NDA 2025 — National Defence Academy
NDA is the joint services academy for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Passing the NDA exam and completing the 3-year course at NDA Khadakwasla leads to commissioning as an officer in one of the three armed forces.
NDA Vacancy, Eligibility, and Apply Link
Use this section for recruitment information and the official application portal. Practice resources are kept separately below, so users can quickly choose whether they want to apply or prepare.
Opening Timeline
| NDA I 2025 Notification | December 2024 |
| NDA I 2025 Exam | April 13, 2025 |
| NDA II 2025 Notification | May 2025 |
| NDA II 2025 Exam | September 14, 2025 |
| SSB Interview | After written exam result |
Eligibility Criteria
Exam Pattern
| Written Exam | 2 papers: Mathematics (300 marks, 2.5 hours) + GAT — General Ability Test (600 marks, 2.5 hours) |
| GAT Breakdown | English (200 marks) + General Knowledge (400 marks: Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, Polity, Current Events) |
| Total Written Marks | 900 marks |
| SSB Interview | 900 marks (Psychological tests, GTO tasks, Interview) |
| Total | 1800 marks (written 900 + SSB 900) |
| Negative Marking | 1/3 of marks for each wrong answer |
Syllabus
Mathematics
- Algebra
- Matrices & Determinants
- Trigonometry
- Analytical Geometry (2D & 3D)
- Differential Calculus
- Integral Calculus
- Vector Algebra
- Statistics & Probability
General Knowledge — Physics
- Physical Properties of Matter
- Motion
- Sound & Light
- Heat & Temperature
- Electricity & Magnetism
General Knowledge — Chemistry
- Periodic Table
- Chemical Equations
- Acids, Bases & Salts
- Metals & Non-metals
- Carbon & its compounds
General Knowledge — History & Geography
- Indian Freedom Struggle
- Medieval & Ancient India
- World History
- Indian & World Geography
- Physical & Economic Geography
English
- Grammar & Usage
- Vocabulary
- Comprehension & Cohesion
- Fill in the Blanks
- Spotting Errors
Frequently Asked Questions — NDA
What is the NDA exam?+
NDA (National Defence Academy) exam is conducted by UPSC twice a year to select candidates for the 3-year joint services academy in Khadakwasla, Pune. After NDA training, graduates are commissioned as officers in the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force.
What is the NDA salary during training?+
NDA cadets receive a stipend of approximately Rs. 56,100 per month during training. After commissioning as Lieutenant (or equivalent in Navy/Air Force), the starting pay is Rs. 56,100 (Level 10) with additional Military Service Pay of Rs. 15,500.
Can girls appear for NDA?+
Yes. Since 2022, female candidates are eligible to apply for NDA following a Supreme Court order. Female candidates must be unmarried and meet the same age and educational eligibility as male candidates.