Anangsha PatraDeputy Manager – Editorial
NDA 2025: The application process of NDA 1 2025 exam is underway. Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria can fill NDA 1 application form 2025 till December 31, 2024. NDA 1 2024 application form correction window will be available from January 1 to 7, 2025. NDA 1 2025 notification was released to fill up a total of 406 vacancies. Out of the total vacancies, 27 are for women. Candidates who have completed Class 12 or are appearing in the same can apply for the exam. NDA 1 2025 exam will be conducted on April 13, 2025.Â
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. Read below for more details on NDA 2025 exam.
Q: Â What is NDA syllabus?
Q: Â When NDA 1 2025 exam will be conducted?
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.
Q: Â How much time is required for NDA Exam Preparation?
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
Q: Â What is NDA exam pattern?
Q: Â When NDA 2 2025 exam will be conducted?
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.
- What is NDA exam?
- NDA Dates
- NDA Exam Highlights
- NDA Online Form 2025
- NDA Eligibility 2025
- UPSC NDA recruitment Process 2025
- NDA Admit Card 2025
- NDA Exam Pattern 2025
- NDA Syllabus 2025
- NDA Answer Key 2025
- NDA Question Paper 2025
- NDA Exam Analysis 2025
- NDA Preparation Tips 2025
- NDA Result 2025
- NDA Cutoff 2025
- NDA Vacancy 2025
- What is NDA Salary?
- NDA 2025 Exam FAQs
What is NDA exam?
NDAÂ is one of the most sought-after defence exams in the country to select candidates for admission to the National Defence Academy and Indian Naval Academy courses. The exam is conducted twice a year to select eligible male and female candidates. The selection process for NDA exam comprises written exam and SSB interview.
What is National Defence Academy?
Location
The National Defence Academy (NDA) is located in Khadakwasla, Pune, Maharashtra, India. It is the first tri-colour academy that trains male and female cadets together for Army, Navy and Air Force. After passing out from NDA, candidates are trained in the respective service academies-Air Force Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Indian Military Academy.Â
Training Process
NDA provides comprehensive training to the cadets to prepare them to face the challenges of the armed forces. The training includes academic education, physical fitness, and leadership development. The cadets undergo a rigorous curriculum that covers various subjects and undergo physical training to enhance their endurance and strength.Â
NDA Dates
Take a look at the table below for the complete schedule of NDA 2025 exam
Dates | Upcoming Exam Dates |
---|---|
11 Dec '24 - 31 Dec '24 | NDA 1 Application Form 2025 ONGOING |
01 Jan '25 - 07 Jan '25 | NDA 1 2025 Application Form |
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 |
Dates | Past 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 |
NDA Exam Highlights
The details regarding NDA exam are summarised below.
Exam Particulars | Exam Details |
---|---|
Exam Name |
National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (NDA & NA) |
Conducting Body |
|
Exam Level |
National |
Exam Frequency |
Two times a year (April & September) |
Mode of Exam |
Offline |
Exam Stages |
Written exam and SSB Interview |
Total Registrations |
5.3 lakh (As per 2020 data) |
Total Test Takers |
2.4 lakh (As per 2020 data) |
Exam Purpose |
For admission to National Defence Academy (NDA) and Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC)Â |
Exam Fees |
INR 100 for male candidates belonging to the General and OBC categories. However, SC/ST/Women candidates/Sons of JCOs/NCOs/ORs are exempted from paying the fees. |
Exam Duration |
GAT: 2 ½ hours Mathematics: 2 ½ hours |
No. of Papers and Total Marks |
Paper 1: GAT Paper 2: Maths |
Total Questions |
GAT: 150 Mathematics: 120 |
Marking Scheme |
GAT: Four marks for correct answers and 1.33 marks for wrong answers Maths: 2.5 marks for correct answers and 0.83 mark for wrong answers |
Total Marks |
Written Exam: 900 SSB Interview: 900 |
Language/Medium of Exam |
English and Hindi |
No. of Test Cities |
More than 70 test cities |
Official Website |
upsc.gov.in |
Contact Details |
011-23385271/011-23381125/011- 23098543Â |
Latest News:
NDA Online Form 2025
NDA 2 application form 2025 was released on December 11, 2024. The last date to apply for the exam is December 31, 2024. NDA 2 application form 2025 will be released on May 28, 2025. NDA 2 application form 2025 will be made available till June 17, 2025. The application fee is INR 100 for General/OBC candidates while SC/ST/Sons of JCOs, NCOs, ORs are exempted from fee payment. NDA application form be filled in two parts. In Part 1, candidates need to complete registration, choose the preferred branch, verify details and generate registration ID. In part II, candidates need to pay the application fees, select the exam centre, upload scanned images of photographs and signatures.
How to Apply Online for NDA Exam?
- 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
NDA Application Fees
The category-wise fee break-up is given below.
Category | Fees (In INR) |
---|---|
General/OBC |
100 |
SC/ST/Sons of JCOs, NCOs, ORs |
Nil |
NDA One Time Registration
It is mandatory to complete the one time registration before filling NDA application form. This is a once-in-a-lifetime facility and through the login ID and password candidates can apply for any exam conducted by UPSC. To register with UPSC, candidates need to enter name, gender, date of birth, father’s name, mother’s name, minority status, valid mobile number, board examination roll number, and security questions. After completing the OTR, candidates can check their personal details, apply for active notification and check application submission status.
NDA Correction Window
The window to make the correction in the NDA application form is made available seven days after the application process is closed. Except the choice of exam centre, candidates can make corrections in all the details in the NDA application form.Â
NDA Notification 2025
NDA 2 notification 2025 was released on December 11, 2024. NDA 2 notification 2025 will be released on May 28, 2025. The notification is released for recruitment of male and female candidates to the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of NDA and INAC. The notification is released in PDF form and comprises details such as the number of vacancies, exam dates, exam pattern, syllabus, course name, salary, exam centres, eligibility criteria, medical standards, the process of filling the application form, etc.Â
Also Read: NDA RecruitmentÂ
NDA Eligibility 2025
Candidates need to fulfil the following NDA eligibility criteria in order to be eligible for the exam:
NDA Age Limit
For NDA 1 exam, both male and female candidates must have been born not earlier than July 2, 2006 and not later than July 1, 2009. 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.
NDA Eligibility for Women Candidates
NDA age limit for women candidates is the same as male candidates. Female candidates who are unmarried and born between 2 July 2005 to 1 July 2008 are eligible to apply for the exam. Candidates must be physically fit to carry on their responsibilities.
NDA Eligibility: Sex and Marital Status
Only unmarried male and female candidates can apply for the exam.
Are Girls Allowed in NDA?
In 2021, the Supreme of Court passed its decision that girls could join the National Defence Academy. The first batch of women candidates appeared in NDA 2 exam last year.Â
NDA Qualification
The educational qualification is different for different academies. Candidates can check the educational qualification prescribed for different academies below.
Academy | Educational Qualification |
---|---|
Army Wing of National Defence Academy | Passed Class 12/HSC or equivalent from a recognised board or university |
Air Force, Navy, and Naval Academy of National Defence Academy | Passed Class 12/HSC with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics |
Can I join NDA in Class 12th?
Candidates who have passed or are appearing in Class 12 can apply for the NDA exam. Candidates who are studying in Class 11 cannot apply.
NDA Physical Standards
The physical standards prescribed for NDA exam in terms of height, visual standards, etc are given below.
Height | |
---|---|
Category | Minimum Height |
Tribals from Ladakh Region |
155 Cm |
Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep, and Minicoy Islands |
155 Cm |
Gorkhas, Nepali, Assamese, Garhwali, Kumaoni, and Uttarakhand |
152 Cm |
Bhutan, Sikkim & North East Region |
152 Cm |
Visual Standards |
|||
---|---|---|---|
Parameter | 10+2 entries, NDA (Army), TES and equivalent | CDSE, IMA, OTA, UES, NCC,TGC & equivalent | JAG, AEC , APS, RVC,TA, AMC, ADC, SL & equivalent |
Uncorrected vision(max allowed) |
6/36 & 6/36 |
6/60 &6/60 |
3/60 & 3/60 |
BCVA |
Rt 6/6 & Lt 6/6 |
Rt 6/6 & Lt 6/6 |
Rt 6/6 & Lt 6/6 |
Myopia |
 ( including max astigmatism ≤ +/- 2.0 D Cyl) |
 ( including max astigmatism ≤ +/- 2.0 D Cyl) |
 (including max astigmatism ≤ +/- 2.0 D Cyl) |
Hypermetropia |
 ( including max |
 ( including max |
 (including max |
 |
astigmatism ≤ +/- 2.0 D Cyl) |
astigmatism ≤ +/- 2.0 D Cyl) |
astigmatism ≤ +/- 2.0 D Cyl) |
Lasik/equivalent surgery |
Not permitted |
Permitted * |
Permitted* |
Colour perception |
CP-II |
CP-II |
CP-II |
UPSC NDA recruitment Process 2025
The complete recruitment process of NDA exam is explained below:
Release of NDA Online form
Candidates need to fill the application form online. The application fee can be paid online and offline. The application is INR 100, however, SC/ST/Women candidates/Sons of JCOs/NCOs/ORs are exempted from paying the fees.Â
Issue of NDA Hall Ticket
The admit card is released online for all the registered candidates. To download the admit card, candidates need to login with registration number or roll number. The steps to download NDA admit card are given below:
- Visit the official website of UPSC
- Click the admit card linkÂ
- Enter the required credentials
- NDA admit card appears on the screen
- Download and save it
Appearing in the NDA written exam
The written NDA exam is divided into two papers-GAT and Mathematics. The total marks allotted to the written exam are 900 marks. The structure of the 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 |
Declaration of the NDA Result for Written Exam
NDA result is announced online by UPSC. The roll numbers of qualified candidates are made available in PDF form. Candidates qualifying the written exam of NDA are called for SSB Interview. The final selection of candidates is done based on written exam and SSB interview.
Appearing in SSB interview
The SSB interview carries a total of 900 marks. The test is conducted in two stages-I and II. Stage I 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.
Declaration of final result
The final result is announced on the basis of the marks secured in the written exam and SSB interview.
Refer to the infographic below for NDA recruitment process:
NDA Admit Card 2025
NDA admit card 2025 will be released three weeks before rhe exam. Candidates who registered for the exam can download their admit cards by logging with the required credentials. The hard copy of the admit card is not sent to candidates by post. NDA admit card will comprise important details related to the exam such as the candidate's name, roll number, date of birth, password, scanned photograph, signature, exam centre details, exam timings, etc. Without the admit card, candidates are not allowed to appear for the exam.Â
How to Download NDA Admit Card?
The steps to download NDA admit card are given below:
- Visit the official website
- Click on the admit card link on the home page
- Enter login credentials
- The admit card appears on the screen
-
Download the admit card and take its printout
NDA Admit Card Details
The following details are printed on NDA admit card:
Personal Details | Exam Details | Exam Centre Details |
---|---|---|
Candidate’s Name |
Exam Date |
Name of exam centre |
Date of birth |
Exam time |
Address of exam centre |
Roll number |
Reporting time |
City |
Photograph and signature |
- |
Centre code (if any) |
Documents Required Along With NDA Admit Card
Candidates must carry the below-mentioned documents along with the NDA admit card:
- Valid Identity Proof-Aadhar Card/ Voter ID/College lD card/ Passport/ PAN card/ Driving license
- Â 3 to 4 Passport size photographs
NDA Exam Day GuidelinesÂ
The exam day guidelines for NDA exam are given below:
- Candidates should carry their NDA admit card to the exam centreÂ
- Along with the admit card, candidates should also carry one photo-identity proofÂ
- Carry clipboard or hardboard and a black ball pen for marking their responses
- The invigilator provides a sheet for doing rough workÂ
- Books, notes, loose sheets, electronic or any other type of calculators, mathematical and drawing instruments, log tables, stencils of maps, slide rules, test booklets, and rough sheets are not allowed inside the examination centre
- Strict action is taken against those candidates found copying or cheating
NDA Exam Timings
NDA exam is conducted in two shifts-10.00 am to 12:30 pm and 2.00 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 |
Also Read: NDA Exam Timings
NDA Exam Pattern 2025
NDA exam pattern is such that it is divided into the written exam and SSB interview. According to the exam pattern, the written exam comprises two papers: Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT). The written test carries a total of 900 marks. Candidates who obtain the minimum qualifying marks in the written exam are called for SSB Interview. The SSB interview carries 900 marks. The structure of NDA exam pattern is given below.
Code | Exam Name | Duration | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks |
---|---|---|---|---|
01 |
Mathematics |
2 ½ hours |
120 |
300 |
02 |
General Ability Test |
2 ½ hours |
50 |
200 |
100 |
400 |
|||
- |
SSB Interview |
- |
50 |
900 |
Total |
1800 |
SSB Interview: Know its Different Stages
SSB Interview comprises two stages. Stage 1 comprises Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception and Description Test (PP&DT). Stage 2 of SSB interview comprises Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests, and the Conference. The SSB interview carries 900 marks.
NDA Mock Test
NDA mock tests are like the actual tests and solving them gives candidates the right frame of mind for the exam. It also helps candidates to evaluate their performance and improvement. By solving mock tests, candidates can identify their strong and weak areas. Accordingly, candidates can work upon their weak areas. NDA Mock tests also help candidates to manage their time better in the exam.
NDA Syllabus 2025
UPSC prescribes NDA syllabus through the official notification. Candidates must check the NDA syllabus to understand the topics that must be studies for the upcoming exam. UPSC NDA syllabus is divided into Maths and GAT. Questions asked in the exam are objective-type. Candidates must also check the exam pattern to understand the exam requirements and format. The level of 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.Â
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.
NDA Answer Key 2025
NDA answer key for Maths and GAT is made available soon after the exam is over. The answer key is released in PDF form for all sets of test booklets-A, B, C and D. The answer keys are released unofficially by the coaching institutes. UPSC releases the official NDA answer key after the exam is over. Candidates can use the official answer keys to check the correct answers to the questions asked in the exam. Based on the correct and incorrect answers, candidates can calculate the probable score.Â
How to Download NDA Answer Key?
The steps to download NDA answer key are given below:
- Visit the official website of UPSC
- Go to the 'Answer Key' tab from the 'Examination' section
- The exam-wise answer key appears on the screen
- Download the answer key and save it
Also Read:Â
NDA Answer Key 2025 by Cavalier
NDA Answer Key 2025 by Major Kalshi
What are the benefits of NDA Answer Key?
The benefits of solving NDA answer key are given below:
- The answer key carries the correct answers to the questions marked in the exam
- Candidates can get the probable score by comparing the answers given in the NDA answer key
- Knowing the probable score candidates can know the chances of their selection in the further rounds
NDA Question Paper 2025
NDA question papers 2025 for Maths and GAT will be released after the exam get over. Candidates must practice through NDA previous years' question papers to know the exam pattern and syllabus. NDA question papers help candidates to analyse the difficulty level of paper, gaining accuracy and proficiency in all the subjects. Practising the previous years' question paper help candidates to improve their skills of solving questions with efficiency. Solving NDA previous year help candidates to improve their time management skills. The benefits of solving NDA question papers are given below:
- Solving NDA question papers helps candidates assess the progress of their preparation
- Solving the question papers helps candidates boost their question solving speed, time management, and accuracy in the exam
- NDA question papers help candidates discover their strong and weak areas and prioritize the topics accordingly for adequate preparation
- Attempting NDA previous year question papers with solutions PDF help candidates know about the topics often asked in the exam, weightage, and difficulty level
How to Raise Objections Against NDA Answer Key?
The steps to raise objections against NDA answer key are given below:
- Candidates can raise objections through Online Question Paper Representation Portal (QPRep)
- Objections against the NDA answer key can be raised within seven days
- Candidates need to enter certain details like roll number, date of birth, and random image while raising the objections
NDA Exam Analysis 2025
NDA exam analysis 2025 is released for Maths and GAT after the exam is over. In 2024, the overall difficulty level of the Maths paper was moderate. Candidates can use NDA exam analysis to know the details such as the difficulty level of each paper, students' review, types of questions, etc. NDA exam analysis of previous years is given below.
NDA 2 Maths Exam Analysis 2024
NDA 1 GAT Exam Analysis 2024
NDA 1 Maths Exam Analysis 2024
Also Read: NDA shift timings
NDA Preparation Tips 2025
Candidates can prepare for NDA exam by following the tips given below:
- To begin with, candidates must be clear about the subjects, pattern, and types of questions
- The Mathematics section of NDA comprises questions from Algebra, Matrices, trigonometry, calculus, statistics, etc. Candidates must clear their concepts from Classes 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 NCERT books
- The GAT comprises a variety of subjects, such as Chemistry, General Science, Geography, History, and Current Affairs. This paper also comprises a section on English
- Candidates must revise the topics they have studied as per the NDA preparation tips
- Make short and simple notes as it will help candidates to revise properly and quickly
- Solve previous years' NDA question papers and take NDA mock tests
- Buy good NDA books and question banks
Watch this video on how to prepare for NDA after Class 12 by expert
Also Read: NDA Preparation Tips
NDA Result 2025
NDA result 2025 will be released online by UPSC. NDA result is made available name-wise and roll number-wise. The result is made available in PDF form and comprises the roll numbers and names of qualified candidates. The mark sheet of candidates is released after the declaration of the final result. Candidates qualifying the written are called for SSB Interview.
How to Check NDA Result?
The steps to check NDA result are given below:
- Visit the official website of UPSC
- Click the 'NDA result' link on the 'What New' section
- Clicking the link, NDA result PDF opens
- The result PDF displays the roll numbers of qualified candidates
- Search your roll number in the result PDF
- Download the result PDF and save it
NDA Marking SchemeÂ
NDA marking scheme highlights the marks they score for correct answers and marks deducted for wrong answers. The subject-wise marking scheme for NDA exam is given below:
Sections | Marks for correct answer | NDA Negative Marking |
---|---|---|
GAT |
4 |
1.33 |
Mathematics |
2.5 |
0.83 |
NDA Toppers
Candidates can click below the links to check the interviews given by NDA toppers to Shiksha on how to prepare for the exam.Â
Interviews of NDA Toppers | |
---|---|
NDA 2019 Topper Interview, Piyush Thorve, (AIR 16) | NDA Exam 2018 Topper, Interview Sparsh Kankane, (AIR 1) |
NDA Cutoff 2025
NDA cutoff for the written exam and final selection is released after the declaration of the final result. The cutoff for the written exam is calculated out of 900. The final cutoff is calculated based on the marks secured by the last recommended candidates out of 1800 marks (900 marks of written exam and 900 marks of SSB Interview). The qualifying NDA cutoff marks prescribed for each subject are 25 per cent. Candidates are required to qualify the exam by securing separate cutoff marks in the written exam and SSB Interview. Candidates can check below the previous years' NDA 1 & NDA 2 cut off marks.
Paper | Written Exam | Final Exam |
---|---|---|
2021 (1) |
343 |
709 |
2020 (2) |
355 |
719 |
2020 (1) |
355 |
726 |
2019 (2) |
346 |
709 |
2019 (1) |
342 |
704 |
2018 (2) |
325 |
688 |
2018 (1) |
338 |
705 |
2017 (2) |
258 |
624 |
2017 (1) |
342 |
708 |
How to Check NDA Cut off?Â
The steps to check NDA cut off are given below:
- Visit the official website of UPSC
- Go to the 'Cut off' page from 'Examination'
- Click the NDA cut off link
- The cut off is displayed on the screen
- Download the cut off and save it
NDA Vacancy 2025
Academy | Wings | No. of Vacancies |
---|---|---|
NDA |
Army |
208 (including 10 for female candidates) |
Navy |
42 (including 06 for female candidates) |
|
Air Force |
(i) Flying –92 (including 02 for female candidates) |
|
Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme) |
- |
36 (including 05 for female candidates)Â |
Total |
 |
404 |
What is NDA Salary?
The NDA salary structure is given below.
Rank | Level | Grade Pay (INR) |
---|---|---|
Lieutenant |
Level 10 |
56,100-1,77,500 |
Captain |
Level 10 B |
6,13,00-1,93,900 |
Major |
Level 11 |
6,94,00-2,07,200 |
Lieutenant Colonel |
Level 12A |
1,21,200-2,12400 |
Colonel |
Level 13 |
1,30,600-2,15,900 |
Brigadier |
Level 13A |
1,39,600-2,17,600 |
Major General |
Level 14 |
1,44,200-2,18,200 |
Lieutenant General HAG Scale |
Level 15 |
1, 82, 200-2,24,100 |
HAG+Scale |
Level 16 |
2,05,400-2,24,400 |
VCOAS/Army Cdr/ Lieutenant General (NFSG) |
Level 17 |
2,25,000 (fixed) |
COAS |
Level 18 |
2,50,000 (fixed) |
NDA 2025 Exam FAQs
Candidates can check below NDA 2025 FAQs related to the recruitment exam.