UPSC NDA & NA (I) Examination 2025
Examination Notice No. 03/2025-NDA-I
Brief Description
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will be conducting the National Defence Academy (NDA) & Naval Academy (NA) Examination (I), 2025 for admission to the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the NDA for the 155th Course, and for the 117th Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC) commencing from 2nd January, 2026. This recruitment is open to unmarried male and female candidates. The selection process involves a written examination followed by an interview by the Services Selection Board (SSB).
Important Dates
Application Fee
Payment Mode: Online via Visa/Master/Rupay Credit/Debit Card, UPI Payment, or Net Banking.
Vacancy Details Total: 404 Posts
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
- For Army Wing of NDA: 12th Class pass of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent examination.
- For Air Force and Naval Wings of NDA and for the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at the Indian Naval Academy: 12th Class pass with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.
- Candidates appearing in the 12th Class can also apply.
Age Limit & Marital Status
- Age Limit: Only unmarried male/female candidates born not earlier than 02nd July, 2006 and not later than 1st July, 2009 are eligible.
- Marital Status: Only unmarried male/female candidates are eligible.
Selection Process & Stipend
Two-Stage Selection
- Written Examination: An objective-type test conducted by UPSC. It consists of two papers: Mathematics (300 Marks) and General Ability Test (600 Marks), both with a duration of 2.5 hours each. There is negative marking for wrong answers.
- SSB Interview: Candidates who qualify the written exam will undergo a two-stage selection process at a Services Selection Board (SSB), which includes an Intelligence and Personality Test.
- Final selection is based on the total marks secured in the written examination and the SSB tests.
Stipend During Training
- A fixed stipend of **₹56,100/- per month** (Level 10) will be paid to cadets during the entire duration of their training.
Syllabus for Written Examination
Paper-I: Mathematics (Code No. 01)
- **Algebra:** Concept of set, Venn diagrams, Cartesian product, real numbers, complex numbers, quadratic equations, arithmetic, geometric and harmonic progressions, binomial theorem, logarithms.
- **Matrices and Determinants:** Types of matrices, operations on matrices, determinant of a matrix, basic properties of determinants, adjoint and inverse of a square matrix, applications.
- **Trigonometry:** Angles and their measures in degrees and in radians, trigonometric ratios, sum and difference formulas, multiple and sub-multiple angles, inverse trigonometric functions, applications.
- **Analytical Geometry of Two and Three Dimensions:** Rectangular Cartesian coordinate system, distance formula, equation of a line, angle between two lines, distance of a point from a line, equation of a circle, standard forms of parabola, ellipse and hyperbola, equation of a sphere.
- **Differential Calculus:** Concept of a real valued function, composite functions, derivative of a function, derivatives of sum, product and quotient of functions, second order derivatives, increasing and decreasing functions, application of derivatives.
- **Integral Calculus and Differential Equations:** Integration as inverse of differentiation, integration by substitution and by parts, standard integrals, definite integrals, application in calculating areas, definition of order and degree of a differential equation, general and particular solution.
- **Vector Algebra:** Vectors in two and three dimensions, magnitude and direction of a vector, unit and null vectors, addition of vectors, scalar multiplication of a vector, scalar product or dot product of two vectors, vector product or cross product of two vectors.
- **Statistics and Probability:** Statistics (classification of data, frequency distribution, cumulative frequency distribution, mean, median and mode), Probability (random experiment, outcomes, mutually exclusive and exhaustive events, impossible and certain events, definition of probability, Bayes' theorem, random variable).
Paper-II: General Ability Test (Code No. 02)
- **Part ‘A’ – ENGLISH (200 marks):** The question paper in English will be designed to test the candidate’s understanding of English and workmanlike use of words. 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 (400 marks):** Broadly covers Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Freedom Movement, Geography, and Current Events. The questions will test knowledge of current events and matters of everyday observation and experience.
How to Apply
- Candidates must apply online only at the official UPSC website: `upsconline.nic.in`.
- It is essential to first complete the One Time Registration (OTR) on the commission's website before filling the application form.
- Have a valid Photo ID Card (Aadhaar Card is preferred) ready, as its details are required.
- Fill the application form, pay the examination fee online (if applicable), and select your examination center carefully.
- After final submission, download the application for your records.
Important Links
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I need to register for OTR before applying?
Yes, One Time Registration (OTR) is essential. You must register on the OTR platform on the commission's website before you can fill the online application for the examination.
2. I am currently in the 12th grade. Can I apply for the NDA & NA (I) 2025 exam?
Yes, candidates who are appearing in the 12th Class under the 10+2 pattern of School Education or an equivalent examination are eligible to apply.
3. Is there negative marking in the written examination?
Yes, there will be a penalty (Negative Marking) for wrong answers marked by a candidate in the Objective Type Question Papers.
4. Can female candidates apply for all the vacancies?
No, female candidates are eligible for a specific number of vacancies within the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Naval Academy wings, as detailed in the vacancy table.
5. Can I withdraw my application after submission?
The notification states that a window for withdrawal of application may be available. Candidates should refer to the official notification for specific dates and instructions.
6. How will I receive my admit card for the exam?
The e-Admit Card will be made available on the UPSC website for you to download. Admit cards will not be sent by post.