National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Exam (I) 2025: Admit Card Guide

The National Defence Academy (NDA) & Naval Academy (NA) Examination (I) 2025, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), is a cornerstone for aspirants seeking to join the Indian Armed Forces. This exam opens doors to the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Indian Naval Academy, nurturing future leaders who will safeguard the nation’s sovereignty. With a rigorous selection process and holistic training, successful candidates embark on a journey of discipline, valor, and service.

Key Dates

Mark your calendars for these critical deadlines:

• operation launch Date Available upon UPSC announcement( anticipated October 2024).
• Last Date to Apply 31st December 2024.
• Application Correction Window: 1st–7th January 2025 (for edits to application details).
• Admit Card Release: Last working day of March 2025 (download from UPSC Online).
• Exam Date: 13th April 2025 (tentative).
• SSB Interviews: August–December 2025 (for shortlisted candidates).
• Final Results: Early 2026.

Examination Fee

• General/OBC Candidates: ₹100 (non-refundable).
• Exempt Categories: SC/ST candidates, female applicants, and wards of serving/ex-JCOs/NCOs/ORs studying in Sainik/Military Schools.

Payment Modes:

• Online: Debit/Credit Card, UPI, Net Banking.
• Offline: Cash deposit at any SBI branch using generated challan.

Vacancy Details

A total of 406 vacancies are available across branches:

Eligibility Criteria

1. Nationality

• Indian citizens; or
• Nepalese/Bhutanese subjects; or
• PIOs (from specified countries) with eligibility certificates.

2. Age Limit

• Born between 2nd July 2006 and 1st July 2009( unattached campaigners only).

3. Educational Qualifications

• Army Wing: Class 12th pass (any stream).
• Navy/ Air Force & Naval Academy Class 12th pass with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics( PCM).
• Appearing candidates may apply but must submit passing certificates by 15th December 2025.

4. Physical Standards

• Height: 157–162 cm (varies by branch).
• Weight: Proportionate to height and age.
• Vision 6/6 in one eye, 6/9 in the other( repairable for Air Force).
• Pure orders SC/ ST campaigners, womanish aspirants, and wards of serving/ partner- JCOs/ NCOs/ ORs studying in Sainik/ Military seminaries.

Pay Scale & Benefits

During Training (3 years at NDA, 1 year at INA):

• Stipend: ₹56,100 per month (starting salary).

After Commissioning:

• Lieutenant/ Equivalent ₹ 15,600 – ₹ 39,100 Grade Pay allowances( DA, HRA, Transport).
• Perks: Free accommodation, medical facilities, subsidized rations, travel concessions.

Selection Process

A three-stage rigorous evaluation:

1. Written Examination

• Paper I( Mathematics) 120 MCQs( 300 marks| 2.5 hours).
• Paper II (General Ability Test):
  • English (200 marks): Grammar, comprehension.
  • General Knowledge( 400 marks) drugs, Chemistry, History, Current Affairs.
• Negative Marking: ⅓ deduction per wrong answer.

2. SSB Interview (5 Days)

• Stage I: Officer Intelligence Rating Test + Picture Perception Test.
• Stage II: Psychological tests, Group Tasks, Personal Interview, Conference.
• Medical Examination: As per military standards.

3. Final Merit List

• Weightage: 75% (written) + 25% (SSB).

Application Process

Step 1: One-Time Registration

• Register on UPSC Online with email, mobile, and photo ID details.

Step 2: Fill Application Form

• Select preferences (Army, Navy, Air Force, Naval Academy).
• Upload documents:
  • Recent passport photo (<10 days old | 3/4th face coverage).
  • Valid ID proof (Aadhar, PAN, Passport).

Step 3: Fee Payment

• Pay ₹100 (if applicable) via online/offline modes.

Step 4: Submit & Print

• Review details, submit, and print the confirmation page.

Post-Submission Corrections

• Edit application from 1st–7th January 2025 (except registration profile).

Important links