NDA Registration 2025: Best Step-by-Step Guide

Completing your NDA registration is the first crucial step toward securing a spot in the National Defence Academy (NDA). Whether you’re applying for NDA 1 or NDA 2, understanding the registration process is key to ensuring that you don’t miss out on this opportunity. In this guide, we’ll break down the registration steps, important deadlines, fees, and common mistakes to avoid.

Always remember: Check the official UPSC website regularly, as the dates and fees mentioned in this guide are subject to change.

What is NDA Registration?

The NDA registration is the process of enrolling eligible candidates for the National Defence Academy Examination, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). This exam is your gateway to joining the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force through the NDA pathway.

To be eligible for the NDA exam, you need to meet the following basic criteria:

Nationality: Must be an Indian citizen or meet specific criteria for foreign nationals.
Age limit: Candidates must be between 16.5 and 19.5 years old.
Education: Must have completed or be appearing for the 12th standard (10+2) exam.
Marital status: Only unmarried male and female candidates are eligible.

For more details on eligibility, visit the official UPSC NDA eligibility page.

NDA Registration Dates for 2025

The NDA exam is conducted twice a year, typically known as NDA 1 and NDA 2. Each of these exams has separate registration windows and exam dates. Below are the important dates for both NDA 1 and NDA 2 in 2025.

NDA Session	Registration Start Date	Registration End Date	Exam Date
NDA 1 2025	11/12/2024	01/01/2025	13/04/2025
NDA 2 2025	May 28, 2025	June 17, 2025	September 2025 (TBA)

Note: Always check the official UPSC website for the most up-to-date registration dates, as these may vary.

Missing the registration window means you’ll have to wait for the next cycle, so make sure you mark these dates on your calendar!

How to Fill the NDA Registration Form Online

Filling out the NDA registration form can seem daunting, but it’s a straightforward process if you follow the steps carefully. The online application is divided into two parts: Part 1 and Part 2 registration.

Step-by-Step Guide for NDA Part 1 Registration:

Visit the Official Website: Head to the UPSC Online Registration Portal.
Click on ‘Apply Online’: Select the NDA exam from the list of ongoing UPSC exams.
Fill in Basic Details: Enter your name, date of birth, email, phone number, and other required personal details.
Select Preferences: Choose your preferences for the Army, Navy, or Air Force.
Verify Details: Double-check all the information you’ve entered before submitting.

Step-by-Step Guide for NDA Part 2 Registration:

Login Using Your Registration ID: After completing Part 1, you’ll receive a registration ID. Use this ID to log in for Part 2 registration.
Upload Required Documents: Upload your scanned photograph, signature, and any other required documents (see the next section for details).
Pay the Registration Fee: Complete the payment using the available methods (net banking, debit/credit card, or e-challan).
Final Submission: After payment, submit your form and take a printout of the confirmation page for future reference.

Note: Ensure all details are accurate. Once submitted, changes are limited, and incorrect information could lead to disqualification.

Documents Required for NDA Registration

To complete the registration process, you’ll need to upload several documents. Make sure these are in the correct format and size, as specified by UPSC.

Here’s a checklist of what you need:

Scanned Photograph (JPEG format, max size 300 KB)
Scanned Signature (JPEG format, max size 300 KB)
Photo ID Proof (Aadhaar Card, PAN, Passport, or Voter ID)
Class 10 and 12 Mark Sheets (if applicable)

For specific document size and format requirements, refer to the UPSC NDA application guidelines.

NDA Registration Fee and Payment Methods

The NDA registration fee varies based on the candidate’s category. Below is a breakdown of the fees for 2025:

Category	Registration Fee
General/OBC	₹100
SC/ST/Female	Exempted

Always check the official UPSC website for the latest fee structure, as it may vary.

NDA Registration Fee

General Category: Rs. 100/-
SC/ST Category: Nil (Exempted)
Women Candidates: Nil (Exempted)
Sons of JCOs/NCOs/ORs: Nil (Exempted)

Payment Methods

Online:
- Net Banking: Through your registered bank account.
- Credit Card: Visa, Mastercard, RuPay
- Debit Card: Visa, Mastercard, RuPay
Offline:
- SBI Challan: Generate a challan online and deposit the fee in cash at any branch of the State Bank of India.

If your payment fails or is pending, don’t panic. Retry the payment or contact UPSC’s support team for assistance.

How to Retrieve Your NDA Registration ID and Roll Number

It’s common to misplace your registration ID or forget your roll number. Luckily, UPSC provides an easy way to recover this information.

Steps to Retrieve Your NDA Registration ID:

Visit the UPSC Online Portal.
Click on the ‘Forgot RID’ option.
Enter your registered email ID and other verification details.
Your registration ID will be sent to your email or displayed on the screen.

How to Get Your NDA Roll Number:

Once you’ve completed the registration, your roll number will be available on your admit card. You can download your NDA admit card from the UPSC Admit Card Portal using your registration ID.

Correction in NDA Registration Form: Can It Be Done?

Making an error in your NDA registration form can be stressful, but there’s good news. UPSC allows candidates to make certain corrections after submission.

What Can Be Corrected:

Spelling mistakes in your name or other personal details.
Incorrect photograph or signature uploads.
Incorrect category selection (General/OBC/SC/ST).

To request changes:

Visit the UPSC Correction Portal.
Use your registration ID to log in.
Follow the instructions for making the necessary corrections.

However, note that not all errors can be corrected, especially after the closing date of the application. Always double-check your information before submitting.

NDA Registration for Girls: What You Need to Know

In recent years, female candidates have been allowed to apply for the NDA exam. The registration process is largely the same, but here are a few additional points to keep in mind:

Female candidates must meet the same eligibility criteria as male candidates.
There are no separate fees for female candidates (they are exempt from the registration fee).
Female candidates will need to upload the same set of documents as male candidates.

For more information on the eligibility and process for women, refer to the official UPSC NDA Women Eligibility Page.

What Happens After NDA Registration?

Once your NDA registration is complete, here’s what you can expect:

Admit Card Issuance: Admit cards are released 2-3 weeks before the exam. You can download them from the UPSC site using your registration ID.
Written Exam: Prepare for the NDA written exam, which consists of two papers: Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT).
SSB Interview: If you pass the written exam, you will be called for the SSB interview, a five-day selection process designed to assess your suitability for a career in the Armed Forces.
Final Merit List: The final selection is based on your combined performance in the written exam and the SSB interview.

Be sure to prepare thoroughly for each stage of the selection process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on NDA Registration

1. Can I Upload Aadhaar as PDF in NDA Registration?

No, you cannot upload Aadhaar as a PDF. The NDA registration process requires you to upload a scanned image (JPEG format) of your Aadhaar or other accepted ID proofs such as PAN, Passport, or Voter ID. Ensure the image meets the UPSC’s file size and format guidelines.

2. Can We Apply for NDA Without Part 1 Registration?

No, you cannot apply for the NDA without completing Part 1 registration. Part 1 is mandatory and involves entering personal details, after which you receive your Registration ID, which is needed for Part 2 registration.

3. Didn’t Do NDA Registration Part 2—What Happens?

If you completed Part 1 registration but didn’t complete Part 2 registration, your application will be considered incomplete and will not be accepted. Make sure to complete both parts of the registration process by the deadline to avoid disqualification.

4. How Can I Find My NDA Registration Number?

To find your NDA registration number:

Visit the UPSC Online Portal.
Click on the “Forgot RID” option.
Enter your registered email ID and other verification details.
Your registration number will be sent to your email or displayed on the screen.

5. What Comes in Part 2 of NDA Registration?

In Part 2 registration, you will:

Upload your scanned photograph and signature.
Upload your photo ID proof.
Pay the required registration fee.
Submit the final application form.

Both Part 1 and Part 2 need to be completed for your NDA registration to be successfully submitted.

6. What Are the Dimensions for the Photo and Signature for NDA Registration?

The required dimensions for the photo and signature during NDA registration are:

Photograph: JPEG format, size between 20 KB and 300 KB.
Signature: JPEG format, size between 20 KB and 300 KB.

Ensure that the files are clear and properly cropped to match the specified size limits.

7. How to Do SSB Registration for NDA 138 Course?

After you’ve cleared the NDA written exam, you will need to register for the SSB interview through the Join Indian Army website. Here’s how:

Log in using your NDA roll number and date of birth.
Select your preferred SSB interview date and venue.
Complete and submit your SSB registration form.

8. What Are the Files That Must Be Uploaded for NDA Registration?

During Part 2 registration, you’ll need to upload the following:

Scanned passport-sized photograph (JPEG format, 20–300 KB).
Scanned signature (JPEG format, 20–300 KB).
Scanned photo ID proof (Aadhaar Card, PAN, Passport, or Voter ID).

Ensure that all files meet the size and format specifications provided by UPSC.

9. Where Do I Download My NDA Registration Confirmation?

After completing Part 2 registration, you can download the confirmation slip by:

Logging into the UPSC Online Portal using your Registration ID.
Once the registration is completed successfully, click on “Download Confirmation” to save or print your confirmation slip.

10. What Is My NDA Registration Number?

Your NDA Registration Number is a unique identification number (also known as the Registration ID) assigned to you when you complete Part 1 registration. This number is crucial for completing Part 2 registration, downloading your admit card, and checking your application status.

11. Who Can Fill NDA Registration?

Only candidates who meet the following eligibility criteria can fill out the NDA registration form:

Unmarried male or female candidates.
Age: Must be between 16.5 and 19.5 years old.
Education: Must have completed or be appearing for the 10+2 examination.

For more detailed eligibility criteria, refer to the UPSC NDA eligibility page.

Conclusion

Completing the NDA registration is the first step toward joining the ranks of officers in India’s Armed Forces. Make sure you follow the steps carefully, meet all deadlines, and keep track of your registration ID. Remember, mistakes in the registration process can delay or disqualify your application, so double-check everything before submitting.

If you’re ready to take the plunge, don’t wait—register today and start your journey towards the NDA. For any additional help or questions about the registration process, feel free to visit the UPSC NDA FAQ page.

Always stay updated with the official UPSC website to ensure you don’t miss any important dates or changes! Also Check The Latest Updates On B Ed Entrance Exam