The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the notification for the National Defence Academy (NDA) & Naval Academy (NA) Examination (I), 2025. This exam is the gateway for young aspirants to join the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force Wings of the NDA and the Indian Naval Academy (INAC).
This guide covers all critical details like eligibility criteria, exam pattern, syllabus, application process, selection stages, preparation tips, and FAQs.
Table of Contents
- Overview of UPSC NDA & NA (I) 2025
- Important Dates
- Eligibility Criteria
- 3.1 Age Limit
- 3.2 Educational Qualification
- 3.3 Nationality
- Vacancy Details
- Application Fee
- Exam Pattern and Syllabus
- Selection Process
- Step-by-Step Application Process
- Documents Required
- Preparation Tips
- FAQs
- Conclusion
1. Overview of UPSC NDA & NA (I) 2025
| Exam Name | UPSC NDA & NA (I) 2025 |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Purpose | Recruitment for Army, Navy, and Air Force Wings |
| Courses Commencement | January 2026 |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Official Website | www.upsc.gov.in |
2. Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Notification Release | December 11, 2024 |
| Start of Online Applications | December 11, 2024 |
| Last Date to Apply | December 31, 2024 (6:00 PM) |
| Correction Window | January 1–7, 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | One week before exam |
| Written Examination Date | April 13, 2025 |
| Result Declaration (Written Exam) | May 2025 |
| SSB Interviews | July–September 2025 |
| Course Commencement | January 2026 |
3. Eligibility Criteria
3.1 Age Limit
| Eligible Age Range | Born Between |
| Candidates must be unmarried | July 2, 2006, to July 1, 2009 |
3.2 Educational Qualification
| Wing | Educational Qualification |
| Army Wing (NDA) | 12th Class Pass or equivalent (Any Stream) |
| Air Force and Naval Wings (NDA) | 12th Class Pass with Physics, Chemistry, and Maths |
| Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry) | 12th Class Pass with Physics, Chemistry, and Maths |
Note: Candidates appearing in their 12th Class exams can also apply.
3.3 Nationality
Candidates must be:
- A citizen of India, or
- A subject of Nepal, or
- A person of Indian origin who migrated from specified countries with the intention of permanently settling in India.
4. Vacancy Details
| Academy | Wing | Vacancies |
| National Defence Academy (NDA) | Army Wing | 208 (10 Female) |
| Navy Wing | 42 (6 Female) | |
| Air Force (Flying Branch) | 92 (2 Female) | |
| Ground Duty (Tech/Non-Tech) | 28 (4 Female) | |
| Indian Naval Academy (INAC) | 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme | 36 (5 Female) |
Total Vacancies: 406
Note: Vacancies are tentative and subject to change.
5. Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee |
| General/OBC Candidates | Rs. 100/- |
| SC/ST/Wards of JCOs/NCOs/ORs/Women | Exempted |
- Payment Methods:
- Online: Debit/Credit Card, UPI, Net Banking.
- Offline: Cash at any SBI branch.
6. Exam Pattern and Syllabus
The NDA examination consists of a Written Test followed by SSB Interview.
6.1 Exam Pattern
| Subject | Code | Duration | Marks |
| Mathematics | 01 | 2.5 hours | 300 |
| General Ability Test (GAT) | 02 | 2.5 hours | 600 |
| Total | 5 hours | 900 |
- SSB Interview: 900 Marks
Negative Marking: 0.33 marks deducted for each incorrect answer.
6.2 Syllabus Overview
A. Mathematics (300 Marks)
- Algebra
- Trigonometry
- Calculus
- Statistics and Probability
- Matrices and Determinants
- Analytical Geometry
B. General Ability Test (GAT) (600 Marks)
| Section | Topics | Weightage |
| Part A – English | Grammar, Vocabulary, Comprehension | 200 Marks |
| Part B – General Knowledge | Physics, Chemistry, History, Geography, Current Affairs | 400 Marks |
7. Selection Process
The selection process comprises:
- Written Examination: Conducted by UPSC.
- SSB Interview:
- Stage I: Intelligence Test, Picture Perception, and Discussion.
- Stage II: Psychological Tests, Group Testing, and Personal Interview.
- Medical Examination: Ensure candidates meet physical standards.
- Final Merit List: Based on Written Exam and SSB Interview scores.
8. Step-by-Step Application Process
Follow these steps to apply:
- Visit the UPSC Website: www.upsc.gov.in.
- Click on “Apply Online” and select NDA & NA (I) 2025.
- Registration:
- Part I: Personal and Educational Details.
- Part II: Upload documents and pay the fee.
- Upload Required Documents:
- Passport-sized photo (JPG, 20–300 KB).
- Signature (JPG, 20–300 KB).
- ID Proof (PDF, 20–300 KB).
- Submit and Print: Take a printout of the confirmation page.
9. Documents Required
Class 10th & 12th Certificates (if available)
- Passport-sized Photograph
- Signature (scanned)
- Government-Issued Photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, etc.)
10. Preparation Tips
Understand the Syllabus:
Focus on Mathematics and GAT topics.
- Practice Previous Papers: Solve past years’ NDA question papers.
- Time Management: Allocate specific time for each subject daily.
- Read Newspapers: Improve current affairs and general knowledge.
- Work on Physical Fitness: Prepare for SSB fitness tests.
11. Important Links
| Resource | Link |
| Official Notification | Download Here |
| Online Application Link | Apply Here |
| Admit Card Download | To Be Notified |
| Final Result | To Be Notified |
12. Here are 10 FAQs related to the UPSC NDA & NA (I) 2025 recruitment:
- What is the UPSC NDA & NA (I) 2025 exam?
The UPSC NDA & NA (I) 2025 exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for recruitment into the Army, Navy, and Air Force Wings of the National Defence Academy (NDA) and the Naval Academy (NA). - What is the purpose of the UPSC NDA & NA (I) 2025 exam?
The exam aims to select candidates for admission to the National Defence Academy (NDA) and the Naval Academy (NA) for the training sessions starting in January 2026. - What is the application mode for UPSC NDA & NA (I) 2025?
The application for the UPSC NDA & NA (I) 2025 exam must be submitted online through the official UPSC website: www.upsc.gov.in. - What is the eligibility criteria for UPSC NDA & NA (I) 2025?
The eligibility requirements include:
- Nationality: Indian citizens, subjects of Nepal, Bhutan, or Tibetan refugees.
- Age: Candidates must be born between 2nd July 2006 and 1st July 2009.
- Educational Qualification: For Army Wing, 10+2 or equivalent; for Air Force and Navy Wings, 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics.
- What is the selection process for UPSC NDA & NA (I) 2025?
The selection involves:
- Written Examination (Objective-type questions on Mathematics, General Ability Test, etc.)
- SSB Interview (for selected candidates from the written exam)
- Medical Examination
- What is the syllabus for UPSC NDA & NA (I) 2025 exam?
The syllabus covers:
- Mathematics: Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, etc.
- General Ability Test: English, General Knowledge, Physics, Chemistry, Geography, etc. (Detailed syllabus will be available on the official UPSC website).
- How can I apply for the UPSC NDA & NA (I) 2025 exam?
Candidates can apply online through the UPSC official website:
- Visit the UPSC website: www.upsc.gov.in
- Register and fill in the application form
- Upload necessary documents (photo, signature, etc.)
- Pay the application fee (if applicable)
- Submit the application form before the deadline
- What is the application fee for UPSC NDA & NA (I) 2025?
The application fee is:
- ₹100 for General/OBC candidates
- No fee for SC/ST/PwBD/Ex-Servicemen candidates The fee can be paid via online banking or UPSC’s designated banks.
- What are the important dates for UPSC NDA & NA (I) 2025?
- Application Start Date: To be announced (usually in January/February)
- Last Date for Application: To be announced (usually in February)
- Exam Date: To be announced (usually in April)
- Course Commencement: January 2026
- What is the salary and benefits after selection in UPSC NDA & NA (I) 2025?
After successful training at NDA or NA, candidates are commissioned as officers in the Indian Armed Forces, receiving a salary according to the 7th Pay Commission. The pay structure includes allowances, benefits like medical, travel, and housing facilities, and a starting salary of around ₹56,100 per month for officers.
For more detailed information, candidates should refer to the official UPSC NDA & NA (I) 2025 notification.
4o mini
13. Conclusion
The NDA & NA (I) 2025 examination is a prestigious opportunity for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces. Start your preparation early, stay focused, and follow the tips provided in this guide.
For updates and application, visit the official UPSC website: www.upsc.gov.in.
Best of Luck!
Bank Jobs
Andhra Pradesh