The National Defence Academy (NDA) entrance exam is a national-level examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice a year for admission into the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the NDA. It is one of the most prestigious exams for candidates aspiring to serve as officers in the Indian Armed Forces.
The NDA 2025 exam is a gateway for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces. Proper preparation, understanding the exam pattern, and staying physically fit are crucial for success.
OVERVIEW:
PARTICULAR | DETAILS |
Name of Exam and year | NDA 2025 |
Full Name | National Defence Academy |
Exam level | National Level |
Frequency of Exam | Twice a year |
Conducted by | UPSC (Union Public Selection Commission) |
Mode of Exam | CBT (Computer based exam) |
Purpose of exam | To offer admission in Indian defence & Naval Academy |
Application Mode | Online |
Language of Exam | English and Hindi |
Website | www.upsc.gov.in |
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NDA 2025: IMPORTANT DATES
EVENTS | NDA – I | NDA -II |
Notification Release date | December, 2024 | May, 2025 |
Commencement of Registration | December, 2024 | May, 2025 |
Last date to submit registration | December, 2024 | June, 2025 |
Application withdraw | June, 2025 | June/ July, 2025 |
Admit Card release date | March 2025 | August, 2025 |
NDA Exam date | April 2025 | September 2025 |
Declared of result | May, 2025 | September, 2025 |
Interview dates | May/June, 2025 | Sep/Oct, 2025 |
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:
- Nationality:
- A candidate must be a citizen of India, or
- A subject of Bhutan, or
- A subject of Nepal, or
- A Tibetan refugee who came over to India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanently settling in India.
- Educational Qualifications:
- For Army Wing of NDA – 12th Class pass of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent examination conducted by a State Education Board or a University.
- For Air Force and Naval Wings of NDA and the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at the Indian Naval Academy: 12th Class pass with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent conducted by a State Education Board or a University.
- Physical Standards – Candidates must be physically fit according to physical standards for admission to the NDA and Naval Academy Examination.
NDA 2025: AGE CRITERIA
- For NDA I: Candidates must be born between July 2, 2006, and July 1, 2009.
- For NDA II: Candidates must be born between January 2, 2007, and January 1, 2010.
EXAM PATTERN
- Written Examination:
Exam Topics | Marks |
Mathematics | 300 marks |
General Ability Test (GAT) | 600 marks |
Total | 900 marks |
The written test consists of objective-type questions and is conducted in a pen-and-paper mode. |
- SSB Interview:
- The candidates who qualify in the written examination are called for the SSB Interview.
- The SSB Interview includes two stages: Psychological Aptitude Test and Intelligence Test.
- The SSB Interview is conducted for 900 marks.
SYLLABUS:
- Mathematics
- Algebra
- Trigonometry
- Analytical Geometry
- Differential Calculus
- Integral Calculus
- Vector Algebra
- Statistics and Probability
B) General Ability Test (GAT)
- Part A – English:
- Grammar and usage
- Vocabulary
- Comprehension
- Cohesion in extended text
- Part B – General Knowledge:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- General Science
- History
- Geography
- Current Events
PREPARATION TIPS:
- Understand the Syllabus: Thoroughly understand the syllabus and exam pattern.
- Create a Study Plan: Develop a study schedule and stick to it.
- Focus on Basics: Strengthen your fundamentals, especially in Mathematics and Science.
- Practice Regularly: Solve previous years’ question papers and take mock tests.
- Improve General Knowledge: Stay updated with current events and read newspapers regularly.
- Physical Fitness: Maintain good physical health and fitness.
HOW TO APPLY for NDA 2025
- Open your search engine and visit on the official website i.e. www.upsc.gov.in
- Fill the Application Form: Complete the online application form with the required details.
- Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your photograph and signature.
- Pay the Application Fee: Pay the application fee through online or offline mode.
- Submit the Application: Submit the application form and take a printout for future reference.
F&Qs:
Ans-1. UPSC prescribes the UPSC NDA eligibility criteria 2025 based on factors such as the Candidate’s age, measurements and educational background. Initially, only male candidates were eligible to attempt the NDA exam, but after a Supreme court ruling in 2021, Female candidates are also eligible to attempt the exam.
Ans-2. The cut-off for the written test will be 342 and the final cut-off will be 708. The candidates who will qualify for the NDA exam by obtaining the cut-off marks will be eligible for an interview.