The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the notification for the National Defence Academy (NDA), and Naval Academy (NA) Examination (I) 2025. This prestigious examination provides an opportunity for eligible candidates to join the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy and the Indian Naval Academy under the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme. Below is the detailed information regarding the examination.
Table of Contents
Recruitment Overview
| Particulars | Details |
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Total Vacancies | 406 |
| Exam Name | National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (I) 2025 |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Exam Location | Across India |
| Official Website | Click Here |
Vacancy Details
| Wing | Vacancies |
| Army (NDA) | 208 (including 10 for female candidates) |
| Navy (NDA) | 42 (including 6 for female candidates) |
| Air Force (NDA – Flying) | 92 (including 2 for female candidates) |
| Air Force (Ground Duty Tech) | 18 (including 2 for female candidates) |
| Air Force (Ground Duty Non-Tech) | 10 (including 2 for female candidates) |
| Naval Academy (10+2 Entry) | 36 (including 5 for female candidates) |
Category-Wise Distribution
The category-wise distribution of vacancies will follow the Government of India’s reservation policies. Details will be made available at later stages of the selection process.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Application Start Date | 11th December 2024 |
| Application Last Date | 31st December 2024 |
Eligibility Criteria
Citizenship Requirements
Candidates must be:
- A citizen of India, or
- A subject of Nepal, or
- A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, and East African countries intending to settle in India.
Educational Qualifications
The educational qualifications for the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA) Examination (I) 2025 are detailed below:
| Wing | Educational Qualification |
| Army (NDA) | Candidates must have passed 12th Class under the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent examination conducted by a recognized State Education Board or University. |
| Navy (NDA) | Candidates must have passed 12th Class under the 10+2 pattern of School Education with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics conducted by a recognized State Education Board or University. |
| Air Force (NDA) | Candidates must have passed 12th Class under the 10+2 pattern of School Education with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics conducted by a recognized State Education Board or University. |
| Naval Academy (10+2 Entry) | Candidates must have passed 12th Class under the 10+2 pattern of School Education with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics conducted by a recognized State Education Board or University. |
| Candidates Appearing in Exams | Candidates appearing in the 12th Class under the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent examination are eligible to apply. However, proof of passing the exam must be submitted by 15th December 2025 to avoid cancellation of candidature. |
Important Notes:
- Candidates in 11th Class are not eligible for this examination.
- Candidates failing to submit the required certificates (Matriculation/10+2) by the specified deadline will have their candidature cancelled.
- Candidates who have failed the Computerized Pilot Selection System (CPSS) or are declared unfit for the flying branch can apply for Ground Duty (Technical/Non-Technical) roles in the Air Force.
This detailed table ensures that aspirants understand the qualifications required for each wing, facilitating clarity during the application process. Let me know if more details need to be incorporated!
Age Limit
- Candidates born between 2nd July 2006 and 1st July 2009 are eligible.
- Only unmarried male and female candidates are allowed.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
| General/OBC | Rs. 100 |
| SC/ST/Wards of JCOs/NCOs/ORs | Exempted |
Salary Structure
The selected candidates will undergo training at NDA or INA with a fixed stipend. After commissioning, the salary structure is as follows:
| Rank | Pay Level | Starting Salary (INR) | In-Hand Salary (Approx. INR) |
| Lieutenant (Army)/Sub-Lieutenant (Navy)/Flying Officer (Air Force) | Level 10 (56,100–1,77,500) | Rs. 56,100 + allowances | Approx. Rs. 72,000 (including benefits) |
Additional Benefits: Free ration, accommodation, uniform, and medical facilities during training.
Exam Pattern
| Paper | Subject | Duration | Marks |
| Paper 1 | Mathematics | 2.5 hours | 300 |
| Paper 2 | General Ability Test | 2.5 hours | 600 |
| SSB Interview | — | — | 900 |
Syllabus
| Subject | Topics Covered |
| Mathematics | Algebra, Matrices, Trigonometry, Calculus, Statistics, Probability, etc. |
| English | Grammar, Vocabulary, Comprehension. |
| General Knowledge | Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, Current Affairs. |
How to Apply
- Visit the official UPSC website: Click Here.
- Register or log in to the portal.
- Fill out the online application form.
- Upload required documents and photographs.
- Pay the application fee.
- Submit the application and take a printout for future reference.
Exam Dates and Admit Card
| Event | Date |
| Admit Card Release | April 2025 |
| Examination Date | 13th April 2025 |
Selection Process
The selection process consists of:
- Written Examination: Conducted by UPSC.
- SSB Interview: A five-day assessment for shortlisted candidates.
- Medical Examination: Final selection depends on medical fitness.
Result Process
The final merit list will be based on the combined performance in the written examination and SSB interview. Results will be announced on the UPSC website.
Centres of Examination
| State/City | Centre Names |
| Andhra Pradesh | Anantapur, Tirupati, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam |
| Assam | Dispur, Guwahati, Jorhat |
| Bihar | Patna, Gaya |
| Delhi | Delhi |
| Gujarat | Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Rajkot |
| Haryana | Faridabad, Gurugram |
| Karnataka | Bengaluru, Mysore, Dharwad |
| Maharashtra | Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Aurangabad |
| Tamil Nadu | Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai |
| Uttar Pradesh | Lucknow, Prayagraj, Varanasi, Agra |
| West Bengal | Kolkata, Siliguri |
| Other Major Cities | Hyderabad, Jaipur, Chandigarh, Jammu, Bhopal, Raipur, Thiruvananthapuram |
Important Web-Links
| Resource | Link |
| Online Application | Click Here |
| Official Notification | Click Here |
| UPSC Website | Click Here |
| Join our WhatsApp channel | Join Now |
Also Read: NTA UGC NET Exam
Conclusion
The NDA & NA Examination 2025 provides an excellent opportunity for young aspirants to serve the nation by joining the Indian Armed Forces. Eligible candidates must not miss this chance and ensure their applications are completed before the deadline.
FAQs
What is the last date to apply for the NDA Exam 2025?
The last date is 31st December 2024.
Are female candidates eligible for NDA?
Yes, female candidates are eligible for all wings of the NDA.
What is the age limit for NDA 2025?
Candidates born between 2nd July 2006 and 1st July 2009 are eligible.
Is there any application fee for SC/ST candidates?
No, SC/ST candidates are exempted from the application fee.
Can I appear for the NDA exam after 12th Science?
Yes, candidates with 12th Science (PCM) can apply for the Navy, Air Force, and INA.
When will the NDA 2025 exam be conducted?
The exam is scheduled for 13th April 2025.
What is the mode of examination?
The exam will be conducted offline in various centers across India.
Where can I check the syllabus for NDA 2025?
The syllabus is detailed in the official notification available on the UPSC website.