The NDA 2025 notification has been issued for the recruitment of eligible candidates into the Army, Navy, and Air Force branches of the National Defence Academy (NDA) and the Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC). Candidates are advised to review the detailed notification before submitting their applications to understand the exam structure. Both male and female candidates are eligible to apply for NDA 2025. The selection process will consist of a written exam, followed by the SSB interview for the shortlisted candidates.
Candidates can apply online for the NDA 1 2025 exam from 11 December 2024 to 31 December 2024. The NDA 1 exam 2025 will be held on 13 April 2025. Candidates must ensure that they enter valid details in the NDA application form 2025 to appear for the exam. Unmarried male and female candidates who have passed class 12 and are at least 16.5 years old are eligible to apply. The direct link to download the PDF of the NDA 2025 notification is given on this page.
The NDA Examination is a prestigious and widely recognized assessment for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Army, Indian Navy, or Indian Air Force. Below is a concise overview of NDA 1 2025.
NDA 1 2025 aspirants should keep an eye on the important dates to stay organized and enhance their preparation efforts. To mark the start of the online application process. Candidates can submit their applications by 31 December 2024 along with the required fees. The result of the written examination is expected to be declared in May 2025.
NDA 1 2025 Vacancy
A total of 406 vacancies have been announced by UPSC in the NDA notification as per the details given below.
| Academy | Wings | Total Vacancies | Vacancies for Female Candidates |
|---|---|---|---|
| NDA | Army | 198 | 10 |
| Navy | 36 | 6 | |
| Air Force | Flying – 90 | 2 | |
| (Tech) – 16 | 2 | ||
| (Non-Tech) – 10 | 2 | ||
| Naval Academy | 31 | 5 | |
| Total | 406 | ||
NDA 1 2025 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates who wish to appear for the NDA 1 2025 exam need to be aware of the NDA eligibility criteria. The Age limit for NDA exam is 16.5 years to 19.5 years. The Minimum Educational Qualification for NDA exam is 12th pass. Candidates can refer to the NDA 1 2025 Eligibility Criteria table provided below to gain more clarity.
| Criteria | Details |
| Education Qualificaiton | Army: 12th grade; Air Force/Naval: 12th with Physics & Math (appearing allowed) |
| Age Limit | 16.5 to 19.5 years (born 2 July, 2006 to 1 July 2009) |
| Nationality | Unmarried citizens of India, Bhutan, Nepal, or specific refugees |
| Physical Standards | Run 2.4 km in 15 min; meet push-ups, sit-ups, chin-ups, and rope climbing standards |
NDA Age Limit
If you’re aiming to join the NDA and serve the nation, you should know that the age limit for NDA is 19.5 years. Both male and female candidates who fall within this range are eligible to apply for NDA 2025. Specifically, candidates born between 2 July 2006, and 1 July 2009 are eligible. Be sure to confirm that your birthdate meets this requirement to participate in the exam.
Nationality
Must be an unmarried citizen of India, Bhutan, or Nepal, or a Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962, to settle permanently, or a person of Indian origin who migrated from specific countries to settle in India permanently.
NDA Education Qualification
The NDA Examination is exclusively open to students who are currently in 10+2 or have completed their 12th standard. Candidates in 10th and 11th grades are not eligible to apply. For those interested in the Army Wing, it is mandatory to have passed 12th grade (HSC) or its equivalent from a recognized board or university.
NDA 1 2025 Apply Online
NDA candidates who want to join Indian Army, Indian Air Force and Indian Navy through NDA 1 2025 exam can fill NDA application form online by visiting the official website of UPSC or can also apply online with the help of the link given below. The last date to fill NDA 1 2025 is 31 December 2024. Candidates should prepare all the documents to be attached with the application form in advance for a smooth application process. The direct link to apply online for NDA 1 2025 is given here.
Direct link to Apply Online for NDA 1 2025
NDA 1 2025 Application Fee
Paying the application fee for NDA 2025 is an essential step in the application process, as submissions will not be processed without this payment. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has established a fee of 100 Rupees for all candidates. Payments can be made online through credit cards, debit cards, net banking, or UPI.
For those opting for offline payments, candidates can use an SBI bank challan or make a cash deposit. It’s crucial to note that the fee is non-refundable, so applicants should ensure their payment is completed accurately.
| NDA 1 2025 Application Fee | |
| Aspect | Details |
| Application Fee | ₹100 for all categories |
| Payment Modes | Online: Credit/Debit Card, Net Banking, UPI
Offline: SBI Challan, Cash Deposit |
| Refund Policy | No refunds under any circumstances |
How to Apply Online for NDA 1 2025?
The application process for NDA 2025 is begin. Here are the steps to follow for applying once the process opens. The NDA 1 2025 Application Date is 11th December 2024.
Candidates can apply through the official UPSC website.
Begin by visiting the UPSC website to complete the One Time Registration (OTR) process before filling out the application form.
During the application process, you’ll need to provide details from identity documents such as a voter ID, driving license, passport, school ID, Aadhaar, or PAN card.
Ensure that all required documents, including your photograph and signature, are uploaded in the correct format.
If any mistakes are made during the application, you can use the correction window, which will be available on the UPSC website in the second week of January 2025.
After submitting your application, keep a printed copy for use in the future admission process.
NDA Salary Structure
The NDA salary structure is competitive and attractive, offering a rewarding career in the Indian Armed Forces. After successful completion of training, Lieutenant (Army), Sub-Lieutenant (Navy), or Flying Officer (Air Force) officers are paid as per the Pay Band of Level 10 in the 7th Pay Commission.
The starting salary is around ₹56,100 per month, along with additional allowances like Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and Military Service Pay (MSP). As officers progress in their careers, their pay increases with promotions. In addition, they enjoy perks such as free medical facilities, canteen services, accommodation, and pension benefits.
| Post | Initial Pay (Per Month) | Pay Band | Additional Allowances and Other Benefits |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lieutenant (Army) | ₹56,100 | Level 10 (7th CPC) | Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Military Service Pay (MSP), Free medical facilities, canteen services, accommodation, pension |
|
| Sub-Lieutenant (Navy) | ₹56,100 | Level 10 (7th CPC) | ||
| Flying Officer (Air Force) | ₹56,100 | Level 10 (7th CPC) | ||
NDA 2025 Selection Process
The recruitment process for the National Defence Academy (NDA) 2025 is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to recruit young candidates for the defense services. The selection process takes place in two main stages:
| NDA 2025 Selection Process | |
| Written Exam | In the first stage, candidates have to clear a written exam which tests their knowledge and aptitude. |
| Intelligence and Personality Test (SSB) | Candidates who qualify for the written exam are called to the SSB where their intelligence, leadership ability, and character are assessed. |
The final selection is reserved for those candidates who clear both the stages successfully. The final result is prepared on the basis of the combined marks of the written exam and SSB, which play a decisive role in the selection of the candidate.
NDA 2025 Exam Pattern
Candidates preparing for the NDA Exam 2025 must have a thorough understanding of the exam pattern established by the UPSC. The examination will be conducted offline and will feature multiple-choice questions (MCQs) available in both English and Hindi.
Importantly, there will be negative markings for incorrect answers: 0.83 marks will be deducted for each wrong answer in the Mathematics section, while 1.33 marks will be subtracted for errors in the English and General Knowledge sections. Consequently, alongside providing correct answers, developing a strategy to minimize mistakes will be crucial for success in this exam.
| Subject | Duration | Total Questions | Maximum Marks |
|---|
NDA 2025 Syllabus
The NDA 1 Syllabus 2025 is divided into two main parts. The first part is based on Mathematics, which consists of a total of 120 questions. This section tests the ability to understand and solve mathematical concepts and problems.
The second part is General Aptitude Test, which consists of 150 questions. This section includes questions related to general knowledge, English, science, and other miscellaneous subjects, which evaluate the overall ability of the candidate.
NDA Mathematics Syllabus
The NDA Mathematics syllabus assesses candidates’ quantitative aptitude and problem-solving skills. It covers essential topics such as algebra, trigonometry, calculus, analytical geometry, matrices, and probability. Regular practice and a solid understanding of these concepts are crucial for success, as the syllabus emphasizes accuracy and the application of mathematical principles.
| Topic | Explanation |
| Algebra | Covers sets, relations, real numbers, quadratic equations, permutations and combinations, and logarithms. |
| Matrices and Determinants | Types and operations on matrices; solving systems of linear equations using Cramer’s rule and matrix methods. |
| Trigonometry | Focuses on trigonometric ratios, identities, inverse functions, and applications like height-distance problems. |
| Analytical Geometry | Includes concepts in 2D and 3D geometry, such as equations of lines, circles, conics, and planes. |
| Differential Calculus | Discusses functions, limits, derivatives, and their applications, including maxima and minima. |
| Integral Calculus | Covers integration techniques, definite integrals, and applications like finding areas under curves. |
| Vector Algebra | Vector addition, scalar and vector products, and their applications in physics and geometry. |
| Statistics and Probability | Covers data representation, central tendency, standard deviation, probability theorems, and binomial distribution. |
NDA General Ability Test (GAT) Syllabus
NDA GAT is divided into two main sections: the first section is English, which consists of 50 questions, and the second section is General Ability, which consists of 100 questions. The detailed syllabus for both these sections is given below in the form of a table.
NDA English
The English section of the NDA Exam 2025 tests candidates on various essential topics, including grammar, comprehension, and expression. Key areas covered include parts of speech, tenses, sentence structure, vocabulary usage, and more, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of candidates’ proficiency in the English language.
| English | |
| Subject | Topics |
|
English |
Grammar and Usage: Parts of Speech, Subject-Verb Agreement, Tenses, Active and Passive Voice, Sentence Structure, Synonyms, Antonyms, Idioms and Phrases |
| Comprehension: Passage Comprehension, Inferences, Vocabulary Usage | |
| Expression: Sentence Structure, Punctuation, Conjunctions, Direct and Indirect Speech, Articles, Verbs, Sentence Correction | |
General Knowledge
The General Knowledge section of the NDA Exam 2025 encompasses a wide range of topics, including Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, and Current Affairs. This diverse curriculum is designed to assess candidates’ understanding of fundamental concepts and their awareness of significant national and international developments.
|
General Knowledge |
|
| Subject | Topics |
| Physics | Mass, Weight, Volume, Newton’s Laws, Force, Gravitation, Work, Energy, Heat, Light, Electricity, Simple Machines, X-Rays |
| Chemistry | Elements, Mixtures, Acids, Bases, Compounds, Chemical Changes, Oxidation-Reduction, Structure of Atom, Atomic Weights, Valency |
| General Science | Living vs. Non-living, Growth and Reproduction, Human Body, Food and Balanced Diet, Epidemics, Solar System |
| History | Indian History, Freedom Movement, Indian Constitution, Five-Year Plans, World History (Renaissance, Revolutions, Science and Technology, United Nations) |
| Geography | Earth’s Origin, Latitudes and Longitudes, Earthquakes, Volcanoes, Rocks, Climate, Ocean Currents, Natural Regions, Indian Geography (Climate, Resources) |
| Current Affairs | Important National and International Events, Prominent Personalities, Cultural Activities, Sports |
NDA 2025 Marking Scheme
It is important for candidates preparing for the NDA 1 2025 exam to understand the marking system correctly. +4 marks will be given for each question for the correct answer, while 1/3 of the total marks of that question will be deducted for the wrong answer, which results in a loss of about 1.33 marks.
If more than one option is selected for a question, it will be considered wrong and there will be negative marking for it as well. At the same time, no deduction will be made for not answering a question, so that candidates can proceed without any loss by skipping uncertain questions.
| CDS 2025 Marking Scheme | |
| Action | Marks Awarded/Deducted |
| Correct Answer | +1 mark |
| Wrong Answer | -1/3 mark |
| More than one option chosen | -1/3 mark (considered as wrong) |
| Unanswered Question | 0 marks (no negative marking) |
