The National Defence Academy (NDA) II 2025 exam, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), is the gateway to a prestigious career in the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force. Scheduled for September 14, 2025, this exam offers admission to the 156th NDA Course and the 118th Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC), commencing in July 2026. With 406 vacancies announced, it’s a prime opportunity for 12th-pass aspirants to secure a spot at the NDA in Pune, where future officers are forged through rigorous training.
The notification was released on May 28, 2025, with applications closing on June 17, 2025. Admit cards were issued on September 4, 2025, and results are expected in late October. Building on our recent CDS II 2025 guide, this article covers eligibility, syllabus, exam pattern, preparation tips, and why NDA outshines civil services for defence enthusiasts. If you’re dreaming of leading from the front, this is your call to action—start prepping today!
Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply for NDA II 2025?
UPSC sets clear standards to ensure only the fittest join the armed forces. Meeting these is the first step—check before applying.
- Nationality: Indian citizen, or subject of Bhutan/Nepal, Tibetan refugee (pre-1962), or Indian-origin migrant from specified countries.
- Age Limit: Born between July 2, 2006, and July 1, 2009 (16.5-19.5 years as of July 1, 2026). Unmarried males only.
- Educational Qualification:
- Army Wing: 12th Class pass or appearing from a recognized board.
- Air Force/Navy Wings: 12th Class pass with Physics and Mathematics, or appearing.
- Physical Standards: Minimum height 157 cm (relaxable for certain regions); no major disabilities. Medical exam post-SSB.
- Number of Attempts: Unmarried males only; no limit specified, but age restricts to one cycle.
| Wing | Age (as on July 1, 2026) | Education | Physical Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Army | 16.5-19.5 years | 12th Pass/Appearing | Height 157 cm min. |
| Air Force | 16.5-19.5 years | 12th with Physics & Maths | Vision 6/6, no color blindness. |
| Naval | 16.5-19.5 years | 12th with Physics & Maths | Height 157 cm, chest 81 cm. |
For full details, refer to the UPSC notification PDF. Unlike CDS, NDA targets school-leavers, making it ideal for early entry.
Exam Pattern and Syllabus: What to Expect
The NDA II 2025 exam is offline (pen-paper), lasting 5 hours total, with 900 marks. It has two papers: Mathematics (300 marks) and General Ability Test (GAT, 600 marks). Negative marking: -1/3 for wrong answers.
- Mathematics Paper: 2.5 hours, 120 questions (Class 11-12 level).
- Topics: Algebra (30%), Matrices/Determinants (10%), Trigonometry (20%), Analytical Geometry (15%), Differential Calculus (15%), Integral Calculus (10%), Vector Algebra (5%).
- GAT Paper: 2.5 hours, 150 questions (English + GK).
- English (200 marks): Grammar, vocabulary, comprehension.
- GK (400 marks): Physics (25%), Chemistry (15%), General Science (10%), History (20%), Geography (20%), Current Events (25%).
- SSB Interview: Post-written exam, 900 marks (psychology, group tasks, interview).
| Paper | Duration | Marks | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 2.5 hours | 300 | Algebra, Trig, Calculus, Geometry, Vectors, Stats. |
| GAT (English) | 2.5 hours | 200 | Grammar, Synonyms, Comprehension, Idioms. |
| GAT (GK) | Included | 400 | Physics, Chemistry, History, Geography, Current Affairs. |
Syllabus PDF available on upsc.gov.in. Compared to CDS, NDA emphasizes Maths more, suiting science students.
Preparation Tips: Ace NDA II 2025 with a Smart Plan
With the exam on September 14, 2025, and results pending, focus on SSB prep if qualified. For future cycles, here’s a 3-month roadmap:
- Month 1: Build Foundations
- Maths: Solve 50 questions/day from NCERT Class 11-12 + RS Aggarwal. Focus on weak areas like calculus (20% weightage).
- English: Read The Hindu editorials; practice 20 vocab words/day.
- GK: Cover Lucent GK + current affairs (Pratiyogita Darpan). Dedicate 1 hour/day to physics/history.
- Month 2: Practice & Mock Tests
- Take 2 full mocks/week (Arihant/Pathfinder books). Time yourself—aim for 80% accuracy.
- GAT: Solve previous 10 years’ papers; focus on current events (e.g., Operation Sindoor, Tejas deliveries).
- Physical: Run 5 km/day; practice yoga for stamina (SSB requires fitness).
- Month 3: SSB & Revision
- SSB: Join a coaching (e.g., Baalnoi Academy) for OIR, PPDT, psych tests. Practice group discussions on defence topics.
- Revision: 1 mock/day; analyze errors. Read “SSB Interview” by NK Natarajan.
- Health: Maintain 7-8 hours sleep; balanced diet for peak performance.
Pro Tip: NDA vs. Civil Services—NDA offers adventure and leadership from age 19, with pay starting at ₹56,100 + perks. Civil services is desk-bound; choose based on passion!
Conclusion: Step Up to NDA II 2025 – Your Defence Journey Begins
NDA II 2025 is more than an exam—it’s a commitment to serve India. With 406 seats and a structured path from written exam to SSB, preparation now pays off in leadership roles. Stay updated on results (late October 2025) and apply for NDA I 2026 (notification December 2025).
What’s Next? Our series continues with “IAF Squadron Strength 2025” next week.
Quiz: Are You NDA II Ready?
Test yourself (answers below):
- NDA II 2025 exam date? (A) June 9 (B) September 14 (C) April 13
- Minimum age for Army Wing? (A) 16.5 years (B) 19 years (C) 21 years
- GAT marks? (A) 300 (B) 600 (C) 900
- SSB duration? (A) 1 day (B) 5 days (C) 10 days
- Vacancies for 2025? (A) 200 (B) 406 (C) 500
Answers: B, A, B, B, B
