UPSC Declares NDA & NA (II) 2025 Written Exam Results; SSB Interviews Next for 402 Vacancies

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially declared the results of the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA) Examination (II), 2025. The announcement, made on October 1, 2025, brings relief and excitement for thousands of aspirants who appeared for the highly competitive exam. Candidates who have cleared the written test are now eligible to appear for the next stage—the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview.

This recruitment drive aims to fill 402 vacancies across the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the NDA, as well as seats in the 118th Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC). Both courses are scheduled to commence on July 2, 2026.

Exam Overview: When and How It Was Conducted

The written examination for NDA and NA (II), 2025 was conducted on September 14, 2025, across multiple centers in India. As one of the most prestigious defence entrance exams, it evaluates candidates on mathematics, general ability, and analytical skills. Clearing this stage is just the first step in a rigorous three-tiered selection process designed to identify the future leaders of the Indian Armed Forces.

Next Stage: SSB Interviews

Candidates whose roll numbers appear in the published list are eligible for the next stage—the SSB interview. This stage is critical as it evaluates aspirants beyond academic knowledge, focusing instead on their leadership qualities, decision-making abilities, psychological fitness, and overall personality.

The SSB interview is widely regarded as the toughest phase of the selection process and includes psychological tests, group tasks, and personal interviews. Only those who clear this stage, followed by a medical examination, will be considered for final selection and commissioning.

Course Details: NDA and INAC Batches

The successful candidates will be considered for admission to:

• 156th NDA Course: For the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings.
• 118th Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC): A specialized entry for naval candidates.

Both batches are scheduled to begin their training on July 2, 2026, ensuring ample time for the completion of the selection process, including interviews and medical assessments.

Registration Process for SSB Interviews

UPSC has issued clear instructions for all qualified candidates:

• Mandatory Registration: Candidates must register themselves online on the Indian Army’s recruitment website (joinindianarmy.nic.in) within two weeks from the date of the result announcement.
• Already Registered Candidates: Those who have previously registered on the portal need not register again.
• Communication of SSB Dates: The dates and venues of the SSB interview will be communicated to candidates via their registered email addresses.

This streamlined process ensures candidates receive timely updates and can prepare accordingly for the next stage.

Document Verification Guidelines

As part of the SSB interview process, candidates must produce original certificates verifying their:

• Age
• Educational qualifications

Importantly, UPSC has clarified that these documents should not be sent directly to the Commission. Instead, they must be submitted during the SSB interview process itself. Candidates failing to provide valid documents may risk disqualification despite clearing the written exam.

Marks, Cut-offs, and Answer Keys

While the results list has been published, UPSC has announced that marks of candidates, cut-off scores, and official answer keys will only be released after the final selection process concludes. This is standard procedure to maintain transparency while also ensuring the selection process remains unbiased and confidential until its completion.

Final Selection Process

The path to joining the Indian Armed Forces through NDA and NA involves three critical stages:

1. Written Examination – Already conducted on September 14, with results declared on October 1.
2. SSB Interview – Evaluates candidates on personality, psychology, leadership, and team skills.
3. Medical Examination – Ensures candidates meet the required physical and medical standards.

Only candidates who successfully clear all three stages will be selected for commissioning into the Army, Navy, or Air Force.

Number of Vacancies and Competition

This year, the NDA and NA (II) 2025 examination seeks to fill 402 vacancies across various wings of the Armed Forces. Given the popularity of the exam, lakhs of aspirants appear every year, making the competition intense. Securing a place requires not only academic excellence but also personality traits aligned with military values.

Guidance for Candidates

Candidates are advised to:

• Register promptly on joinindianarmy.nic.in within the stipulated time frame.
• Keep an eye on emails for SSB interview schedules.
• Prepare thoroughly for the psychological and leadership evaluation components of the SSB.
• Ensure that all original documents (date of birth certificate, educational qualifications, etc.) are in order before the interview.

For any queries, aspirants can reach out to the UPSC facilitation counter or use the official contact numbers and email addresses provided in the Commission’s notice.

Conclusion

The declaration of the NDA and NA (II) 2025 results marks a significant milestone for thousands of aspirants aiming to serve in the Indian Armed Forces. With the written examination behind them, candidates now face the decisive SSB interviews and medical evaluations. The upcoming months will determine who among them secures a coveted spot in the 156th NDA Course and the 118th INAC, beginning July 2026.

For now, candidates are urged to remain focused, complete their registration formalities, and begin preparing for the demanding SSB process. The UPSC’s announcement is not just a result declaration—it is the gateway to a future of honor, discipline, and service to the nation.