UPSC NDA Exam 2025 Guide: Complete Guide for Aspirants

Last Updated: June 3, 2025 at 4:52 pm

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released its NDA (National Defence Academy) & NA (Naval Academy) Examination schedule for 2025. This exam is a golden opportunity for students aiming to join the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force as officers. Below is a detailed breakdown of the NDA exam dates, eligibility, and preparation strategy.

NDA & NA Exam 2025: Key Dates

UPSC conducts the NDA exam twice a year (NDA I and NDA II). Here are the important dates for 2025:

Eligibility Criteria for NDA 2025

1. Age Limit

• Only unmarried male candidates (as of the exam date).
• Age: 16.5 to 19.5 years (born between 02 July 2005 and 01 July 2008 for NDA I 2025).

2. Educational Qualification

• For Army Wing: Class 12 or equivalent (any stream).
• For Air Force & Naval Wings: Class 12 with Physics & Mathematics.

3. Physical Standards

• Height & Weight: As per service requirements (e.g., minimum height for Army: 157 cm).
• Vision: 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in the other (correctable to 6/6).

Exam Pattern & Syllabus

1. Written Exam (900 Marks)

• Mathematics (300 Marks) – Algebra, Calculus, Trigonometry, Statistics.
• General Ability Test (GAT) (600 Marks) – English, Physics, Chemistry, History, Geography, Current Affairs.

2. SSB Interview (900 Marks)

• Stage 1: Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) & Picture Perception Test.
• Stage 2: Psychological Tests, Group Tasks, Personal Interview.

How to Prepare for NDA 2025?

1. Focus on Mathematics (300 Marks)

• Key Topics: Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, Coordinate Geometry.
• Books: RS Aggarwal (Class 11-12), NCERT (Class 10-12).
• Practice: Solve previous year papers (2015-2024).

2. General Ability Test (GAT – 600 Marks)

• English: Grammar, Vocabulary, Comprehension.
• Science: NCERT Physics & Chemistry (Class 11-12).
• History/Geography: Focus on Indian Freedom Struggle, World Wars, Maps.
• Current Affairs: Read newspapers (The Hindu, Indian Express) & monthly magazines.

3. SSB Interview Preparation

• Practice: Group Discussions, Lecturette, Psychological Tests.
• Physical Fitness: Running, Push-ups, and Medical Check-up readiness.

Important Tips for NDA Aspirants

• ✔ Start early – At least 6 months before the exam.
• ✔ Solve previous year papers to understand the difficulty level.
• ✔ Take mock tests (especially for Mathematics speed).
• ✔ Stay updated with current affairs (defence-related news).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – UPSC NDA Exam 2025 Guide

Conclusion

The NDA 2025 exam is a prestigious gateway to a career in the Indian Armed Forces. With two attempts (April & September), candidates have a great opportunity to crack it.

Pro Tip: Bookmark the Govtcareerhub.com Website for updates.

🚀 Best of luck, future officers!

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Narendra Kumar

Narendra Kumar: Education & Career Strategist With 16+ years spanning both academic and corporate landscapes, Narendra Kumar bridges the gap between educational theory and professional reality. Holding a Master's in Mathematics, his journey from school teacher to college professor and admission counselor has equipped him with unparalleled insights into educational pathways. Currently serving at Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance, Narendra brings a rare dual perspective to his guidance philosophy. He specializes in crafting personalized educational roadmaps, government job preparation strategies, and competitive exam approaches that transform aspirations into achievements. Having guided thousands of students through critical decisions, Narendra's data-driven, transparent approach empowers individuals to navigate their educational and career journeys with analytical precision and strategic clarity.