The National Defence Academy (NDA) is the premier institution in India that trains cadets to become officers in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Every year, thousands of candidates appear for the NDA exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), but only the best make it through. If you are aspiring to join NDA in 2025, this guide will provide you with all the necessary details.
How To Join NDA in 2025
1. NDA 2025: Important Dates
The NDA exam is conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Below are the expected dates for NDA 1 & NDA 2 in 2025:
| NDA 2025 Events | NDA 1 2025 | NDA 2 2025 |
| Notification Release Date | 11 December 2024 | 28 May 2025 |
| Online Application Start Date | 11 December 2024 | 28 May 2025 |
| Online Application Last Date | 31 December 2024 | 17 June 2025 |
| Admit Card Date | Two Weeks Before Exam | Two Weeks Before Exam |
| Exam Date | 13 April 2025 (SUNDAY) | 14 Sept 2025 (SUNDAY) |
| Result Date | May – June 2025 | Oct- Nov 2025 |
Note: These are tentative dates. Keep checking the official UPSC website for updates: www.upsc.gov.in
2. NDA 2025 Eligibility Criteria
To apply for NDA 2025, candidates must fulfill the following eligibility criteria:
A. Nationality
You must be:
- A citizen of India, or
- A subject of Nepal or Bhutan, or
- A Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1st January 1962, or
- A person of Indian origin who migrated from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Burma, and East African countries with the intention of permanently settling in India.
B. Age Limit
- For NDA 1 2025: Candidates must be born between 2nd July 2006 to 1st July 2009.
- For NDA 2 2025: Candidates must be born between 2nd January 2007 to 1st January 2010.
- No relaxation in age is provided for any category.
C. Educational Qualification
- For Army Wing: Candidates must have passed Class 12 (10+2) from any recognized board.
- For Air Force & Naval Wings: Candidates must have passed Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics.
D. Marital Status & Gender
- Only unmarried male and female candidates can apply.
- Candidates must not marry before completing their training at NDA.
E. Physical & Medical Standards
- Candidates must meet the prescribed physical fitness criteria as per the Indian Armed Forces standards.
- Candidates should not have any major illnesses, deformities, or vision defects.
- Minimum height required:
- Army & Navy: 157 cm (for females, 152 cm)
- Air Force: 162.5 cm
- Gorkhas & certain Northeast regions: Relaxation in height available
3. NDA 2025 Selection Process
The selection process consists of three stages:
Stage 1: NDA Written Exam
The written exam consists of two papers:
| Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 300 | 2.5 hours |
| General Ability Test (GAT) | 600 | 2.5 hours |
| Total | 900 | 5 hours |
Exam Highlights:
- Mathematics: Algebra, Calculus, Trigonometry, Probability, Matrices, etc.
- GAT: English, General Science, History, Geography, Current Affairs, etc.
- Negative marking: 0.33 marks deducted for every wrong answer.
Stage 2: SSB Interview
Candidates who qualify the written exam are called for SSB (Services Selection Board) Interview, which is a 5-day process consisting of:
- Screening Test: OIR (Officer Intelligence Rating) Test & PPDT (Picture Perception & Discussion Test).
- Psychological Tests: TAT (Thematic Apperception Test), WAT (Word Association Test), SRT (Situation Reaction Test).
- GTO Tasks: Group Discussion, Group Planning, Obstacle Course, Command Task.
- Personal Interview: Face-to-face interview with senior officers.
- Conference: Final evaluation by the SSB board.
Stage 3: Medical Examination
- Candidates recommended by the SSB must undergo a detailed medical examination at designated military hospitals.
- Candidates must be free from any chronic diseases, vision problems, or physical deformities.
4. NDA 2025 Preparation Tips
A. Study Plan for NDA Written Exam
- Mathematics:
- Practice NCERT books (Class 11 & 12).
- Solve previous years’ papers and focus on speed and accuracy.
- Strengthen concepts in algebra, trigonometry, calculus, and probability.
- General Ability Test (GAT):
- English: Improve grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension skills.
- General Science: Revise Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (basic concepts).
- Current Affairs: Read newspapers (The Hindu, Indian Express) & follow defense-related news.
- History & Geography: Study NCERT books and focus on Indian history & world geography.
- Mock Tests & Time Management:
- Solve mock tests & previous year papers to improve time management.
- Analyze mistakes and work on weak areas.
B. Preparation for SSB Interview
- Communication Skills: Work on public speaking & storytelling skills.
- Current Affairs & Personality Development: Be updated with national & international events.
- Psychological Tests: Practice TAT, WAT, and SRT regularly.
- Physical Fitness: Regular exercise, running, and obstacle training.
5. NDA 2025 Training & Career Path
- Candidates who clear SSB & medical tests join NDA at Khadakwasla, Pune for 3 years of training.
- After NDA, they undergo specialized training in their respective service academies:
- Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun – Army
- Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala – Navy
- Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad – Air Force
- After training, candidates are commissioned as Lieutenants, Sub Lieutenants, or Flying Officers.
6. Conclusion
Joining NDA in 2025 requires dedication, discipline, and hard work. By following a structured study plan, improving physical fitness, and developing officer-like qualities (OLQs), you can achieve your dream of becoming an officer in the Indian Armed Forces.
Start your preparation today and give your best effort!
