UPSC NDA II Recruitment 2025: Apply Online for 406 Defence Posts | Eligibility, Salary, and Selection Process
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the notification for the NDA II Recruitment 2025, announcing a total of 406 vacancies under the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA). This examination is one of the most prestigious defence recruitment exams in India and offers a golden opportunity for young aspirants to serve the nation by joining the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Candidates who have completed their 12th standard or are currently appearing for it can apply online for UPSC NDA II 2025 between 28th May 2025 and 17th June 2025 via the official portal https://upsconline.nic.in. This article covers every crucial detail you need to know about the UPSC NDA II 2025 examination, including eligibility criteria, selection procedure, salary details, age limit, and direct links to the notification and application form.
✅ Overview of UPSC NDA II Recruitment 2025
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Exam (NDA II) 2025 |
| Conducting Authority | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Advertisement Number | 10/2025-NDA-II |
| Total Vacancies | 406 |
| Application Start Date | 28th May 2025 |
| Application Deadline | 17th June 2025 (Till 11:59 PM) |
| Official Website | upsconline.nic.in |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen & Paper) |
| Educational Qualification | 12th Pass |
| Gender | Both Male and Female Candidates Eligible |
📌 NDA II 2025 Vacancy Details
Here’s the post-wise distribution of the 406 vacancies under NDA and NA:
🔹 National Defence Academy (NDA):
| Wing | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Army | 208 (including 10 for women) |
| Navy | 42 (including 5 for women) |
| Air Force | – |
| └ Flying Branch | 92 (including 2 for women) |
| └ Ground Duties (Tech) | 18 (including 2 for women) |
| └ Ground Duties (Non-Tech) | 10 (including 2 for women) |
🔹 Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme):
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Total Vacancies: 36 (including 4 for women)
🎓 Educational Qualification
➤ For Army Wing of NDA:
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Candidate must have passed Class 12th (10+2 pattern) or equivalent from a recognized board or university.
➤ For Air Force & Naval Wings of NDA and 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at NA:
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Candidate must have passed 12th Class with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) subjects.
Note: Candidates appearing for their Class 12th examinations in 2025 are also eligible to apply. However, they must submit proof of passing the exam at the time of the SSB interview.
🎯 Age Limit and Marital Status
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Only unmarried male and female candidates are eligible.
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Applicants must have been born between 2nd January 2007 and 1st January 2010.
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Candidates who are married or marry during training will not be eligible and may be disqualified from training if already selected.
💰 Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹100/- |
| SC / ST / Female / Wards of JCOs/NCOs/ORs | Exempted |
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The fee can be paid online via credit/debit card, net banking, UPI, or offline through SBI challan.
💼 NDA Salary Structure & Pay Levels
Candidates selected through NDA II 2025 will undergo rigorous training and, upon successful completion, will be commissioned as officers in the Indian Defence Services with excellent pay, allowances, and benefits.
🔹 Stipend During Training:
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₹56,100 per month (Level 10 of Pay Matrix)
🔹 Post-Training Officer Pay Scale:
| Rank | Pay Level | Salary Range (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Lieutenant | Level 10 | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 |
| Captain | Level 10B | ₹61,300 – ₹1,93,900 |
| Major | Level 11 | ₹69,400 – ₹2,07,200 |
| Lt. Colonel | Level 12A | ₹1,21,200 – ₹2,12,400 |
| Colonel | Level 13 | ₹1,30,600 – ₹2,15,900 |
| Brigadier | Level 13A | ₹1,39,600 – ₹2,17,600 |
| Major General | Level 14 | ₹1,44,200 – ₹2,18,200 |
| Lt. General (HAG) | Level 15 | ₹1,82,200 – ₹2,24,100 |
| Lt. General (HAG+) | Level 16 | ₹2,05,400 – ₹2,24,400 |
| Army Cdr / VCOAS | Level 17 | ₹2,25,000 (Fixed) |
| Chief of Army Staff | Level 18 | ₹2,50,000 (Fixed) |
🔹 Military Service Pay (MSP):
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₹15,500 per month for officers from Lieutenant to Brigadier
🧭 Selection Process for UPSC NDA II 2025
The selection process includes the following stages:
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Written Examination conducted by UPSC
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SSB Interview (Services Selection Board)
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Medical Examination
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Final Merit List based on performance in Written & SSB
📘 Exam Pattern for NDA II 2025
➤ Written Examination (Offline):
| Subject | Duration | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 2.5 Hours | 300 |
| General Ability Test (GAT) | 2.5 Hours | 600 |
| Total | 5 Hours | 900 |
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Negative Marking: Yes (as per UPSC rules)
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The question paper will be bilingual (English and Hindi).
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Candidates qualifying the written test will be shortlisted for the SSB Interview.
📝 How to Apply for UPSC NDA II 2025
Follow the steps below to submit your application successfully:
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Visit the official UPSC application portal – https://upsconline.nic.in
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Click on “ONLINE APPLICATION FOR VARIOUS UPSC EXAMS”
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Select “NDA & NA Examination (II) 2025”
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Complete Part I Registration – Fill in personal, educational, and communication details.
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Proceed to Part II Registration:
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Upload scanned photograph and signature
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Pay the application fee (if applicable)
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Select exam center preferences
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Submit the application and download a copy for your records.
📌 It is advisable to complete the registration process well before the last date to avoid technical issues.
📅 Important Dates to Remember
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Date | 29th May 2025 |
| Start of Online Application | 28th May 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 17th June 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | Expected in July 2025 |
| Examination Date | To Be Announced |
| Result Declaration | To Be Announced |
🔗 Important Links
📣 Final Thoughts
The UPSC NDA II Recruitment 2025 is a golden opportunity for young individuals who aspire to join the Indian Armed Forces. With 406 vacancies across the Army, Navy, and Air Force, the examination provides an excellent platform for candidates to pursue a dynamic and prestigious career path. Along with competitive salaries, officers enjoy job security, social respect, and leadership roles across the nation.
Eligible candidates are advised to read the notification thoroughly and apply online before the last date, 17th June 2025. Early preparation and clarity on the exam process will be key to success.