NDA 1 2025 Exam: Application Form (Extended), Exam Dates & Eligibility

National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Exam 2025 ( NDA )

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Exam On: 13 Apr '25

Anangsha
Anangsha Patra
Deputy Manager – Editorial
Updated on Dec 31, 2024 19:39 IST

NDA 2025: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) extended the window to fill NDA 1 2025 application form. The last date to fill the application form has been extended till January 1, 2025. NDA 1 application form 2025 was released on December 11, 2024. The written exam of NDA 1 2025 will be conducted on April 13, 2025. Read here for more details on the NDA 2025 exam.

NDA 2025

NDA 2025

NDA 2025: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has extended the window to fill NDA 1 2025 application form. The last date to fill the application form has been extended till January 1, 2025. NDA 1 application form 2025 was released on December 11, 2024. NDA 1 2025 notification was released in PDF form and included details related to the exam such as the application process, eligibility, exam pattern, syllabus, etc. NDA 1 2025 exam will be conducted on April 13, 2025. Candidates who have completed or are appearing in the Class 12 exam can apply for the NDA 1 exam

NDA 2 notification 2025 will be released on May 28, 2025. NDA 2 application form 2025 will be available from May 28 to June 17, 2025. NDA 2 2025 exam will be conducted on September 14, 2025.

NDA exam is conducted to select candidates for admission to the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Indian Naval Academy courses. Read below for more details on NDA 2025 exam.

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.

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.

Q:   I am medical student. Can I apply for NDA exam?

A:
Yes, medical students are eligible to apply for the NDA (National Defence Academy) exam, provided they meet the other eligibility criteria. The eligibility criteria for the NDA exam are as follows: Age: Candidates must be between 16.5 to 19.5 years of age on the first day of the month in which the course is scheduled to begin. Educational qualification: Candidates must have passed the 10+2 examination or its equivalent from a recognised board. Medical students who have completed their 10+2 with Science subjects are also eligible to apply. Nationality: Candidates must be Indian citizens or subject of Bhutan, Nepal or a Tibetan refugee who came over to India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanently settling in India. Marital status: Candidates must be unmarried. Physical standards: Candidates must meet the prescribed physical standards. So, if you meet the above-mentioned eligibility criteria, you can apply for the NDA exam. The exam is conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). You can check the UPSC's official website for more details on the exam and its application procedure.

Also Read: NDA 1 2025 Application Form Last Date

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NDA is one of the most sought-after defence exams in the country wherein candidates who have completed or are appearing in the Class 12 exam can apply for the exam. Candidates can check below the highlights related to NDA 2025 recruitment.

Exam Particulars Exam Details

Exam Name

National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (NDA & NA)

Conducting Body

UPSC

Exam Level

National 

Exam Frequency

Two times a year (April & September)

Mode of Exam

Offline

Exam Stages

Written exam and SSB Interview

Exam Purpose

For admission to National Defence Academy (NDA) and Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC) 

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.

Total Marks

Written Exam: 900

SSB Interview: 900

Language/Medium of Exam

English and Hindi

Official Website

upsc.gov.in

Contact Details

011-23385271/011-23381125/011- 23098543 

NDA Exam Dates 2025

NDA exam dates 2025 were announced through UPSC annual calendar. Refer to the table below for UPSC NDA exam dates 2025.

Events Dates
NDA 1 Notification 2025 11-Dec-2024
NDA 1 Application Form 2025 11-Dec-2024 to 01-Jan-2025 (Extended)
NDA 1 Exam Date 2025 13-Apr-2025
NDA 2 Notification 2025 28-May-2025
NDA 2 Application Form 2025 28-May-2025 to 17-June-2025
NDA 2 Exam Date 2025 14-Sept-2025

NDA 2025 Notification 

NDA notification is released in PDF form and comprises the details related to the exam. The notification carries details such as the important dates, application process, exam pattern, syllabus, eligibility, etc. Candidates must read the notification before applying for the exam.

NDA 2025 Application Form 

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.

Q:   What should I do if my name is more than 30 characters in the NDA form?

A:

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.

Q:   What photo-identity proofs do I need to upload during filling NDA application form?

A:

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.

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. 

Q:   What is the full form of NDA?

A:

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 1 application form 2025 was released on December 11, 2024. The last date to apply for the exam is January 1, 2025. NDA 2 application form 2025 will be released on May 28, 2025. Candidates can fill the application form till June 17, 2025. NDA application fees can be paid both online and offline. The application fee is INR 100 for General/OBC candidates. No fee is required for SC/ST/Sons of JCOs, Women/NCOs, ORs. The steps to fill NDA 1 application form 2025 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

Click here to apply for NDA 1 2025 exam-https://upsconline.nic.in/upsc/OTRP/

NDA 2025 Eligibility 

The eligibility criteria of NDA is given below:

NDA Age limit

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, both male and female candidates must have been born not earlier than January 2, 2005, and not later than January 1, 2008. 

NDA Educational Qualification

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

NDA Eligibility for Women

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. Those who have appeared or are appearing in the Class 12 exam can apply. Candidates must be physically fit to carry on their responsibilities.

Also Read: NDA eligibility 

NDA 2025 Vacancies 

NDA vacancy 2025 was released along with the notification. A total of 400 NDA vacancies were announced for the 2023 exam. The vacancy break-up of 2025 is given below.

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)
(ii) Ground Duties (Tech) –18 (including 02 for female candidates)
(iii) Ground Duties (Non Tech) –10 (including 02 for female candidates)

Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme)

-

36 (including 05 for female candidates) 

Total

 

404

NDA Admit Card 2025

NDA admit card is released online on the official website. To download the NDA admit card, candidates need to enter either registration number or roll number. UPSC only releases the admit card for the written exam. 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.

NDA Exam Pattern 2025

NDA exam pattern is divided into written exam and SSB interview. The written exam comprises two papers-Maths and GAT. The total marks allotted to the written exam are 900 marks. The qualifying mark for each section is 25 per cent. Candidates qualifying the written exam are called for SSB interview.

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.

The structure of NDA exam pattern is given below.

Exam Name Duration No. of Questions Maximum Marks

Mathematics

2 ½ hours

120

300

General Ability Test

2 ½ hours

50

200

100

400

SSB Interview

-

50

900

Total

1800

NDA Syllabus 2025

NDA syllabus 2025 is prescribed by UPSC for Maths and GAT. Candidates appearing for the exam should be thorough with the syllabus as it carries the topics and sub-topics that are the important for the exam. NDA syllabus is given below:

Mathematics: Algebra, Calculus, Matrices and DeterminantsIntegral 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.

NDA Preparation Tips 2025

 To ace NDA 2025, candidates must have a very good level of NDA preparation. The tips and tricks to prepare for NDA 2025 are given below:

  • Candidates must clear the concepts of the topics given in the syllabus
  • Candidates must choose the best NDA books to prepare as it will help them to get details of various topics given in the syllabus
  • Candidates must attempt mock test and practice the NDA previous years’ question papers
  • Candidates must learn time management skills by solving the previous years’ question papers

NDA Books 2025

Books are the best resource to prepare for the exam. It helps to clear the concepts of the topics given in the syllabus. Check below the list of NDA books recommended for the exam.

NDA Books for English

  • Objective General English by SP Bakshi
  • Wren & Martin High School English Grammar and Composition
  • Word Power Made Easy by Norman & Lewis

NDA Books for Maths

Book Name Author/Publisher

Quantitative Aptitude for competitive examinations

RS Aggarwal

NDA Entrance Exam

ES Ramasamy

Mathematics for NDA/NA: National Defence Academy and Naval Academy

RS Aggarwal

NDA Books for Current Affairs

For this section, candidates can refer to Pratoyogita Darpan, Manorama Yearbook etc.

NDA Cut off 2025

NDA cut off is the minimum qualifying marks that candidates need to secure inorder to qualify the exam and become eligible for the next round of selection process. The cut off for the written exam is calculated out of 900 marks. NDA Cut off for the final selection is calculated out of 1800 marks. There are also sectional cut off marks in the exam. To qualify each subject, candidates need to secure 25 per cent. Candidates can check below NDA 1 2024 cut off for written exam and final selection.

Branch Written Exam Cut off Final Cut off
Army, Navy, Air Force and Naval Academy 291 (With at least 20% marks in each subject) 654

Also Read: NDA Result

NDA Salary

While training at NDA, the stipend given to Gentlemen Cadets in Service academies i.e. during training period at IMA is INR 56,100 for NDA exam. After the successful training, the NDA salary of the Officer Commissioned will be fixed in the first Cell of Level 10. 

NDA Selection Process 2025

NDA selection process comprises written exam and SSB interview. Candidates qualifying the written exam and SSB interview. Allotment of candidates is done based on merit-cum-preference. The number of vacancies is also taken into consideration during final allotment.

About the Author
author-image
Anangsha Patra
Deputy Manager – Editorial

A mass communication and journalism post-graduate, Anangsha has worked as a reporter and sub-editor and enjoys working in the education domain.

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Write here...

Answered 4 days ago

As per the official notification for NDA 1 2025, the age limit is as follows:

  • Date of Birth: Candidates must be born between July 2, 2006, and July 1, 2009.

Currently, there is no indication of any changes to this age limit. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has not announced any modificati

...more

A

Ankit kumar

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 4 days ago

The application fee for the NDA 2025 exam is as follows:

  • General/OBC Candidates: ?100
  • SC/ST Candidates/Sons of JCOs/NCOs/ORs/Women: Exempt from fee payment

The application process for NDA 1 2025 has concluded, with the last date for submission being December 31, 2024. The examination is scheduled for

...more

A

Ankit kumar

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 4 days ago

 

Hi Ayush,

For NDA 2025, the age eligibility criteria are as follows:

  • NDA 1 2025: Candidates must be born between July 2, 2006, and July 1, 2009.

  • NDA 2 2025: Candidates must be born between January 2, 2007, and January 1, 2010.

Since your birthdate is February 24, 2006, you are eligible to apply f

...more

A

Ankit kumar

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 4 days ago

 

Hi Chandankumar,

NDA 2 refers to the second session of the National Defence Academy (NDA) exam held each year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

The exam is conducted in two sessions:

  • NDA 1 (usually in April)
  • NDA 2 (usually in September)

Both exams serve as a gateway for candidates to join

...more

A

Ankit kumar

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 5 days ago

NDA Application Form 2025
Last Date to Apply: December 31, 2024.

Exam Date: April 13, 2025.

Application Fee: INR 100 (exemptions apply).

Apply at: upsc.gov.in  

K

Khushi Gupta

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

NDA 1 application form 2025 correction window will be available from January 1 to 7, 2025. The Commission has also decided to extend the facility of making correction in any field of the application form for this examination from next day of the closure of the application window of this Examination

...more

A

Anangsha Patra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

YES, Humanities student can definately clear the NDA exam. If one wants to clear NDA in first attempt being a humanities student then they had to work really hard as competitors are mainly from Science stream. One must purchase the recommended  books of those students who had already passed the NDA

...more

I

Ishika Agarwal

Beginner-Level 5

Answered a week ago

UPSC has no provision to refund any fee amount paid by candidates. Banks concerned may be approached for claiming any extra/unsuccessful payments made by the candidates.

M

Mani Shukla

Beginner-Level 4

Answered a week ago

UPSC has no provision to refund any fee amount paid by candidates. Banks concerned may be approached for claiming any extra/unsuccessful payments made by the candidates.

R

Raushan Pradhan

Beginner-Level 4