NDA 2025 Exam: UPSC NDA 1 Notification OUT, Exam Dates, Application Form & FAQs

NDA syllabus is prescribed by the examination authority so that candidates can know what they need to prepare for the exam. The standard of NDA syllabus is of Class 10, 11 and 12 levels. NDA syllabus is divided into two parts-Maths and GAT. NDA Maths syllabus carries questions from Algebra Calculus, Matrices and Determinants Integral Calculus and Differential Equations Trigonometry Vector Algebra Analytical Geometry Of Two and Three Dimension and Statistics and Probability.. NDA GAT syllabus carries questions from topics such as Usage, Vocabulary, Comprehension, and Cohesion. Questions in General Knowledge are asked from Physics Chemistry Social Studies, General Science, Geography, and Current Events.

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.

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

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.

The number of candidates who apply and appear for NDA exam is given below:

NDA stands for National Defence Academy. NDA is situated at Khadakwasla, Pune, Maharashtra and it is one of the most prestigious military training institutions in the world. NDA trains cadets for Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. The cadets are trained to become officers in the Indian Armed Forces upon graduation. Cadets are received a Bachelor's degree in the field of engineering or technology or any other field. NDA exam is conducted for two courses every year, one starting in January and the other starting in July. The courses are of three years duration and cadets are trained in various aspects of military and academic education. NDA exam comprises written exam and SSB interview.

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. 

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

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. 

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.

Candidate should also have details of one photo ID such as Aadhar Card/ Voter Card/ PAN Card/ Passport/ Driving License/School Photo ID/Any other photo ID Card issued by the State/Central Government while filling the application form. Besides photo-identity proof, candidates are also required to upload their scanned photographs and signatures. Candidates need to bring the same photo-identity proof along with the admit card to the exam centre for appearing the written exam and SSB interview. The photo-identity proof that candidates upload during registration is used for all future reference by UPSC.The application form needs to be filled online only.  Candidates must have their photographs and signatures duly scanned in the .jpg format in such a manner that each file should not exceed 300 KB each and must not be less than 20 KB in size for the photograph and signature. Candidates scan their photo-identity proof in PDF only. The size of the PDF file should not exceed 300 KB and must not be less than 20 KB.

You can abbreviate your name within 30 characters and fill it in the name column of NDA application form. You need to send a signed written request to Joint Secretary (Examination), UPSC Dholpur House, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi 110069 by speed-post or fax by giving details of the full name and reasons for abbreviation in this regard. Applicants need to fill NDA application form online. Candidates are not required to sent the hard copy of the NDA application form. The application form can be filled in two parts. In Part 1 of NDA application form, candidates need to fill register for the exam, choose the preferred branch, verify the details and generate the registration ID. In Part 2, candidates need to select the exam centre, upload scanned images of photograph and signature. Before filling the application form, candidates need to complete the one time registration.

No, biology is not a compulsory subject for the National Defence Academy (NDA) exam. The NDA exam is a competitive examination in India conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for admission to the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. The exam consists of two parts: a written test and an interview. The written test includes subjects such as mathematics, English and general knowledge. Candidates are not required to have studied biology to be eligible for the NDA exam. 

NDA exam is conducted twice a year by UPSC. Candidates can appear for both the sessions of NDA exam. NDA 1 exam is conducted for admission to the courses commencing in January. NDA 2 exam is conducted for admission to the courses commencing in July. To qualify each section of the NDA exam, candidates need to secure 25 per cent in each subject. NDA exam is conducted to select candidates for admission to the Army, Navy and Air Fotce wings of National Defence Academy and Indian Naval Academy.

Yes, NDA age limit for females and males is same. For NDA 1 exam, both male and female candidates must have been born not earlier than July 2, 2005 and not later than July 1, 2008. For NDA 2 exam, only unmarried male/female candidates born not earlier than January 2, 2006 and not later than January 1, 2009 are eligible.

No, you cannot apply for NDA exam while studying in Class 11. According to the eligibility criteria, candidates who have passed or are appearing in Class 12 are only eligible to apply NDA exam. The educational qualification prescribed for the Army wing of NDA is that candidates who have passed or are appearing in Class 12 or equivalent exam from a recognised board can apply for the exam. The educational qualification prescribed for Air Force and Naval wings of NDA and 10+2 Cadet entry scheme at INA is that candidates who have passed or are appearing in Class 12 or equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics can apply for the exam.

The selected candidates for the three services-Army,  Navy and Air Force are given preliminary training both academic and physical for a period of three years at the National Defence Academy which is an Inter-Service Institution. The training during
the first two and half years is common to the cadets of three wings. All the cadets on passing out are awarded degrees from Jawaharlal Nehru University Delhi as under:
(a) Army Cadets: BSc/ BSc (Computer)/ BA
(b) Naval Cadets: B Tech Degree
(c) Air Force Cadets: B Tech Degree /B Sc/BSc  (Computer)
All the cadets undergoing B.Sc/B.Sc (Computer)/BA Degree programme are awarded the degree on the successful completion of Academics, Physical and Service Training at NDA.
All the cadets undergoing B Tech programme are awarded the B Tech degree on the subsequent Pre Commissioning Training
Academies/ Institutions/ Ships/ Air Craft
The selected candidates of the Naval Academy are given preliminary training both academic and physical, for a period of four years at Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala. The cadets of 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme are awarded a B Tech Degree on successful completion of training.

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.

NDA admit card for the written exam is released online by UPSC. The admit card can be downloaded by entering the required credentials. The hard copy of the admit card is not sent to candidates by post. NDA admit card can be downloaded by following the steps given below:

1) Visit the official website of UPSC

 2) Click the NDA admit card download link'

3) Candidates can download their admit cards by either logging with registration number or roll number

4) After submitting the details, NDA admit card appears on the screen

5) Download the admit card and take its printout

After downloading the admit card, candidates should take printout of it. Candidates need to carry the printout of the admit card to the exam centre.

NDA admit card is released online only. The hard copy of the admit card is not sent to candidates by post. The admit card can be downloaded by logging with registration number or roll number. The steps to download the admit card are given below:

• Visit the official website
• On the home page, find ‘E-admit card National Defence Academy Examination, ’ link
• The login page opens in a new tab
• Read the instructions carefully before downloading the admit card
• Agree to the terms and conditions
• Select any of the options-registration number or roll number
• If candidates select the registration number option, they need to enter the registration number, date of birth, and random image
• If candidates select the roll number option, they need to enter the roll number, date of birth, and random image
• Click the ‘Submit’ button
• NDA admit card appears on the screen
• Download the admit card and take its printout

NDA admit card is released online by the Union Public Service Commission. The admit card is released on the official website-upsc.gov.in. To download the admit card, candidates need to enter registration number or roll number, date of birth and captcha code. The hard copy of the admit card is not sent to candidates by post. Candidates need to carry the printed copy of the admit card along with one photo-identity proof to the exam centre. The following details are printed on the admit card:

• Candidate’s Name
• Date of birth
• Roll number
• Photograph and signature
• Exam Date
• Exam time
• Reporting time
• Name of exam centre
• Address of exam centre
• City
• Centre code (if any)

NDA marking scheme is prescribed by UPSC. The marking scheme highlights the marks awarded for correct answers and marks deducted for wrong answers. In Maths 2.5 marks are awarded for correct answers and 0.83 marks are deducted for wrong answers. In GAT four marks are awarded for correct answers and 1.33 marks are deducted for the wrong answers. The score of the written exam is calculated out of 900 marks. The examination authority calculates the scores of candidates based on the marking scheme. The structure of NDA marking scheme is given below.

NDA syllabus is prescribed by UPSC. The syllabus is mentioned on the notification. NDA syllabus is divided into Maths and GAT. The standard of NDA syllabus is of Class 10, 11 and 12 levels. The total marks allotted to the written exam are 900. NDA Maths syllabus comprises topics such as Algebra, Calculus, Matrices and Determinants, Integral Calculus and Differential Equations, Trigonometry, Vector Algebra, Analytical Geometry Of Two and Three Dimension and Statistics and  Probability. NDA GAT syllabus comprises topics such as Grammar and Usage, Vocabulary, Comprehension, and Cohesion, Physics, Chemistry, Social Studies, General Science, Geography, and Current Events.

NDA exam is conducted for admission to the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of National Defence Academy and Indian Naval Academy Course. CDS exam is conducted to select eligible candidates for Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA) and Officers Training Academy (OTA). NDA and CDS syllabus are different. The level of NDA syllabus is of Class 10, 11 and 12 levels. Whereas, the standard of CDS syllabus is of graduation level. NDA syllabus is divided into Maths and GAT. CDS syllabus is divided into Elementary Maths, English and General Awareness. The total marks allotted to the NDA written exam are 900. The total marks allotted to the written exam of CDS are 300 for IMA, INA and AFA and 200 for OTA. 

NDA Maths syllabus covers the topics from higher secondary Mathematics on Trigonometry Algebra Differential Calculus, 2D and 3D Geometry, Matrix and Determinants etc. A total of 120 questions are asked in the Maths section and carry 300 marks. Candidates must clear their basics from Class 10, 11 and 12 Maths books. NDA syllabus for Maths is given below:

Algebra: Sets, Venn diagrams, De Morgan laws, Cartesian product, relation, equivalence relation. Real numbers, Complex numbers, Modulus, Cube roots, Conversion of a number in Binary system to Decimals and vice-versa. Arithmetic, Geometric and Harmonic progressions. Quadratic equations, Linear inequations, Permutation and Combination, Binomial theorem and Logarithms.

Calculus: Concept of a real valued function, domain, range and graph of a function. Composite functions, one to one, onto and inverse functions. Notion of limit, Standard limits, Continuity of functions, algebraic operations on continuous functions. Derivative of function at a point, geometrical and physical interpretation of a derivative-application. Derivatives of sum, product and quotient of functions, derivative of a function with respect to another function, derivative of a composite function. Second order derivatives. Increasing and decreasing functions. Application of derivatives in problems of maxima and minima

Matrices and Determinants: Types of matrices, operations on matrices. Determinant of a matrix, basic properties of determinants. Adjoint and inverse of a square matrix, Applications-Solution of a system of linear equations in two or three unknowns by Cramer’s rule and by Matrix Method.

Integral Calculus and Differential Equations: Integration as inverse of differentiation, integration by substitution and by parts, standard integrals involving algebraic expressions, trigonometric, exponential and hyperbolic functions. Evaluation of definite integrals—determination of areas of plane regions bounded by curves-applications.

Definition of order and degree of a differential equation, formation of a differential equation by examples. General and particular solution of differential equations, solution of first order and first-degree differential equations of various types—examples. Application in problems of growth and decay.

Trigonometry: Angles and their measures in degrees and in radians. Trigonometric ratios. Trigonometric identities Sum and difference formulae. Multiple and Sub-multiple angles. Inverse trigonometric functions. Applications-Height and distance, properties of triangles.

Vector Algebra: Vectors in two and three dimensions, magnitude, and direction of a vector. Unit and null vectors, the addition of vectors, scalar multiplication of a vector, scalar product, or dot product of two vectors. Vector product or cross product of two vectors. Applications—work done by a force and moment of a force and in geometrical problems.

Analytical Geometry Of Two and Three Dimension: Rectangular Cartesian Coordinate system, Distance formula, Equation of a line in various forms. The angle between two lines. Distance of a point from a line. Equation of a circle in standard and in a general form. Standard forms of parabola, ellipse, and hyperbola. Eccentricity and axis of a conic. Point in a three-dimensional space, the distance between two points. Direction Cosines and direction ratios. Equation two points. Direction Cosines and direction ratios. Equation of a plane and a line in various forms. Angle between two lines and angle between two planes. Equation of a sphere.

Statistics and Probability: Probability: Random experiment, outcomes, and associated sample space, events, mutually exclusive and exhaustive events, impossible and certain events. Union and Intersection of events. Complementary, elementary, and composite events. Definition of probability—classical and statistical—examples. Elementary theorems on probability-simple problems. Conditional probability, Bayes’ theorem—simple problems. Random variable as function on a sample space. Binomial distribution, examples of random experiments giving rise to Binomial distribution.

NDA syllabus is prescribed by the examination authority so that candidates can know what they need to prepare for the exam. The standard of NDA syllabus is of Class 10, 11 and 12 levels. NDA syllabus is divided into two parts-Maths and GAT. NDA Maths syllabus carries questions from Algebra Calculus, Matrices and Determinants Integral Calculus and Differential Equations Trigonometry Vector Algebra Analytical Geometry Of Two and Three Dimension and Statistics and Probability.. NDA GAT syllabus carries questions from topics such as Usage, Vocabulary, Comprehension, and Cohesion. Questions in General Knowledge are asked from Physics Chemistry Social Studies, General Science, Geography, and Current Events.

NDA GAT paper carries questions from English, General Knowledge, General Science, Current Affairs, History, Geography, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, etc. NDA 2 2023 GAT answer key comprises the correct answers to the questions asked in the exam. Total marks allotted this paper are 600. 

NDA question papers are released by UPSC within two to three days after the question papers are released. NDA 2 question paper is available now. NDA question papers are made available on the official website of UPSC in PDF. Candidates can download NDA question papers for different subjects-Maths and GAT. Practising the question papers, candidates can know the type of questions asked in the exam.

The difficulty level of NDA Maths paper is usually moderate while GAT was easy. The English Language paper of NDA is usually easy where questions are asked on grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension. The General Awareness section of NDA is moderate. Candidates need to keep themselves updated with the latest events in India and the world. To ace the exam, candidates need to understand the exam pattern and syllabus, practice mock test, solve previous years' question papers, etc. With hard work and dedication, candidates can crack the exam easily. The total marks allotted to the written exam of NDA are 900. Candidates need to secure 25 per cent in each subject to qualify the exam. Candidates qualifying the written exam of NDA are called for SSB Interview. 

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

NDA syllabus mostly comprises the topics/subjects that candidates have studied in Class 12. The preparation for Class 12 and NDA can go hand-in-hand. Some of the preparation tips or NDA exam after 12th are given below:

• Candidates must go through the complete subject-wise syllabus
• Create a proper study plan and dedicate time for each subject
• Be consistent with the study plan Refer to good NDA books
• Candidates must review the fundamentals of each subject. They should consult the books from Classes 6 to 12
• Candidates must read the newspaper daily to enhance their English. Additionally, candidates must practice grammar and learn new words
• Candidates must practice the previous years' question papers to get an idea about the exam structure

It is not difficult to crack NDA exam with six months of preparation but the thing which is needed is determination, focus, and self-belief. To clear NDA exam in six months, candidates need to work really very hard. They cannot waste a single day. It is better to stay focused on the studies. Study regularly as the syllabus is vast. Atleast do self-study of four to six hours daily. Candidates must solve previous years' question papers to improve speed and accuracy. Candidates must also get themselves acquainted with the syllabus and exam pattern.

The tips and tricks to prepare for NDA exam at home are given below:

• While preparing for the NDA exam the first thing candidates need to do is to make themselves acquainted with the NDA syllabus and NDA exam pattern
• Candidates need to make a study plan and follow that dilligently
• Divide topics into easy and difficult ones
• Also, set weekly and monthly goals to keep a track of performance to cover the entire syllabus in time
• Candidates need to clear their basic concepts
• Candidates need to make notes of important topics
• Candidates must solve previous years' question papers and mock tests
• Candidates must stay consistent and focus

NDA marksheet is made available on the official website within 15 days from the date of publication of NDA final result. NDA scorecard is available to download for a period of 30 days. Candidates can download their marksheet by logging with the required credentials. The marksheet displays the candidate’s name, roll numbers and sectional and overall scores. The steps to download the scorecard are given below:

• Visit the official website of UPSC
• Click the NDA marksheet link on the home page
• Enter the login credentials
• NDA marksheet appears on the screen
• Download the marksheet and save it

NDA result is announced online by UPSC. The link to check the result is made available on the official website in PDF form. The result PDF displays the roll numbers of qualified candidates. The steps given below will help candidates to check the result:

Candidates need to visit the official website of UPSC

Candidates need to click on the NDA result link on the home page

 Clicking the link, the result PDF opens in a new page

Candidates need to Search their roll numbers in the result PDF

Download the result PDF and save it

UPSC also releases NDA result name-wise. The name-wise result PDF displays the names of candidates qualified for the next round of selection process. NDA marks for the written exam is calculated out of 900. The final merit list is prepared based on the marks secured in the written exam and SSB interview. The marks of the SSB interview is calculated out of 900. Selection of candidates is done based on merit-cum-preference.

NDA cut off is the minimum qualifying marks that candidates need to secure in the written exam and SSB interview. UPSC prescribes cut off marks for written exam and final selection. Candidates need to secure separate qualifying marks in written exam and SSB interview. Candidates securing the NDA cut off marks are called for subsequent rounds of selection process. NDA exam is conducted to select eligible candidates for admission to Army, Navy and Air Force wings of National Defence Academy and Indian Naval Academy course. NDA selection process comprises written exa and SSB interview. Candidates qualifying the written exam by securing the required cut off are called for the SSB interview. Candidates need to secure the cut off marks in the SSB interview also. 

NDA cut off is released after the completion of the exam. The cut off is released separately for the written exam and final selection. There are also sectional cut off marks for the exam. Candidates need to secure 25 per cent in each subject of NDA exam. Based on the cut off marks of the written exam, candidates are selected for the SSB Interview. The final cut off is decided based on the written exam and SSB interview. 

NDA cutoff is determined based on factors such as the number of test takers, total vacancies, and exam difficulty level. NDA cut off for written exam and final selection is released after the completion of the selection process. Separate cutoff marks are announced for written exam and final selection. NDA cut off marks are the minimum qualifying marks that candidates need to secure inorder to qualify the exam. The written exam cutoff is calculated out of 900 marks. The last selected candidates’ scores are used to determine the final selection cutoff, which is based on their performance out of 1800 marks (900 for the written exam and 900 for the SSB interview). The prescribed qualifying NDA cutoff marks for each subject were 25 per cent.

No, NDA cut offs are the same for all armed forces - Army, Navy, Air Force and Naval Academy. The cut off for the written exam is calculated out of 900 marks. Moreover, candidates are also required to secure the sectional cut off marks in the exam. Candidates need to secure separate cut off marks in the written exam and final selection. NDA Cut Off is released after completion of the NDA exam along with the NDA Result. NDA cutoff is will be released separately for the written exam and the final selection. The written exam cutoff is calculated out of 900 marks. The last selected candidates’ scores are used to determine the final selection cutoff, which is based on their performance out of 1800 marks (900 for the written exam and 900 for the SSB interview).

UPSC  announced 395 vacancies for NDA 1 2023. A total of 208 (including 10 for female candidates) were announced for Army, 42 (including 03 for female candidates) for Navy and 120 for Air Force (two vacancies each were earmarked for Flying and Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical Branches). NDA exam is conducted for admission of candidates to the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of NDA and Indian Naval Academy courses.

A total of 404 vacancies were announced for NDA 2 2024 exam. The vacancy break-up is given below.

A total of 395 vacancies were announced for NDA 2 2023 exam. Out of total vacancies, 208 vacancies were announced for Army, 42 for Navy, 120 for Air Force and 25 for Indian Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme). A total of 35 vacancies were announced for women candidates.