Union Service Public Commission (UPSC) conducting NDA / NA Exam for National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA), which are training institutes of the Indian Armed Forces. These training institutes are providing training to cadets for all three services i.e. Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force pre-commission training.
NDA Exam 2025: Eligibility, Syllabus, Dates & Preparation Tips
Get complete details about NDA Exam 2025 including eligibility, syllabus, exam pattern, important dates, and expert preparation tips.
What is the NDA Exam?
The NDA Exam (National Defence Academy Exam) is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for recruitment into the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. It’s a prestigious opportunity for young aspirants who wish to serve the nation by joining the Indian Armed Forces.
NDA Exam 2025: Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | National Defence Academy (NDA) |
| Conducted By | UPSC |
| Frequency | Twice a year (April & September) |
| Mode of Exam | Offline (Pen and Paper) |
| Selection Process | Written Test + SSB Interview |
| Official Website | www.upsc.gov.in |
NDA 2025 Eligibility Criteria
- Nationality: Must be a citizen of India.
- Age Limit: 16.5 to 19.5 years.
- Educational Qualification:
- Army Wing: 12th Pass (Any Stream)
- Navy & Air Force: 12th Pass with Physics and Mathematics
- Marital Status: Unmarried males and females.
- Physical Standards: Must be medically fit as per UPSC guidelines.
NDA Exam Pattern 2025
| Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 300 | 2.5 hours |
| General Ability Test (GAT) | 600 | 2.5 hours |
| Total | 900 | 5 hours |
Note: Successful candidates proceed to the SSB Interview (900 Marks).
NDA Syllabus 2025
Mathematics:
- Algebra
- Trigonometry
- Calculus
- Statistics & Probability
- Matrices and Determinants
General Ability Test (GAT):
- English (Vocabulary, Grammar, Comprehension)
- General Knowledge (Physics, Chemistry, History, Geography, Current Affairs)
NDA 2025 Important Dates (Expected)
| Event | NDA 1 (2025) | NDA 2 (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Notification Release | December 2024 | May 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | January 2025 | June 2025 |
| Exam Date | April 2025 | September 2025 |
| Result Declaration | May 2025 | October 2025 |
How to Prepare for NDA Exam 2025
- Understand the Syllabus and Pattern
- Make a Study Plan with daily goals
- Use NCERT Books for strong fundamentals
- Practice Mock Tests and previous year papers
- Improve English and GK through reading and quizzes
- Stay Fit for the physical and SSB round
Best Books for NDA Exam Preparation
- Mathematics: R.S. Aggarwal, NCERT Class 11 & 12
- English: Wren & Martin, Word Power Made Easy
- General Knowledge: Lucent’s GK, Manorama Yearbook
Why Choose NDA?
- Prestigious career in Armed Forces
- Adventure, Discipline, and National Pride
- Attractive salary and perks
- Early leadership opportunities
The UPSC NDA (National Defence Academy) / NA (Naval Academy) Exam is a prestigious entrance test conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for admission to the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy and the Indian Naval Academy.
Candidates must be:
– Indian citizens
– Aged between 16.5 and 19.5 years
– Unmarried (both male and female)
– 12th pass from a recognized board. (Physics and Math required for Air Force and Navy.)
Candidates can apply for the UPSC NDA/NA Exam through the official UPSC website. The application process is conducted online, and applicants need to fill out the form and pay the application fee before submitting it.
Yes, as per recent updates, female candidates are allowed to appear for the NDA exam, provided they meet the age, education, and physical fitness criteria.
The NDA exam is conducted twice a year:
– NDA 1: Usually in April
– NDA 2: Usually in September
The UPSC NDA/NA Exam consists of two stages:
– Stage 1: Written Examination – General Knowledge (GK) and Mathematics (300 marks)
– Stage 2: SSB Interview – Services Selection Board – 900 marks
