NDA Exam Date 2025 OUT: Check UPSC NDA Complete Schedule

National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Exam 2025 ( NDA )

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Registration: 11 Dec '24 - 31 Dec '24

Anangsha Patra

Anangsha PatraDeputy Manager – Editorial

Updated on Dec 4, 2024 16:10 IST

NDA Exam Date 2025: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will release NDA 1 notification 2025 on December 11, 2024. NDA 1 application form 2025 will be along with the notification. The application form will be available from December 11 to 31, 2024. NDA 1 2025 exam will be conducted on April 13, 2025. 

NDA 2 notification 2025 will be released on May 28, 2025. The application form will be available from May 28 to June 17, 2025. NDA 2 2025 exam will be conducted on September 14, 2025. NDA dates highlight the important events pertaining to the exam such as application form, notification, issue of admit card, declaration of result, and answer key. Read below for more details on NDA exam dates 2025.

Q:   When NDA 1 2025 exam will be conducted?

A:

NDA 1 2025 exam will be conducted on April 13, 2025. The official notification for NDA 1 2025 exam along with the application form will be released on December 11, 2024. The last date to apply for the exam is December 31, 2024.

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Q:   How much time is required for NDA Exam Preparation?

A:

The ideal time required for NDA preparation is one year to six months. During the preparation phase, candidates must focus on all subjects and topics relevant to the exam. Candidates must consider solving the NDA question papers. They should also attempt mock tests to increase speed and accuracy. Candidates must be thorough with the exam pattern and syllabus. The tips and tricks to prepare for NDA exam are given below:

  • To begin with the preparation, candidates need to understand the syllabus and exam pattern
  • Candidates can clear their basic concepts of the topics from the Class 10, 11 and 12 books
  • To improve speed and accuracy, candidates can attempt mock tests
  • After completing the syllabus, candidates must practice previous years' question papers to know the types of questions asked in the exam
  • Candidates must work on improving their weak areas
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Q:   When NDA 2 2025 exam will be conducted?

A:

NDA 2 2025 exam will be conducted on September 14, 2025. NDA 2 2025 notification will be released on May 28, 2025. The application form will be available till June 17, 2025. NDA 2 notification 2025 will be released to select candidates for admission to the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of NDA and Indian Naval Academy Courses beginning in July 2025.

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Q:   Is NDA exam conducted every year?

A:

NDA exam is conducted every year twice in a year. The exam is conducted to select candidates for admission to Army, Navy and Air Force wings of NDA and Indian Naval Academy courses. The selection process comprises written exam and SSB Interview. The total marks allotted to the written exam are 900. The SSB interview carries 900 marks. 

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NDA Dates

Take a look at the table below for the complete schedule of NDA 2025 exam

DatesUpcoming Exam Dates

11 Dec '24 -

31 Dec '24

NDA 1 Application Form 2025

13 Apr '25

NDA 1 2025 exam

28 May '25 -

17 Jun '25

NDA 2 Application Form 2025

14 Sep '25

NDA 2 2025 exam

DatesPast Exam Dates

01 Sep '24

NDA 2 Exam Date 2024

23 Aug '24 -

01 Sep '24

NDA 2 Admit Card 2024

15 May '24

NDA 2 Notification 2024

Important Events of NDA 2025 Exam

The details regarding NDA events are given below:

NDA Application Form Date 2025

NDA application form is released online on the official website. NDA application form can be filled in two parts: I and II. To submit the application form, candidates need to pay the requisite examination fees of INR 100. The examination fees can be paid both online and offline. Both male and female candidates can apply for NDA exam. The application form is released along with NDA notification. The notification also mentions about the NDA Vacancies. The steps to fill the application form are given below:

  • Visit the official website of UPSC
  • Register online by filling the Part I of application
  • Login with the registration number to fill Part II of the application form
  • Fill all the details in Part II application form
  • Submit the fees and take printout of the application form

Also Read: NDA exam centres

Download CURRENT AFFAIRS Guide - Click Here

NDA Admit Card Date 2025

NDA admit card is released three weeks before the exam by UPSC. The link to download the admit card is made available on the official website. However, the direct link to download the admit card is provided on this page. Candidates can download their admit cards either by entering registration number or roll number. The hard copy of the admit card is not sent to candidates by post. NDA admit card comprises details related to the exam such as candidate's name, roll number, date of birth, password, exam centre details, exam day guidelines, etc. The steps to download NDA admit card are given below:

  • Visit the official website of UPSC
  • In the 'Whats New' section candidates will find the 'Admit Card' link
  • Clicking the link, the login page opens
  • In the login page, candidates need to enter the required credentials
  • NDA admit card appears on the screen 
  • Download the admit card and take its printout

NDA Exam

NDA written exam comprises two papers, Mathematics and General Ability Test. The total marks of the written exam are 900. The SSB Interview carries 900 marks. Candidates qualifying the written exam are called for SSB Interview. NDA recruitment is conducted to select eligible candidates for admission to the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of NDA and Indian Naval Academy Courses (INAC). The standard of NDA syllabus of Class 9, 10, 11 & 12 levels. NDA exam pattern for written exam is given below.

Papers Subject Maximum marks Duration

Paper 1

Mathematics

300

2 ½

Paper 2

GAT

600

2 ½

Total

900

5 hours

SSB Interview Pattern

The structure of SSB Interview pattern is given below.

Stages Tests

Stage 1 

Screening Test

  • Verbal and non-verbal tests.
  • PPDT

Stage 2

Psychological Test

  • Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)
  • Word Association Test (WAT)
  • Situation Reaction Test (SRT)
  • Self Description Test (SD)

Group Testing Officers Test

  • GD
  • GPE
  • PGT
  • HGT
  • IOT
  • Command Task
  • Snake race/Group Obstacle Race
  • Individual lecture
  • FGT

Personal Interview

-

Conference

-

Also Read:

NDA Salary

NDA Mock tests

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NDA Answer Key Date 2025

The official answer key is released after the completion of the selection process. However, several coaching institutes release NDA answer key unofficially within a few hours after completion of the test. Along with the answer key, NDA question papers are also made available. Candidates can use the answer key to compare the responses marked in the exam. The steps to download the answer key are given below:

  • Click the subject-wise links of answer keys provided on this page
  • The answer key page opens in PDF form
  • Download the answer key and save it for further reference  

Also Read:

NDA Preparation Tips

NDA Books

NDA Result Date 2025

The result is announced online on the official website. NDA result will be released in PDF format and carries the roll numbers of qualified candidates. Candidates who qualify the written exam are called for the SSB Interview. NDA Cut off is released after the declaration of the final result. The steps to check NDA result are given below:

  • Visit the official website of UPSC
  • Click the result link-‘National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination result’ on the UPSC home page
  • NDA result opens on a new page in PDF form
  • Candidates can search their roll numbers and names in the result PDF through Ctrl+F
  • If their roll numbers and names are in the result PDF, this means candidates have qualified the exam
  • Download the result PDF and take its printout

Q:   How can I prepare for NDA exam?

A:

Every year thousands of candidates appear for NDA exam. With so much competition, candidates need to have a proper preparation strategy for the exam. Candidates need to be consistent with their study plans. They should devote few hours every day to study. Candidates need to be thorough with the syllabus. Candidates must revise their notes and important formulae every day. Candidates must practise mock tests and previous years' question papers to get familiar with the exam pattern and syllabus. Candidates must clear their basic concepts of each and every topic given in the syllabus. This will help candidates to solve the questions easily in the exam.

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Q:   How many students apply for NDA exam and qualify it?

A:
Around two to three Lacs candidates apply for NDA exam. The written exam of NDA is cleared by around 8000 to 10,000 candidates. Such candidates are called for SSB interview. The pass percentage in SSB interview is around 10 to 15 per cent. Many students are rejected on medical ground as well. After the medicals, a merit list is prepared which features around 580 to 650 candidates. First 350 to 380 candidates are invited for admission to NDA and INAC. Some candidates do not join and some are not able to cope up with the tough training process. NDA selection process is bit tough therefore it takes about six months preparation to crack the exam.
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Q:   Can women candidates apply for NDA exam?

A:

Yes, women candidates can now apply for NDA exam. In 2021, Supreme Court of India has allowed women candidates to appear for NDA exam. The eligibility criteria of women candidates are same as male candidates. Women candidates aged between 16.5 years to 19.5 years can apply for NDA exam. They must have passed Class 12 or equivalent from a recognised board. Candidates who are appearing in Class 12 exam can also apply for NDA. Now women candidates are also eligible for applying to the Indian Naval Academy course. Earlier, they were not allowed to apply for Indian Naval Academy. The eligibility for the women candidates are same as their male counterparts. However, there is a difference in the medical standards of women candidates.

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Q:   How much time is required for NDA Exam Preparation?

A:

The ideal time required for NDA preparation is one year to six months. During the preparation phase, candidates must focus on all subjects and topics relevant to the exam. Candidates must consider solving the NDA question papers. They should also attempt mock tests to increase speed and accuracy. Candidates must be thorough with the exam pattern and syllabus. The tips and tricks to prepare for NDA exam are given below:

  • To begin with the preparation, candidates need to understand the syllabus and exam pattern
  • Candidates can clear their basic concepts of the topics from the Class 10, 11 and 12 books
  • To improve speed and accuracy, candidates can attempt mock tests
  • After completing the syllabus, candidates must practice previous years' question papers to know the types of questions asked in the exam
  • Candidates must work on improving their weak areas
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NDA Exam Timing

NDA exam is conducted in two shifts-morning and afternoon shifts. The exam for the morning shift is conducted from 10 am to 12.30 pm whereas the exam for the afternoon shift is conducted from 2 pm to 4.30 pm. NDA shift timings are given below.

Shift Timing
Morning  10.00 am to 12:30 pm
Afternoon 2.00 pm to 4:30 pm

Q:   What is the difference between NDA 1 and 2 exams?

A:

There is no difference between UPSC NDA 1 and 2 exams. NDA 1 exam is conducted for admission to the January batch. Whereas, NDA 2 exam is conducted for admission to July batch.

National Defence Academy or NDA exam is conducted twice a year by Union Public Service Commission for admission to  Army, Navy and Air Force wings of NDA and Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC). It is the most sought-after defence entrance exams in the country where both male and female candidates can apply.

The exam is conducted in two stages: written exam and SSB Interview. In 2020, a total of 5.3 Lacs candidates had applied for the exam, out of which 2.4 Lacs candidates appeared for the exam. UPSC prepares a list of candidates who obtain minimum qualifying marks in the written exam. Such candidates are called for SSB Interview for Intelligence and Personality Test.

Also Read: Know the difference between NDA & NA I and II Exams

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Q:   What is the criteria to give NDA exam?

A:
Hi, Eligibility Criteria to write NDA exam- (a) Nationality : A candidate must either be : i) a citizen of India, or ii) a subject of Bhutan, or iii) a subject of Nepal, or iv) a Tibetan refugee who came over to India with the intention of permanently settling in India, or v) a person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka and East African Countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire and Ethiopia and Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India. Provided that a candidate belonging to categories (ii), (iii), (iv) and (v) above shall be a person in whose favor a certificate of eligibility has been issued by the Government of India. Certificate of eligibility will not, however, be necessary in the case of candidates who are Gorkha subjects of Nepal. (b) Age Limits, Sex and Marital Status : A candidate must be an unmarried male and have attained the age of 16 1/2 years and must not have attained the age 19 years on the 1st January or 1st of July of the year succeeding the year of examination. Candidates must not marry until they complete their full training. A candidate who marries subsequent to the date of his application, though successful will not be selected for training. A candidate who marries during training shall be discharged and will be liable to refund all expenditure incurred on him by the Government. (c) Educational Qualifications : For Army wing of National Defence Academy :- 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 National Defence Academy and for the 10+2 (Executive Branch) Course at the Naval Academy :- 12th Class pass of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent with Physics and Mathematics conducted by a State Education Board or a University. Candidates who are appearing in the 12th Class under the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent examination can also apply.
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Q:   What is the difference between NDA and CDS exams?

A:
Though both are defence exams, there are many similarities and differences in the recruitment process, exam pattern, training, salary, perks, promotion, eligibility, etc. NDA is conducted for candidates who wish to join the defence services after Class 12. CDS is the exam conducted for the graduate candidates for training at Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Air Force Academy (AFA), Officers Training Academy (OTA) and Indian Naval Academy (INA). NDA exam is conducted for Class 12 pass candidates. Whereas, CDS exam is conducted for graduate-level candidates. NDA exam carries two subjects-GAT and Maths. CDS exam carries three papers-Maths, English and GK. English and GK section is conducted for OTA, IMA, INA and AFA. Maths paper is conducted for IMA, INA and AFA. The total marks allotted to the written exam of NDA is 900 whereas it is 300 for CDS.
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Q:   Will NDA exam be affected by Agneepath Scheme?

A:

Agnipath scheme is conducted for JCO entry whereas NDA exam is conducted for Officer entry. Agnipath scheme is restricted to the recruitment of soldiers. This is just a four-year scheme. NDA exam is conducted for permanent service commission. Therefore, NDA exam is not affected by Agneepath scheme. NDA exam is conducted by UPSC to select eligible candidates for admission to the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of NDA and Indian Naval Academy courses. Both male and female candidates are eligible to apply for the exam. Through NDA exam, candidates are selected as Commissioned Officers in armed forces. The selection process of NDA comprises written exam and SSB interview. The written exam is conducted for 900 marks and SSB interview carries 900 marks. The final merit list is prepared out of 1800. 

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NDA Dates 2025 FAQs

Candidates can check below NDA 2025 Dates FAQs.

Q:   What is NDA syllabus?

A:
NDA syllabus outlines the topics and sub-topics which candidates need to cover for the exam. NDA syllabus is divided into Maths and GAT. The level of the syllabus is of Classes 10, 11 and 12 standards. Candidates can check below the topics included in the syllabus: Mathematics: Algebra Calculus, Matrices and Determinants Integral Calculus and Differential Equations Trigonometry Vector Algebra Analytical Geometry Of Two and Three Dimension and Statistics and Probability. GAT. The GAT syllabus of NDA is divided into two parts. Part A comprises questions from English while Part B carries questions from General Knowledge. Questions in English part are asked from Grammar and Usage, Vocabulary, Comprehension, and Cohesion. Questions in General Knowledge are asked from Physics Chemistry Social Studies, General Science, Geography, and Current Events.
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Q:   How can I apply for NDA exam?

A:
NDA application form is made available online and candidates can submit it through the official website. To fill NDA application form, candidates need to do the One Time Registration (OTR). NDA application form comprises two parts-1 and 2. NDA apply online part I registration is divided into four pages: candidate's registration, choosing the preferred branch, verifying details and generation of registration ID. In part II, candidates need to pay the application fees, select the exam centre, upload scanned images of photographs and signatures.
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Q:   What is NDA selection process?

A:

NDA selection process comprises written exam and SSB interview. Candidates need to secure qualifying marks separately in the written exam and SSB interview. Qualified candidates will be placed in a single combined list on the basis of total marks secure in the written exam and SSB interview. Final allocation is done based on the number of vacancies, eligibility, medical fitness and merit-cum-preference of the candidates. The written exam of NDA is conducted for 900 marks. The sectional cutoff marks for the written exam is 25 per cent. The SSB interview carries 900 marks. The SSB interview is conducted in two stages. Stage 1 comprises Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception and Description Test (PP&DT) whereas Stage 2 comprises Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests, and the Conference.

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Q:   What is NDA exam pattern?

A:
The written exam of NDA comprises two papers-Mathematics and General Ability Tests (GAT). The Maths paper carries 120 questions and the GAT carries 150 questions. Total marks allotted to the written exam are 900. Candidates qualifying the written exam are called for SSB interview. SSB Interview is divided into two stages. Candidates qualifying the Stage 1 are called for the Stage 2 exam. Stage 1 of the SSB Interview comprises Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception and Description Test (PP&DT). Stage 2 comprises Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests, and the Conference
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NDA Exam

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 14 hours ago

Yes, after passing the National Defence Academy (NDA) exam, you can obtain a degree, but this depends on the branch you join and the training you undergo.

  1. For Army Cadets: Upon completing training at the NDA and the Indian Military Academy (IMA), you are awarded a BSc (for Science stream) or BA (for

...more

A

Ankit kumar

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 15 hours ago

Hii, The NDA (National Defence Academy) Exam 2024 is conducted by UPSC twice annually for admission to the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings. The NDA 1 2024 notification will be released on 20th December 2023, and the exam is scheduled for 21st April 2024. Candidates aged 16.5 to 19.5 years, unmarried

...more

A

Ankit kumar

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

No, if you have *BiPC* (Biology, Physics, and Chemistry) subjects in your 12th, you are *not eligible* to appear for the *NDA exam*. The *National Defence Academy (NDA)* exam requires candidates to have studied *Mathematics* as one of their subjects in Class 12 or equivalent. 

The eligibility criteri

...more

S

Shraddha Vinaykumar

Contributor-Level 7

Answered Yesterday

The *National Defence Academy (NDA)* exam, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), allows candidates to appear for it a limited number of times. As per the eligibility criteria for the NDA exam:

- *Age Limit:* For NDA, candidates must be between 16.5 to 19.5 years old at the time of

...more

S

Shraddha Vinaykumar

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 6 days ago

Mathematics is very important if you want to ace the NDA exam. We all know, that it is one of the toughest and most prestigious exams to appear for. Also, qualifying for the NDA exam has a lot to do with your accuracy and time management. If you work hard and practice the important topics thoroughly

...more

79270214
SACHIN SINGH

Guide-Level 13

Answered a week ago

The NDA exam has two stages - written examination and SSB Interview.

The exam consists of 900 marks, of which 300 marks are for Mathematics paper and 600 marks are for the General Aptitude Test (GAT).  It is one of the most difficult exams in India. The SSB interview requires a lot of practice and de

...more

74832039
SACHIN SINGH

Guide-Level 13

Answered 2 weeks ago

Combined Defence Service Examination (CDS) National Defence Academy Examination (NDA) Short Service Commission Examination (Technical) Joint Advocate General (JAG) SCWW.

S

Sama Supriya

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 3 weeks ago

NDA syllabus PDF is provided on this page. The syllabus PDF comprises the important topics related to the exam. Candidates can download the syllabus PDF and start preparing for the exam. With good practice, candidates can ace the exam. 

A

Anangsha Patra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks ago

Yes, if you're writing your WAEC and NECO in 2025, you are likely to be eligible for NDA 2025 exam. So let's talk about the eligibility criterias which are, you must me an Indian and your age must be 16.5 to 19.5 years. You must have passed your 12th with PCM. So in order to apply, you need to fill

...more

H

Harsh Vardhan Singh Deora

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

There is no limit in the number of attempts in NDA exam. Candidates falling within the presctibed age limit can apply for NDA exam. The selection process of NDA comprises written exam and SSB Interview. The total marks allotted to the written exam are 900. The SSB interview carries 900 marks.

A

Anangsha Patra

Contributor-Level 10

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