The NDA exam is a top test for those wanting to join the Indian Armed Forces. With the NDA Exam 2025 fast approaching, many candidates seek details on its eligibility, selection process, and prep strategy.
This blog covers all key details about the NDA Exam 2025. It includes dates, eligibility, the exam pattern, vacancies, and tips to ace this prestigious test. Whether you are a first-time applicant or a repeat candidate, this guide will provide you with the key insights required to succeed.
What is the NDA Exam?
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the NDA Exam twice a year. It selects candidates for the National Defence Academy and the Naval Academy. The NDA exam is crucial for aspiring candidates who wish to serve in the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force.
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NDA I 2025 Exam: The NDA 1 exam will be held on April 13, 2025.
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NDA II 2025 Exam: The NDA 2 exam will be conducted on September 14, 2025.
Candidates who pass the written exam are shortlisted for the SSB interview and medical exam.
NDA Exam 2025 Important Dates
The NDA 2025 exam dates are crucial for candidates who plan to appear for the exam. Let’s break down the schedule:
| Event | NDA 1 2025 | NDA 2 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Notification Date | December 11, 2024 | May 28, 2025 |
| Application Form Availability | Dec 11, 2024 – Dec 31, 2024 | May 28, 2025 – June 17, 2025 |
| Exam Date | April 13, 2025 | September 14, 2025 |
Key Takeaways:
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Be sure to start your preparation well in advance.
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Keep track of the official UPSC notifications for any updates.
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Understand the specific dates for each stage of the NDA exam process.
NDA Exam 2025 Eligibility Criteria
Before applying for the NDA 2025 exam, candidates must meet certain criteria. These include nationality, age, education, and physical standards.
1. Nationality
Candidates must be Indian citizens, or subjects of Nepal or Bhutan. They can also be Tibetan refugees who came to India before 1962 to settle permanently.
2. Age Limit
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The age limit for NDA 2025 is between 16.5 and 19.5 years.
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Candidates must have been born between July 2, 2005, and July 1, 2008.
3. Educational Qualification
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For Army Wing: Candidates must have passed the 12th grade from a recognized board or university.
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For Air Force, Naval Wings & INA: Candidates must have passed 12th grade with Physics and Mathematics as subjects. Those currently in the 12th grade are also eligible.
4. Marital Status
Only unmarried male and female candidates are eligible to apply for the NDA exam.
5. Physical Standards
Candidates must meet the prescribed physical fitness standards, including:
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A medical test conducted by the Medical Board.
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Meeting vision standards.
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Physical fitness tests like running, sit-ups, and push-ups.
NDA 2025 Exam Pattern
The NDA exam is conducted offline in two stages:
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Written Exam
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SSB Interview
Written Exam Structure:
The written exam is divided into two sections:
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Mathematics
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General Ability Test (GAT)
| Subject | Duration | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 2 ½ hours | 120 | 300 |
| General Ability Test (GAT) | 2 ½ hours | 150 | 600 |
Marking Scheme:
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For every correct answer in the Mathematics section, you get +2.5 marks.
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For every correct answer in the General Ability section, you get +4 marks.
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There will be a negative marking: 0.83 marks will be deducted for wrong answers in Mathematics, and 1.33 marks for wrong answers in General Ability Test.
SSB Interview:
The SSB Interview is a test of personality and intelligence. It evaluates candidates through a series of tests over several days. Candidates are assessed on:
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Psychological tests
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Group tasks
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Personal interview
Vacancies for NDA 2025
The vacancies in NDA 2025 are divided across the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings. Here’s a breakdown of the available seats:
| Academy | Wing | Number of Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| NDA | Army | 208 (10 for female) |
| Navy | 42 (6 for female) | |
| Air Force (Flying) | 92 (2 for female) | |
| Air Force (Ground Duty Tech) | 18 (2 for female) | |
| Air Force (Ground Duty Non-Tech) | 10 (2 for female) | |
| Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme) | – | 30 (9 for female) |
| Total | 400 |
How to Apply for NDA 2025
Candidates can apply for NDA 2025 via the UPSC official website. Here’s a step-by-step process:
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Register Online: Candidates need to create an account on the UPSC website.
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Fill Application Form: Provide all personal details, educational qualifications, and preferred exam centers.
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Pay Application Fee: The fee for male candidates in the General/OBC category is INR 100. Female candidates and candidates from SC/ST categories are exempt from fees.
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Submit Form: Once all details are filled in, candidates must review their application before submitting it.
NDA Exam Centers
The NDA 1 2025 exam will be conducted in various cities across India. Candidates can choose the center as per their preference. Some of the popular cities for the exam include:
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Delhi
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Mumbai
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Kolkata
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Chennai
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Bengaluru
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Hyderabad
For a complete list of NDA exam centers, candidates can visit the official UPSC website.
Best NDA Coaching Institutes
To ace the NDA exam, it’s important to prepare with the best study material and coaching. Some of the top NDA coaching institutes include:
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Parmanu Defence Academy: Known for its expert faculty and comprehensive study materials.
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Olive Greens Academy: A renowned name in NDA preparation.
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Agarwal Defence Academy: Offers intensive coaching programs for NDA aspirants.
NDA Exam Preparation Tips
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Understand the Syllabus: Before starting, know the syllabus thoroughly. Divide your time between Mathematics and General Ability sections.
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Focus on Time Management: Both the written exam and SSB interview require time management skills. Practice solving mock tests within the time limits.
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Regular Physical Fitness: Focus on building physical stamina to meet the NDA’s physical standards.
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Solve Previous Year Papers: Going through previous year papers will help you understand the type of questions asked.
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Stay Updated: Read newspapers and current affairs for the General Knowledge section.
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Join Coaching: Professional coaching can give you an edge with structured guidance.
FAQs on NDA Exam 2025
1. What are the eligibility criteria for NDA?
Candidates must be unmarried, between 16.5 to 19.5 years, and have completed class 12th. For the Air Force and Navy, Physics and Maths are compulsory.
2. What is the NDA exam pattern?
The NDA exam consists of two sections: Mathematics and General Ability Test. Each section is 2.5 hours long.
3. How many vacancies are there in NDA 2025?
There are approximately 400 vacancies across different wings of the NDA, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, and the Naval Academy.
4. Can female candidates apply for NDA?
Yes, female candidates can apply for the NDA exam, with specific seats available for them across the different wings.
5. What is the best NDA coaching institute?
Top institutes for NDA prep are ParmanU Defence Academy, Olive Greens Academy, and Agarwal Defence Academy.
Conclusion
The NDA Exam 2025 is a golden opportunity for those passionate about serving in the Indian Armed Forces. With the NDA 1 scheduled for April 13, 2025, and NDA 2 scheduled for September 14, 2025, this is the right time to start preparing. Watch for official UPSC announcements. Meet all eligibility criteria, including age, education, and physical standards.
With the right preparation and determination, you can crack the NDA exam and join the elite ranks of the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force.