Union Public Service Commission has released the UPSC NDA 1 admit card 2025 on April 3, 2025 at upsc.gov.in. The UPSC NDA 2025 exam date is on April 13, 2025.The UPSC NDA 1 2025 application form correction window was opened from January 2 to January 8, 2025. The NDA 1 2025 application form window was closed on January 1, 2025. Aspirants were able to download the UPSC NDA 1 application form 2025 on December 11, 2024 along with official notification. Before applying for the NDA 1 exam, candidates need to make sure they meet the eligibility criteria.
As per the NDA 2025 eligibility criteria, all 12th-passed candidates between 16.5 to 19.5 years can apply for the examination. General category applicants need to pay the application fee of Rs. 100. However, SC/ST, female candidates and other reserved category candidates are exempted from paying the NDA 2 application fee.
What is the NDA exam?
The NDA exam is conducted twice every year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in April and September. The NDA recruitment exam 2025 is conducted to induct eligible and qualified applicants as officers in the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. All class 12th passed from a recognised board between the age group of 16.5 to 19.5 years can apply for the UPSC NDA exam. Those who have taken the standard 12th exam and are awaiting results are also eligible to appear for the NDA exam 2025.
The NDA recruitment process as has two stages - a written exam and an SSB interview. The NDA written exam has two papers one of elementary mathematics and the other of general aptitude test (GAT). Both the NDA 2025 papers are conducted in offline mode.
Candidates clearing the written exam will be eligible to appear for the Service Selection Board (SSB) interview which is a 5-day process in which applicants are tested on various parameters to confirm their final candidature before the induction. On clearing the NDA 2025 recruitment process applicants then have to undergo intensive training for the defence service they are selected for before they are deputed to their respective services.
What is the full form of NDA?
The NDA exam full form is National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination. However, it is commonly known and referred to as the NDA exam or UPSC NDA exam. The objective of the NDA exam is to recruit eligible and qualified candidates as officers of the defence safety and security of the country.
Candidates preparing for the NDA exam can check the NDA question papers for their effective preparations. The NDA selection process comprises a written exam followed by an SSB interview and a medical examination. UPSC NDA written exam comprises two papers - Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT). The duration of each test is 2 hours and 30 minutes. The maximum mark allotted to the written exam is 900. Candidates who clear the written exam will be called for an SSB interview.
NDA vacancies
| Year | National Defence Academy (NDA) | Indian Naval Academy (NA) (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme) | Total |
| NDA I 2025 | 370 | 36 | 406 |
| NDA I 2023 | 370 | 25 | 395 |
| NDA II 2023 | -- | -- | -- |
| NDA I 2022 | 370 | 30 | 400 |
| NDA II 2021 | 370 | 30 | 400 |
| NDA II 2021 | 370 | 43 | 413 |
| NDA I 2020 | 370 | 48 | 418 |
| NDA II 2019 | 370 | 45 | 415 |
| NDA I 2019 | 342 | 50 | 392 |
| NDA II 2018 | 339 | 44 | 383 |
| NDA I 2018 | 360 | 55 | 415 |
| NDA II 2017 | 335 | 55 | 390 |
| NDA I 2017 | 335 | 55 | 390 |
UPSC Contact Details
If candidates face any problem with any aspect of the UPSC IAS exam, they can get in touch with the Union Public Service Commission at the following address, phone number and email.
UNION PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION
Dholpur House,
Shahjahan Road, New Delhi - 110069
Facilitation Counter: 011-23098543 / 23385271 / 23381125 / 23098591
Email: feedback-upsc@gov.in
NDA Exam: Sample Papers | Preparation Tips | Syllabus
Don't Miss: Month-wise Current Affairs | Upcoming Government Exams
| Full Exam Name | National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination |
| Short Exam Name | NDA |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission |
| Frequency Of Conduct | Twice a year |
| Exam Level | Intermediate |
| Languages | English +1 more |
| Mode Of Application | online |
| Application Fee | Online : 100 +1 more |
| Mode Of Exam | offline |
| Mode Of Counselling | offline |
| Exam Duration | 5 Hours |
| No Of Seats | 406 |
NDA National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (session 2025)
UPSC will release the official NDA answer key 2025 after the NDA recruitment process is over. The NDA 2025 answer key contains the correct answers for all sets of NDA 2025 question paper sets (A, B, C, D) of GAT and Mathematics. However, the unofficial answer key of UPSC NDA 2025 is released by the leading coaching institutes a few hours after the conclusion of the NDA 2025 examination. By going through the NDA answer key, applicants can know the number of correct and incorrect answers given and thus calculate their expected scores.
Also read:
How to download the NDA answer key 2025?
1. Visit the official website- upsc.gov.in
2. Check the Examination tab mentioned on the page and click on the Answer key
3. GAT and Mathematics subject pdf file is available to download
4. Click on both subject separately to download the answer key of NDA 2025
5. Save the NDA answer key file for future use.
The Union Public Service Commission prescribed the NDA eligibility criteria 2025 in the official notification. Candidates should check the NDA eligibility before filling the NDA examination form. NDA exam 2025 eligibility criteria comprise various factors like Nationality, age limit, educational qualification, marital status, and others. Candidates can check more details about NDA eligibility from the table given below.
NDA Eligibility Criteria 2025
Parameters | Eligibility Criteria |
Nationality | 1. A Citizen of India 2. A subject of Nepal 3. A subject of Bhutan 4. A Tibetan refugee who moved to India, before January 1, 1962, with the intention of settling here permanently 5. A person of Indian origin who has migrated from the below-specified countries, with the intention of permanently settling in India.
|
Age Limit | 16.5 to 19.5 years for all categories, i.e. there is no age relaxation in the NDA exam |
Educational qualification | For Indian Army - Passed Class 12 from State Education Board or a University For Air Force and Naval - Passed 12th class with Physics and Mathematics from State Education Board or a University |
Marital status | Unmarried |
Gender | Male and Female |
Height | For Army, Navy, and Naval Academy - 157 cm (minimum) For Air Force - 162.5 cm (minimum) |
The Union Public Service Commission has closed the UPSC NDA 2025 application form correction window on January 8, 2025. The UPSC NDA application form 2025 correction window was activated on January 2, 2025 at upsc.gov.in. 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. The NDA 1 2025 notification was released along with the application form on the official website.
Part 1: There are five pages to complete the NDA 2025 Part 1 registration.
After completing part registration, candidates have to complete part 2 of the NDA application process. In NDA registration part 2 candidates need to pay the application fee, they have to choose the preferred exam centre and upload the signature, photograph and document proof as per the specifications.
Details and Documents Required To Fill NDA Application Form 2025
Steps To Fill NDA Application Form 2025
Open the UPSC official website - upsc.gov.in.
Click on the ‘Apply Online link’ available on the web page.
Online One-Time Registration (OTR)- If the applicants are not completed the One Time Registration, They have to complete it by providing some basic details such as personal and contact details.
Login by using valid login credentials Email ID and OTP/Password or Mobile number and OTP/Password or OTR ID and OTP/Password.
Candidates have to fill out the UPSC NDA 2025 application form in two parts which include filling in other details, fee payment, uploading of scanned documents, signature, photo identity card document, selection of preferred exam centre and agreeing to the declaration.
Check all the details furnished in the UPSC NDA 2 application form 2025 thoroughly and edit the details if needed.
Once submitted, Applicants will not able to make changes in their UPSC NDA 2025 application form.
After submission, a registration number will be generated. Candidates have to download it as a pdf file and take a printout for future reference.
| State | City |
| Tripura | Agartala |
| Gujarat | Ahmedabad |
| Mizoram | Aizawl |
| Uttar Pradesh | Allahabad Bareilly Lucknow |
| Karnataka | Bangalore |
| Madhya Pradesh | Bhopal |
| Chandigarh | Chandigarh |
| Tamil Nadu | Chennai Madurai |
| Odisha | Cuttack Sambalpur |
| Uttarakhand | Dehradun |
| Delhi | New Delhi |
| Sikkim | Gangtok |
| Telangana | Hyderabad |
| Manipur | Imphal |
| Rajasthan | Jaipur Udaipur |
| Jammu and Kashmir | Jammu Srinagar |
| Assam | Jorhat |
| Kerala | Kochi Thiruvananthapuram |
| Nagaland | Kohima |
| West Bengal | Kolkata |
| Maharashtra | Mumbai Nagpur |
| Goa | Panaji |
| Bihar | Patna |
| Andaman and Nicobar Islands | Port Blair |
| Chhattisgarh | Raipur |
| Jharkhand | Ranchi |
| Meghalaya | Shillong |
| Himachal Pradesh | Shimla |
| Andhra Pradesh | Tirupati Visakhapatnam |
| Arunachal Pradesh | Itanagar |
The NDA 2025 exam pattern contains the stages, sections, mode of exam, duration of exam, marking scheme, etc. Applicants must go through the exam pattern of UPSC NDA 2025 before they start off with their preparations. As per NDA exam pattern 2025, the test is conducted in the offline mode. The test has two papers - paper I (Mathematics) and paper II [General Ability Test (GAT)]. The time allotted for each paper is 2 hours and 30 minutes.
In Mathematics, there will be a total of 120 questions while in GAT, there will be a total of 150 questions. The written exam of NDA (Maths and GAT) will be conducted for a total of 900 marks. Candidates qualifying in the written exam will have to appear for the SSB interview round. The SSB Interview will be conducted for a total of 900 marks and will be conducted in a five days process.
NDA exam pattern 2025
Particulars | NDA Written exam | SSB Interview |
Mode | Offline (Pen and Paper) | Offline (Group activities and Face to face interview |
Sections |
|
|
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 | - |
Mathematics: Unit 01
Mathematics: Unit 02
Mathematics: Unit 03
Mathematics: Unit 04
Mathematics: Unit 05
Mathematics: Unit 06
Mathematics: Unit 07
Mathematics: Unit 08
General knowledge: Unit 01
General knowledge: Unit 02
General knowledge: Unit 03
General knowledge: Unit 04
General knowledge: Unit 05
General knowledge: Unit 06
Preparation is the key to success for any competitive exam. Thus, one must plan and strategies their preparation to crack NDA 2025 exam. The foremost thing that candidates are concerned about during the NDA exam 2025 preparation is what to study, what study material to refer to, etc.
Before proceeding with the UPSC NDA preparation tips 2025, applicants must get acquainted with the NDA 2025 exam syllabus and the exam pattern. Some tips and tricks that candidates can follow to prepare for the NDA exam 2025 are as follows.
1. Know the exam pattern and syllabus - Candidates must know exactly what they need to study and what will be the pattern. This will help candidates know the number of papers they have to appear for, marking scheme etc.
2. A study from the best books - They must choose NDA 2025 books which cover all the NDA syllabus of the exam.
3. Prepare and maintain a study schedule - By preparing and maintaining a study plan, applicants will be able to pay an equal time and attention to both the papers, their topics and sub-topics, provided they have allotted sufficient time slot for studying each topic.
4. Solve previous years question papers and mock tests - Candidates can refer to the previous years question papers of NDA to boost their confidence and enhance their problem-solving skills. Along with studying for the exam and solving the previous year's question papers, candidates must also take mock test regularly to experience the exam like environment where there will be a time constrains.
The Union Public Service Commission has released the UPSC NDA admit card 2025 on April 3, 2025 at upsc.gov.in. Candidates can download the UPSC NDA admit card by using either their exam registration number or roll number and date of birth. The NDA 2025 admit card contains important details like the candidate’s name, the address of the allotted exam centre, date, time of the exam, roll number, category, photograph, signature etc. Applicants must carry the NDA hall ticket 2025 to exam centres on the day of the exam along with a valid original photo ID proof like an Aadhaar Card, Voter ID Card, Driving License, PAN Card, or Passport.
How to download NDA admit card 2025?
To download the admit card of NDA 2025, candidates must follow the steps mentioned below:
1st Step: Visit the official website of UPSC.
2nd Step: Click on ‘e-admit cards section.
3rd Step: Select the e-admit card link for NDA admit card 2025.
4th Step: Read the instructions carefully and tick the yes checkbox.
5th Step: Enter registration number (RID)/roll number of NDA, date of birth, and captcha code.
6th Step: Click on download.
7th Step: The screen will then display your admit card of NDA.
Details mentioned on NDA 2025 admit card
The table below contains the details printed on the hall ticket.
NDA admit card details
| Candidates details | Exam details |
Name of candidate | Reporting time |
Date of birth | Examination time |
Roll number | Exam centre and city |
Photograph and signature | Centre code |
Exam date | Photo ID as entered in the application form of NDA |
What to do in case of discrepancy in the NDA admit card 2025?
Candidates must ensure that all the details mentioned on the UPSC NDA admit card are correct. In case of a discrepancy in the NDA 2025 admit card, applicants must contact the examination authorities and get it rectified. To contact the authorities, candidates can send an email at usna-upsc@nic.in and a copy of their NDA admit card along with the application form or can even go in person to the facilitation centre or call up at 011-23385271/ 23381125/ 23098543 (on working days between 10 am to 5 pm).
Documents to carry with NDA admit card
Along with the admit card of NDA 2025, they must carry the following items to the exam centre on the exam day:
Anyone photo id- proof like Driving License, Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID Card
NOTE: It must be noted by candidates that they will not be allowed to take the test without the admit card of the NDA 2025.
UPSC NDA 2025 Exam Analysis will be updated here for both the maths and GAT papers. The exam analysis of NDA includes the section-wise difficulty of the exam and mathematics and GAT paper and the overall difficulty level of the NDA exam 2025. Check the table below to know the previous year's UPSC NDA exam analysis 2025.
Subject | Good attempts | Difficulty level |
Mathematics | 46 to 56 | Moderate |
Subject | Good attempts | Difficulty level |
GAT | 103 to 111 | Moderate |
Union Public Service Commission will release the UPSC NDA 2025 results on their official website at upsc.gov.in. The NDA exam 2025 result PDF contains the roll numbers and names of all qualified candidates. All those who clear the written exam cut off will have to appear for the NDA 2025 SSB Interview for Intelligence and Personality Test.
After conducting the SSB Interview, the examination authority will prepare the final UPSC NDA 2025 merit list. The NDA final merit list is prepared on the basis of marks secured by candidates in the written exam and SSB Interview. Final admission to the NDA and NA academy will be offered to candidates based on their rank in the NDA 2025 merit list.
Steps to check NDA result 2025
Step 1 - Visit the official website - upsc.gov.in.
Step 2 - Click on the What's New link.
Step 3 - Search for the NDA result 2025 link and click on it.
Step 4 - The NDA exam result PDF will be displayed.
Step 5 - The NDA 2025 result contains the roll numbers and names of qualified candidates.
Step 6 - Using CTRL+F search for your roll number of name in the NDA 2025 result merit list.
Step 7 - Download the NDA exam result 2025 for future reference.
UPSC NDA 2025 Scorecard
Union Public Service Commission releases the scorecard of NDA result 2025 after the completion of the NDA selection process. The scorecard is issued within 15 days from the date of the declaration of the final NDA result. The authorities will release the NDA scorecard which will be available on the UPSC website for 30 days. The scorecard of NDA 2025 exam contains details like candidate’s name, roll number, sectional and overall scores.
Stages of NDA Result 2025
The NDA exam result 2025 is declared in two stages. To know more about the stages of the NDA result check the points below.
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) releases the NDA cut off 2025 marks for written exam and final stage together after the recruitment process is over. Applicants should note that the Commission releases the official NDA 2025 cut off after the declaration of the final NDA exam result.
The UPSC NDA cut off is the minimum qualifying marks that the candidate needs to clear a particular stage of the selection process. Candidates have to clear the overall as well as the sectional cut off to be eligible for the next stage of the NDA 2025 exam which will be fixed by UPSC.
Factors determining NDA Cut off 2025
How check the NDA Cut off 2025?
The NDA selection process 2025 has two stages - the written exam and SSB interview process. On the basis of the marks secured in the written exam, candidates will be called for the next stage of the NDA exam 2025 selection process takes place which is SSB interview process.
Stages of the NDA Selection Process 2025
NDA written exam - The first stage of the NDA selection process is the written exam. UPSC NDA 2025 written exam comprises two papers - Mathematics and GAT. The total marks allotted to NDA written exam is 900. Candidates have to qualify for both papers separately. According to the NDA exam pattern 2025, there is a negative marking in both papers. Those who score marks equal to or more than the NDA 2025 cut off marks are called for the SSB interview.
SSB Interview - Those who clear the NDA written exam 2025 are 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 selection process
| Stages | Tests |
| Screening | Picture Perception & Discussion Test (PPDT) |
| Psychological Tests | Thematic Apperception Test |
| Group Testing Officers Task (GTO) | Group Discussion |
| Personal Interview | Personal Interview with Officers |
| Conference | It comprises interaction with all board members including GTO, psychologist, board president and others |
Medical examination - Recommended candidates from SSB interview are called for medical examination. In the NDA 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 different academies.
01123385271 + 2 more
You have to fill out the NDA application form on the UPSC official website. Refer to this article for detailed inputs - How to join NDA after passing 12th?
To prepare for NDA candidates need to cover the complete syllabus, refer to the previous year question papers of NDA and solve them on a regular basis, they must also read daily current affairs through newspapers, magazines and get daily does of general awareness.
After candidates qualify the UPSC NDA exam, they get into academics to complete their graduation along with the training. Post completing their training, they are recruited as Lieutenant post.
Yes, it is a bit tough as the vacancies range between 350-450 and the competition is quite high. However, if candidates prepare for 2025 NDA in a strategize way they can qualify it.
Candidates who will complete the NDA training will get commissioned as Lieutenant and will get a salary from Rs 56,100 to Rs 1,77, 500 Per Month. During the training period, they will get a stipend of Rs. 56,100. Know more about the NDA 2024 salary here.
Yes, girls can also apply for the UPSC NDA exam 2025.
Male candidates who are between 16.5-19.5 years can apply for NDA. These candidates must also clear their 10+2. There are a limited seats for the female candidates.
NDA has a vast syllabus, for more information click here NDA 2025 Syllabus.
Both the exam is for officer level however there are some differences between the two. The eligibility criteria for CDS is different than NDA, in CDS graduates can apply. The salary is NDA is a bit higher than that of a CDS and the syllabus, exam pattern and difficulty level of CDS is that of Graduation level while the NDA is on 10+2 level.
There are two subjects in the NDA exam 2025 - General Ability Test (GAT) and Mathematics.
The age limit for candidates who are applying for NDA must be 16.5-19.5 years while the academic qualification must be 10+2 qualified/appearing. However, candidates will have to showcase their qualified result if they get selected for NDA.
There are two stages in the NDA exam, one is the written test while the other is the SSB (Services Selection Board)
NDA stands for National Defence Academy.
NDA is an exam conducted by UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) twice a year. This exam is conducted to recruit (10+2 qualified) candidates for officer posts in NDA/NA.
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 !
Hello,
Based on your date of birth, August 2, 2006, you are eligible to apply for the NDA 1 2025 exam , as candidates must be born between July 2, 2006, and July 1, 2009.
However, for the NDA 2 2025 exam, the age criteria require candidates to be born between January 2, 2007, and January 1, 2010, which makes you ineligible for that session.
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.
Hello Tanusiya,
Based on NDA eligibility, candidates must be between 16.5 and 19.5 years old on January 1 of the exam year.
Since you were born on January 15, 2010, you'll be over 16.5 by January 1, 2027.
Therefore, you are eligible for NDA 2027.
you can refer the following link for more details about NDA
https://competition.careers360.com/download/ebooks/how-crack-upsc-nda-na-exam?utm_medium=c360
Yes you are eligible for NDA 2 2025. Candidate's D.O.B must be between July 2,2006 to July 1,2009.
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