NDA 2025 Exam Details: Exam Dates, Eligibility, Syllabus, Cut-Off, and Selection Process.

The NDA (National Defence Academy) exam is a national-level defence entrance exam conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). It serves as a gateway for young aspirants to join the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force as officers. The NDA 2025 notification was released on December 11, 2024, and candidates can apply online between December 11 and December 31, 2024. A total of 406 vacancies have been announced for the 155th NDA Course and the 117th Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC), both starting on January 1, 2026.

The 155th NDA Course trains candidates for three years at the National Defence Academy (NDA), preparing them for specialized training in their chosen branch of the Indian Armed Forces. The 117th INAC is specifically for candidates joining the Indian Naval Academy (INA) to equip them with skills and knowledge required for leadership roles in naval operations.

NDA 2025 Exam dates

NDA 2025 Vacancy

NDA Age Limit and Nationality 2025

Candidates must meet the age limit and nationality criteria before applying for the NDA exam:

Age Limit:

• For NDA I 2025, candidates must be born between 2nd July 2006 and 1st July 2009.
• For NDA II 2025, candidates must be born between 2nd January 2007 and 1st January 2010.
• The Commission accepts the date of birth recorded in the Matriculation Certificate or any recognized equivalent document.

Nationality:

Candidates must be:

• Indian citizens, or
• Subjects of Nepal or Bhutan, or
• Tibetan refugees who came to India before 1st January 1962, or
• Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) who migrated from countries like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, etc.

Unmarried male and female candidates meeting the above criteria are eligible to apply.

NDA Educational Qualification 2025

• Army Wing: Candidates must have passed Class 12 (10+2 pattern) or an equivalent exam.
  
  
• Navy Wing: Candidates must have passed Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects.
  
  
• Air Force Wing: Candidates must have passed Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects.
  
  

Note: Students appearing for their Class 12 exams in 2025 can also apply, but they must meet the eligibility criteria before admission.

NDA Physical and Medical Standards 2025

Candidates applying for the National Defence Academy (NDA) must meet specific physical and medical standards to qualify for the rigorous training and service in the Indian Armed Forces. These standards are assessed during the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview and medical examination. The requirements are as follows:

Physical Standards

1. Height and Weight

Army, Navy, and Air Force:

• Minimum Height: 157 cm (for male candidates).
• Weight: Proportionate to height with a BMI between 18 and 24.

Air Force (Pilot):

• Minimum Height: 162.5 cm.
• Leg Length: 99 cm to 120 cm (measured from the crotch to the heel).
• Navy: Minimum height for both male and female candidates is 157 cm.

2. Chest Measurement

• Normal Chest: At least 77 cm.
• Expansion: Must expand by at least 5 cm from the normal measurement.

3. Vision Standards

For Army:

• Distant Vision: 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in the other (with or without glasses).
• Near Vision: J1.

For Navy and Air Force:

• Distant Vision: 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in the other (with or without glasses).
• Near Vision: J1.
• Color Vision: Candidates must not be colorblind.

4. Physical Fitness and Endurance

• Running: Must complete 1.6 km in 6 minutes or less.
• Other Tests: Push-ups, sit-ups, and other exercises will be conducted as part of the SSB selection process.

5. Hearing

• Candidates must have normal hearing with no ear diseases or hearing loss.

Medical Standards

1. General Health

• Candidates must be in good health with no chronic or progressive diseases.

2. Mental Health

• Must be mentally stable and fit for the physical and mental demands of military training.

3. Conditions for Disqualification

• Flat Feet: Disqualifies candidates.
• Knock Knees: Knees touching when legs are straight is not allowed.
• Varicose Veins: Leads to disqualification.
• Spinal Deformities: Any abnormal spinal curvature results in disqualification.
• Hernia, Hydrocele, or Varicocele: These conditions may disqualify the candidate.
• Asthma: A history of asthma may lead to disqualification.
• Color Blindness: Disqualifies candidates, especially for Navy and Air Force roles.
• Dental Issues: Major dental problems like missing teeth or cavities may disqualify candidates.

4. Surgical History

• No history of major surgeries affecting fitness, like orthopedic or abdominal surgeries.

5. Blood Pressure and Heart Health

• Normal blood pressure is required. Heart-related issues may lead to disqualification.

Other Considerations

• Tattoos: Allowed only on the inner forearm (elbow to wrist) or back of the hand. Tattoos on visible body parts like the neck, chest, or back are not allowed.
• Hearing Defects: Significant hearing problems are not accepted.
• Psychiatric Health: A history of psychiatric conditions (like depression or epilepsy) leads to disqualification.

NDA Selection Process

1. Written Exam

• Question Type: Objective Type
  
  
• Exam Mode: Offline
  
  
• Medium: Hindi and English
  
  
• Sections:
• Mathematics
• General Ability Test
  
  
• Maximum Marks: 900
  
  
• Duration: 2 ½ hours for each paper
• Negative Marks for Each paper 
•   Mathematics - 0.83
•   General Ability test - 1.33

2. SSB Interview

Stage I:

• Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test
• Picture Perception and Description Test (PP&DT)

Stage II:

• Interview
• Group Testing Officer Tasks
• Psychology Tests
• Conference

Maximum Marks: 900

NDA 2025 Exam Pattern

SSB Interview Pattern

The structure of SSB Interview pattern is given below.

NDA Syllabus 2025

NDA 2025 Cut off

Note: These cut-offs can change each year, and the final merit list is based on written exam + SSB interview marks.

How to Apply for UPSC NDA 2025

To apply for the UPSC NDA 2025 exam, follow these simple steps:

1. Visit the official UPSC NDA website: upsc.gov.in.
2. Click on the “Apply Online” link for the NDA and Naval Academy Examination 2025.
3. Register by entering valid details to complete the One-Time Registration (OTR).
4. Log in using your Registration ID and password, then fill out the NDA Online Application Form 2025.
5. Upload the required documents and pay the application fee.
6. After submitting the form, take a printout of the NDA Application Form 2025 for future reference.

NDA 2025 Application Fee

• General / OBC candidates: 100
• SC / ST / Sons of JCOs, NCOs, and ORs: No fee
• Payment can be made through credit card, debit card, net banking, or UPSC bank challan.

NDA 2025 Exam Centres

NDA 2025 Exam Timing

The NDA exam is conducted in two shifts: morning and afternoon. The timings for each shift are as follows:

NDA 2025 Admit Card

Registered candidates can download their NDA 2025 Admit Card from the official UPSC website. It is mandatory for all eligible candidates to bring their NDA Admit Card and a valid photo ID proof to the exam center. The admit card will be available for download approximately 3 weeks before the exam date.

The NDA 2025 Admit Card will include important details such as the exam venue, time, and instructions.

Note: Candidates must carry both the admit card and a valid photo ID to the exam center.

NDA Result Process

• Written Exam Results: The UPSC usually announces the written exam results within 3-4 months after the exam.
• SSB Results: After the SSB interview, candidates are shortlisted based on their performance in both the written exam and the interview.
• Final Merit List: A final merit list is created by combining the written exam and SSB interview results. Selected candidates will then be called for a medical examination and training at the NDA.

The NDA results are published online on the official UPSC website in PDF format, containing the roll numbers of the qualified candidates. Candidates who pass the written exam will be invited for the SSB Interview. The NDA Cut-off is released after the final result.

How to Check the NDA Result:

1. Visit the official UPSC website.
2. Click on the result link labeled ‘National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination Result’ on the UPSC homepage.
3. The NDA result will open in PDF format.
4. Use Ctrl+F to search for your roll number or name in the PDF.
5. If your roll number or name appears, you have qualified the exam.
6. Download the result PDF and take a printout for future reference.

Salary and Benefits

Salary During Training: NDA cadets receive a stipend of around ?56,100 per month during their training.

Salary After Commissioning:

• Lieutenant (Army): 56,100 - 1,77,500
• Lieutenant (Navy): 56,100 - 1,77,500
• Flying Officer (Air Force): 56,100 - 1,77,500

Additional Allowances: Cadets also receive allowances such as House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance, and Kit Maintenance Allowance.

Preparation Tips for NDA 2025

1. Know the Exam Pattern & Syllabus
Understand the exam structure and syllabus to plan your study accordingly.

2. Strengthen Math & General Knowledge
Focus on practicing math and improving English and general knowledge (physics, chemistry, current affairs).

3. Take Mock Tests
Regularly practice previous years’ papers and take mock tests to track your progress.

4. Improve Physical Fitness
Include physical activities like running, push-ups, and swimming in your routine.

5. Join a Coaching Center
Consider enrolling in an NDA coaching center for structured guidance and nda mock tests.

NDA 2025 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the eligibility criteria for NDA 2025 in terms of marital status?
Candidates must be unmarried when applying for NDA. Only unmarried male candidates are eligible.

2. Can I apply for NDA 2025 if I have a backlog in my current course?
Yes, you can apply, but you must clear all backlogs before joining NDA if selected.

3. Is there any age limit relaxation for reserved categories in NDA 2025?
No, there is no age limit relaxation for reserved categories. However, there may be some relaxations in physical standards.

4. Will the NDA exam pattern change in 2025?
The exam pattern is expected to remain the same with two papers: Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT), but check the official UPSC website for updates.

5. What documents should I carry to the NDA exam center?
Bring a printed copy of the admit card, a photo ID proof (Aadhar, Passport, etc.), passport-size photos, and any other documents mentioned in the admit card.

6. How many times can I attempt the NDA exam?
There is no limit on attempts, but you must be within the age limit (16.5 to 19.5 years) to be eligible.

7. Can women apply for the NDA exam?
Yes, women can apply since 2021. They must meet the same eligibility criteria as male candidates.

8. How many students apply for the NDA exam and qualify?
About 2-3 lakh candidates apply. Around 8000-10,000 qualify for the SSB interview, but only 580-650 make it to the merit list.

9. What is the total marks for NDA?
The NDA exam is out of 1800 marks (900 written + 900 SSB). A score of 400-500 is considered safe for the merit list.

10. What is the duration of the NDA training program?
The NDA training program lasts for three years, after which cadets undergo specialized training in their respective branches (Army, Navy, or Air Force) like military subjects, academics, physical fitness, and leadership.

Conclusion

The NDA 2025 exam is a great opportunity for young candidates who want to join the Indian Armed Forces. With its tough selection process, which includes a written exam, SSB interview, and medical tests, candidates need to prepare well. It's important to understand the exam pattern, syllabus, and eligibility requirements to succeed.

Along with the NDA exam, there are other exams like CDS (Combined Defence Services), AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test), and INET (Indian Navy Entrance Test) that offer more chances to join the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force. Staying updated with important dates and having a good preparation plan will help you get into the National Defence Academy.