The NDA II 2025 exam, conducted by UPSC, is a national-level entrance test for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force after 12th grade. Held twice a year, NDA II is the second opportunity for aspirants to secure a spot in the prestigious National Defence Academy. This article covers the official notification, important dates, exam duration, shift timings, eligibility, and application process to help you prepare efficiently.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | May 28, 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | June 17, 2025 |
| Exam Date | September 14, 2025 |
Exam Time Duration & Shifts
The NDA II 2025 exam will be conducted in two shifts:
| Shift | Paper | Time Slot | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | Mathematics | 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM | 2.5 hours |
| II | General Ability Test | 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM | 2.5 hours |
Each paper is of 2.5 hours duration, totaling 5 hours for the entire examination. The General Ability Test is further divided into two sections: English and General Knowledge.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
- Army Wing: Candidates must have passed the 12th class of the 10+2 pattern of school education or equivalent examination conducted by a State Education Board or a University.
- Air Force and Naval Wings: Candidates must have passed the 12th class of the 10+2 pattern of school education or equivalent with Physics and Mathematics conducted by a State Education Board or a University.
Age Limit
- Only unmarried male candidates born between January 2, 2007, and January 1, 2010, are eligible to apply.
Physical Standards
- Candidates must be physically fit according to the physical standards set by the NDA.
Exam Pattern
The NDA II 2025 exam consists of two papers:
- Mathematics:
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Maximum Marks: 300
- Type: Objective Type (Multiple Choice)
- General Ability Test:
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Maximum Marks: 600
- Sections:
- English (200 marks)
- General Knowledge (400 marks)
The total marks for the written examination are 900. Candidates applying for the Air Force and Naval Wings must also appear for the Intelligence and Personality Test conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB).
Application Fees
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General/OBC | ₹100 |
| SC/ST/Female | Exempt |
Payment can be made online through the UPSC portal using various modes such as credit/debit cards, UPI, or net banking.
How to Apply
- Visit the official UPSC application portal: upsconline.nic.in
- Register for One-Time Registration (OTR) if not already done.
- Fill in the detailed application form for NDA II 2025.
- Upload scanned copies of required documents.
- Pay the application fee.
- Submit the application and take a printout for future reference.
Preparation Tips
- Understand the Syllabus: Thoroughly go through the syllabus for each paper to focus your preparation.
- Practice Previous Year Papers: Solving previous years’ question papers helps in understanding the exam pattern and time management.
- Stay Updated: Regularly read newspapers and current affairs magazines for the General Knowledge paper.
- Time Management: Practice solving questions within the stipulated time to improve speed and accuracy.
- Physical Fitness: Maintain physical fitness as it is crucial for the subsequent SSB interview and medical examination.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ans: Only unmarried male candidates born between January 2, 2007, and January 1, 2010, are eligible to apply.
Ans: Yes, candidates who are in the final year of their 12th class can apply, provided they do not have any backlogs and can submit proof of passing their examination at the time of the interview.
Ans: Yes, there is a penalty for wrong answers. For each wrong answer, one-third of the marks assigned to that question are deducted.
Ans: The selection process consists of:
1. Written Examination
2. SSB Interview
3. Medical Examination
Ans: The admit card will be available for download on the official UPSC website
