Download Careers360 App
UPSC NDA Selection Process 2025 - Step wise process, Written Exam, SSB Interview

UPSC NDA Selection Process 2025 - Step wise process, Written Exam, SSB Interview

Edited By Vishnukumar V | Updated on May 28, 2025 06:27 PM IST | #NDA
Upcoming Event
NDA  Exam Date : 14 Sep' 2025 - 14 Sep' 2025

UPSC mentioned the NDA selection process 2025 in the official notification. The NDA 2025 notification contains the details that is available for download on their official website, upsc.gov.in/upsconline.nic.in. Candidates are encouraged to go through the NDA 2025 selection process to get an idea of how the NDA exam will take place.

UPSC NDA Selection Process 2025 - Step wise process, Written Exam, SSB Interview
UPSC NDA Selection Process 2025 - Step wise process, Written Exam, SSB Interview

There are 3 Main stages in the NDA selection process 2025. First, Candidates must appear for the NDA 2025 written exam followed by the SSB interview and medical examination. According to the NDA admission process, only candidates who have cleared the written exam will be called for the SSB interview. Hence, it is important for candidates to prepare well for the NDA 2025. Candidates can prepare effectively using NDA question papers, the exam pattern, and the syllabus. The NDA final merit list 2025 will be prepared based on how candidates perform in both the written exam and interview. Candidates can go through the material below for more information about the NDA Joining Process 2025.

NDA Selection Process 2025- Stages

  • NDA Written Exam 2025

  • NDA SSB Interview

  • Medical Examination

Know about:

NDA Selection Process 2025 - Written Exam

The first stage in the NDA selection process is the written exam. The NDA 2025 written exam comprises two papers - Elementary Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT). The total marks allotted to the NDA written exam is 900. Candidates have to clear both papers separately.

NDA Paper 1 comprises 120 questions for 300 marks while paper 1 comprises 150 questions for 600 marks. As per the NDA exam pattern 2025, there will be a negative marking of one-third marks in both papers. Candidates who score marks equal to or more than the NDA 2025 cut-off marks will be called for the SSB interview.

NDA 2025 Selection Process - SSB Interview

Candidates who clear the NDA exam 2025 will be called for the SSB interview at various selection centres. NDA SSB Interview is a five day process held at Indian Armed Force selection centres. NDA SSB day 1 comprises a Picture Perception & Discussion Test (PPDT) and an Officer Intelligence Rating Test (OIR). Shortlisted candidates on day 1 are retained at the selection centre for the next four days.

The further NDA interview process comprises Psychology Tests, Group Testing Officers Task (GTO), Personal Interviews and a Conference of the NDA selection process. There is no specific syllabus of 2025 NDA for the interview round. For more details, candidates can check the table provided below.

NDA Selection Process 2025: Stepwise Selection Process

Stages

Tests

Screening

  • Picture Perception & Discussion Test (PPDT)

  • Officer Intelligence Rating Test (OIR)

Psychological Tests

  • Thematic Apperception Test

  • Word Association Test

  • Situation Reaction Test

  • Self Description Test

Group Testing Officers Task (GTO)

  • Group Discussion

  • Group Planning Exercise

  • Progressive Group Task

  • Half Group Task

  • Individual Obstacles Task

  • Command Task

  • Snake Race and Group Obstacle Race

Personal Interview

Personal Interview with Officers

Conference

It comprises interaction with all board members including GTO, psychologist, board president and others

Quick Links:

NDA SSB Selection Centres 2025

Candidates appearing for NDA 2025 must check selection centres from the table mentioned below.

List of SSB Interview Centres

Branch

SSC Centres

Indian Air Force (IAF)

  • 1 AFSB Dehradun

  • 2 AFSB Mysore

  • 3 AFSB Gandhi Nagar

  • 4 AFSB Varanasi

Indian Navy

  • NSB Coimbatore

  • 12 SSB Bangalore

  • 33 SSB Bhopal

Indian Army

  • Selection Center East Allahabad

  • Selection Center Central Bhopal

  • Selection Center South Bangalore

NDA Selection Process 2025 - Medical Examination

Recommended candidates from the SSB interview of the NDA selection process will be called for medical examination. In the SSB medical exam, candidates will be tested on various factors like height, weight, physical fitness and others. Candidates declared physically fit in all respects will be commissioned as Cadets in various academies of the Indian Army Forces.

Documents Required for NDA Selection Process 2025

Candidates appearing for the NDA interview process at SCN have to carry the below-mentioned documents.

  • Original 10th pass certificate or equivalent in support of date of birth

  • Original 10+2 pass certificate or equivalent in support of educational qualification

  • Valid Photo ID proof

  • Caste certificate if belonging to SC, ST, OBC etc

  • SSB call letter

NDA Selection Process 2025 - Final Merit List

  • To get acquainted with the Indian Armed Forces, candidates need to secure a minimum NDA cut off 2025 to get an SSB call letter.

  • Candidates appearing for the Indian Air Force have to qualify Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS).

  • The final result of the NDA 2025 selection process will be prepared on the basis of performance in the written exam and SSB interview.

NDA Selection Process 2025 - Final Call

The exam authorities will issue the NDA final call letter to join the course. The final call letter of the NDA 2025 will be issued after the entire selection process is over. UPSC will issue the final call letter to the candidates who cleared all the levels of the NDA selection process.

NDA Selection Process 2025 - Reasons for candidate’s disqualification

  • Candidates previously rejected on the basis of medical standards are not allowed to attend the SSB interview of the NDA selection process.

  • Candidates who were withdrawn previously from NDA/NA on medical grounds or left the training voluntarily will be eligible for admission only if they qualify for the medical fitness test.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who conducts the NDA exam?

The NDA exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

2. What are the different stages of the NDA selection procedure 2025?

As per the selection procedure of NDA 2025, the stages include written examination, SSB interview, medical examination, and the final merit list.

3. What is the minimum age limit to apply for NDA 2025?

The minimum age limit for NDA 1 is 16.5 years.

4. Is the medical examination compulsory for NDA selection 2025?

Yes, the medical examination is one of the important stages of the NDA Selection procedure 2025.

5. What are the different branches of NDA?

The different branches of NDA include the Indian Air Force (IAF), the Indian Army and the Indian Navy.

6. Is the NDA selection procedure for the IAF, Indian Army and Indian Navy the same?

Yes, the selection procedure of NDA 2025 for all the branches is the same.

7. What are the documents required in the NDA selection procedure 2025?

Candidates need to submit class 10th and 12th certificates, valid photo ID, SSB call letter and caste certificate (if applicable) during the NDA selection procedure 2025.

8. What are the different stages of an SSB interview?

The different stages of the NDA SSB interview are screening. psychological Tests, Group Testing Officers Task (GTO), Personal Interview and conference.

9. I am medically not physically fit. Can I apply for NDA 2025?

If a candidate is not physically fit as per the NDA selection parameters, they cannot apply for NDA.

Articles

Certifications By Top Providers

Online Course of Indian Constitution
Via NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad
Access to Justice
Via National Law University, New Delhi
Criminal Justice Administration
Via National Law University, New Delhi
Human Rights
Via National Law School of India University, Bangalore
BA
Via Kuvempu University, Shankaraghatta
Swayam
 220 courses
Edx
 201 courses
LawSikho
 127 courses
NPTEL
 92 courses
Futurelearn
 89 courses
Coursera
 76 courses

Explore Top Universities Across Globe

University of Essex, Colchester
 Wivenhoe Park Colchester CO4 3SQ
University College London, London
 Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT
The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh
 Old College, South Bridge, Edinburgh, Post Code EH8 9YL
University of Nottingham, Nottingham
 University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD
Bristol Baptist College, Bristol
 The Promenade, Clifton Down, Bristol BS8 3NJ

Questions related to NDA

Have a question related to NDA ?

If your date of birth is 24 December 2007, then you will not be eligible for NDA 1 in 2027. The age limit for NDA 1 is usually between 16 and a half to 19 and a half years as of July 1 of the exam year. You will be slightly above the age limit by then. So, you won’t be able to apply for NDA 1 in 2027.

Hello Gautam

A diploma holder is eligible and ineligible for the following:

1. NDA: No, a diploma holder is not eligible for NDA as they require the candidates to be passed or appearing in Class 12th.

2. JEE Main s: Similarly, a diploma holder is not eligible for JEE Mains as it is only for 12th passed/appearing students with PCM.

3. JEE Advance: Yes, a diploma holder is eligible for JEE Advance  and can aim for IITs.

Regarding your second doubt:
No, a diploma holder is not eligible to take admission in NITs on the basis of JEE MAIN marks . A diploma holder can only aim for IITs and that too on the basis of JEE Advance.

Thank you!!!

Hello Aspirant,

Yes, you can appear for the NDA (National Defence Academy) exam in September 2026 to join the Indian Army, even if you are a Class 12 student with a PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) stream. The Indian Army wing of NDA does not require Mathematics or Physics as mandatory subjects in Class 12, unlike the Navy and Air Force wings, which are only open to candidates with a PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) background. As long as you are an Indian citizen, unmarried, and your age falls between 16.5 and 19.5 years as on the date specified in the 2026 notification (likely born between January 2, 2008, and July 1, 2011), you are eligible. You will still be required to attempt both papers in the NDA written exam—Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT)—but selection into the Army wing mainly considers your overall merit. So, with the right preparation, especially for GAT and basic math, you can definitely aim for a career in the Indian Army through NDA.

All the best for your journey.

Hello,

Yes, you can give the NDA exam in September 2026 to join the Indian Army, even if you are from the PCB stream.

For the Army wing, candidates from any stream (Science, Commerce, or Arts) are eligible if they have passed or are appearing in Class 12.

Maths is not compulsory for the Army wing. However, you will still have to attempt the Maths paper in the exam.

Also, make sure your date of birth falls between 2nd January 2008 and 1st July 2011 to be eligible for NDA 2 (September 2026).

Hope it helps !

Dear Candidate ,
- For NDA 1 2026 , you are eligible since your birth date ( 24th Dec 2007 ) lies between 2 Jul 2007 and 1 Jul 2010 .
- For NDA 2 2026 , you are not eligible because the cutoff begins on 2 Jan 2008 .
Because UPSC requires candidates to be at least 16.5 and at most 19.5 years old on exam date ,

View All
Back to top