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NDA 2 Exam 2025 - Answer key, Cutoff, Result, Question Paper
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About NDA 2025
Union Public Service Commission will soon release the NDA 2 admit card 2025 at upsc.gov.in. The NDA 2025 application correction window was available from July 7 to 9, 2025 for candidate who wish to make corrections in the application form.The UPSC NDS 2 exam 2025 is scheduled to be held on September 14, 2025. Candidates were able to submit the UPSC NDA application form form May 28 to June 20, 2025 (Extended date). The commission released the NDA 2 notification 2025 on May 28, 2025 on the official website.
Before applying for the NDA 2 exam, candidates need to make sure they meet the eligibility criteria. As per the NDA 2025 eligibility criteria, all 12th-passed candidates between 16.5 to 19.5 years can apply for the examination. General category applicants need to pay the application fee of Rs. 100. However, SC/ST, female candidates and other reserved category candidates are exempted from paying the NDA 2 application fee.
What is the NDA exam?
The NDA exam is conducted twice every year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in April and September. The NDA recruitment exam 2025 is conducted to induct eligible and qualified applicants as officers in the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. All class 12th passed from a recognised board between the age group of 16.5 to 19.5 years can apply for the UPSC NDA exam. Those who have taken the standard 12th exam and are awaiting results are also eligible to appear for the NDA exam 2025.
The NDA recruitment process as has two stages - a written exam and an SSB interview. The NDA written exam has two papers one of elementary mathematics and the other of general aptitude test (GAT). Both the NDA 2025 papers are conducted in offline mode.
Candidates clearing the written exam will be eligible to appear for the Service Selection Board (SSB) interview which is a 5-day process in which applicants are tested on various parameters to confirm their final candidature before the induction. On clearing the NDA 2025 recruitment process applicants then have to undergo intensive training for the defence service they are selected for before they are deputed to their respective services.
What is the full form of NDA?
The NDA exam full form is National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination. However, it is commonly known and referred to as the NDA exam or UPSC NDA exam. The objective of the NDA exam is to recruit eligible and qualified candidates as officers of the defence safety and security of the country.
Candidates preparing for the NDA exam can check the NDA question papers for their effective preparations. The NDA selection process comprises a written exam followed by an SSB interview and a medical examination. UPSC NDA written exam comprises two papers - Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT). The duration of each test is 2 hours and 30 minutes. The maximum mark allotted to the written exam is 900. Candidates who clear the written exam will be called for an SSB interview.
NDA vacancies
| Year | National Defence Academy (NDA) | Indian Naval Academy (NA) (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme) | Total |
| NDA I 2025 | 370 | 36 | 406 |
| NDA I 2023 | 370 | 25 | 395 |
| NDA II 2023 | -- | -- | -- |
| NDA I 2022 | 370 | 30 | 400 |
| NDA II 2021 | 370 | 30 | 400 |
| NDA II 2021 | 370 | 43 | 413 |
| NDA I 2020 | 370 | 48 | 418 |
| NDA II 2019 | 370 | 45 | 415 |
| NDA I 2019 | 342 | 50 | 392 |
| NDA II 2018 | 339 | 44 | 383 |
| NDA I 2018 | 360 | 55 | 415 |
| NDA II 2017 | 335 | 55 | 390 |
| NDA I 2017 | 335 | 55 | 390 |
UPSC Contact Details
If candidates face any problem with any aspect of the UPSC IAS exam, they can get in touch with the Union Public Service Commission at the following address, phone number and email.
UNION PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION
Dholpur House,
Shahjahan Road, New Delhi - 110069
Facilitation Counter: 011-23098543 / 23385271 / 23381125 / 23098591
Email: feedback-upsc@gov.in
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NDA 2025 Highlights
| Full Exam Name | National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination |
| Short Exam Name | NDA |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission |
| Frequency Of Conduct | Twice a year |
| Exam Level | Intermediate |
| Exam Duration | 5 Hours |
| No Of Seats | 406 |
NDA Important Dates
NDA National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (session 2025)
The Union Public Service Commission closed the NDA 2 application form on June 20, 2025 (Extended date). The commissin released the NDA 2 application form on May 28, 2025 on the official website. Candidates were able to access the NDA application form correction facility from July 7 to 9, 2025.
Part 1: There are five pages to complete the NDA 2025 Part 1 registration.
- The first page includes basic details like category, father's name, mother’s name, date of birth, and others.
- The second page - Claiming age Relaxation
- The third page - Choosing "Engineering Branch" and Centre for Engineering Services (Main/Stage II) Examination
- Fourth page - Editing and making any changes in the furnished details
- Fifth page - Generation of 'Registration ID'.
After completing part registration, candidates have to complete part 2 of the NDA application process. In NDA registration part 2 candidates need to pay the application fee, they have to choose the preferred exam centre and upload the signature, photograph and document proof as per the specifications.
Details and Documents Required To Fill NDA Application Form 2025
- Scanned image of the photograph and signature
- Aadhar Card
- Visa/Master/Rupay debit or credit card/UPI payment or by using internet banking of any bank.
- Valid email ID
- Active mobile number
- Scanned file of document id proof
Steps To Fill NDA Application Form 2025
Open the UPSC official website - upsc.gov.in.
Click on the ‘Apply Online link’ available on the web page.
Online One-Time Registration (OTR)- If the applicants have not completed the One Time Registration, They have to complete it by providing some basic details like personal and contact details.
Login by using valid login credentials Email ID and OTP/Password or Mobile number and OTP/Password or OTR ID and OTP/Password.
Candidates have to fill the UPSC NDA 2 2025 application form in two parts which includes fee payment, uploading of scanned documents, signature, photo identity card document, selection of preferred exam centre and agreeing to the declaration.
Check all the details furnished in the UPSC NDA 2 application form 2025 thoroughly and edit the details if needed.
After submission, a registration number will be generated. Candidates can download it as a pdf file and take a printout for future reference.
The Union Public Service Commission prescribed the NDA eligibility criteria 2025 in the official notification. Candidates must check the NDA eligibility before filling the NDA examination form. NDA exam 2025 eligibility criteria comprise various factors like Nationality, age limit, educational qualification, marital status, and others. They can check more details about NDA eligibility from the table given below.
NDA Eligibility Criteria 2025
Parameters | Eligibility Criteria |
Nationality | 1. A Citizen of India 2. A subject of Nepal 3. A subject of Bhutan 4. A Tibetan refugee who moved to India, before January 1, 1962, with the intention of settling here permanently 5. A person of Indian origin who has migrated from the below-specified countries, with the intention of permanently settling in India.
|
Age Limit | 16.5 to 19.5 years for all categories, i.e. there is no age relaxation in the NDA exam |
Educational qualification | For Indian Army - Passed Class 12 from State Education Board or a University For Air Force and Naval - Passed 12th class with Physics and Mathematics from State Education Board or a University |
Marital status | Unmarried |
Gender | Male and Female |
Height | For Army, Navy, and Naval Academy - 157 cm (minimum) For Air Force - 162.5 cm (minimum) |
The NDA 2025 exam pattern contains the stages, sections, mode of exam, duration of exam, marking scheme, etc. Candidates must go through the exam pattern of UPSC NDA 2025 before they start with their preparations. As per NDA exam pattern 2025, the test is conducted in the offline mode. The test has two papers - paper I (Mathematics) and paper II [General Ability Test (GAT)]. The time allotted for each NDA paper is 2 hours and 30 minutes.
In Mathematics, there will be a total of 120 questions while in GAT, there will be a total of 150 questions. The written exam of NDA (Maths and GAT) will be conducted for a total of 900 marks. Candidates qualifying in the written exam will have to appear for the SSB interview round. The SSB Interview will be conducted for a total of 900 marks and will be conducted in a five days process.
NDA exam pattern 2025
Particulars | NDA Written exam | SSB Interview |
Mode | Offline (Pen and Paper) | Offline (Group activities and Face to face interview |
Sections |
|
|
Duration | 5 hours (2 hours 30 minutes for each section) | 5 days |
Total marks | 900 marks | 900 marks |
Total questions | Maths - 120 questions GAT - 150 questions | - |
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Preparation is the key to success for any competitive exam. Thus, one must plan and strategize their preparation to crack NDA 2025 exam. The foremost thing that candidates are concerned about during the NDA exam 2025 preparation is what to study, which study materials to refer to, etc.
Before proceeding with the UPSC NDA preparation tips 2025, candidates must get acquainted with the NDA 2025 exam syllabus and the exam pattern. Some tips and tricks that candidates can follow to prepare for the NDA exam 2025 are -
1. Know the exam pattern and syllabus - Candidates must know exactly what they need to study and what will be the pattern. This will help candidates know the number of papers they have to appear for, marking scheme etc.
2. A study from the best books - They must choose NDA 2025 books which cover all the NDA syllabus of the exam.
3. Prepare and maintain a study schedule - By preparing and maintaining a study plan, candidates will be able to pay an equal time and attention to both the papers, the topics and sub-topics, provided they have allotted sufficient time slot for studying.
4. Solve previous years question papers and mock tests - Candidates can refer to the previous years question papers of NDA to boost their confidence and enhance their problem-solving skills. Along with studying for the exam and solving the previous year's question papers, candidates must also take mock tests regularly to experience the exam-like environment where there will be a time constraints.
The Union Public Service Commission released the UPSC NDA admit card 2025 on September 4, 2025, at upsc.gov.in. Candidates can download the UPSC NDA admit card by using either their exam registration number or roll number and date of birth. The NDA 2025 admit card contains important details like the candidate’s name, the address of the allotted exam centre, date, time of the exam, roll number, category, photograph, signature, etc.
Candidates must carry the NDA hall ticket 2025 to the exam centres on the day of the exam along with a valid original photo ID proof like an Aadhaar Card, Voter ID Card, Driving License, PAN Card, or Passport.
How to download NDA admit card 2025?
To download the admit card of NDA 2025, follow the steps mentioned below:
1st Step: Visit the official website of UPSC.
2nd Step: Click on ‘e-admit cards section.
3rd Step: Select the e-admit card link for NDA admit card 2025.
4th Step: Read the instructions carefully and tick the yes checkbox.
5th Step: Enter registration number (RID)/roll number of NDA, date of birth, and captcha code.
6th Step: Click on download.
7th Step: The screen will then display your admit card of NDA.
Details mentioned on NDA 2025 admit card
The table below contains the details printed on the hall ticket.
NDA admit card details
| Candidates details | Exam details |
Name of candidate | Reporting time |
Date of birth | Examination time |
Roll number | Exam centre and city |
Photograph and signature | Centre code |
Exam date | Photo ID as entered in the application form of NDA |
What to do in case of discrepancy in the NDA admit card 2025?
Candidates must ensure that all the details mentioned on the UPSC NDA 2 admit card are correct. In case of a discrepancy in the NDA 2025 admit card, candidates must contact the examination authorities and get it rectified.
Candidates can send an email at usna-upsc@nic.in and a copy of their NDA admit card along with the application form or can even go in person to the facilitation centre or call up at 011-23385271/ 23381125/ 23098543 (on working days between 10 am to 5 pm).
Documents to carry with NDA admit card
Along with the admit card of NDA 2025, they must carry the following items to the exam centre on the exam day:
- 2 passport size photographs (if required)
Anyone photo id- proof like Driving License, Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID Card
NOTE: It must be noted by the candidates that they will not be allowed to take the test without the admit card of the NDA 2025.
UPSC will release the official NDA answer key 2025 after the NDA recruitment process is over. The NDA 2025 answer key contains the correct answers for all sets of NDA 2025 question paper sets (A, B, C, D) of GAT and Mathematics. However, the unofficial answer key of UPSC NDA 2025 will be released by leading coaching institutes a few hours after the conclusion of the NDA 2025 examination. By going through the NDA answer key, candidates can know the number of correct and incorrect answers and thus calculate their expected scores.
Also read:
- NDA Maths Answer Key
- NDA GAT Answer Key
- NDA Answer Key Cavalier
- NDA Answer Key Baalnoi
- NDA Answer Key Aim and Achieve
- NDA Answer Key Set A, B, C, D
How to download the NDA answer key 2025?
1. Visit the official website- upsc.gov.in
2. Check the Examination tab mentioned on the page and click on the Answer key
3. GAT and Mathematics subject pdf file will be available to download
4. Click on both subject separately to download the answer key of NDA 2025
5. Save the NDA answer key file for future use.
UPSC NDA 2025 Exam Analysis will be updated for both the maths and GAT papers. The exam analysis of NDA includes the section-wise difficulty of the exam and mathematics and GAT paper and the overall difficulty level of the NDA exam 2025. Check the table below to know the previous year's UPSC NDA exam analysis.
UPSC NDA 2023 paper analysis for Mathematics
Subject | Good attempts | Difficulty level |
Mathematics | 46 to 56 | Moderate |
UPSC NDA paper analysis 2023 (GAT)
Subject | Good attempts | Difficulty level |
GAT | 103 to 111 | Moderate |
Union Public Service Commission will release the UPSC NDA 2025 results on their official website at upsc.gov.in. The NDA exam 2025 result PDF contains the roll numbers and names of all qualified candidates. All those who clear the written exam cut off will have to appear for the NDA 2025 SSB Interview for Intelligence and Personality Test.
After conducting the SSB Interview, the examination authority will prepare the final UPSC NDA 2025 merit list. The NDA final merit list is prepared on the basis of marks secured by candidates in the written exam and SSB Interview. Final admission to the NDA and NA academy will be offered to candidates based on their rank in the NDA 2025 merit list.
Steps to check NDA result 2025
Step 1 - Visit the official website - upsc.gov.in.
Step 2 - Search for the NDA result 2025 link and click on it.
Step 3 - The NDA exam result PDF will be displayed.
Step 4 - The NDA 2025 result contains the roll numbers and names of qualified candidates.
Step 5 - Using CTRL+F search for your roll number in the NDA 2025 result list.
Step 6 - Download the NDA exam result 2025 for future reference.
UPSC NDA 2025 Scorecard
Union Public Service Commission releases the scorecard of NDA result 2025 after the completion of the NDA selection process. The scorecard is issued within 15 days from the date of the declaration of the final NDA result. The authorities will release the NDA scorecard which will be available on the UPSC website for 30 days. The scorecard of NDA 2025 exam contains details like candidate’s name, roll number, sectional and overall scores.
Stages of NDA Result 2025
The NDA exam result 2025 is declared in two stages. To know more about the stages of the NDA result check the points below.
- NDA written exam result 2025 - The NDA written exam has two papers - GAT and mathematics. Both the papers together are of 900 marks. Those clearing the NDA 2025 cutoff marks in the written exam will be called for the SSB interview.
- Final NDA result 2025 - The final NDA exam result is declared after the completion of the SSB interview. The final selection for admission to NDA and NA is based on the NDA written exam and SSB interview.
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) releases the NDA cut off 2025 marks for written exam and final stage together after the recruitment process is over. Candidates must note that the Commission releases the official NDA 2025 cut off after the declaration of the final NDA exam result.
The UPSC NDA cut off is the minimum qualifying marks that the candidate needs to clear a particular stage of the selection process. Candidates have to clear the overall as well as the sectional cut off to be eligible for the next stage of the NDA 2025 exam which will be determined by UPSC.
Factors determining NDA Cut off 2025
- Total number of vacancies
- Number of candidates who appeared for the exam
- The difficulty level of the exam
How check the NDA Cut off 2025?
- Visit the UPSC official website - upsc.gov.in
- Search for the NDA cut off 2025 link and click on it
- The NDA 2025 cut off PDF file will be displayed on the screen.
- Check the NDA category-wise cut off
- Download and save the NDA exam 2025 cut off pdf for future reference.
The NDA selection process 2025 has two stages - the written exam and SSB interview process. On the basis of the marks secured in the written exam, candidates will be called for the next stage of the NDA exam 2025 selection process which is SSB interview process.
Stages of the NDA Selection Process 2025
NDA written exam - The first stage of the NDA selection process is the written exam. UPSC NDA 2025 written exam comprises two papers - Mathematics and GAT. The total marks allotted to NDA written exam is 900. Candidates have to qualify for both papers separately. According to the NDA exam pattern 2025, there is a negative marking in both papers. Those who score marks equal to or more than the NDA 2025 cut off marks are called for the SSB interview.
SSB Interview - Those who clear the NDA written exam 2025 are called for the SSB interview at various selection centres. NDA SSB Interview is a five-day process held at Indian Armed Force selection centres.
NDA SSB selection process
| Stages | Tests |
| Screening | Picture Perception & Discussion Test (PPDT) |
| Psychological Tests | Thematic Apperception Test |
| Group Testing Officers Task (GTO) | Group Discussion |
| Personal Interview | Personal Interview with Officers |
| Conference | It comprises interaction with all board members including GTO, psychologist, board president and others |
Medical examination - Recommended candidates from SSB interview are called for medical examination. In the NDA medical exam, candidates will be tested on various factors like height, weight, physical fitness and others. Candidates declared physically fit in all respects will be Commissioned as Cadets in different academies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who can apply for NDA?
A:
Male candidates who are between 16.5-19.5 years can apply for NDA. These candidates must also clear their 10+2. There are a limited seats for the female candidates.
Q: Can girls apply for NDA?
A:
Yes, girls can also apply for the UPSC NDA exam 2024.
Q: What is the NDA salary?
A:
Candidates who will complete the NDA training will get commissioned as Lieutenant and will get a salary from Rs 56,100 to Rs 1,77, 500 Per Month. During the training period, they will get a stipend of Rs. 56,100. Know more about the NDA 2024 salary here.
Q: Is the NDA exam tough?
A:
Yes, it is a bit tough as the vacancies range between 350-450 and the competition is quite high. However, if candidates prepare for 2024 NDA in a strategize way they can qualify it.
Q: What happens after candidates are shortlisted for NDA 2024 ?
A:
After candidates qualify the UPSC NDA exam, they get into academics to complete their graduation along with the training. Post completing their training, they are recruited as Lieutenant post.
Q: How to prepare for NDA?
A:
To prepare for NDA candidates need to cover the complete syllabus, refer to the previous year question papers of NDA and solve them on a regular basis, they must also read daily current affairs through newspapers, magazines and get daily does of general awareness.
Q: How to join NDA after passing 12th?
A:
You have to fill out the NDA application form on the UPSC official website. Refer to this article for detailed inputs - How to join NDA after passing 12th?
Q: What is the NDA exam?
A:
NDA is an exam conducted by UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) twice a year. This exam is conducted to recruit (10+2 qualified) candidates for officer posts in NDA/NA.
Q: What is the full form of NDA?
A:
NDA stands for National Defence Academy.
Q: How many stages are there in NDA exam?
A:
There are two stages in the NDA exam, one is the written test while the other is the SSB (Services Selection Board)
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