The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy (NDA & NA) Examination (II), 2025, with a total of 406 vacancies. This recruitment provides an opportunity to join the Army, Navy, or Air Force as a commissioned officer. Selected candidates will train at NDA Khadakwasla (Pune) or the Naval Academy (Ezhimala, Kerala) and be commissioned after completion of training. Students who have completed or are appearing for the 12th standard (or equivalent) are eligible to apply.
The application period is open until 17 June 2025. Applicants must meet eligibility criteria and prepare for a rigorous selection process that includes a written examination and the SSB interview. Below, key details are provided, including important dates, eligibility criteria, application steps, the selection process, and FAQs for NDA II Recruitment 2025.
UPSC NDA II Recruitment 2025
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | NDA & NA Examination (II), 2025 |
| Total Vacancies | 406 |
| Notification Release | 29 May 2025 |
| Application Start Date | 28 May 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 17 June 2025 (till 11:59 PM) |
| Application Fee | ₹100 (General/OBC) |
| Fee Exemption | SC/ST/Female/Wards of JCOs/NCOs/ORs |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
| Application Link | Click Here to Apply |
Key Highlights
- Total Vacancies: 406 posts in NDA II Recruitment 2025, covering the Army, Navy, Air Force, and the Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet entry).
- Eligibility: Unmarried candidates (both male and female) meeting the age, nationality, and educational requirements.
- Application Deadline: Apply online by 17 June 2025 (per UPSC notification).
- Training & Stipend: Cadets train at NDA Khadakwasla or the Naval Academy, receiving a stipend of ₹56,100 per month during training. After commissioning, officers receive a service salary starting at Level 10.
- Service Opportunity: Candidates are trained and commissioned as officers in the Army, Navy, or Air Force to serve the nation.
- Gender Inclusion: NDA II 2025 is open to female candidates as well, following recent policy changes.
- Career Path: NDA training prepares officers for advancement, pension benefits, and job security in the armed forces.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet these criteria to apply for UPSC NDA II Recruitment 2025:
- Educational Qualification: Army Wing (NDA) – 12th pass (10+2) or equivalent; Air Force & Naval Wings (NDA / Naval Academy) – 12th pass with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM).
- Age Limit: Born between 02 January 2007 and 01 January 2010.
- Marital Status: Unmarried at the time of application.
Vacancy Breakdown
| Wing | Total Posts | Female Candidates |
|---|---|---|
| NDA (Army) | 208 | 10 |
| NDA (Navy) | 42 | 5 |
| NDA (Air Force – Flying) | 92 | 2 |
| NDA (Air Force – Ground Duties Tech) | 18 | 2 |
| NDA (Air Force – Ground Duties Non-Tech) | 10 | 2 |
| Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry) | 36 | 4 |
Salary & Benefits
- Training Stipend: During training at NDA or the Naval Academy, cadets receive ₹56,100 per month (Level 10 pay).
- Post-Commission Salary: After commissioning, officers start at Level 10 pay (basic pay ₹56,100 to ₹1,77,500 per month, plus allowances).
- Promotions: Officers advance in rank over time, with pay scales rising up to Level 18. The Apex Scale (Level 18) is fixed at ₹2,50,000 per month for the highest positions.
- Other Allowances: Additional benefits include Dearness Allowance, uniform allowance, field/risk allowances, military service pay, and field area allowances.
- Insurance & Medical: Group insurance during training and service; free medical facilities for officers and their dependents.
- Retirement Benefits: Pension and retirement benefits are provided after completion of service.
These benefits ensure financial security and support for those who serve in the defense forces.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | 29 May 2025 |
| Online Application Starts | 28 May 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 17 June 2025 |
| Exam Date (Tentative) | September 2025 |
Selection Process
- Written Examination: Two papers (Mathematics and General Ability).
- SSB Interview: Personality and intelligence tests conducted by the Services Selection Board.
- Medical Examination: Must meet the physical and medical standards of the armed forces.
- Final Merit List: Based on performance in the written exam and SSB interview.
How to Apply
- Visit the UPSC official website (upsc.gov.in).
- Click the “NDA & NA II 2025” link in the recruitment section.
- Register with your details (create an account if needed).
- Fill the application form, upload required documents, and pay the application fee (₹100 for general category; SC/ST and children of JCOs/NCOs/ORs are exempt).
- Submit the form and save or print the confirmation page for your records.
Apply by 17 June 2025 to complete your submission on time. NDA II Recruitment 2025 offers a disciplined career path in the defense services.
Why Apply to NDA II 2025
- Entry into the Indian Armed Forces as a commissioned officer.
- Structured military training and leadership development.
- Open to both male and female candidates.
- Financial stability through salary, allowances, and career benefits.
- Serving the nation with pride and respect.
FAQs – UPSC NDA II Recruitment 2025
Q1. What is the UPSC NDA II Recruitment 2025 about?
It is a national-level examination by UPSC to recruit candidates for the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of NDA and the Naval Academy 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme.
Q2. How many vacancies are announced for NDA II 2025?
A total of 406 vacancies across NDA and the Naval Academy have been announced for the 2025 session.
Q3. What is the last date to apply for NDA II 2025?
The last date to submit the online application is 17 June 2025.
Q4. When will the NDA II 2025 written exam be held?
The written exam is scheduled (tentatively) for September 2025.
Q5. Can girls apply for NDA II 2025?
Yes. Following recent court orders, female candidates can apply if they meet the eligibility criteria.
Q6. What is the age limit for NDA II 2025?
Candidates must be born between 02 January 2007 and 01 January 2010.
Q7. What educational qualifications are required for NDA II 2025?
For the Army wing, candidates must have passed (or be appearing in) Class 12. For the Air Force and Navy wings, candidates must have passed Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics.
Q8. Is there any application fee for NDA II Recruitment 2025?
Yes. The fee is ₹100 for general category candidates. SC/ST candidates and children of JCOs/NCOs/ORs are exempt.
Q9. How do I apply for NDA II Recruitment 2025?
Apply online through the official UPSC website. Complete both Part I and Part II of the registration.
Q10. What is the selection process for NDA II 2025?
The process includes a written exam followed by the SSB (Services Selection Board) interview and a medical examination.
Q11. Is there negative marking in the NDA written exam?
Yes. For each incorrect answer, one-third of the marks for that question are deducted.
Q12. What physical standards are required for NDA II 2025?
Candidates must meet the specified height, vision, and general health standards defined by UPSC guidelines.
Q13. Can I choose my preferred service (Army, Navy, Air Force) while applying?
Yes. Candidates can indicate their preference in the application, but final service allocation depends on merit and available vacancies.
Q14. Will I get a call letter for the SSB interview after clearing the written exam?
Shortlisted candidates will receive call-up letters for SSB interviews via the official UPSC portal or registered email.
Q15. Where can I check updates or results for NDA II 2025?
All updates, including admit cards and results, will be published on the official UPSC website (upsc.gov.in).
Conclusion
UPSC NDA II Recruitment 2025 is an important opportunity to join the Indian Armed Forces. With 406 vacancies across the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Naval Academy, it offers a competitive path to become a commissioned officer. The process involves rigorous selection and training but also provides long-term career benefits, including promotions, pension, and job security.
If you are eligible and prepared, apply by 17 June 2025. Start your application on the official UPSC website and begin your journey toward a career in the defense services.
BuzzIndie – Your ultimate guide to defense and government job opportunities.