NDA Exam 2025-2026: Complete Guide

Dreaming of serving the nation in uniform? The NDA-Exam-2025-2026 is your golden ticket to enter the prestigious National Defence Academy and begin your journey as a future officer in the Indian Armed Forces.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything — NDA exam eligibility, NDA exam syllabus, NDA exam pattern, and the complete NDA selection process. Ready? Let’s dive in!

NDA Exam 2025 Overview

The NDA exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice a year to recruit candidates for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. NDA 1 will happen around April 2025, and NDA 2 will be in September 2025.

  Important Highlights

• Exam Name: NDA Exam 2025
• Conducted by: UPSC
• Mode of Exam: Offline (Pen & Paper)
• Duration: 5 hours (2.5 hours for each paper)
• Eligibility: 12th Pass or Appearing

NDA Exam Eligibility Criteria

Before you jump into preparations, it’s important to know if you're eligible. Here's what you need:

Nationality Requirements

• You must be an Indian citizen.
• Subjects of Nepal and Bhutan are also eligible.
• Refugees from Tibet who came to India before January 1, 1962, can apply.

Age Limit for NDA 2025

• Only male and female candidates born between 2nd July 2006 and 1st July 2009 are eligible.
• Age relaxation? Nope, strict criteria here!

Educational Qualification

• Army Wing: Passed or appearing in Class 12 from a recognized board.
• Air Force and Naval Wings: 12th with Physics and Mathematics.

Physical and Medical Standards

• You must be physically fit according to standards set by NDA.
• Eye vision, height, weight, and general health will be assessed.

NDA Exam Pattern 2025

• Mode: Offline
• Negative Marking: Yes (⅓rd marks deducted for each wrong answer)

NDA Exam Syllabus 2025

Mathematics Syllabus (300 Marks)

• Algebra
• Matrices and Determinants
• Trigonometry
• Analytical Geometry of two and three dimensions
• Differential Calculus
• Integral Calculus and Differential Equations
• Vector Algebra 
• Statistics and Probability

Part ‘A’—ENGLISH (Maximum Marks—200) 

The syllabus covers various aspects like : Grammar and usage, vocabulary, comprehension and cohesion in extended text to test the candidate’s proficiency in English. 

Part ‘B’—GENERAL KNOWLEDGE (Maximum Marks—400)

Section ‘A’ (Physics)

Section ‘B’ (Chemistry)

Section ‘C’ (General Science)

Section ‘D’ (History, Freedom Movement etc.)

Section ‘E’ (Geography)

Section ‘F’ (Current Events)

NOTE: In Part ‘B’ of this paper, the questions from Sections ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’, ‘D’, ‘E’, and ‘F’ will carry approximate weightages of 25%, 15%, 10%, 20%, 20%, and 10% respectively, based on the total marks allotted to Part ‘B’.

NDA Selection Process 2025

Clearing the written exam is just Step 1. Here's the full NDA selection procedure:

Step 1: Written Examination

• Conducted by UPSC
• Minimum qualifying marks are decided each year.

Step 2: SSB Interview

• Services Selection Board (SSB) tests your intelligence, personality, and officer-like qualities.
• Duration: 5 days

SSB Stages:

• Stage 1: Screening Test (OIR + PPDT)
• Stage 2: Psychological Tests, Group Tasks, Personal Interview, Conference

Step 3: Medical Examination

• Comprehensive health check-up
• Focus on vision standards, height, chest measurements, mental health

Step 4: Final Merit List

• Based on your Written + SSB scores.
• Higher score = better chances of getting preferred branch.

How to Apply for NDA Exam 2025

Thinking “Where do I even apply?” Easy!

• Visit the official UPSC website: www.upsc.gov.in
• Fill out the NDA application form 2025.
• Upload photo, signature, and ID proof.
• Pay the fee
• Download and print the confirmation page.

Best Preparation Tips for NDA Exam

• Start early: 6-8 months before the exam is ideal.
• Daily practice: Especially Mathematics problems.
• Read newspapers: For Current Affairs and English improvement.
• Solve previous papers: UPSC loves repeating questions.
• Focus on fitness: You’ll need it for SSB and medical rounds!

     Remember, consistency beats cramming!

Life After Cracking NDA

Once selected, you undergo three years of training at NDA, Pune, followed by specialized training at respective service academies.

• Army Cadets: IMA, Dehradun
• Navy Cadets: INA, Ezhimala
• Air Force Cadets: AFA, Hyderabad

And then? You’ll be a proud commissioned officer leading troops, flying fighter jets, or navigating warships. Goosebumps, right?

Common Mistakes to Avoid in NDA Preparation

• Ignoring English and GAT papers
• Underestimating physical fitness
• Skipping mock tests
• Procrastinating SSB preparation
• Relying only on coaching without self-study

Avoid these traps to stay ahead of the competition!

Conclusion

Cracking the NDA Exam 2025 isn’t rocket science — it’s a combination of smart work, hard work, and the right attitude. If you meet the NDA exam eligibility and you’re willing to dive deep into the NDA exam syllabus, follow the right NDA exam pattern, and understand the NDA selection process, nothing can stop you from wearing that olive green, white, or blue uniform. Your dream starts now. Get moving!

FAQs

1. Can girls apply for NDA 2025?

Yes! Girls are now allowed to appear for NDA. All eligibility criteria remain the same.

2. What is the minimum height for NDA?

The minimum height is 157 cm for Army and Navy, and 162.5 cm for Air Force (Flying Branch).

3. How many attempts are there for NDA?

There is no limit on the number of attempts, but you must be within the eligible age range.

4. Is coaching necessary for NDA?

Not mandatory! With proper planning, dedication, and online resources, you can crack it without coaching too.

5. When will the NDA 2025 application form be released?

The NDA 1 2025 application form is expected to be released by December 2024.