In a significant development, senior officers of the Indian Armed Forces were airlifted from the sea by Indian Navy helicopters to the naval base in Karwar, Karnataka, where they received an update on the progress of Project Seabird Phase II.
Project Seabird, officially known as INS Kadamba or Naval Base Karwar, is currently undergoing its Phase II expansion, which is poised to make it the largest naval base in the eastern hemisphere upon completion. The project, first initiated in 2005, aims to enhance the Indian Navy’s operational capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region, providing a strategic launchpad for maritime operations.
The senior officers, including high-ranking officials from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, expressed their appreciation for the scale and scope of the project, underscoring its importance for national defence.
The visit was a continuation of the joint military exercise TROPEX25, where senior military leaders embarked on INS Vikrant, an aircraft carrier, off the West coast on January 30, 2025, to gain insights into maritime operations.
The Indian Navy’s commitment to joint operations was further demonstrated by the Vice Chief of Air Staff (VCAS) flying in a MiG-29K trainer to INS Vikrant, showcasing the spirit of jointmanship among the Indian Armed Forces.
This event not only marks a milestone in the development of Project Seabird but also reflects the Indian Navy’s ongoing efforts to secure maritime routes, notably through anti-piracy patrols in regions like the Gulf of Aden, as part of their broader mission to ensure safety and security in the Indian Ocean Region.
Vice Admiral Rajaram Swaminathan, AVSM, NM took charge as the Controller of Warship Production & Acquisition on January 30, 2025, succeeding Vice Admiral B Sivakumar, AVSM, VSM.
Commissioned into the Indian Navy in 1987, Vice Admiral Swaminathan is a post-graduate from IIT Kharagpur and has served in the Navy for over 37 years. His extensive experience includes a nine-year tenure aboard INS Viraat, where he served in multiple capacities.
Throughout his distinguished career, he has held key positions, including:
Fleet Engineer Officer (Western Fleet)
General Manager (Refit) at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai
Director of Personnel
Principal Director Ship Production at New Delhi
He played a pivotal role in the acquisition of INS Vikramaditya, serving as Warship Production Superintendent in Russia and later as Principal Director Aircraft Carrier Projects in Delhi.
An alumnus of both the Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) and the National Defence College (NDC), he has been honored with the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and the Nao Sena Medal (NM) for his exceptional service.
Prior to this appointment, Vice Admiral Swaminathan served in several key leadership roles, including:
Director General of Naval Projects
Admiral Superintendent of Dockyard, Mumbai
Assistant Chief of Materiel (D&R) and (Modernisation) at New Delhi
As the Controller of Warship Production & Acquisition, he will oversee the construction, acquisition, and modernization of naval assets, ensuring the Indian Navy’s maritime capabilities remain at the forefront of technology and combat readiness.
Lieutenant General MV Suchindra Kumar, Army Commander, Northern Command, visited the Dah Division to assess its operational preparedness, focusing on innovations and initiatives under the Year of Tech Absorption.
During the visit, Lt Gen Suchindra Kumar reviewed the division’s capabilities, ongoing advancements, and technological integrations aimed at enhancing combat effectiveness. The assessment highlighted the adoption of modern technology in operational strategies, strengthening the division’s readiness in challenging terrains.
Commending the troops for their dedication, resilience, and exemplary professionalism, the Army Commander expressed appreciation for their relentless efforts in safeguarding national security. He encouraged all ranks to continue embracing innovation and technology to maintain operational superiority.
Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi honored the Indian Army contingents and Military & Pipe Bands for their exemplary performances during the Republic Day 2025 Parade and the Beating Retreat Ceremony.
The Best Marching Contingent Award was claimed by the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, while the Jat Regiment secured the Runners-up position.
For the Best Military Band, the prestigious award went to the Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre, with the 14 Gorkha Training Centre emerging as the Runners-up.
In the Best Pipe Band category, the Madras Regimental Centre took the top honor, followed by the Sikh Regimental Centre, which secured the Runners-up position.
During the felicitation ceremony, COAS General Upendra Dwivedi interacted with the troops, commending them for their dedication, precision, and commitment to excellence. He urged all participants to continue striving for the highest standards of professionalism and discipline in future ceremonial events.
With the AFCAT exam just around the corner, we’re excited to share a collection of 26 solved numerical ability questions taken from recent AFCAT papers. These examples mirror the style and difficulty level you can expect in the upcoming AFCAT 2025-2026 exams. In the exam, you might encounter between 12 to 18 numerical ability questions, and mastering them could secure you an impressive 36 to 54 marks.
If you find these solved questions useful for your AFCAT preparation, please leave a comment below—we love hearing your feedback! Also, feel free to share this resource with fellow aspirants who are gearing up for the AFCAT exam.
AFCAT Numerical Ability Syllabus Topics Covered
Decimal Fractions
Time and Work
Average
Profit & Loss
Percentage
Ratio & Proportion
Simple Interest
Time & Distance (including scenarios with trains, boats, and streams)
Dive in, practice thoroughly, and boost your confidence for the exam!
The students in three classes are in each class in the ratio 2 : 3 : 5. If 40 students have increased in each class the ratio change to 4 : 5 : 7. Originally the total number of student was
(a) 100 (b) 180 (c) 200 (d) 400
The ratio of incomes of two persons is 5 : 3 and that of their expenditure is 9 : 5. The income of each person if they save Rs 1300 and Rs 900 respectively, is
How much quantity of water must be added to 48 mL of alcohol to make a solution that contains 25% alcohol?
(a) 48 mL (b) 64 mL (c) 144 mL (d) 192 mL
Dilip, Ram, and Amar started a shop by investing Rs 2700, Rs 8100 and Rs 7200 respectively. At the end of 1 yr, the profit was distributed. If Ram’s share was Rs 3600, their total profit was
(a) Rs 10800 (b) Rs 11600
(c) Rs 8000 (d) None of these
Find the largest number which when subtracted from 10000, the remainder is divisible by 32, 36, 48 and 50.
(a) 8272 (b) 7408 (c) 9136 (d) 8674
A shopkeeper offers his customers 10% discount and still makes a profit of 26%. What is the actual cost to him of an article marked Rs 280?
(a) Rs 175 (b) Rs 200 (c) Rs 225 (d) Rs 215
A 150 m long train crosses a mile-stone in 15 s and a train of same length coming from opposite direction in 12 s. The speed of other train is
(a) 36 km/h (b) 54 km/h (c) 50 km/h (d) 45 km/h
A tree increases annually by 1/8th of its height. By how much will it increase after 2 1/2 yr if it stands today 8 m high?
(a) 10.75 m (b) 15.60 m (c) 11.85 m (d) 12.25 m
The difference between 63% of a number and 45% of the same number is 342. What is 78% of that number?
(a) 1342 (b) 1482 (c) 1558 (d) 1670
What would be the compound interest obtained on an amount of Rs4000 at the rate of 5% per annum after 3 yr?
(a) Rs 612 (b) Rs 578 (c) Rs 525.5 (d) Rs 630.5
What is the least number to be added to 7700 to make it a perfect square?
(a) 131 (b) 121
(c) 77 (d) None of these
The average age of a man and his son is 40 yr. The ratio of their ages is 7 : 3, respectively. What is the man’s age?
(a) 70 yr (b) 63 yr
(c) 56 yr (d) 49 yr
A canteen requires 28 dozen bananas for a week. How many dozen bananas will it require for 47 days?
(a) 2256 (b) 322
(c) 196 (d) None of these
A and B can do a piece of work in 72 days, B and C in 120 days and A and C in 90 days. In what time can A alone do it?
In a concerted display of inter-service coordination, the Indian Army’s Golden Katar Division recently conducted joint exercises with the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force at Gandhinagar, Jamnagar, Porbandar, and Samana in Gujarat.
During these drills, specialized teams rehearsed responses to sub-conventional threats, emphasizing seamless integration and cooperation among the three services.
The exercises showcased a high level of preparedness and underscored the importance of jointness for national security. By combining ground tactics with aerial and naval support, the Golden Katar Division and its sister services demonstrated swift coordination capabilities, vital for addressing potential threats.
Observers noted that this synergy not only boosts operational efficiency but also strengthens India’s overall defence posture.
In a significant display of operational synergy and jointmanship, senior officers from the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force embarked on the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier INS Vikrant off the West Coast on 30 January.
The high-profile delegation included Lt Gen Johnson P Mathew, CISC; Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani, VCOAS; VAdm K Swaminathan, VCNS; Air Marshal SP Dharkar, VCAS; and Lt Gen Ajay Kumar, DG Infantry.
The purpose of the visit was to witness the joint phase of TROPEX25 (Theatre Level Operational Readiness Exercise) and gain firsthand insights into maritime operations.
During the embarkation, Air Marshal SP Dharkar arrived on INS Vikrant aboard a Mig-29K trainer aircraft, highlighting the spirit of inter-service cooperation.
As part of the exercise, an overnight sea sortie was conducted with the senior leadership on board. TROPEX and AMPHEX are comprehensive joint exercises involving the Indian Navy, Indian Army, and Indian Air Force, focused on enhancing integrated operational capabilities.
This collaborative endeavor showcases India’s commitment to strengthening jointmanship, operational readiness, and the seamless coordination of its armed forces.
Are you an aspiring candidate looking to serve the nation by joining the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA)? The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the NDA examination twice every year – commonly referred to as NDA 1 and NDA 2 – to select eligible candidates for the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy and the Indian Naval Academy.
In this comprehensive guide, we will focus on the NDA Exam 2025 Age Limits for both NDA 1 2025 and NDA 2 2025, alongside essential exam-related details such as important dates, how to apply, eligibility, and more.
The NDA Exam is one of the most sought-after defence entrance examinations in India. Conducted by the UPSC, the exam is held twice a year:
NDA 1 2025
NDA 2 2025
Successful candidates undergo a rigorous training program at the National Defence Academy in Khadakwasla, Pune, followed by further training at their respective service academies. After completion, they are commissioned as officers in the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force.
2. NDA Exam 2025 Important Dates
UPSC has released the dates for NDA 1 2025 and NDA 2 2025. Below is a table summarizing all the important events and their dates.
NDA 2025 Important Dates
Key Events
NDA I 2025
NDA II 2025
Release of Notification
11th December 2024
28th May 2025
Start of Online Application
11th December 2024
28th May 2025
Deadline for Application
31st December 2024
17th June 2025
Last Date for Application Fee Payment
2nd week of January 2025
2nd week of June 2025
Form Correction Details
3rd week of January 2025
2nd week of June 2025
Application Withdrawal Period
4th week of January 2025
June/July 2025
Availability of Admit Card
4th week of March 2025
Last week of August 2025
NDA 2025 Exam Date
13th April 2025
14th September 2025
Result Announcement
1st week of May 2025
September 2025
SSB Interview Dates
May/June 2025
September/October 2025
NDA 1 2025 Important Dates
Notification Release: 11th December 2024
Online Application Start Date: 11th December 2024
Application End Date: 31st December 2024
NDA 1 2025 Exam Date: 13th April 2025
The NDA 1 2025 notification will detail all the eligibility criteria, syllabus, and instructions for filing the application. Candidates should read the notification carefully before applying.
NDA 2 2025 Important Dates
Notification Release: 28th May 2025
Online Application Start Date: 28th May 2025
Application End Date: 17th June 2025
NDA 2 2025 Exam Date: 14th September 2025
After the notification is published, candidates can fill out the online application form. Ensure you fulfill the eligibility criteria and age limits.
3. NDA 2025 Age Limits
Age criteria are among the most crucial aspects determining your eligibility for the NDA examination. UPSC follows strict guidelines for the age limits, which are different for NDA 1 2025 and NDA 2 2025.
NDA 1 2025 Age Limits
Who Can Apply: Both Male and Female candidates
Eligible Birth Dates: Born not earlier than 02nd July 2006 and not later than 1st July 2009
Candidates must ensure that they fall within this bracket. Even a single day outside these dates will render you ineligible.
NDA 2 2025 Age Limits
Who Can Apply: Both Male and Female candidates
Eligible Birth Dates: Born not earlier than 02nd January 2007 and not later than 1st January 2010
If you fulfill the age criteria mentioned above for NDA 2 2025, you can proceed with the application once the notification is out.
Important Note: The date of birth as recorded in the Matriculation/Secondary School Examination Certificate will be accepted by UPSC. No subsequent requests for change in DOB will be entertained.
4. NDA 2025 Eligibility Criteria
Apart from age limits, candidates must also meet certain educational and other eligibility criteria:
Nationality
A citizen of India, or
A subject of Bhutan or Nepal, or
A Tibetan refugee who came over to India before 1st January 1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India, or
A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries, etc., with the intention of permanently settling in India.
Educational Qualification
For Army Wing of NDA: 10+2 or equivalent from a recognized board or university.
For Air Force and Naval Wings of NDA and for 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at the Indian Naval Academy: 10+2 or equivalent with Physics and Mathematics.
Marital Status
Only unmarried candidates are eligible. Marriage during the training period is strictly prohibited.
Physical Standards
Candidates must be physically fit as per the standards set by the NDA and the Armed Forces. Detailed guidelines for height, weight, vision, and other criteria will be mentioned in the official notification.
5. NDA 2025 Exam Pattern and Selection Process
The selection process for NDA 2025 consists of two main stages:
Written Examination
Mathematics: 300 marks
General Ability Test (GAT): 600 marks
Total: 900 marks
SSB Interview (Services Selection Board)
Conducted for candidates qualifying in the written exam.
Personality, Intelligence, Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests, and Conference.
SSB Interview: 900 marks
Hence, the overall selection process is out of 1800 marks (900 for Written + 900 for SSB).
6. How to Apply for NDA 2025
The application procedure for NDA 2025 will be entirely online. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide:
Provide your basic details including name, date of birth, email ID, and mobile number.
Fill the Application Form
Part I: Enter personal information, educational details, and correspondence details.
Part II: Upload a scanned photograph, signature in the prescribed format, and pay the application fee (if applicable).
Fee Payment
Payment can be done online (credit card, debit card, or net banking) or offline (challan).
Review and Submit
Double-check all the information entered.
Submit and take a printout of the application form for future reference.
Make sure you submit your application before the stipulated deadline to avoid last-minute technical glitches.
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. When will the NDA 1 2025 notification be published? A1. The NDA 1 2025 notification will be published on 11th December 2024.
Q2. What is the NDA 1 2025 Exam Date? A2. The NDA 1 2025 exam is scheduled for 13th April 2025.
Q3. When will the NDA 2 2025 notification be released? A3. The NDA 2 2025 notification will be released on 28th May 2025.
Q4. What are the age limits for NDA 1 2025? A4. Both male and female candidates born not earlier than 02nd July 2006 and not later than 1st July 2009 are eligible for NDA 1 2025.
Q5. What are the age limits for NDA 2 2025? A5. Both male and female candidates born not earlier than 02nd January 2007 and not later than 1st January 2010 are eligible for NDA 2 2025.
Q6. How many marks is the NDA 2025 exam worth? A6. The NDA written exam is out of 900 marks (300 for Mathematics and 600 for GAT), followed by an SSB Interview of 900 marks, totaling 1800 marks.
Final Thoughts
Clearing the NDA exam is your gateway to joining the ranks of the Indian Armed Forces. The NDA Exam 2025 provides an excellent opportunity for young aspirants to demonstrate their passion, capability, and dedication to serve the nation. Adhering to the NDA 2025 age limits and meeting the eligibility criteria is the first step.
Once you confirm your eligibility, make sure you start preparing systematically for both the written exam and the SSB interview. Keep a close watch on official announcements, adhere to important deadlines, and maintain physical and mental fitness.
Best wishes for your NDA 2025 journey! May your dedication and hard work lead you to success and a bright future in the Indian Armed Forces.
Hon’ble Governor of Uttarakhand, Lt Gen Gurmit Singh (Retd), recently visited the Golden Key Division at Birpur Cantt, where he commended the troops for their exceptional professionalism, discipline, and unwavering commitment to national security. Recognizing their relentless efforts, he appreciated the role of the Indian Armed Forces in nation-building, highlighting their significant contribution to maintaining peace and stability.
During his visit, Lt Gen Gurmit Singh also interacted with students and educators at the Golden Key Asha School, an institution dedicated to empowering children with special abilities. He expressed deep appreciation for the resilience and dedication of the staff in nurturing and supporting these children. The Hon’ble Governor emphasized that sincere efforts in this direction are vital for fostering a more inclusive society.
His visit reaffirmed the state’s commitment to recognizing the contributions of the armed forces and promoting social inclusivity through education and empowerment initiatives.
In a recent demonstration of the Indian Army’s commitment to maintaining a high state of readiness, Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Katiyar, PVSM, AVSM, Army Commander of the Western Command, conducted a thorough review of the operational preparedness of the Airawat Division.
During his visit, Lt. Gen. Katiyar, who has a distinguished career including roles as Director General of Military Operations and General Officer Commanding I Corps, interacted with all ranks of the Airawat Division. The Airawat Division, officially known as the 1 Armoured Division, holds the nickname “Black Elephant” or “Airawat Division” and is headquartered in Patiala. It is renowned for its operational prowess, notably highlighted in historical engagements such as the 1948 operation in Hyderabad.
Lt. Gen. Katiyar commended the soldiers for their professionalism, operational readiness, and unwavering commitment to national security. His engagement with the troops underscores the leadership’s focus on understanding and enhancing the capabilities of the forces under their command.
The Indian Army, which consumes 50% of India’s defence budget, is steadily transitioning towards indigenization of its defence equipment, though the process is slow with long procurement cycles. Despite this, the Army has been making strides in adopting indigenous technologies, as evidenced by recent projects like drone integration and advanced combat simulators, aiming to bolster their operational effectiveness.
This review by Lt. Gen. Katiyar reinforces the Indian Army’s commitment to maintaining a “Strong and Capable” force, “Forever Ready for Operations,” as reflected in the hashtags used by the Western Command in their post: #StrongAndCapable, #ForeverReadyForOperations, #KhargaCorps.
