What is the NDA Exam?
The National Defence Academy (NDA) exam is one of India's most prestigious competitive examinations, conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). It selects candidates for the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy and the Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC). Joining the NDA is the earliest gateway to a career as a commissioned officer in the Indian Armed Forces.
NDA 2025 — Key Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Frequency | Twice a year (NDA I and NDA II) |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
| Mode of Exam | Offline (Pen and Paper) |
| Total Marks | 900 (Written) + SSB Interview |
Eligibility Criteria
Nationality
The candidate must be a citizen of India. Subjects of Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibetan refugees who settled in India before January 1, 1962, may also be eligible under specific conditions.
Age Limit
Candidates must be between 16.5 and 19.5 years of age at the time of commencement of the course. The exact age window is mentioned in each notification.
Educational Qualification
- Army Wing: Class 12 (10+2) pass or appearing in any stream from a recognised board.
- Navy & Air Force Wing: Class 12 (10+2) pass or appearing with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects.
Marital Status
Candidates must be unmarried at the time of application and must remain unmarried until completion of the training period.
Step-by-Step NDA Registration Process
- Visit the Official UPSC Portal: Go to upsconline.nic.in — this is the only authorized platform for NDA applications.
- One Time Registration (OTR): New users must complete the OTR process. Enter your basic personal and educational details to generate a permanent registration ID.
- Fill the NDA Application Form: Log in using your OTR credentials and navigate to the NDA notification. Fill in details including personal information, examination centre preference, and educational background.
- Upload Photo & Signature: Upload a recent passport-size photograph and your signature in the specified JPEG format and size limits.
- Pay Examination Fee: The fee is approximately ₹100. SC/ST candidates and sons of JCOs/NCOs/Other Ranks are exempt. Payment can be made via SBI Net Banking, debit/credit card, or UPI.
- Submit & Print: Review all details before final submission. Download and print the confirmation page with your roll number and application details.
NDA Exam Pattern
| Subject | Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 120 | 300 | 2.5 Hours |
| General Ability Test (GAT) | 150 | 600 | 2.5 Hours |
| Total (Written) | 270 | 900 | 5 Hours |
SSB Interview — What Comes After the Written Exam?
Candidates who clear the written exam are called for the Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview, which is a 5-day assessment conducted at designated SSB centres. It tests intelligence, personality, and officer-like qualities (OLQs) through psychological tests, group tasks, and a personal interview. Successful candidates then undergo a medical examination before final merit listing.
Important Tips for NDA Aspirants
- Start preparing for Mathematics and General Science from Class 11 itself.
- Practice previous years' NDA papers to understand question patterns.
- Maintain physical fitness — NDA training is rigorous and requires stamina.
- Stay updated on current affairs, especially defence and national security topics.
- Apply as soon as the notification is released — don't wait for the last date.