The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is all set to announce the NDA (National Defence Academy) 2025 Notification in December 2024. For many young aspirants, joining the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force is a dream, and the NDA exam is a gateway to turn that dream into reality. If you are someone who is passionate about serving the nation and looking for a prestigious and adventurous career, this exam is your golden opportunity. To make the most of this chance, staying updated on the exam dates, eligibility criteria, and other key details is crucial.
To help you prepare effectively, Crack Defence Exams offer comprehensive online courses, mock tests, and practice sessions designed to guide you every step of the way. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the NDA 2025 exam in simple terms—from eligibility to important dates and preparation tips. Let’s get started on your journey to achieving your dream of joining the armed forces!
Key Highlights of NDA 2025 Notification
- Exam Conducting Body: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
- Course Commencement: January 2026 for NDA 1 and June 2026 for NDA 2
- Total Expected Vacancies: Around 400 for the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings
- NDA 1 Notification Release Date: December 11, 2024
- NDA 2 Notification Release Date: May 28, 2025
- Official Website: upsc.gov.in
NDA 2025 Important Dates
| Event | NDA 1 2025 | NDA 2 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | December 11, 2024 | May 28, 2025 |
| Online Registration Start Date | December 11, 2024 | May 28, 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | December 31, 2024 | June 17, 2025 |
| Exam Date | April 13, 2025 | September 14, 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | To be updated | To be updated |
| Result Announcement | To be updated | To be updated |
NDA 2025 Eligibility Criteria
1. Age Limit
- For NDA 1 2025: Candidates must be born between 2nd July 2006 and 1st July 2009.
- For NDA 2 2025: Candidates must be born between 2nd January 2007 and 1st January 2010.
2. Educational Qualifications
- Army Wing of NDA: 12th Class pass or equivalent examination conducted by a State Education Board or University.
- Air Force and Naval Wings of NDA & 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme: 12th Class pass with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
3. Nationality
Candidates must be:
- A citizen of India or a subject of Nepal, or
- A person of Indian origin who has migrated from countries like Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Uganda, etc., with the intention of settling in India permanently.
4. Marital Status
- Only unmarried male and female candidates are eligible.
- Candidates must remain unmarried until the completion of training.
NDA 2025 Exam Pattern
| Subject | Duration | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 2½ hours | 300 |
| General Ability Test (GAT) | 2½ hours | 600 |
| Total | 5 hours | 900 |
| SSB Interview | – | 900 |
Exam Mode: Offline (Objective Type Questions)
Medium: English and Hindi
NDA 2025 Syllabus
1. Mathematics
- Algebra, Matrices and Determinants, Trigonometry
- Analytical Geometry, Differential & Integral Calculus
- Vector Algebra, Statistics, and Probability
2. General Ability Test (GAT)
- Part A (English): Comprehension, Vocabulary, Grammar, Sentence Structure.
- Part B (General Knowledge): Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, Current Affairs.
NDA 2025 Physical Standards
Candidates must meet the physical and medical standards specified in the official notification:
- Height Requirements:
- For Ground Duty: Minimum height of 157.5 cm.
- For Flying Duty: Sitting Height: 81.5 cm to 96.0 cm, Leg Length: 99.0 cm to 120.0 cm.
How to Apply for NDA 2025 Exam
- Visit the Official Website: Go to upsc.gov.in.
- Registration: Click on the link for “National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination 2025”.
- Fill the Application Form: Enter valid details, upload documents, and choose the exam center.
- Pay Application Fee: ₹100/- for General category (SC/ST/female candidates are exempted).
- Submission: Review your form, submit, and take a printout for future reference.
NDA 2025 Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General/OBC | ₹100 |
| SC/ST/Female/Wards of JCOs/NCOs | Exempted |
NDA 2025 Selection Process
The selection process consists of two stages:
- Written Exam: Candidates must clear both the Mathematics and General Ability Test.
- SSB Interview: Candidates who pass the written exam will be called for the SSB Interview, which includes:
- Stage I: Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception and Discussion Test (PP&DT).
- Stage II: Interview, Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks, Psychology Tests, and Conference.
Total Marks: 900 (Written Exam) + 900 (SSB Interview)
NDA 2025 Preparation Tips
- Understand the Syllabus: Review all the topics included in the Mathematics and GAT sections.
- Practice Regularly: Solve previous year’s question papers and take mock tests to enhance your speed and accuracy.
- Stay Physically Fit: Prepare for the physical fitness tests required for the SSB Interview.
- Stay Updated: Follow current affairs and general knowledge topics to excel in the GAT section.
