National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (NDA/NA)

One of India’s most important competitive exams is the National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (NDA/NA) is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). It is the first step for young aspirants for becoming commissioned officers of the Indian Armed Forces i.e. the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force.

This guide is intended to help students, parents, and educators comprehend NDA/NA exam info — including eligibility, syllabus, exam structure, preparation methods, and the physical and medical conditions.

Table of Contents

Overview of the NDA/NA Examination

NDA/NA is conducted in 2 phases, NDA I and NDA II, which occurs in April and September. It is a national level exam which grants entry to the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Khadakwasla, Pune and the Indian Naval Academy (INA) in Ezhimala, Kerala.

NDA and INA train and instill values in candidates to become disciplined and bold officers who lead and strategize the execution of various military tasks and activities in fast-changing scenarios.

As per the UPSC notice regarding the NDA 2025, NDA I will take place in April 2025, and NDA II will take place in September 2025. The selection process is divided into three stages — a Written Examination, an SSB Interview, and a medical fitness examination.

Examination Details:

  • Examination Authority: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
  • Examination Level: National
  • Examination Frequency: Twice a year (April & September)
  • Examination Mode: Offline (Paper Based)
  • Selection Method: Written Exam, SSB Interview, and Medical Exam
  • NDA (Khadakwasla, Pune) and INA (Ezhimala, Kerala) Training Academies

Importance of the NDA/NA Examination

NDA/NA Examination is more than an entrance examination, it is a career-making opportunity for the applicants who wish to dedicate their lives to serving the country.

  • Being assigned to the Indian Armed Forces as an officer is a great honour.
  • The NDA systematically trains individuals in physical fitness and is a leader in developing strategic thinking and ethical reasoning.
  • Cadets have guaranteed career advancement and a world-class training and retain a excellent salary, continual advancement, and generous retirement benefits.
  • Equal opportunity is now available for women as per the Supreme Court’s 2021 verdict.Early Start: Students can apply right after Class 12, making it an ideal early career option for disciplined and patriotic youth.

Eligibility criteria for NDA/NA 2025

Before applying, candidates must ensure all UPSC criteria are fulfilled.

Nationality

  • Must be a citizen of India, or
  • A subject of Bhutan or Nepal, or
  • A Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanent settlement.

Age limit

  • Candidates must be born between 2 July 2006 and 1 July 2009 (for NDA I 2025, as per UPSC guidelines).
    The age range must be 16.5 to 19.5 years at the commencement of the course.
    Unmarried status is mandatory for both male and female candidates.

Educational qualifications

  • Army Wing: Passed or appearing in Class 12 or equivalent examination.
  • Air Force and Naval Wings/INA: Passed or appearing in Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects.
  • Candidates appearing in the final year of the 12th exam can also apply provisionally.

Physical and medical standards

  • Candidates must be physically fit according to UPSC’s standards.
  • Vision standards: 6/6 for one eye and 6/9 for the other (without correction).
  • Height criteria are set for each segment and are a minimum of 157 cm for males and 152 cm for females (adjust for the Navy and Air Force).
  • Flat feet, knock knees, color blindness, and chronic illness are all considerable medical disqualifications.

Examination Pattern for NDA/NA 2025

The NDA exam framework intends to evaluate candidates’ analytical, mathematical, and general awareness, and later, their personality and psychological factors during the SSB.

The written paper is comprised of two papers, Paper I and Paper II. Paper I consists of Mathematics which is 300 marks and has a 2.5 hours duration. Paper II consists of the General Ability Test (GAT) for 600 marks and a 2.5 hours duration as well. This totals 900 marks for the written portion and the SSB interview is 900 as well.

Marking Scheme:

  • 2.5 marks for each Maths question and 4 marks for the GAT.
  • Incorrect answers carry a penalty of 1/3, and the exam is in Hindi and English (except the English section).

NDA/NA Syllabus in detail

Mathematics (300 marks)

The syllabus consists of topics from standard 10 and includes:

  • Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry (2D & 3D)
  • Differential & Integral Calculus, Vector Analysis
  • Probability, Statistics
  • Matrices and Determinants.

General Ability Test (600 Marks)

  • Part A- English (200 marks) includes Grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, sentence improvement, synonyms, antonyms.
  • Part B – General Knowledge (400 Marks)
  • You will need to study: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, History, Geography, Polity, Economics, and Current Affairs.

With regard to Defence, current issues including DRDO initiatives, joint military exercises, and India’s global defence relationship.

NDA/NA Selection Process

NDA selection process is carried out in 3 stages:

Stage 1 – Written Examination

  • This stage is carried out by UPSC to qualify candidates based on their academic merits.

Stage 2 – SSB Interview (Service Selection Board)

  • Duration: 5 days

This stage is divided into two stages:

    • Stage I: Screening tests (Verbal, Non-verbal reasoning, and PPDT – Picture Perception & Discussion Test)
    • Stage II: Psychological tests, group tasks, command tasks, personal interview and conference.

The SSB is designed to assess Officer-Like Qualities (OLQs) including initiative, leadership, teamwork, and self-assurance.

Stage 3 – Medical Examination

This is conducted by military medical boards to ensure that candidates meet the required standards of health and physical fitness.

NDA 2025 Exam Dates and Application Timeline

For the NDA first and second parts in 2025, the following is the time period in proximity to the date to mark calendars.

Notification release is in the middle of December for the first and middle of May for the second. Applications will be accepted up until the end of December for the first and the 4th of June for the second.

The first set of admits will be in March and the second set in August. For the candidate testing, the first is in April, for the second in the month of September.

In the month of May and the following November, the results will be distributed.

NDA/NA 2025 Vacancy Distribution

The exact number of openings changes, but typically 400 to 450 openings are available.

For the NDA I 2025 however, the expected distribution is as follows:

  • Army Wing – 208 seats
  • Navy Wing – 42 seats
  • Air Force Wing – 120 seats
  • Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme) – 30 seats

Medicinal, service preference, and merit ranking is how the seats will be filled.

How to Prepare for the NDA/NA Exam

Having a proper structure, followed on a regular base, is fundamental. Here’s a NDA preparation structure that works.

Step 1: Understand the Syllabus and Pattern

Analyze and study the topics with the highest weight in the time allocated on Mathematics and Current Affairs.

Step 2: Build Strong Conceptual Foundations

Develop and have a powerful base of the theory.

Start with the NCERT books to get the fundamental theory, and then advance to the practice books.

These books are set to challenge you and engage your reasoning.

Step 3: Practice Mock Tests and Previous Papers

Attempt a sequence of 10 to 15 full length mock tests and then the actual exam. This will help in pinpointing your areas of confusion and fixing them.

Step 4: Prioritize Time Management

To make the most of the time allotted, start with the questions that are the easiest for you.

Step 5: Have a Keen Interest in Current Affairs

Make it a habit to read The Hindu, PIB, and releases from the Ministry of Defence.

Step 6: Observe Physical Conditioning

Establish a routine that includes running, push-ups, swimming, yoga, and mental conditioning as a form of active rest.

Step 7: Acquire Skills in Communication and Leadership

Engage in activities like debates, sports, and group discussions in preparation for the SSB.

Subject Recommended Books

  • Mathematics R.S. Aggarwal, NDA Pathfinder (Arihant), NCERTs
  • English Wren & Martin Grammar, Objective General English (S.P. Bakshi)
  • General Knowledge Lucent’s GK, Manorama Yearbook, NCERTs
  • Current Affairs The Hindu, PIB, Economic Survey
  • SSB Interview “Let’s Crack SSB Interview” by SSBCrack, “Psychological Tests” by Dr. N.K. Natarajan

Common Mistakes that Aspirants Should Avoid

  • Not balancing their General Ability Test and focusing only on Mathematics.
  • Skipping the necessary physical and medical preparation required.
  • Overly stressing memorization as the only goal, and to the detriment of overall understanding.
  • Not doing enough revision and missing mock tests in the lead up.
  • Having a defeatist mindset, preparing at the last minute, or overconfidence.

By staying away from all the mistakes above, you should see a huge gain in the overall confidence you will have come exam day.

Career Opportunities After NDA Training

After 3 years of training at NDA and 1 additional year of specialized training at the respective arms of the military, the cadets are commissioned as Lieutenants in the Army, as Sub Lieutenants in the Navy, and as Flying Officers in the Air Force.
This includes:

  • Outstanding salary packages (starting from ₹56,100 per month, as per the 7th CPC).
  • Free medical, accommodation, and travel.
  • The government sponsors postgraduate education.
  • Leadership positions in global and domestic operations.

Why Choose a Career Through NDA

  • Serve the nation with pride and honor.
  • Build a lifelong career with job security and advancement.
  • Increase physical, mental, and emotional fortitude.
  • Be affiliated with the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force.
  • Live a life of service that is challenging, rewarding, and respected.

Conclusion

The National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (NDA/NA) is not an academic hurdle; it is the start of a journey towards leadership, honor, and service to the nation. To achieve this, candidates require a unique blend of discipline, physical fitness, intelligence, and confidence.

Start your preparation early and maintain consistency while incorporating effective study methods. You can continually check for official updates on the UPSC site (upsc.gov.in) Along with keeping an eye on official updates, remember, the NDA exam isn’t solely about academics — it is about being the best version of yourself in all aspects.

For those who clear the exam path will not only guarantee a career, they will also be rewarded with the legacy of courage, leadership, and patriotism.

FAQs:

1. What is the NDA/NA exam?

The NDA/NA exam is conducted by UPSC twice a year to recruit candidates for the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy and Indian Naval Academy.

2. Who can apply for the NDA/NA exam?

Unmarried male and female candidates aged 16½–19½ years who have passed or are appearing in Class 12 can apply. Physics and Maths are required for Air Force and Navy.

3. What is the exam pattern of NDA/NA?

The written test has two papers — Mathematics (300 marks) and General Ability Test (600 marks). Each paper is 2½ hours long, followed by the SSB Interview.

4. What happens after clearing the written exam?

Qualified candidates attend the SSB Interview, which assesses leadership and personality, followed by a medical fitness test before final selection.

5. What is the NDA/NA syllabus?

It includes Class 11-12 level Mathematics, English, and General Knowledge — covering Physics, Chemistry, History, Geography, and Current Affairs.

6. How many attempts are allowed?

There’s no limit on attempts — candidates can apply as long as they meet the age and eligibility criteria.

7. How many seats are available each year?

Approximately 400–450 vacancies are announced each session, varying by service branch requirements.

8. How can I prepare effectively for NDA/NA?

Follow NCERT books, solve mock tests, stay fit for SSB, and keep updated on current affairs. Consistency and discipline are key to success.

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