UPSC NDA & NA (II) 2025 Notification Released: Apply Online for 406 Vacancies in Army, Navy & Air Force

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the notification for the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA) Examination (II), 2025. This prestigious recruitment drive aims to select candidates for admission into the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the NDA’s 156th course and the 118th Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC), both scheduled to commence on 1st July 2026.

Aspiring candidates eager to serve the nation can now apply online. This detailed guide covers everything you need to know about the UPSC NDA & NA (II) 2025 exam — including vacancies, eligibility, age criteria, educational qualifications, application process, important dates, and direct application links.

---

Overview of UPSC NDA & NA (II) 2025 Exam

• Exam Name: National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (II), 2025

• Conducted By: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

• Total Vacancies: 406

• Mode of Application: Online

• Monthly Stipend During Training: ₹56,100

• Selection Process: Written Examination, SSB Interview, Medical Examination

• Official Website: upsc.gov.in

---

UPSC NDA & NA (II) 2025: Vacancy Breakdown

The total of 406 vacancies are distributed as follows:

---

Eligibility Criteria for UPSC NDA & NA (II) 2025

Nationality

Candidates must be:

• Indian citizens, or

• Subjects of Nepal, or

• Persons of Indian origin who have migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, and East African countries (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia) or Vietnam with the intent to settle permanently in India.

Note: Candidates other than Indian citizens (except Gorkha subjects of Nepal) must possess a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India.

Age Limit

• Candidates must be born between 1st January 2007 and 1st January 2010.

• The date of birth must match the details in the Matriculation/Secondary School Certificate or equivalent records.

• No change in DOB will be permitted once the application is submitted.

Marital Status

• Only unmarried male and female candidates are eligible.

• Candidates must remain unmarried during the entire training period at the NDA/NA.

Educational Qualifications

• Army Wing of NDA: Passed 12th Class (10+2 pattern) or equivalent from a recognized board or university.

• Air Force and Navy Wings of NDA and 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at INA: 12th Class pass with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics or equivalent.

Candidates appearing in the 12th standard are also eligible to apply but must produce proof of passing by 10th June 2026.

Physical and Medical Standards

Applicants must be physically fit according to prescribed medical standards:

• Vision Standards: 6/6 in better eye and 6/9 in worse eye (Flying Branch candidates).

• Dental Standards: Minimum of 14 dental points.

• General Health: No chronic illnesses like anaemia, squint, color blindness, or hereditary conditions.

• LASIK Surgery: Candidates with LASIK surgery must have a post-operative corneal thickness of ≥450 microns and must have completed at least 12 months since the surgery.

Female candidates will also undergo gynecological examinations.

Candidates who have previously resigned or been withdrawn on disciplinary grounds from any of the training academies are ineligible.

---

UPSC NDA & NA (II) 2025: Selection Process

The selection will be conducted in three stages:

1. Written Examination

• Date: 14th September 2025

• Mode: Offline (Pen and Paper)

• Duration: 5 hours (2.5 hours each paper)

• Subjects:

  • Mathematics: 300 marks

  • General Ability Test (GAT): 600 marks

• Language: Bilingual (English and Hindi)

• Negative Marking: Applicable for wrong answers.

• Qualifying Marks: To be decided by UPSC.

2. SSB Interview

• Marks: 900 marks

• Phases:

  • Stage 1: Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test and Picture Perception & Discussion Test (PP&DT).

  • Stage 2: Psychology Tests, Group Testing Officer Tasks, Interview, and Conference.

Candidates opting for the Air Force may also undergo the Computerized Pilot Selection System (CPSS) test.

Tentative Dates: December 2025 – January 2026.

3. Medical Examination

Candidates who clear the SSB Interview will be subjected to a detailed medical examination as per the standards mentioned in Appendix-III of the notification.

Final Merit List

The final merit list will be prepared based on the combined marks obtained in the Written Examination and the SSB Interview. Separate merit lists will be created for male and female candidates. Allocation of services will be done as per candidate preferences and availability of vacancies.

---

Application Fee Details

• General/OBC/EWS Candidates: ₹100/-

• SC/ST/Female Candidates: Exempted from paying the fee.

• Wards of JCOs/NCOs/ORs: No fee (subject to submission of a valid certificate from the principal of a Military/Sainik School).

Payment Mode: Online via Debit/Credit Card, UPI, or Net Banking.

Note: Fee once paid is non-refundable.

---

How to Apply for UPSC NDA & NA (II) 2025

Eligible candidates can submit their applications online through the UPSC Online Application Portal. Follow the steps below:

1. Registration:

   • Register on the new UPSC portal by creating a universal account. The old OTR (One-Time Registration) is no longer valid.

2. Filling the Application Form:

   • Complete the NDA/NA (II) 2025 specific module.

   • Upload required documents: Date of Birth Proof, 12th Certificate/Marksheet, Photo ID (Aadhaar recommended).

3. Service Preferences:

   • Indicate service preferences among Army, Navy, Air Force, and Naval Academy.

4. Application Fee Payment:

   • Pay the applicable fee online.

5. Final Submission:

   • Review and submit the application form. Corrections/withdrawals are not allowed post-submission.

6. Admit Card:

   • Download the e-Admit Card from the UPSC website approximately 7 days before the examination.

Important: Candidates must carry a valid Photo ID (Aadhaar, Voter ID, PAN Card, Passport) during the examination and SSB Interview.

For any assistance, candidates can contact the UPSC Helpline at 011-24041001 (Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM) or email upscsoap@nic.in.

---

Key Highlights of UPSC NDA & NA (II) 2025

• Vacancies Open for Both Male and Female Candidates

• Attractive Monthly Stipend During Training: ₹56,100

• Career Opportunity in Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force

• Separate Vacancy Reservation for Women in All Services

• Transparent and Rigorous Selection Process

---

Direct Links for Easy Access

• Download UPSC NDA (II) 2025 Notification PDF

• Apply Online for NDA (II) 2025

• Visit UPSC Official Website

---

Conclusion

The UPSC NDA & NA (II) 2025 examination offers an exceptional opportunity for young and dynamic individuals to embark on a prestigious career in India’s defense services. With a total of 406 vacancies, including dedicated slots for female candidates, this is an excellent chance to serve the nation with pride and honor.

Candidates are advised to apply well before the closing date and start preparing for both the written examination and SSB interview diligently. Stay updated with official notifications and ensure compliance with all eligibility and medical standards for a smooth selection process.

Start your journey toward a career of valor and discipline — Apply Now!