Introduction

Gear up, future heroes of India—Mission 2025 is here! The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially rolled out the notifications for NDA-II and CDS-II exams for 2025. For every young Indian dreaming of donning the uniform, serving the motherland, and leading a life of courage, discipline, and honor—this is your moment.

Whether you’re aiming for the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force, these exams are your first step toward that goal. Every year, thousands of determined candidates throw their hats in the ring, but only a few rise through the ranks to claim their spot. These exams are tough, competitive, and life-changing.

So, if you’re serious about joining the armed forces, this article has everything you need—eligibility details, key dates, the full syllabus, how to apply, and smart prep strategies. Let’s break it all down and help you take that first powerful step toward your dream career.

Important Dates to Remember

Timing is everything, especially when it comes to competitive exams. Missing a deadline can cost you an entire year. Here’s a quick look at the most important dates for NDA-II and CDS-II 2025:

Make sure to mark these dates on your calendar and set reminders. The application process is entirely online, and late submissions won’t be entertained under any circumstances.

NDA-II 2025 Overview

The National Defence Academy (NDA) is the cradle of military leadership in India. Located in Khadakwasla, Pune, it’s the joint services academy of the Indian Armed Forces, where cadets of the Army, Navy, and Air Force train together before they go on to their respective service academies.

Vacancies for NDA-II 2025 total 406 seats, divided across different wings:

• Army Wing: 208 vacancies
• Navy Wing: 42 vacancies
• Air Force Wing:
  • Flying Branch: 92
  • Ground Duties (Technical & Non-Technical): 18
• Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme): 30 vacancies

What’s really encouraging is the growing inclusion of women in NDA, with reserved seats across branches. This reflects the changing face of India’s armed forces—more inclusive, more diverse.

Eligibility Criteria for NDA-II 2025

Let’s break down what it takes to qualify:

• Nationality: Must be an Indian citizen, or a subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or a Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962.
• Marital Status: Only unmarried male and female candidates are eligible.
• Age Limit: Candidates must be born between January 2, 2007, and January 1, 2010.
• Educational Qualification:
  • For Army Wing: Must have passed the 12th Class of the 10+2 pattern.
  • For Air Force and Naval Wings: Must have passed 12th Class with Physics and Mathematics.

Additionally, candidates must meet the strict physical standards set by the UPSC. Vision, height, chest expansion, and general physical health are key parameters during the selection process.

CDS-II 2025 Overview

The Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam is another golden opportunity for graduates who wish to serve the nation. The CDS exam paves the way to become officers in the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA).

Total Vacancies for CDS-II 2025 are 453, broken down as follows:

• IMA Dehradun: 100 posts
• INA Ezhimala: 22 posts
• AFA Hyderabad: 32 posts
• OTA Chennai (Men): 225 posts
• OTA Chennai (Women): 74 posts

Eligibility Criteria for CDS-II 2025

• Nationality: Must be a citizen of India, or meet the same conditions as NDA candidates.
• Marital Status:
  • For IMA, INA, AFA: Unmarried male candidates
  • For OTA: Unmarried males and females
• Age Limits:
  • IMA/INA: 19 to 24 years (Born between July 2, 2001, and July 1, 2006)
  • AFA: 20 to 24 years
  • OTA: 19 to 25 years
• Educational Qualification:
  • IMA and OTA: Graduation in any discipline from a recognized university
  • INA: B.E./B.Tech from a recognized university
  • AFA: Graduation with Physics & Math in 10+2 or B.E./B.Tech

Applicants must also fulfill the UPSC-prescribed physical and medical standards, which are assessed later in the selection process.

Application Process

The application process is straightforward but must be completed with care. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Visit the official UPSC website: www.upsc.gov.in
2. Navigate to the “Examination” tab and select NDA-II or CDS-II 2025.
3. Register using the One-Time Registration (OTR) system if you’re a new user.
4. Fill in the application form with accurate personal, academic, and communication details.
5. Upload scanned copies of your passport-sized photograph and signature.
6. Pay the application fee:
   • General/OBC: ₹100
   • SC/ST/Female: Exempted
7. Submit the application and download the confirmation receipt.

Take your time to double-check every entry—errors can lead to rejection.

Examination Pattern

Both NDA and CDS exams are designed to test academic skills, analytical abilities, and general awareness.

NDA-II 2025 Exam Pattern

• Negative marking for wrong answers.
• Paper II includes English, GK, Physics, Chemistry, History, Geography, and Current Affairs.

CDS-II 2025 Exam Pattern

• Objective-type questions with negative marking.
• Mathematics is not required for OTA candidates.

Syllabus Breakdown

To crack NDA-II and CDS-II, understanding the syllabus is non-negotiable. The syllabus is designed to test your academic knowledge, aptitude, and awareness of national and international events. Here’s a deep dive into what you need to prepare for:

NDA-II 2025 Syllabus

Mathematics (300 Marks)

• Algebra
• Matrices and Determinants
• Trigonometry
• Analytical Geometry
• Differential Calculus
• Integral Calculus and Differential Equations
• Vector Algebra
• Statistics and Probability

General Ability Test (600 Marks)

• English: Grammar and usage, vocabulary, comprehension, and cohesion
• General Knowledge:
  • Physics: Motion, Force, Work and Energy, Sound, etc.
  • Chemistry: Physical and Chemical changes, Laws of Chemical Combination, etc.
  • General Science: Human Body and Life Processes, Food and Nutrition
  • History: Indian Freedom Struggle, Constitution, Culture
  • Geography: Earth Structure, Climate, Agriculture
  • Current Events: Recent national and international developments

CDS-II 2025 Syllabus

English

• Spotting Errors
• Sentence Arrangement
• Synonyms and Antonyms
• Reading Comprehension
• Cloze Test

General Knowledge

• Current Affairs
• Indian Polity and Constitution
• History and Culture
• Geography
• Economy
• Science and Technology

Mathematics (For IMA, INA, and AFA Only)

• Number System
• Geometry
• Algebra
• Trigonometry
• Mensuration
• Statistics
• Arithmetic

The syllabus is comprehensive and demands consistent preparation. It’s not just about knowing what to study, but how deeply you understand the concepts.

Preparation Strategies

Cracking NDA or CDS isn’t about last-minute cramming—it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Here’s a blueprint that can help you ace the exams:

1. Make a Realistic Study Plan

• Divide your time among different subjects.
• Allocate extra hours to weaker areas.
• Stick to your timetable religiously.

2. Master the NCERTs First

• For NDA, start with NCERT textbooks from Class 9 to 12, especially for Maths, Physics, and History.
• For CDS, brush up on graduation-level concepts, especially English and General Knowledge.

3. Practice Makes Perfect

• Solve previous year question papers.
• Take timed mock tests every week.
• Analyze your performance and improve weak sections.

4. Use the Right Resources

• Books like:
  • NDA/NA Entrance Exam by Arihant Experts
  • Pathfinder NDA & NA Entrance Exam Book
  • Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi
  • Lucent’s General Knowledge
  • Manorama Yearbook for current affairs

5. Join Online Forums and Mock Series

• Communities like Gradeup, Unacademy, or even Telegram groups can keep you motivated.
• Join a mock test series to simulate real exam pressure.

6. Stay Updated

• Read newspapers daily—preferably The Hindu or Indian Express.
• Follow defense-related news, especially military exercises, defense deals, and appointments.

Success in NDA or CDS is not just about intelligence but also about consistency, discipline, and smart work.

Physical and Medical Standards

Clearing the written exam is just the first hurdle. To serve in the armed forces, you must meet the stringent physical and medical standards. Here’s what you need to know:

Basic Physical Standards

• Height:
  • NDA: Minimum 157 cm (for males), 152 cm (for females)
  • CDS: Varies by academy, generally 157.5 cm for males
• Weight: Proportional to height and age
• Chest: Minimum 81 cm with 5 cm expansion

Eyesight Requirements

• NDA:
  • Army: 6/6 in better eye, 6/9 in worse eye
  • Navy: Uncorrected 6/6, correctable to 6/6 with glasses
  • Air Force: 6/6 vision without glasses
• CDS:
  • IMA/OTA: 6/6 and 6/9; correctable with glasses
  • AFA: 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in the other

Medical Conditions That Lead to Rejection

• Flat feet or knock knees
• Overweight or underweight beyond limits
• Color blindness
• Serious past medical history (like heart or lung diseases)
• Tattoos beyond permissible limits

Tips for Clearing the Physical Test

• Maintain a fitness routine: include running, push-ups, sit-ups, and flexibility exercises
• Eat a balanced diet
• Avoid junk food and smoking
• Stay hydrated and sleep well

The medical and physical evaluation ensures only the fittest are chosen for the demanding training and responsibilities of a military career.

Admit Card and Examination Day Guidelines

Once your application is accepted, the next key step is downloading your admit card. It’s the golden ticket to the exam hall.

Admit Card Instructions

• Available for download from the UPSC official website about two weeks before the exam.
• Keep a soft copy and multiple hard copies.
• Check all details: name, roll number, exam center, and time.

What to Carry on Exam Day

• Printout of Admit Card
• Valid photo ID (Aadhar, PAN, Passport, etc.)
• Two passport-size photos
• Blue/Black ballpoint pens

Exam Day Protocol

• Reach the exam center at least 1 hour early.
• Do NOT carry:
  • Mobile phones
  • Smartwatches
  • Calculators
  • Any type of written material or electronic gadgets
• Dress comfortably but appropriately.

Remember, being late or not carrying proper documents could disqualify you from taking the exam. Stay calm, focused, and confident.

Result Declaration and Selection Process

Once you’ve completed the written exams, the wait for results begins. But remember, clearing the written test is just the beginning of your journey toward a career in the armed forces.

NDA-II & CDS-II 2025 Result Timeline

• Written Exam Results: Expected by November 2025
• Results will be published on the official UPSC website in a PDF format containing the roll numbers of selected candidates.

Candidates who clear the written examination are then called for the SSB Interview, the most crucial stage in the entire selection process.

SSB Interview Process

The Services Selection Board (SSB) interview is a five-day evaluation process that assesses a candidate’s officer-like qualities, personality, and psychological aptitude.

Day-wise SSB Process Breakdown

1. Day 1: Screening Test
   • OIR (Officer Intelligence Rating) Test
   • Picture Perception and Description Test (PPDT)
   • Only selected candidates proceed to the next stage.
2. Day 2: Psychological Tests
   • Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)
   • Word Association Test (WAT)
   • Situation Reaction Test (SRT)
   • Self Description Test (SDT)
3. Day 3 & 4: Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks
   • Group Discussions
   • Group Planning Exercise (GPE)
   • Progressive Group Task (PGT)
   • Half Group Task (HGT)
   • Individual Obstacles
   • Command Task
   • Final Group Task (FGT)
4. Day 5: Conference Day
   • Final interview with senior officers
   • Collective assessment of candidate by all assessors

Candidates recommended by the board then undergo a medical examination.

Training Academies and Career Progression

Once selected, candidates begin their formal training at the respective academies:

NDA (Khadakwasla, Pune)

• Duration: 3 years of military and academic training
• Awarded a bachelor’s degree (BA, BSc, or B.Tech)
• Followed by 1 year of training at IMA, AFA, or INA based on the chosen wing

IMA (Dehradun)

• Duration: 1.5 years
• Cadets become commissioned officers in the Indian Army

INA (Ezhimala)

• Duration: 4 years B.Tech program
• Followed by naval training before commissioning

AFA (Hyderabad)

• Duration: 1 year
• Intensive training to become Flying or Ground Duty officers

OTA (Chennai)

• Duration: 49 weeks (Men & Women)
• Focus on leadership, tactics, and military law
• Commissioned into the Indian Army’s Short Service Commission

Career Path: Officers start as Lieutenants (or Flying Officers/Sub-Lieutenants) and can rise to the ranks of Major, Colonel, Brigadier, and even up to General, Air Chief Marshal, or Admiral. It’s not just a job—it’s a lifetime of honor, service, and distinction.

Tips from Successful Candidates

Learning from those who’ve walked the path is invaluable. Here are some gems shared by past NDA/CDS toppers:

1. Start Early

• Most toppers start preparing at least a year in advance
• Consistency trumps last-minute cramming

2. Prioritize Basics

• Strong foundation in Maths and English
• NCERT textbooks are goldmines—don’t ignore them

3. Stay Physically Fit

• Many candidates pass the written exam but fail the medicals
• Fitness should be a part of your daily routine

4. Practice Mock Interviews

• For SSB, it’s not about “right answers” but your personality
• Join coaching only if needed; self-practice works wonders

5. Stay Updated

• Read newspapers, watch defense news channels
• Stay aware of global and national issues

Most importantly, believe in yourself. Confidence is your biggest weapon.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can girls apply for NDA and CDS?

Yes. Girls are eligible for NDA, INA (in CDS), and OTA (CDS). However, physical and medical standards vary slightly for female candidates.

Q2. Can I prepare for NDA/CDS while in college or school?

Absolutely! In fact, most successful candidates manage their board or college exams alongside preparation.

Q3. Is coaching necessary to crack NDA or CDS?

Not necessarily. Many candidates succeed through self-study. Coaching helps with guidance and test series, but it’s not mandatory.

Q4. How many times can I appear for NDA and CDS exams?

There is no limit on the number of attempts, as long as you fall within the eligible age group.

Q5. What happens after SSB and medicals?

Selected candidates are issued joining letters and posted to their respective academies for training.

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Conclusion

Mission 2025 is your call to duty. With the release of the NDA-II and CDS-II notifications, the gateway to one of the most respected careers in India stands open once again. Whether you’re a school student with dreams of joining NDA or a graduate eyeing the CDS route, this is the moment you’ve been preparing for.

The path is not easy—it demands discipline, dedication, and determination. But for those who make it, the reward is a lifetime of pride and purpose.

Start your journey now. Study smart, stay strong, and never stop believing in your dream to serve the nation.