By EFTeam See, at the moment, if you’re interested in pursuing National Defence Academy (NDA) and Indian Naval Academy (INA) courses, then the only option you have is to crack the NDA Exam. Once you do that, you have the option to serve in the army, navy, and even air force of the country. For that, you’d have to prepare for the NDA Exam and pass it. Though, if you’re new to it, then you may be looking forward to knowing a lot of things about this exam, and that’s why we’re here with details like NDA Exam Date 2025, what will the Syllabus be, how’s the pattern of the exam, and how can you qualify.
When’s the NDA 2025 Exam Happening?
For those who don’t know yet, the NDA exam is actually held twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), and here are the dates for the 2025 exams.
NDA 1 2025
- Notification Date: 11 December 2024
- Exam Date: 14 April 2025
- Application Window: Dec 2024 to Jan 2025
NDA 2 2025
- Notification Date: 28 May 2025
- Exam Date: 15 September 2025
- Application Window: May to June 2025
If you’re interested enough in this exam, we’ll suggest that you mark down these dates on your calendar right now.
Who Can Apply for NDA 2025? Aka Eligibility Criteria!
See, it is true that not everybody can apply for NDA 2025 and sit in the exam. There certainly are a few boxes you must tick in order to attempt this exam in the first place. Here:
- Nationality: Yes, it is a must that you are an Indian citizen or a citizen of Nepal/Bhutan. Though, as per the UPSC rules, some foreign-origin applicants are also allowed.
- Age Limit: This one depends upon the exam which you’re taking, like for NDA 1, you must be born between 2 July 2006 and 1 July 2009. For NDA 2, you must be born between 2 January 2007 and 1 January 2010.
- Gender & Marital Status: If you’re unmarried, then you can apply for this exam, no matter what gender you are.
- Education: If you’re going for the Army Wing, then you must be at least 12th pass out with any stream. And if it is the Air Force & Navy you’re going for, then you’d have to have 12th pass with Physics and Maths.
- Physical Fitness: Since it has all to do with military services, sure enough, there are certain height, weight, and eyesight standards. Oh, and you’ll also go through a full medical test later.
What’s in the Syllabus For NDA 2025?
As we already talked about the fact that there are two papers for the NDA exam, and the syllabus is also different. Here:
Paper 1: Mathematics (300 Marks)
Covers Class 11 & 12 Maths. Topics include:
- Algebra
- Trigonometry
- Geometry (2D & 3D)
- Matrices & Determinants
- Calculus (Differential & Integral)
- Statistics & Probability
- Vector Algebra
Paper 2: GAT – General Ability Test (600 Marks)
This one is actually in two parts. Here:
Part A – English (200 Marks)
Includes:
- Grammar
- Vocabulary
- Comprehension
- Error spotting
- Sentence ordering
Part B – General Knowledge (400 Marks)
Covers everything from:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- General Science
- History
- Geography
- Current Affairs