UPSC NDA Exam Pattern

UPSC NDA Pattern

The National Defence Academy (NDA) 2025 exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), responsible for organizing the examination process, issuing notifications, conducting the written test, and announcing results. The exam is held twice a year, offering admission to the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy and the Indian Naval Academy. The NDA 1 exam is scheduled for 13 April 2025, while NDA 2 will be held on 14 September 2025, as per the official UPSC calendar.

The exam is conducted offline (pen- and paper-based), and candidates must use a black ballpoint pen to mark their responses. The NDA exam pattern consists of two main papers: Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT). Each paper lasts 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Mode and Duration

NDA 2025 follows a systematic marking pattern for both papers

Negative Marking

SSB Interview Process

Candidates who successfully qualify in the NDA written examination are invited to appear for the SSB (Services Selection Board) Interview, the next crucial stage in the selection process. The SSB Interview is allotted 900 marks and is vital in assessing a candidate’s overall suitability for a career in the Armed Forces. This stage evaluates multiple aspects of a candidate’s personality and potential through various tests. These include psychological assessments, group discussions, outdoor group activities, personal interviews, and other leadership tasks. The SSB Interview tests intellectual capabilities and focuses on qualities like confidence, teamwork, communication skills, and officer-like qualities (OLQs) essential for defence services.

Language of Question Paper

• The Mathematics paper and Part B of GAT are available in both English and Hindi.
• The English section is available in English only.