UPSC NDA 1 Exam 2025 - Notification (Out), Exam Dates, Syllabus, Eligibility Criteria, Exam Pattern, Result

UPSC NDA 1 Exam 2025 - Notification (Out), Exam Dates, Syllabus, Eligibility Criteria, Exam Pattern, Result

Edited By Meghana Mohana Krishnan | Updated on Apr 14, 2025 10:16 AM IST | #NDA

UPSC NDA 2025 - Union Public Service Commission will soon release the UPSC NDA result 2025 on the official website, upsc.gov.in. The UPSC NDA 1 exam 2025 was held on April 13, 2025 across the county at various exam centres. The commission released the UPSC NDA 2025 admit card on April 3, 2025 in online mode. The UPSC NDA 2025 application form correction window was available from January 2 to 8, 2025. The NDA 1 application form window was closed on January 1, 2025. The UPSC NDA 2025 application form window was activated on December 11, 2024.
Latest: The Union Public Service Commission has released the final UPSC NDA result 2024 on April 11, 2025 on the official website, upsc.gov.in.

This Story also Contains
  1. NDA 1 2025 - What is NDA Exam?
  2. NDA exam date 2025
  3. NDA 2025 Eligibility Criteria
  4. NDA Application Form 2025
  5. How to apply for NDA 2025?
  6. NDA 2025 Syllabus
  7. NDA 2025 Exam Pattern
  8. UPSC NDA 2025 Exam Pattern
  9. UPSC NDA 2025 Preparation Tips
  10. UPSC NDA 2025 - Best Books
  11. NDA 2025 Question Papers
  12. NDA 2025 Admit Card
  13. NDA 2025 Exam Centres
  14. NDA 2025 Answer Key
  15. NDA 2025 Result
  16. NDA 2025 Cut off
  17. NDA 2025 Selection Process
  18. NDA 2025 Salary
UPSC NDA 1  Exam 2025 - Notification (Out), Exam Dates, Syllabus, Eligibility Criteria, Exam Pattern, Result
UPSC NDA 1 Exam 2025 - Notification (Out), Exam Dates, Syllabus, Eligibility Criteria, Exam Pattern, Result

The NDA 1 2025 notification on December 11, 2024 on the official website. Before applying for the UPSC NDA 2025 exam, it is important for candidates to know the details about the exam. The UPSC NDA 2025 exam is conducted to select candidates for the National Defence academy and Indian Naval Academy. The academies train men and women to become officers in the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. Candidates can know about the NDA 2025 exam, including details about application form, syllabus, exam pattern and much more in the article below.

NDA 1 2025 - What is NDA Exam?

National Defence Academy, or NDA 2025 is a joint defence service training academy which trains cadets for the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. NDA is the world's first tri service academy. After getting trained, the cadets go into their respective specialised training before becoming officers. The academy is located in Pune and selects candidates based on an exam. The motto of the academy is ‘Service before Self’.

NDA exam date 2025

Candidates can find the NDA Exam Dates 2025 in the table below. UPSC will release the NDA exam dates in the UPSC exam calendar 2025. Candidates are encouraged to watch this space as important NDA dates will be updated here when they are released.

Events

NDA 1 2025 Exam Dates

NDA 2 Exam Dates 2025

NDA exam 2025 notification

December 11, 2024

May 28, 2025

NDA 1 2025 registration date

December 11, 2024

May 28, 2025

NDA registration form 2025 last date

January 1, 2025

June 17, 2025

Last date of fee payment online

January 1, 2025

TBA

Last date of offline fee payment

January 1, 2025

TBA

UPSC NDA application form correction window

January 2 to 8, 2025

TBA

NDA admit card release date 2025

By April 3, 2025

TBA

NDA exam date 2025

April 13, 2025

September 14, 2025

UPSC NDA result for written test

TBA

TBA

Final NDA result 2025

TBA

TBA

NDA 2025 Eligibility Criteria

NDA has prescribed the NDA 2025 eligibility criteria online on the official website. Candidates who wish to attempt the exam must ensure that they meet the NDA eligibility criteria before applying. Candidates who are found to not meet the UPSC NDA exam eligibility at later stages run the risk of having their candidature revoked.

UPSC prescribes the UPSC NDA eligibility criteria 2025 based on factors such as the Candidate’s age, measurements and educational background. Initially, only male candidates were eligible to attempt the NDA 2025 exam, but after a Supreme court ruling in 2021, Female candidates are also eligible to attempt the exam. Candidates can find out more about the NDA eligibility criteria 2025 in the table below.

Particulars

Details

NDA age limit

Candidates must be between the ages of 16.5 and 19.5

NDA Educational Qualification

  • Army wing- Class 12/HSC in any stream

  • Air Force/ Indian Naval Academy- Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics

Physical Measurement

  • For Army, Navy and Naval Academy - 157 cm (minimum)

  • For Air Force - 162.5 cm (minimum)

NDA Application Form 2025

UPSC provided UPSC NDA 2025 application form correction window from January 2 to 8, 2025 at upsc.gov.in. The application form of NDA 1 2025 was closed on January 1, 2025. The UPSC NDA application form 2025 was released online on December 11, 2024 on the official website. Additionally, the Commission provides candidates with the facility to withdraw their NDA registration form 2025.

How to apply for NDA 2025?

Candidates can follow the steps below to fill out the NDA form 2025.

  • Visit the UPSC website- upsc.gov.in

  • Complete the OTR process.

  • Login using your credentials.

  • Fill out the UPSC NDA application form as prompted.

  • Upload all the necessary documents.

  • Pay the NDA application fee.

  • Submit the NDA form.

NDA 2025 Syllabus

The detailed NDA syllabus 2025 is given in the official notification. Candidates can refer to the UPSC NDA syllabus before starting their preparation. The UPSC NDA exam syllabus 2025 is divided into 2 main sections -

NDA Mathematics Syllabus 2025 -

  • Algebra.

  • Matrices and determinants.

  • Trigonometry.

  • Analytical geometry of two and three dimensions.

  • Differential Calculus.

  • Integral Calculus and Differential equations.

  • Vector Algebra.

  • Statistics and Probability.

NDA General Ability Test Syllabus 2025 -

Part A - English.

Part B - General knowledge.

  • Physics.

  • Chemistry.

  • General Science.

  • History, freedom, movement, etc.

  • Geography.

  • Current events

NDA 2025 Exam Pattern

UPSC conducts the NDA 2025 exam twice every year where the syllabus and UPSC NDA exam pattern is the same for both the attempts. The exam pattern of UPSC NDA 2025 consists of 2 stages. The first stage is the written test and the second stage is the SSB interview (Intelligence and personality test).

  • The written exam is conducted in a single day and carries a total of 900 marks. The mathematics exam is conducted for 300 marks and is an objective type test. There will be a negative marking of 0.33 marks for incorrect answers. The GAT is conducted for 600 marks which is an objective type test and has negative marking.

  • Candidates who qualify in the written exam will be called for the SSB interview. It is a 5 day rigorous process to test the eligibility of the candidate in the military. The test focuses on the candidate's intelligence, personality and qualities of an officer.

UPSC NDA 2025 Exam Pattern

Particulars

NDA Written exam

SSB Interview

Mode

Offline (Pen and Paper)

Offline (Group activities and Face to face interview

Sections

  • Mathematics(300 marks)

  • General Ability Test (GAT)( 600 marks)

  1. Testing

  2. Psychological Test

  3. Group Testing Officers Test

  4. Personal Interview

  5. Conference

Duration

5 hours (2 hours 30 minutes for each section)

5 days

Total marks

900 marks

900 marks

Total questions

Maths - 120 questions

GAT - 150 questions

-

UPSC NDA 2025 Preparation Tips

Cracking the UPSC NDA exam requires dedication and a proper strategy. Some of the UPSC preparation tips which will be beneficial to the candidates are listed below.

  • Understand the syllabus.

  • Build a strong foundation of the basics by gathering the right resources (NCERT books provide a good foundation).

  • Revise concepts regularly.

  • Enhance vocabulary skills and stay updated with current affairs.

  • Develop time management, reasoning and problem solving skills( helps in sharpening the mind)

  • Practise UPSC NDA sample papers and previous year question papers.

  • Stay focused.

  • Maintain physical fitness.

UPSC NDA 2025 - Best Books

The syllabus for the NDA exam will mostly be the 12 th class syllabus. However, to learn some advanced topics, candidates can refer to the following UPSC NDA books to improve their foundation.

  • Mathematics - NCERT Mathematics Textbook of Class 11 and Class 12, RS Aggarwal - Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations

  • English - S.P. Bakshi - Objective General English, Norman Lewis - Word Power Made Easy

  • General Knowledge - Manohar Pandey - General Knowledge.

  • Current Affairs - Magazines like Pratiyogita Darpan/ Competition Success Review

  • History - Bipin Chandra - History of Modern India.

  • Geography - Oxford University Press - Oxford School Atlas.

  • Science - Lucent’s General Science

NDA 2025 Question Papers

Candidates can download the UPSC NDA question papers from the official website upsc.gov.in. UPSC will release the UPSC NDA 2025 question papers and preparation tips on their website a few weeks after the examination. Candidates can also download unofficial NDA exam papers 2025 released by coaching institutes right after the exam.

NDA 2025 Admit Card

UPSC has issued the UPSC NDA admit card 2025 on April 3, 2025 to all the candidates who have submitted the application form. The UPSC NDA 2025 admit card contains all the crucial information related to the candidate.

The UPSC NDA 1 admit card can be downloaded from the UPSC official website upsc.gov.in. Candidates must note that the NDA admit card will not be sent by post and can only be downloaded.

Steps to download the NDA admit card 2025

  • Visit the UPSC official website - upsc.gov.in

  • Navigate to the "E-Admit Card" section.

  • Select "National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination"

  • Enter NDA registration ID and date of birth.

  • Click on "Download Admit Card".

  • Save or print a copy of the NDA 2025 admit card.

NDA 2025 Exam Centres

Candidates appearing for the exam ia given an UPSC NDA exam centre to which they need to appear and give the exam. The allotment of UPSC NDA 2025 exam centres is based on first apply- first allot basis. Candidates are advised to apply early for the exam so that they would get the NDA exam centre of their choice. The NDA exam centres 2025 are situated in almost 75 cities in India. Candidates must note that the UPSC ND exam centres once allotted cannot be changed.

NDA 2025 Answer Key

The NDA answer key is crucial for candidates who have appeared in the examination. It contains all the official answers section-wise of the NDA exam. The NDA 2025 answer key will be released by UPSC after the examination in a few days.

The NDA answer key 2025 will help candidates in resolving any doubts regarding the answers and helps in evaluating their score. Candidates who want to raise objections to the official UPSC NDA answer key can follow the UPSC procedures and proceed.

NDA 2025 Result

The UPSC NDA results will be released by the conducting authority several weeks after the release of the answer key. The UPSC NDA 2025 result contains the list of candidates who cleared into the next round and the cut off. The NDA 2025 result can be checked on the UPSC website and it also contains the important dates related to the SSB interview round.

NDA 2025 Cut off

UPSC released the NDA cut off 2025 and the results at the same time so that candidates can know their qualifying status. Candidates who have scores equal to or more than the NDA cut off will be called for the next round which is the SSB interview round.

The UPSC board determines the UPSC NDA 2025 cut off by analysing the number of candidates appearing for the exam, difficulty level of the exam and over performance of candidates.

NDA 2025 Selection Process

The NDA selection process involves candidates clearing both the written and the SSB interview round. Clearing those rounds will give the admission into the National Defence Academy. The UPSC NDA 2025 selection process is a rigorous procedure to select candidates suitable for the role. The SSC round contains psychological tests, group tests, interviews, and officer intelligence training followed by a medical examination.

NDA 2025 Salary

The UPSC NDA 2025 salary of an NDA graduate is impressive and increases with time in their careers. Candidates will receive a stipend of Rs 56,100. during the cadet training. With experience, candidates will be receiving an increase in their NDA salary and allowances.

UPSC NDA offers allowances like Military Service Pay, Dearness allowance, Transport allowance, etc. Along with allowances, NDA also offers several benefits like clothing allowance, canteen facilities, medical facilities, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is eligible for the UPSC NDA exams?

Unmarried men/women who have passed 12th and are between the age group of 16.5 and 19.5 can attempt the NDA 2025 exam.

2. What is the UPSC NDA salary range after clearing the NDA exam?

The NDA salary of a Lieutenant will range between Rs 56,100 and Rs 1,77,500.

3. What is the highest post in NDA?

The highest rank in each service is, Army - Chief of Army staff, Navy - Admiral, Air Force - Air chief Marshal.

4. Can I join NDA without maths?

Yes, candidates can apply without maths but it limits the branches they are eligible to apply. If the candidate does not want maths, they can still apply for the Army wing but not the Air Force or Naval wing.

5. How long is NDA training?

The Naval training is a 3 year program. However, to become a fully commissioned officer, it might take 4 to 4 and a half years as it requires additional training.

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Questions related to NDA

Have a question related to NDA ?

Hello Ravi,

To prepare for the NDA (National Defence Academy) exam, follow these steps:

1. Understand the Exam Pattern :

  • Written Exam :

    • Mathematics : 300 marks

    • General Ability Test (GAT) : 600 marks

  • SSB Interview : 900 marks

    2. Key Subjects for Preparation :

  • Mathematics :

    • Focus on topics like Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, Geometry, and Probability.

    • Refer to NCERT books for Class 11th and 12th.

    • Practice time management with mock tests.

  • General Ability Test (GAT) :

    • English : Improve vocabulary, comprehension, and grammar.

    • General Knowledge : Focus on History, Geography, General Science, and Current Affairs.

    • Physics, Chemistry, and Biology : NCERT Class 9-12 books for conceptual understanding.

      3. Study Plan :

  • Daily Routine : Allocate 3-4 hours for each subject, focusing on weaker areas.

  • Mock Tests : Regularly attempt mock tests for both Mathematics and GAT.

  • Revision : Set aside time for regular revision of topics.

    4. Physical Fitness :

  • Start physical training early for the SSB Interview, which includes tasks like running, push-ups, and group discussions.

    5. Recommended Books :

  • Mathematics :

    • "Mathematics for Class 11 & 12" by R.S. Aggarwal

    • "Higher Algebra" by Hall and Knight

  • GAT :

    • "General Knowledge for NDA" by R.S. Aggarwal

    • "English for Competitive Examinations" by S.P. Bakshi

      6. Important Tips :

  • Keep up with current affairs by reading newspapers or magazines like The Hindu or Manorama Yearbook .

  • Focus on time management and accuracy during practice.

  • Stay consistent and avoid procrastination.

With dedicated effort, a solid study plan, and regular practice, you can increase your chances of success in the NDA exam.

For more details about the NDA exam and preparation CLICK HERE .

I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries, then feel free to share your questions with us, we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you, and I wish you all the best in your bright future.

Hello,

To be eligible for NDA 2 in 2025 , a candidate must be born between July 2, 2006, and January 1, 2009 (as per the usual age criteria).

Since you were born on December 13, 2006 , you fall within this range , so yes, you are eligible for NDA 2 in 2025.

Hope it helps !

Hello,

No, you will not be eligible for both the NDA exams in 2026 .

For the NDA exam, you need to be between 16.5 and 19.5 years old. If your date of birth is 12th February 2007, you will be 19 years old by February 2026, and you will only be eligible for the NDA exam held in April 2026. You will not be eligible for the NDA exam in September 2026, as you will be over the age limit by then.

Hope it helps !

Hello,

Since you were born on November 17, 2008, you will be eligible for the NDA exam starting when you turn 16 and a half years old. The NDA exam allows candidates between the ages of 16.5 and 19.5 years to apply.

Here's how the attempts work for you:

  • The NDA exam is held twice a year, in April and September.

  • You will likely be eligible to appear for the exam starting in 2025, when you'll be 16.5 years old.

  • You can appear for the exam until you turn 19.5 years old, which will be in November 2027.

This means you have a total of 6 attempts available for NDA, from 2025 to 2027.

Hope it helps !

Dear Aspirant,


Unfortunately, after reviewing your details, you are not eligible to participate in the upcoming NDA 2 exam . You mentioned that your date of birth is August 2, 2006. The NDA 2 examination is scheduled to take place in January 2026, and to qualify for this opportunity, candidates must be within the age range of 16.5 to 19.5 years at the time the course begins.


To clarify, the eligibility criteria specify that candidates must be born between January 2, 2007, and January 1, 2010. Since your birthdate falls outside this specified range, you are unfortunately ineligible for NDA 2.


If you have any further questions or need assistance regarding the eligibility requirements, please feel free to reach out.

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