Who Gets All India Rank 1 in NDA?
Every NDA aspirant dreams of seeing their name at the top of the National Defence Academy (NDA) merit list. One of the most common questions students ask is:
Who gets All India Rank (AIR) 1 in NDA?
The answer is simple.
All India Rank 1 (AIR 1) in NDA is awarded to the candidate who secures the highest position in the final merit list after successfully clearing the UPSC written examination, the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview, and the medical examination.
In the latest announced results, Parth Kumar Tiwari secured AIR 1 in NDA & NA (II) 2025, proving that dedication, discipline, and consistent preparation can help students achieve the highest rank in one of India’s most competitive defence examinations. Source – SSB CRACK
Who is the Latest AIR 1 in NDA?
According to the UPSC NDA & NA (II) 2025 Final Result, Parth Kumar Tiwari, a student from Ballia district, Uttar Pradesh, secured All India Rank 1.
His achievement has inspired thousands of defence aspirants across the country.
Parth’s journey is particularly inspiring because:
- He belongs to a small village in Uttar Pradesh.
- He studied at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV).
- He later joined the Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC), Dehradun.
- Through disciplined preparation and excellent performance in every stage of the selection process, he secured AIR 1.
His success demonstrates that determination and consistent effort matter more than background or location.
How is AIR 1 in NDA Decided?
Many students think AIR 1 depends only on the written examination.
This is incorrect.
The NDA selection process evaluates candidates in multiple stages.
Stage 1: UPSC Written Examination
The written examination consists of:
| Paper | Marks |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | 300 |
| General Ability Test (GAT) | 600 |
| Total | 900 |
Stage 2: SSB Interview
Candidates who qualify for the written examination appear before the Services Selection Board (SSB).
The five-day assessment evaluates:
- Officer Like Qualities (OLQs)
- Leadership
- Decision-making ability
- Communication skills
- Intelligence
- Psychological strength
- Teamwork
- Confidence
- Responsibility
- Social adaptability
The SSB Interview carries:
900 Marks
Stage 3: Medical Examination
Candidates who clear the SSB undergo a comprehensive medical examination.
Only medically fit candidates are considered for the final merit list.
Total Marks for AIR 1
| Selection Stage | Marks |
|---|---|
| Written Examination | 900 |
| SSB Interview | 900 |
| Final Total | 1800 Marks |
The candidate with the highest overall score, after meeting all eligibility requirements, secures All India Rank 1.
Is AIR 1 Based Only on Written Marks?
This is one of the biggest misconceptions among NDA aspirants.
For example:
Candidate A
- Written Marks: Excellent
- SSB Performance: Average
Candidate B
- Written Marks: Slightly Lower
- SSB Performance: Outstanding
Candidate B can finish above Candidate A in the final merit list because both written and SSB marks contribute equally to the final ranking.
What Makes an AIR 1 Candidate Different?
Although every topper has a unique journey, successful AIR 1 candidates generally possess:
- Strong Mathematics fundamentals
- Excellent General Knowledge
- Consistent daily study routine
- High physical fitness
- Leadership qualities
- Positive attitude
- Mental toughness
- Excellent communication skills
- Confidence under pressure
- Self-discipline
These qualities are exactly what the NDA selection process is designed to identify.
Lessons from AIR 1 Parth Kumar Tiwari
Parth Kumar Tiwari’s journey teaches valuable lessons to every defence aspirant.
1. Your Background Does Not Define Your Future
Coming from a small village did not stop him from becoming AIR 1.
2. Discipline Beats Motivation
Consistent preparation over months and years helped him outperform thousands of candidates.
3. Academic Excellence Alone is Not Enough
The NDA selection process values personality, leadership, communication, and officer-like qualities in addition to academics.
4. Right Guidance Makes a Difference
His education at institutions known for disciplined military-oriented training contributed significantly to his development.
Can You Become AIR 1 in NDA?
Yes.
Every candidate who appears for the NDA examination has an equal opportunity to secure AIR 1.
Rather than chasing a rank, focus on becoming the best version of yourself.
A practical preparation strategy includes:
- Master the NDA syllabus.
- Solve previous year papers.
- Attempt mock tests regularly.
- Build physical fitness.
- Improve communication skills.
- Develop Officer Like Qualities (OLQs).
- Prepare seriously for the SSB Interview.
Students who remain disciplined throughout the preparation journey significantly improve their chances of achieving a top rank.
How Indian Defence Academy Helps NDA Aspirants
At Indian Defence Academy (IDA), Dehradun, we prepare students for every stage of the NDA selection process.
Our training includes:
- UPSC NDA Written Examination Preparation
- Mathematics & General Ability Test (GAT)
- SSB Interview Coaching
- Psychological Test Preparation
- Group Discussion & Personal Interview Practice
- Physical Fitness & Obstacle Training
- Officer Like Qualities (OLQs) Development
- Leadership & Personality Development
- Mock Tests & Performance Analysis
- Experienced Defence Mentors
Our goal is not just to help students clear the written examination but to prepare them to become future officers of the Indian Armed Forces.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who gets All India Rank 1 in NDA?
The candidate who secures the highest combined marks in the UPSC written examination and SSB interview and is medically fit receives All India Rank 1.
Who is the latest AIR 1 in NDA?
According to the NDA & NA (II) 2025 final results, Parth Kumar Tiwari secured All India Rank 1.
Is AIR 1 based only on the written examination?
No. Final ranking depends on combined performance in the written examination and SSB interview.
How many marks are considered for the NDA final merit list?
The final merit list is prepared based on 1800 marks (900 written + 900 SSB), subject to medical fitness.
Is AIR 1 necessary to join NDA?
No. Candidates who secure ranks within the available vacancies are selected. You do not need AIR 1 to become an officer.
Achieving All India Rank 1 in NDA is one of the highest accomplishments for a defence aspirant. However, the real objective should not be just securing the top rank—it should be becoming a capable, disciplined, and responsible future officer.
The inspiring journey of Parth Kumar Tiwari, from a small village to securing AIR 1, reminds every aspirant that success depends on dedication, perseverance, and the right guidance—not on where you come from.
Whether your goal is AIR 1 or simply earning a place in the National Defence Academy, consistent preparation across the written exam, SSB interview, physical fitness, and personality development will bring you closer to your dream of serving the nation.
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