NDA & NA (II) 2025 PYQ PDF Links
The National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA) Examination is one of the most prestigious exams conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to recruit you are into the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force wings.
Through this exam, you can gain direct entry into the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla and the Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala. The NDA & NA (II) 2025 notification has been released, and you are dreaming of donning the uniform must begin preparation with discipline and focus.
This article from Exam Guru provides everything you need — notification details, exam pattern, subject-wise syllabus, preparation strategy, and official PYQ download links.
NDA & NA (II) 2025 Notification Overview
According to UPSC’s official announcement, the NDA & NA (II) 2025 exam will be conducted in September 2025.
Key Details
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (II), 2025 |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Notification Release | 28 May 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 17 June 2025 (till 6 PM) |
| Exam Date | 14 September 2025 |
| Mode of Exam | Offline (Pen & Paper – OMR) |
| Total Papers | 2 – Mathematics & General Ability Test (GAT) |
| Total Marks | 900 (300 + 600) |
| Official Website | https://upsc.gov.in |
You can apply through https://upsconline.nic.in before the deadline.
Eligibility Criteria
To appear for NDA & NA (II) 2025, you must meet the following requirements.
Nationality
- Must be an Indian citizen, or
- A subject of Nepal or Bhutan, or
- A Tibetan refugee settled in India before 1 Jan 1962.
Educational Qualification
| Wing | Qualification |
|---|---|
| Army Wing (NDA) | Passed or appearing in 12th Class from a recognized board. |
| Air Force & Naval Wings (NDA) / 10+2 Cadet Entry (INA) | Must have studied Physics and Mathematics in 12th. |
Age Limit
- You must be born between 2 January 2006 and 1 January 2009 (approx 16½ – 19½ years).
- No age relaxation for any category.
Gender
- Both male and female candidates are eligible (as per current policy).
Physical Standards
- You must meet prescribed physical and medical standards.
- No tattoos (except specific cultural permissions), good eyesight, height ≥ 157 cm (Males).
NDA & NA (II) 2025 Exam Pattern
The NDA written exam tests mathematical aptitude, reasoning, English, and general knowledge.
Exam Structure
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Mathematics | 300 | 2 ½ hours |
| Paper II | General Ability Test (GAT) | 600 | 2 ½ hours |
| Total | 900 | — |
- Mode: Offline (OMR)
- Medium: English & Hindi (except English section)
- Negative Marking: –⅓ for each wrong answer
GAT Paper Division
| Section | Topics | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Part A | English (Grammar, Vocabulary, Comprehension) | 200 |
| Part B | General Knowledge (Physics, Chemistry, History, Geography, Current Affairs) | 400 |
NDA & NA (II) 2025 Syllabus
Let’s break it down subject-wise.
A. Mathematics (300 Marks)
| Unit | Topics |
|---|---|
| Algebra | Sets, Relations, Complex Numbers, Quadratic Equations, Sequences & Series |
| Matrices & Determinants | Properties, Inverse, Applications |
| Trigonometry | Identities, Heights & Distances, Inverse Trig Functions |
| Analytical Geometry | Lines, Circles, Parabola, Ellipse, Hyperbola |
| Differential Calculus | Limits, Continuity, Differentiation, Maxima & Minima |
| Integral Calculus | Definite/Indefinite Integrals, Area under Curves |
| Vector Algebra | Scalar/Vector Products, Applications |
| Statistics & Probability | Mean, Median, Mode, Variance, Basic Probability |
| Arithmetic | Percentages, Ratio & Proportion, Profit & Loss, Time & Work, SI & CI |
Recommended Books:
- Mathematics for NDA & NA – RS Aggarwal
- Pathfinder for NDA & NA (Arihant)
- NCERT Class 11-12 Maths for basics
B. General Ability Test (GAT) – 600 Marks
Part A – English (200 Marks)
Tests grammar, usage, vocabulary, comprehension, sentence correction, and word meanings.
Topics Covered:
- Grammar & Usage
- Synonyms / Antonyms
- Spotting Errors
- Fill in the Blanks
- Para Jumbles
- Reading Comprehension
- Idioms & Phrases
Preparation Tips:
- Read The Hindu or Indian Express daily.
- Practice 2-3 comprehension passages daily.
- Revise grammar via SP Bakshi’s Objective English.
Part B – General Knowledge (400 Marks)
Covers basic sciences, social sciences, and current events.
| Subject | Focus Areas |
|---|---|
| Physics | Motion, Newton’s Laws, Energy, Electricity, Optics, Thermodynamics |
| Chemistry | Elements, Compounds, Acids & Bases, Atomic Structure |
| Biology | Human Body, Reproduction, Nutrition, Genetics |
| History | Indian Freedom Movement, Mughal Period, British Rule, Post-Independence |
| Geography | Physical Features of India, Climate, Rivers, Earth Structure |
| Polity | Constitution, Fundamental Rights, Parliament, Judiciary |
| Economy | Budget, Schemes, Inflation, GDP |
| Current Affairs | Awards, Sports, Defence Exercises, International Events |
Recommended Sources:
- Lucent’s General Knowledge
- Manorama Yearbook 2025
- NCERT Books (6–10) for Science & Social Science
- Exam Guru Daily Current Affairs Section
Previous Year Question Papers (PYQs) – Official Download Links
Practicing PYQs is crucial. It reveals question trends, improves speed, and helps you predict topics.
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| General Ability Test | Click Here |
| Mathematics | Click Here |
Tip: Upload these PYQs on Exam Guru as separate posts for Mathematics and GAT sections – it improves SEO and user engagement.
Preparation Strategy & 3-Month Timetable
Phase 1 (Weeks 1-4): Foundation
- Cover NCERT Maths basics and formulas.
- Revise English grammar rules daily.
- Read current affairs for 30 minutes/day.
- Attempt 1 PYQ paper weekly.
Phase 2 (Weeks 5-8): Practice & Speed
- Solve Maths problem sets from Pathfinder.
- Attempt GK mock quizzes daily.
- Practice comprehension & error spotting.
- Maintain a mistake journal for revision.
Phase 3 (Weeks 9-12): Mock Tests & Revision
- Attempt alternate day full-length mocks.
- Analyse results and note weak areas.
- Revise formula sheets and static GK.
- Focus on accuracy & speed balance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Guessing answers randomly (negative marking hurts)
Ignoring English grammar — it is a scoring section
Relying only on coaching notes — revise PYQs
Neglecting physical fitness — you need it for SSB
Focus on concepts over rote memorization.
Revise formulas and definitions frequently.
After Written Exam – SSB Interview Process
After clearing the written test, candidates face the SSB Interview, which includes:
Stage I: Screening – Intelligence Test + Picture Perception Test
Stage II: Psychological Test, Group Tasks & Personal Interview
Medical Exam: Fitness, Vision, Posture, Stamina tests
Tip: Prepare for SSB parallelly – focus on communication, confidence, and current defence news.
Expected Cut-Off & Selection Advice
- Previous year overall cut-off ranges between 350 – 370 marks (out of 900).
- Minimum qualifying marks in each subject ≈ 25%.
- Target 400 + marks to be safe for SSB shortlisting.
- Accuracy is key: attempt only what you’re sure about.
Summary Table
| Section | Marks | Duration | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 300 | 2.5 hours | Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Calculus, Probability |
| GAT (English + GK) | 600 | 2.5 hours | Grammar, Vocabulary, Science, History, Current Affairs |
| Total | 900 Marks | 5 Hours Total | — |
Negative Marking: –⅓ for each wrong answer.
Official Links:
| General Ability Test | Click Here |
| Mathematics | Click Here |
Final Words
The NDA & NA (II) 2025 exam is not just a test of knowledge — it is a test of discipline, focus and determination. A career in the Indian Armed Forces brings honour, respect and an opportunity to serve the nation.
Start your preparation today, use PYQs for practice, take mock tests, stay physically fit and mentally resilient.
Your dream of becoming an officer in the Army, Navy or Air Force is within reach — all you need is consistency and the right strategy.
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