The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducted the Combined Defence Examination (I) and the National Defence Academy (NDA) exam on April 13, 2025, in various locations across India. This year's exams saw thousands of candidates vying for a coveted spot in India's armed forces, with specific guidelines and schedules in place to ensure a smooth examination process.
The UPSC CDS (I) examination commenced with the English paper from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by General Knowledge from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM, and concluding with Elementary Mathematics from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Simultaneously, the NDA examination was held in two shifts, beginning with the Mathematics exam from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM, and the General Ability Test (GAT) from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
Before heading to the examination centers, candidates were strongly advised to review the exam guidelines outlined in the UPSC notification to avoid any last-minute hassles. Key instructions included arriving at the examination hall at least 30 minutes early, as entry closed 10 minutes before each scheduled exam session.
To gain entry into the examination hall, candidates were required to carry an e-admit card (a printed version) along with a valid photo ID card for each session. The UPSC emphasized the importance of preserving the admit card until the final results are declared, as it would be necessary for the Service Selection Board (SSB) process.
In a bid to maintain the integrity of the examination, the UPSC enforced strict regulations regarding electronic devices. Candidates were prohibited from bringing any electronic gadgets, including mobile phones, smartwatches, and any other programmable devices, into the examination premises. Furthermore, candidates were instructed to use only a black ballpoint pen to mark their answers on the OMR (Optical Mark Recognition) sheet, as using any other type of pen or pencil could lead to disqualification of their answer sheets.
Moreover, candidates were advised not to carry any valuable or costly items to the examination venue, as the commission would not provide any safekeeping arrangements. This precaution aimed to minimize distractions and ensure that all candidates could focus solely on their performance during the exams.
In the NDA examination, candidates faced a rigorous format, with the Mathematics paper consisting of 120 questions worth a total of 300 marks. The General Ability Test featured 150 questions, which accounted for 600 marks. Each exam shift lasted for 2.5 hours, with a negative marking system in place. Specifically, for each incorrect answer in the Mathematics section, candidates would lose 0.83 marks, while in the GAT section, the penalty for a wrong answer was 1.33 marks.
The structure of the NDA examination is designed to challenge the candidates' analytical and problem-solving skills, critical for a successful career in the armed forces. As the nation looks to bolster its defense capabilities, the importance of these examinations cannot be overstated.
For candidates preparing for future examinations, the UPSC has made it easier to access past question papers. The NDA question papers for 2025 are available in PDF format, allowing aspirants to download and review them. To download the question papers, candidates can visit the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in and navigate to the "Question Papers" section.
As the examination day unfolded, candidates remained hopeful and focused, understanding that this was a crucial step in their journey toward serving the nation. The rigorous preparation and adherence to guidelines set forth by the UPSC played a significant role in ensuring that the examination proceeded smoothly.
In conclusion, the UPSC CDS (I) and NDA (I) exams held on April 13, 2025, marked an important event for aspiring defense personnel in India. With strict adherence to guidelines and a well-structured examination format, candidates had the opportunity to showcase their capabilities and determination to join the ranks of the country's armed forces.
