The UPSC NDA & NA (I) 2025 exam is your golden ticket. With 406 vacancies for the Army, Navy, and Air Force, this is one of the most prestigious opportunities for young aspirants. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has opened applications, and if you meet the eligibility criteria, you could be training at the National Defence Academy (NDA) or Naval Academy (NA).
But before you dive in, let’s break down everything eligibility, selection process, key dates, and how to apply so you don’t miss a beat. Whether you’re a first-time applicant or reappearing, this guide has all the details you need.
Key Highlights 🏆
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Total Vacancies | 406 (Army, Navy, Air Force, Naval Academy) |
| Application Start Date | 11th December 2024 |
| Last Date to Apply | 31st December 2024 (6 PM) |
| Exam Date | 13th April 2025 |
| Eligibility | Class 12th pass (with PCM for Navy/Air Force) |
| Age Limit | Born between 2nd July 2006 & 1st July 2009 |
| Application Fee | ₹100 (Free for SC/ST/Female candidates) |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
Eligibility Criteria🎯
Before filling out the form, check if you meet these must-have requirements:
1. Age Limit
- Unmarried candidates only
- Born between 2nd July 2006 & 1st July 2009
- Age relaxation as per government rules .
2. Educational Qualification
| Wing | Required Qualification |
|---|---|
| Army | 12th pass (any stream) |
| Navy & Air Force | 12th with Physics, Chemistry, Maths |
| Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry) | 12th with PCM |
Note: Appearing candidates can also apply! .
3. Physical Standards
- Height, Weight, Vision must meet military standards.
- Physical Fitness Test (PFT) includes running, push-ups, and more .
Vacancy Breakdown🛡️⚓✈️
Here’s how the 406 vacancies are distributed:
| Branch | Total Posts | Female Candidates |
|---|---|---|
| Army | 208 | 10 |
| Navy | 42 | 6 |
| Air Force (Flying) | 92 | 2 |
| Air Force (Ground Duties – Tech/Non-Tech) | 28 | 4 |
| Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry) | 36 | 5 |
Source: UPSC Official Notification .
Selection Process 🔍
The UPSC NDA & NA (I) 2025 selection happens in two stages:
1. Written Exam (13th April 2025)
- Offline (Pen & Paper) mode.
- Two Papers:
- Mathematics (300 marks)
- General Ability Test (600 marks)
| Subject | Marks per Q | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|
| Maths | 2.5 | -0.83 per wrong answer |
| GAT | 4 | -1.33 per wrong answer |
2. SSB Interview (900 Marks)
- 5-day process (Intelligence, Psychological Tests, Group Tasks).
- Medical Examination (final hurdle) .
How to Apply Online📲
Follow these steps to avoid rejection:
- One-Time Registration (OTR) on upsconline.nic.in.
- Fill the NDA Form (Personal, Educational Details).
- Upload Documents (Photo, Signature, ID Proof).
- Pay Fee (₹100 for Gen/OBC, Free for SC/ST/Females).
- Submit & Print Confirmation .
Pro Tip: Double-check details—no corrections after submission!
Exam Pattern & Syllabus 📚
1. Mathematics (300 Marks)
- Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, Statistics.
- 120 Questions (2.5 hrs).
2. General Ability Test (600 Marks)
- English (200 Marks) – Grammar, Comprehension.
- General Knowledge (400 Marks) – Physics, Chemistry, History, Current Affairs .
Final Thoughts 💡
- Prestigious Career: Join India’s elite defence forces.
- Free Education: Training at NDA Khadakwasla (fully funded).
- Lucrative Salary: Starting ₹56,100/month after training.
Real-Life Example: Captain Abhinandan Varthaman, the hero of the 2019 Balakot airstrike, is an NDA alumnus—proof of where this journey can take you!
So, if you meet the eligibility, don’t wait—apply before 31st December 2024 and start preparing! 🚀
Ananya Reddy is a creative writer specializing in exam notifications and admit cards. With a degree in Journalism and 4+ years of experience, Ananya loves crafting engaging content for students. She enjoys exploring new cuisines.
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