The National Defence Academy (NDA) exam, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in India, is a prestigious national-level examination held twice a year, in April and September. Aimed at recruiting officers for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, the NDA offers a three-year training program in Pune, Maharashtra. Eligibility criteria include age between 16.5 to 19.5 years, completion of 10+2 or equivalent, and adherence to physical and medical standards. The exam comprises a written test followed by SSB interviews. Established in 1954, the NDA is the world's first tri-service academy, playing a crucial role in molding officers for all three armed forces. The academy focuses on character development, education, and leadership training. With a campus sprawling over 18 square kilometers, nestled in the Sahyadri Mountain ranges, the NDA is an institution of national importance, contributing significantly to India's defense policy, international relations understanding, and the production of exemplary officers for the armed forces. The NDA exam is a gateway for aspiring individuals to embark on a noble journey toward serving the nation as commissioned officers in the defense forces.

Exam Highlights

To be eligible for the National Defence Academy (NDA) exam, candidates must meet specific criteria set by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). As of the latest information:

• Age Limit: Between 16.5 to 19.5 years of age
• Marital Status: Unmarried male & female candidates are eligible for the NDA exam.
• Educational Qualification: Candidates should have completed or be appearing in Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, or equivalent examination from a recognized board or university.
• Nationality: Candidates must be citizens of India or subjects of Bhutan or Nepal. Tibetan refugees who arrived in India before January 1, 1962, and individuals of Indian origin who have migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, and East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, and Ethiopia or Vietnam to permanently settle in India are also eligible.
• Physical Standards:Candidates should meet specific physical standards regarding height, weight, and vision. These standards are:

*For age-wise minimum weight requirements, check the official notification

As the NDA exam is conducted twice a year (i.e. in April and September) by UPSC, the aspirants must note down the important dates to prepare as well as apply for the exam accordingly.

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the notification for the National Defence Academy (NDA) examination, marking the commencement of the much-anticipated recruitment process. The notification outlines the crucial details such as eligibility criteria, exam pattern, and important dates. Prospective candidates keen on joining the prestigious NDA can find comprehensive information regarding the application process, age limit, educational qualifications, and physical standards in the notification. 

Check the Official NDA I Exam Notification 2025

https://upsc.gov.in/sites/default/files/Notific-NDA-NA-I-2025-Engl-11122024F.pdf 

Official NDA II Exam Notification 2025

https://upsc.gov.in/sites/default/files/Notif-NDA-NA-II-2025-Engli.pdf

To apply for the NDA exam, candidates are required to complete a two-part process, starting with One-Time Registration (OTR) on the UPSC portal, followed by the submission of the NDA application form. These crucial steps pave the way for individuals seeking to join the Indian Army, Air Force, or Navy, and adherence to the specified guidelines is paramount for a successful application. Check the quick guide to navigate the application process seamlessly and ensure that they meet all requirements to participate in this esteemed examination.

Step 1: Visit the official UPSC website: upsconline.gov.in . 

Step 2: Click on the "New Registration" link.

Step 3: Fill in personal details, educational qualifications, and address in Part I of the NDA online form.

Step 4: Choose preferred branches - Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy.

Step 5: Preview the details and note the generated registration ID.

Step 6: Log in with the provided ID and password for Part II of the NDA application.

Step 7: Pay the application fee (Rs 200 for general category, no fee for SC/ST/female candidates).

Step 8: Select three NDA exam centers.

Step 9: Upload scanned copies of the photograph, signature, and Photo ID Card.

Step 10: Agree to the declaration and submit the NDA application form.

Step 11: Download or print the submitted application form for future reference.

Note: Ensure all details are accurate and meet eligibility criteria to avoid any complications in the application process.

When applying online for the NDA 2025, candidates must be prepared with specific documents to facilitate the application process. The necessary documents include:

Documents Required to Apply for NDA Exam 2025

1. Scanned Photograph and Signature
2. Photo ID in PDF format (Aadhar Card, Voter Card, PAN Card, Passport, Driving License, School Photo ID, or any other government-issued photo ID)
3. Bank details for online transactions
4. Marksheets and Admit Cards of Class 10th and 12th

The NDA examination comprises two written papers, namely Mathematics and General Ability Test, with a total duration of 2½ hours assigned to each. The Mathematics paper holds a maximum mark of 300, while the General Ability Test is allotted 600 marks, resulting in a combined total of 900 marks for the written examination. Notably, both papers consist solely of objective-type questions. It's worth highlighting that the question papers for Mathematics and Part "B" of the General Ability Test are designed to be bilingual, presented in both Hindi and English. Following the written test, successful candidates move on to the SSB Test/Interview, which carries a maximum of 900 marks. 

Following is the detailed syllabus for the NDA exam 2025:

1. Visit the official UPSC website: upsc.gov.in.
2. Click on "Admit Cards" on the homepage.
3. Select "E-Admit Cards for various Recruitment" posts.
4. Find and click on "NDA 1 Admit Card 2025."
5. Read the instructions and click "Yes."
6. Enter your registration number and date of birth.
7. View and download the NDA Admit Card 2025.
8. Save, print, or download for future reference