UPSC NDA/NA I 2025 – Notification, Syllabus, Eligibility & Exam Pattern

Nationality

A candidate must be a citizen of India, or subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or Tibetan refugee (arrived before Jan 1962) or person of Indian origin who migrated from specified countries with intention of permanently settling in India as per UPSC notification.

Educational Qualification

For NDA: 12th Class pass of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent examination conducted by a State Education Board or a University. For NA: same educational requirement plus specified medical & physical standards for naval training.

Age Limit

Candidates must be unmarried and typically between 16.5 to 19.5 years (exact dates in notification). Example: Born not earlier than 2nd Jan 2006 and not later than 1st July 2009 — check the notification for the correct cut-off.

Other Conditions

• Candidates must be physically fit according to physical standards given in the NDA/NA Rules.
• Marital status: Unmarried at the time of application.

Always verify exact birth date windows and special relaxations (if any) from the official UPSC NDA/NA I 2025 notification PDF.

UPSC NDA/NA written exam consists of two papers — Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT). Both are objective (MCQ) and written on the same day in two separate sessions.

Total Marks (Written): 900. Shortlisted candidates after written exam are called for SSB interviews which add to the final merit.

Mathematics

Algebra, Matrices & Determinants, Trigonometry, Analytical Geometry, Differential Calculus, Integral Calculus, Vector Algebra, Statistics & Probability, Mensuration, Complex Numbers and sequences & series.

General Ability Test (GAT)

GAT is divided into two parts:

Questions often test clarity of basic concepts of 10+2 level. Emphasize NCERT-level understanding and regular current affairs for the GK component.

Shortlisted candidates from the written exam are called for SSB (Services Selection Board) — an extensive five-day assessment of personality, intelligence, leadership, and physical fitness. SSB comprises two stages: Stage I (Officer Intelligence Rating and Picture Perception & Description Test) and Stage II (Psychological tests, Group Testing Officer tasks, Personal Interview).

SSB Stages

• Day 1–2: Stage I tests (shortlisting for Stage II)
• Day 2–5: Stage II — Psychological Tests, GTO Tasks, Personal Interview
• Conference & final recommendation (After all tests)

Recommended prep: practice picture perception, group tasks, mock interviews, physical activities (running, push-ups, pull-ups), and honest self-reflection—SSB evaluates personality over time, not just knowledge.

General Fitness

Candidates must be physically fit as per physical standards for admission to NDA & NA. Standards cover vision, hearing, orthopedics, and general health. Some disqualifications are color blindness, certain cardiac conditions, and severe myopia (check PDF for specifics).

Height & Weight

Minimum height and proportional weight requirements vary; different services may have slightly different norms. Keep fitness logs and prior medical records handy.

Note: Final medical is done by Service Medical Boards. Ensure honest disclosure of medical history to avoid later disqualification.

1. Visit UPSC Online (https://upsconline.nic.in) and open the NDA/NA I 2025 application link.
2. Register with a valid mobile number and email.
3. Fill the online application; select examination center & exam (NDA/NA I).
4. Upload scanned photograph and signature as per specified dimensions and format.
5. Pay the application fee (if applicable) and submit.
6. Download and print the confirmation page for records; keep extra passport photos for SSB when required.

Keep original certificates ready for later stages — DOB proof, 12th marksheet/ passing certificate, and ID proof (Aadhaar, passport, etc.).

A balanced study plan combining rigorous Physics/Maths practice and daily current affairs reading for GAT is the key. Work on accuracy for MCQs and stamina for long exam durations and SSB physical tasks.

Practice previous years’ NDA papers, time yourself, and develop elimination techniques for MCQs. For SSB, join mock SSB workshops if available and practice group tasks and personal interview communication.

• NCERT Mathematics & Physics (Class 11–12)
• Mathematics: R.D. Sharma (selective practice)
• Physics: H.C. Verma – Concepts of Physics (Vol 1 & 2)
• Objective GAT: Arihant / Pratiyogita Darpan practice books
• Previous Year NDA solved papers collections
• SSB preparation: Books on GTO tasks, Picture Perception & Interview
• Newspapers: The Hindu / Indian Express & monthly current affairs digests
• Online mock test series & NDA-specific coaching portals