The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will soon release the official notification for the National Defence Academy (NDA) & Naval Academy (NA) Examination and Combined Defence Services (CDS) I Exam 2025. These exams are among the most prestigious and sought-after opportunities for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, and other defence services.
Every year, the UPSC conducts the NDA & NA and CDS exams to select eligible candidates for these esteemed positions. This year, the exam notification for 2025 will be released soon on the official UPSC website, upsc.gov.in.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the UPSC NDA & NA and CDS I Exam 2025, including important dates, eligibility criteria, how to apply, and other essential details to guide you through the process.
Overview of UPSC NDA & NA, CDS I Exam 2025
The NDA & NA Exam and CDS Exam are conducted by UPSC to recruit candidates for various positions in the Indian Armed Forces. Here’s a quick overview of both exams:
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Examination Name | UPSC NDA & NA, CDS I Exam 2025 |
| Conducting Authority | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
| Mode of Examination | Offline (Pen and Paper) |
| Examination Dates | To be notified in the official notification |
| Vacancies | Varies each year (typically around 400-500 for NDA & NA, and 300-400 for CDS) |
| Application Process | Online |
| Eligibility | Varies based on the exam (education qualifications, age limit, and nationality) |
| Selection Process | Written Exam, SSB Interview, Medical Exam |
NDA & NA Exam 2025
The NDA & NA Examination is held twice a year, and the 2025 notification will likely include details for both the NDA I and NDA II exams. The NDA is for candidates who wish to join the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, while the NA exam is specifically for candidates applying for the Indian Naval Academy.
Key Details for NDA & NA 2025:
- NDA I 2025 Exam Date: The notification will provide the exact date for the exam, which typically takes place in April.
- NDA II 2025 Exam Date: The second NDA exam is usually held in September each year.
Eligibility for NDA & NA 2025:
- Age Limit:
- For NDA I: Candidates must be between 16.5 to 19.5 years of age on the 1st of January of the exam year.
- For NDA II: Candidates must be between 16.5 to 19.5 years of age on the 1st of July of the exam year.
- Educational Qualification:
- For Army Wing: Candidates must have passed Class 12 or equivalent from a recognized board.
- For Air Force and Navy: Candidates must have passed Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics.
- Nationality:
- Must be an Indian citizen, a subject of Nepal, or a subject of Bhutan. Candidates from Tibet or other regions can apply if they meet specific conditions.
Exam Pattern for NDA & NA 2025:
| Subject | Duration | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 2.5 hours | 300 |
| General Ability Test | 2.5 hours | 600 |
| Total | 5 hours | 900 |
Note: The General Ability Test includes topics such as English, Physics, Chemistry, General Knowledge, and Geography.
CDS I Exam 2025
The Combined Defence Services (CDS) I Exam is another prestigious examination conducted by UPSC for candidates who wish to join the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA). The CDS I exam is typically held in February each year.
Key Details for CDS I 2025:
- CDS I 2025 Exam Date: The notification will provide the exact date for the exam, usually held in February.
Eligibility for CDS I 2025:
- Age Limit:
- For IMA: Candidates must be between 19 to 24 years of age.
- For INA: Candidates must be between 19 to 22 years of age.
- For AFA: Candidates must be between 20 to 24 years of age.
- For OTA: Candidates must be between 19 to 25 years of age.
- Educational Qualification:
- For IMA: Candidates must have a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university.
- For INA: Candidates must have a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering from a recognized university.
- For AFA: Candidates must have a Bachelor’s Degree with Physics and Mathematics at the 12th level or a degree in Engineering.
- For OTA: Candidates must have a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university.
- Nationality:
- Must be an Indian citizen, or a subject of Nepal, Bhutan, or a Tibetan refugee who has settled in India.
Exam Pattern for CDS I 2025:
| Subject | Duration | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English | 2 hours | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 2 hours | 100 |
| Elementary Mathematics | 2 hours | 100 |
| Total | 6 hours | 300 |
Note: Candidates applying for the OTA do not need to appear for the Elementary Mathematics paper.
How to Apply for UPSC NDA & NA, CDS I Exam 2025?
Candidates interested in applying for the UPSC NDA & NA, CDS I Exam 2025 must submit their application online through the official UPSC website upsc.gov.in.
Steps to Apply:
- Visit the Official Website: Go to upsc.gov.in and click on the “Online Application” link under the “What’s New” section.
- Register for an Account: If you are a new user, you will need to create an account by providing basic information.
- Fill the Application Form: Provide all required details such as personal information, educational qualifications, and preferences for examination centers.
- Pay the Application Fee: The application fee for the NDA & NA and CDS exams can be paid online or offline.
- Submit the Application: Once all details are filled out correctly, submit your application.
- Print the Confirmation Page: After submission, take a printout of the application form for future reference.
Application Fee:
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General/OBC | Rs. 100 |
| SC/ST/Females | No Fee |
Important Dates for UPSC NDA & NA, CDS I Exam 2025:
| Event | Tentative Date |
|---|---|
| Release of Official Notification | December 2024 |
| Last Date for Application | January 2025 |
| NDA & NA Exam Date (I) | April 2025 |
| CDS I Exam Date | February 2025 |
Conclusion
The release of the UPSC NDA & NA, CDS I Exam 2025 notification marks the beginning of the recruitment process for thousands of aspirants aiming to serve in the Indian Armed Forces. Candidates must keep a close eye on the official UPSC website, upsc.gov.in, for the official notification, detailed syllabus, and other updates.
The UPSC exams require thorough preparation, so it is important to start early, stay disciplined, and understand the exam pattern. All the best to those preparing for this prestigious examination!