Are you an aspiring candidate looking to serve the nation by joining the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA)? The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the NDA examination twice every year – commonly referred to as NDA 1 and NDA 2 – to select eligible candidates for the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy and the Indian Naval Academy.
In this comprehensive guide, we will focus on the NDA Exam 2025 Age Limits for both NDA 1 2025 and NDA 2 2025, alongside essential exam-related details such as important dates, how to apply, eligibility, and more.
1. Overview of NDA Exam 2025
The NDA Exam is one of the most sought-after defence entrance examinations in India. Conducted by the UPSC, the exam is held twice a year:
- NDA 1 2025
- NDA 2 2025
Successful candidates undergo a rigorous training program at the National Defence Academy in Khadakwasla, Pune, followed by further training at their respective service academies. After completion, they are commissioned as officers in the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force.
2. NDA Exam 2025 Important Dates
UPSC has released the dates for NDA 1 2025 and NDA 2 2025. Below is a table summarizing all the important events and their dates.
NDA 2025 Important Dates
| Key Events | NDA I 2025 | NDA II 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Release of Notification | 11th December 2024 | 28th May 2025 |
| Start of Online Application | 11th December 2024 | 28th May 2025 |
| Deadline for Application | 31st December 2024 | 17th June 2025 |
| Last Date for Application Fee Payment | 2nd week of January 2025 | 2nd week of June 2025 |
| Form Correction Details | 3rd week of January 2025 | 2nd week of June 2025 |
| Application Withdrawal Period | 4th week of January 2025 | June/July 2025 |
| Availability of Admit Card | 4th week of March 2025 | Last week of August 2025 |
| NDA 2025 Exam Date | 13th April 2025 | 14th September 2025 |
| Result Announcement | 1st week of May 2025 | September 2025 |
| SSB Interview Dates | May/June 2025 | September/October 2025 |
NDA 1 2025 Important Dates
- Notification Release: 11th December 2024
- Online Application Start Date: 11th December 2024
- Application End Date: 31st December 2024
- NDA 1 2025 Exam Date: 13th April 2025
The NDA 1 2025 notification will detail all the eligibility criteria, syllabus, and instructions for filing the application. Candidates should read the notification carefully before applying.
NDA 2 2025 Important Dates
- Notification Release: 28th May 2025
- Online Application Start Date: 28th May 2025
- Application End Date: 17th June 2025
- NDA 2 2025 Exam Date: 14th September 2025
After the notification is published, candidates can fill out the online application form. Ensure you fulfill the eligibility criteria and age limits.
3. NDA 2025 Age Limits
Age criteria are among the most crucial aspects determining your eligibility for the NDA examination. UPSC follows strict guidelines for the age limits, which are different for NDA 1 2025 and NDA 2 2025.
NDA 1 2025 Age Limits
- Who Can Apply: Both Male and Female candidates
- Eligible Birth Dates: Born not earlier than 02nd July 2006 and not later than 1st July 2009
Candidates must ensure that they fall within this bracket. Even a single day outside these dates will render you ineligible.
NDA 2 2025 Age Limits
- Who Can Apply: Both Male and Female candidates
- Eligible Birth Dates: Born not earlier than 02nd January 2007 and not later than 1st January 2010
If you fulfill the age criteria mentioned above for NDA 2 2025, you can proceed with the application once the notification is out.
Important Note: The date of birth as recorded in the Matriculation/Secondary School Examination Certificate will be accepted by UPSC. No subsequent requests for change in DOB will be entertained.
4. NDA 2025 Eligibility Criteria
Apart from age limits, candidates must also meet certain educational and other eligibility criteria:
- Nationality
- A citizen of India, or
- A subject of Bhutan or Nepal, or
- A Tibetan refugee who came over to India before 1st January 1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India, or
- A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries, etc., with the intention of permanently settling in India.
- Educational Qualification
- For Army Wing of NDA: 10+2 or equivalent from a recognized board or university.
- For Air Force and Naval Wings of NDA and for 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at the Indian Naval Academy: 10+2 or equivalent with Physics and Mathematics.
- Marital Status
- Only unmarried candidates are eligible. Marriage during the training period is strictly prohibited.
- Physical Standards
- Candidates must be physically fit as per the standards set by the NDA and the Armed Forces. Detailed guidelines for height, weight, vision, and other criteria will be mentioned in the official notification.
5. NDA 2025 Exam Pattern and Selection Process
The selection process for NDA 2025 consists of two main stages:
- Written Examination
- Mathematics: 300 marks
- General Ability Test (GAT): 600 marks
- Total: 900 marks
- SSB Interview (Services Selection Board)
- Conducted for candidates qualifying in the written exam.
- Personality, Intelligence, Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests, and Conference.
- SSB Interview: 900 marks
Hence, the overall selection process is out of 1800 marks (900 for Written + 900 for SSB).
6. How to Apply for NDA 2025
The application procedure for NDA 2025 will be entirely online. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide:
- Visit the Official Website
- Go to UPSC’s official website or the link provided in the notification.
- One Time Registration (OTR)
- Click on the OTR (One Time Registration) button.
- Provide your basic details including name, date of birth, email ID, and mobile number.
- Fill the Application Form
- Part I: Enter personal information, educational details, and correspondence details.
- Part II: Upload a scanned photograph, signature in the prescribed format, and pay the application fee (if applicable).
- Fee Payment
- Payment can be done online (credit card, debit card, or net banking) or offline (challan).
- Review and Submit
- Double-check all the information entered.
- Submit and take a printout of the application form for future reference.
Make sure you submit your application before the stipulated deadline to avoid last-minute technical glitches.
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. When will the NDA 1 2025 notification be published?
A1. The NDA 1 2025 notification will be published on 11th December 2024.
Q2. What is the NDA 1 2025 Exam Date?
A2. The NDA 1 2025 exam is scheduled for 13th April 2025.
Q3. When will the NDA 2 2025 notification be released?
A3. The NDA 2 2025 notification will be released on 28th May 2025.
Q4. What are the age limits for NDA 1 2025?
A4. Both male and female candidates born not earlier than 02nd July 2006 and not later than 1st July 2009 are eligible for NDA 1 2025.
Q5. What are the age limits for NDA 2 2025?
A5. Both male and female candidates born not earlier than 02nd January 2007 and not later than 1st January 2010 are eligible for NDA 2 2025.
Q6. How many marks is the NDA 2025 exam worth?
A6. The NDA written exam is out of 900 marks (300 for Mathematics and 600 for GAT), followed by an SSB Interview of 900 marks, totaling 1800 marks.
Final Thoughts
Clearing the NDA exam is your gateway to joining the ranks of the Indian Armed Forces. The NDA Exam 2025 provides an excellent opportunity for young aspirants to demonstrate their passion, capability, and dedication to serve the nation. Adhering to the NDA 2025 age limits and meeting the eligibility criteria is the first step.
Once you confirm your eligibility, make sure you start preparing systematically for both the written exam and the SSB interview. Keep a close watch on official announcements, adhere to important deadlines, and maintain physical and mental fitness.
Best wishes for your NDA 2025 journey! May your dedication and hard work lead you to success and a bright future in the Indian Armed Forces.
