify for this stage to proceed to the SSB Interview. |
| SSB Interview | – | – | 900 | Includes two stages: Psychological Tests and Group Testing Officer Tasks. |
Breakdown of GAT (General Ability Test)
| Section | Topics Covered | Marks |
| Part A: English | Grammar, Vocabulary, Comprehension, Sentence Structure, Synonyms, Antonyms | 200 |
| Part B: General Knowledge | Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, Current Events | 400 |
Marking Scheme
| Aspect | Mathematics | GAT |
| Correct Answer | +2.5 marks | +4 marks |
| Incorrect Answer | -0.83 marks | -1.33 marks |
| Unanswered Question | 0 marks | 0 marks |
SSB Interview Details
| Stage | Tests Conducted | Maximum Marks |
| Stage I | Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR), Picture Perception and Description Test (PP&DT) | Qualifying Only |
| Stage II | Psychological Tests, Group Tasks, Personal Interview, and Conference | 900 |
Notes
- The written exam carries 900 marks, and the SSB interview also carries 900 marks, making a total of 1800 marks.
- The medium of the exam is bilingual (English and Hindi), except for the English section.
- Candidates must pass both the written exam and the SSB interview to qualify.
Physical Standards Test (PST) and Physical Measurement Test (PMT)
| Criteria | Minimum Requirement |
| Height (Army & Navy) | 157 cm (for males), 152 cm (for females) |
| Height (Air Force) | 162.5 cm (for males and females) |
| Weight | Proportional to height and age as per medical standards |
| Chest (Males) | Minimum 81 cm, with an expansion of at least 5 cm |
| Vision Standards | – Army & Navy: 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in the other (corrected with glasses if needed) – Air Force: 6/6 in one eye and 6/6 in the other (without glasses) |
| Hearing | Normal in both ears, no evidence of any ear disease |
| Teeth | Healthy and at least 14 dental points |
Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
| Activity | Standard |
| Running | 2.4 km in 15 minutes (for males and females) |
| Push-ups (Males) | 20 push-ups in one go |
| Sit-ups | 25 sit-ups in one go |
| Chin-ups (Males) | Minimum 8 chin-ups |
| Bent-knee Sit-ups (Females) | 15 bent-knee sit-ups in one go |
| Long Jump | Minimum 3.8 meters |
| High Jump | Minimum 1.2 meters |
Other Key Medical Standards
| Parameter | Requirement |
| Knock Knees | Not acceptable |
| Flat Feet | Not acceptable |
| Color Blindness | Should not be present |
| Varicose Veins | Not acceptable |
| Physical Deformities | No deformities that interfere with the efficient performance of military duties |
| Mental Health | Should be free from mental health disorders or psychiatric conditions |
Notes:
- Candidates must meet all physical and medical standards as outlined by UPSC.
- Relaxations in height are provided for candidates from certain regions:
- Gorkhas, North-East India, Garhwal, Kumaon regions: 5 cm relaxation in height.
- Lakshadweep candidates: 2 cm relaxation in height.
- Failing any of the physical, medical, or efficiency tests may result in disqualification.
Salary Benefits
Candidates who clear the NDA exam get a fixed salary after selection. The starting salary is around Rs 56,100 per month, which includes various allowances. This salary structure includes dearness allowance, house allowance, and various other allowances. Apart from this, medical facilities, holiday opportunities, and other perks are also provided to the selected candidates. All these things make a career in NDA an attractive option.
Vacancies Details
| Academy | Vacancies |
| National Defence Academy (Army) | 208 |
| National Defence Academy (Navy) | 42 |
| National Defence Academy (Air) | 110 |
| Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry) | 36 |
| Total | 396 |
Application Process
The application process for the NDA (National Defence Academy) exam is as per a set guideline. Interested candidates must first visit the official website, where they will get the option to fill out the application form. The application process is usually conducted twice a year, which is in January and July. Candidates should know the application starting date well. Generally, it is necessary to fill in all the required information correctly before the last date of filling out the application form.
In the process of filling out the application form, candidates have to provide their personal information, educational qualification,s, and other details. Along with this, candidates also have to upload a scanned copy of the required documents. These documents are identity cards, age certificates, and educational qualifications.
After filling out the form, candidates have to pay the application fee, which may vary according to different categories. After the payment, candidates get an acknowledgment confirming their application, which must be kept safe for future reference.
NDA 1 2025 Examination:
| Event | Date |
| Notification Release Date | December 11, 2024 |
| Application Period | December 11 – 31, 2024 |
| Application Correction Window | January 1 – 7, 2025 |
| Examination Date | April 13, 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | To be announced |
| Result Declaration | To be announced |
NDA 2 2025 Examination:
| Event | Date |
| Notification Release Date | May 28, 2025 |
| Application Period | May 28 – June 17, 2025 |
| Examination Date | September 14, 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | To be announced |
| Result Declaration | To be announced |
How to fill out the UPSC NDA Application Form 2025?
- Visit the official UPSC website (upsc.gov.in).
- Navigate to the “Examinations” section and click on “Apply Online.”
- Select the NDA & NA examination link.
- Register by providing details such as name, date of birth, email ID, and mobile number.
- Log in using the generated registration ID and complete the application form with personal, educational, and contact details.
- Upload scanned copies of:
- Photograph
- Signature
- Photo ID (as per specifications in the notification)
- Pay the application fee:
- ₹100 for general candidates.
- Exempted for SC/ST/female candidates and wards of JCOs/NCOs/ORs.
- Review the entered details and ensure accuracy.
- Submit the application form.
- Save and print the application confirmation page for future use.