Introduction
UPSC NDA and NA (II) 2025 Recruitment: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official notification for the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (NDA and NA II) 2025. This prestigious exam is the gateway for young aspirants who wish to join the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force as officers. It offers admission to the 156th NDA course and the 118th Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC) commencing from 1st July 2026.
The UPSC NDA and NA examination is one of the most sought-after defence entrance examinations in India. Every year, lakhs of candidates apply for this exam to fulfill their dream of serving the nation. The NDA is located in Pune, Maharashtra, and is the premier joint services training institute for the Indian Armed Forces.
The notification for NDA and NA (II) 2025 has introduced several important updates, including a new online application portal, detailed guidelines for filling the form, and an emphasis on Aadhaar-based verification. Candidates must carefully read the eligibility conditions and apply before the last date.
Overview of UPSC NDA and NA (II) 2025 Recruitment
- Name of the Examination – National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (NDA and NA II), 2025
- Conducting Authority – Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
- Notification Number – Examination Notice No. 10/2025-NDA-II
- Notification Date – 28th May 2025
- Last Date to Apply – 17th June 2025 (till 11.59 PM)
- Mode of Application – Online only at https://upsconline.nic.in
- Examination Date – 14th September 2025
- Course Commencement – 1st July 2026
- Training Academies – National Defence Academy (NDA) and Indian Naval Academy (INA)
- Total Vacancies – 406
Vacancy Details for UPSC NDA and NA (II) 2025 Recruitment
The total number of vacancies notified is 406. The distribution is as follows:
National Defence Academy (NDA)
- Army – 208 (including 10 vacancies for female candidates)
- Navy – 42 (including 5 vacancies for female candidates)
- Air Force
- Flying Branch – 92 (including 2 vacancies for female candidates)
- Ground Duties (Technical) – 18 (including 2 vacancies for female candidates)
- Ground Duties (Non-Technical) – 10 (including 2 vacancies for female candidates)
Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme)
Total – 36 (including 4 vacancies for female candidates)
Grand Total – 406 vacancies
Note – The vacancies are provisional and subject to change depending on the training capacity of NDA and INA.
Important Dates UPSC NDA and NA (II) 2025 Recruitment
- Notification release – 28th May 2025
- Start of online application – 28th May 2025
- Last date to apply – 17th June 2025 (till 11.59 PM)
- Correction window – Not available (no modification allowed once the form is submitted)
- Admit card release – One week before the examination date
- Date of written examination – 14th September 2025
- Result declaration – To be announced later
- SSB interview schedule – After written exam results
- Course commencement – 1st July 2026
Eligibility Criteria for UPSC NDA and NA (II) 2025 Recruitment
1. Nationality
- A candidate must be one of the following:
- A citizen of India, or
- A subject of Nepal, or
- A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, and East African countries such as Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, or Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.
- Candidates falling under category 2 and 3 must produce a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India. Gorkha subjects of Nepal are exempted from this requirement.
2. Age Limit, Sex, and Marital Status
- Candidates must be unmarried male or female.
- They must be born between 2nd January 2007 and 1st January 2010.
- Candidates should not marry until they have completed their training. Marriage during training will lead to dismissal and refund of training expenses.
3. Educational Qualifications
- For Army Wing of NDA – 12th Class pass of 10+2 pattern or equivalent from a recognized board or university.
- For Air Force and Naval Wings of NDA and for the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at INA – 12th Class pass with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
- Candidates appearing in 12th Class final examination are also eligible.
4. Physical Standards
- Candidates must be physically and medically fit as per the standards prescribed in Appendix-III of the notification.
- Candidates who have resigned or withdrawn from any Armed Forces training academies on disciplinary grounds are not eligible.
Application Process for UPSC NDA and NA (II) 2025 Recruitment
- Candidates must apply online through the UPSC portal at https://upsconline.nic.in.
- The new application portal has four modules – Account Creation, Universal Registration, Common Application Form, and Examination-Specific Form.
- Aadhaar card is strongly recommended as the primary identity document.
- Candidates must upload all required documents such as educational certificates, photograph, and signature in the specified format.
- Applications once submitted cannot be withdrawn or modified.Candidates must keep a valid photo identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, Voter ID, etc.) throughout theprocess.
Examination Centres For UPSC NDA and NA (II) 2025 Recruitment
The NDA and NA (II) 2025 examination will be conducted across multiple cities in India including major centres like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Bhopal, Patna, and many others.
Allotment of centres will be on a first-apply-first-serve basis. Once the capacity of a centre is full, candidates will have to choose another. No request for a change of examination centre will be entertained later.
Examination Pattern and Selection Process
1.Written Examination
- The written examination consists of two papers:
- Mathematics – 300 marks
- General Ability Test (English and General Knowledge) – 600 marks
- Total marks for written exam – 900 marks
2.Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview
- Intelligence and Personality Test – 900 marks
- Candidates who qualify the written examination will be called for SSB Interview.
3.Final Selection
The final merit list is prepared based on marks obtained in the written examination and SSB interview.
Negative Marking For UPSC NDA and NA (II) 2025 Recruitment
There will be negative marking for wrong answers in the objective type papers. Candidates should mark their answers carefully using only a black ball pen. Mistakes in OMR filling may lead to rejection of the answer sheet.
Application Fee UPSC NDA and NA (II) 2025 Recruitment
- Candidates must pay an application fee of Rs. 100.
- Exempted categories – Female candidates, SC/ST candidates, and wards of JCOs/NCOs/ORs.
- Mode of payment – Online through Debit/Credit Card, UPI, Net Banking, or offline at SBI branches.
Important Instructions for Candidates
- No candidate will be allowed to enter the examination hall after the commencement of the exam.
- Mobile phones, smart watches, Bluetooth devices, and other electronic gadgets are strictly prohibited.
- Candidates must carry the same photo ID as mentioned in their application form.
- Admit cards will be available only on the UPSC website and will not be sent by post or email.
- Women candidates are encouraged to apply as the government promotes gender balance in the Armed Forces.
Salary and Benefits UPSC NDA and NA (II) 2025 Recruitment
- Cadets selected through NDA receive a stipend during training.
- After commissioning, officers get a salary as per Defence Pay Matrix along with allowances.
- Benefits include free medical facilities, subsidized housing, canteen facilities, leave travel concessions, and post-retirement pension.
- Defence officers enjoy respect, career growth, and opportunities for higher studies and foreign postings.
Preparation Tips for UPSC NDA and NA (II) 2025 Recruitment
- Focus on NCERT books for Mathematics and Science.
- Improve English grammar and vocabulary for the General Ability Test.
- Read newspapers and current affairs magazines for the General Knowledge section.
- Practice previous years’ question papers and mock tests.
- Maintain physical fitness through regular exercise and outdoor activities.
Frequently Asked Questions UPSC NDA and NA (II) 2025 Recruitment
1. What is the last date to apply for NDA and NA (II) 2025?
The last date to apply online is 17th June 2025 till 11.59 PM.
2. When will the NDA and NA (II) 2025 exam be conducted?
The exam will be held on 14th September 2025.
3. How many vacancies are there in UPSC NDA and NA (II) 2025 Recruitment?
There are a total of 406 vacancies.
4. Can female candidates apply for UPSC NDA and NA (II) 2025 Recruitment?
Yes, both male and female candidates can apply. Separate vacancies are notified for female candidates.
5. What is the educational qualification required for UPSC NDA and NA (II) 2025 Recruitment?
For Army Wing – 12th pass in any stream. For Air Force and Navy – 12th pass with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
6. Is there any negative marking in the NDA exam?
Yes, there is negative marking for wrong answers in objective type papers.
Conclusion
The UPSC NDA and NA (II) 2025 notification provides an excellent opportunity for young aspirants to join the Indian Armed Forces. With 406 vacancies across Army, Navy, and Air Force, this exam is a golden chance to serve the nation with pride and honor. Candidates must apply online before the last date, prepare thoroughly for the written test, and focus on their personality development for the SSB interview.
This career not only ensures financial stability but also offers immense respect and the opportunity to serve India with dignity.