NDA 2026 is a national-level entrance exam conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for admission into the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force through the National Defence Academy. Both male and female candidates who meet the eligibility criteria can apply online, with the NDA 1 exam scheduled for April 2026 and NDA 2 in September 2026.
The selection process includes a written exam, SSB interview, and medical test. The application process starts in December 2025 for NDA 1 and May 2026 for NDA 2. AUBSP provides a complete guide on application steps, eligibility, syllabus, exam pattern, preparation tips, and key dates to help aspirants prepare confidently for NDA 2026.
National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Exam 2026
Hello dear aspirants! If you’re planning to join the prestigious Defence forces of India—be it the Army, Navy, or Air Force—then the NDA 2026 examination is your golden opportunity. Conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), the NDA exam is your gateway to becoming a part of India’s elite defense institutions.
In this article, AUBSP brings you every tiny detail—from exam dates and eligibility to preparation tips and syllabus—so that you can start your NDA 2026 journey with confidence and clarity.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of Exam | National Defence Academy (NDA) Exam |
| Conducting Authority | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Frequency | Twice a year (NDA 1 & NDA 2) |
| Level | National Level |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Application Fee | ₹100 (General); Exempted for SC/ST/Female/JCOs/NCOs/ORs |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen & Paper) |
| No. of Vacancies | Around 400 |
| Sections in Exam | Mathematics & General Ability Test |
| Interview Process | SSB (Service Selection Board) Interview + Medical Test |
| Eligibility | 10+2 or equivalent; Physics + Maths for Air Force/Navy |
| Gender | Both Male & Female Eligible |
| Marital Status | Only Unmarried Candidates |
| Age Limit (NDA 1) | Born between 2nd July 2007 – 1st July 2010 |
| Age Limit (NDA 2) | Born between 2nd Jan 2008 – 1st July 2011 |
NDA 2026 Exam Dates Table
For NDA 1 – April 2026
| Event | Date (Tentative) |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 3rd Week of December 2025 |
| Application Start | 3rd Week of December 2025 |
| Application End | 1st Week of January 2026 |
| Application Correction | 2nd Week of January 2026 |
| Withdrawal of Application | 2nd Week of January 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | 4th Week of March 2026 |
| Exam Date | 4th Week of April 2026 |
| Result Announcement | 1st Week of May 2026 |
| SSB Interview | May/June 2026 |
For NDA 2 – September 2026
| Event | Date (Tentative) |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 2nd Week of May 2026 |
| Application Start | 2nd Week of May 2026 |
| Application End | 1st Week of June 2026 |
| Application Correction | 2nd Week of June 2026 |
| Withdrawal of Application | 2nd Week of June 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | 4th Week of August 2026 |
| Exam Date | 1st Week of September 2026 |
| Result Announcement | September 2026 |
| SSB Interview | October 2026 |
Application Process
- Visit UPSC website and go to the OTR (One Time Registration) portal.
- Register with basic details like name, email, mobile number.
- Log in again and start the NDA 2026 application form.
- Fill in personal, academic, and communication details.
- Upload scanned photo & signature as per specifications.
- Pay the application fee via online/offline method.
- Print the filled application form for your reference.
💡 Note: Correction window is available for 7 days after the form closes.
Eligibility Criteria
- Nationality: Indian or subject of Nepal/Bhutan/POI from specified countries.
- Age Limit:
- NDA 1: Born between 2nd July 2007 to 1st July 2010.
- NDA 2: Born between 2nd January 2008 to 1st July 2011.
- Gender: Both male and female candidates can apply.
- Education:
- Army Wing: 12th pass from any recognized board.
- Navy & Air Force: 12th pass with Physics and Maths.
- Marital Status: Only unmarried candidates eligible.
- Fitness: Must meet physical and medical standards.
Exam Pattern & Syllabus
| Subject | Max Marks |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | 300 |
| General Ability Test | 600 |
| SSB Interview | 900 |
Total Duration: 2.5 hours per section
Type of Questions: Objective (MCQ)
Negative Marking: 1/3rd per wrong answer
🧮 Mathematics: Algebra, Calculus, Trigonometry, Vectors, Probability
📘 GAT: English, GK, Physics, Chemistry, History, Geography, Current Affairs
Preparation Tips by AUBSP
- Stick to the official syllabus and create a well-balanced time table.
- Use NCERT books and reference guides like RS Aggarwal and Lucent.
- Take mock tests and analyze your performance regularly.
- Solve previous year papers to understand question trends.
- Make short notes for revision and don’t ignore physical fitness!
Exam Centres Across India
The NDA 2026 exam will be conducted in various cities like Agra, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, Patna, Ranchi, Shimla, and more.
Recommended Books for NDA 2026
| Book Title | Author/Publisher |
|---|---|
| Mathematics for NDA/NA | RS Aggarwal |
| Objective General English | S.P. Bakshi |
| General Knowledge | Manohar Pandey |
| Objective GK | Lucent |
| NCERT Books (Physics, Chemistry, Maths) | NCERT |
Admit Card & Result
- Admit cards will be released 7 days prior to the exam via UPSC’s website.
- Results will be available in PDF format—first for written test, then final after SSB interview.
Final Stage: SSB Interview
This is a two-stage selection process:
- Stage 1: Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR), Picture Perception & Description Test (PPDT)
- Stage 2: Psychology Tests, GTO Tasks, Interview, Conference
After clearing SSB, the final result will be declared, followed by medical verification.
Frequently Asked Questions – NDA 2026
Q1. What is NDA 2026?
NDA 2026 is a national-level entrance exam conducted by UPSC for recruitment into the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy.
Q2. Who conducts the NDA exam?
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the NDA exam.
Q3. How many times NDA exam is conducted in a year?
It is conducted twice a year—NDA 1 and NDA 2.
Q4. Can girls apply for NDA 2026?
Yes, both male and female candidates can apply for NDA 2026.
Q5. What is the level of NDA exam?
It is a national-level examination.
Q6. How many vacancies are expected in NDA 2026?
Approximately 400 vacancies will be available across all three wings.
Q7. What is the age limit for NDA 2026?
- NDA 1: Born between 2nd July 2007 and 1st July 2010
- NDA 2: Born between 2nd January 2008 and 1st July 2011
Q8. Is 12th appearing student eligible?
Yes, appearing candidates in 12th can apply.
Q9. What are the educational qualifications required?
- Army Wing: Passed or appearing in 10+2.
- Navy & Air Force Wings: Passed or appearing in 10+2 with Physics & Mathematics.
Q10. Can a married candidate apply?
No, only unmarried candidates can apply.
Q11. Are foreign nationals eligible?
Only candidates of Indian nationality or certain migrants intending permanent settlement in India are eligible.
Q12. When will NDA 1 2026 application start?
It will begin in 3rd week of December 2025.
Q13. What is the last date to apply for NDA 2 2026?
The last date is 1st week of June 2026.
Q14. Can I submit the form offline?
No, application is online only.
Q15. What is the application fee?
- General/OBC: ₹100/-
- SC/ST/Female/JCOs/NCOs/ORs: Exempted
Q16. Is there any correction window?
Yes, UPSC provides a 7-day correction window after form submission.
Q17. What documents are required during application?
Scanned photograph, signature, and valid photo ID proof.
Q18. When will NDA 1 2026 admit card be released?
It will be available in the 4th week of March 2026.
Q19. How to download the NDA admit card?
Visit UPSC website, login using RID or Roll No. and DOB, then download it.
Q20. Will I get the admit card via post?
No, it will be available online only.
Q21. What is the mode of NDA exam?
The exam will be offline (pen and paper-based).
Q22. What are the subjects in NDA written exam?
- Mathematics – 300 Marks
- General Ability Test (GAT) – 600 Marks
Q23. Is there negative marking?
Yes, 0.33 marks will be deducted for each wrong answer.
Q24. What topics are covered in Mathematics?
Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, Matrices, Geometry, Statistics, etc.
Q25. What is included in GAT section?
English, General Knowledge, Physics, Chemistry, History, Geography, Current Affairs, etc.
Q26. What is SSB Interview?
It’s a 2-stage selection process involving OIR Test, PPDT, Interview, Group Tasks, Psychology Tests, and Conference.
Q27. What happens after qualifying the written exam?
Qualified candidates are called for SSB Interview and Medical Examination.
Q28. Is medical fitness mandatory?
Yes, only medically fit candidates are considered for final selection.
Q29. When will NDA 1 2026 result be declared?
In the 1st week of May 2026.
Q30. How can I check NDA result?
It will be published in PDF format on UPSC’s official website.
Q31. Will cutoff marks be released?
Yes, NDA cut-off marks will be released post-result declaration.
Q32. What is the expected cut-off for NDA 2026?
It varies each year based on difficulty, performance, and other factors.
Q33. How should I start preparing for NDA 2026?
Understand the syllabus & pattern, create a timetable, practice mock tests, and refer to quality study materials.
Q34. Which books are best for NDA 2026?
I have already discussed in detail in tabular format above. However, you may read the following:-
- Mathematics: RS Aggarwal
- English: S.P. Bakshi
- General Knowledge: Lucent
- NCERT: Class 9–12 for Physics, Chemistry, Math
Q35. Are previous year papers helpful?
Absolutely, they help understand the pattern and frequently asked topics.
Q36. Where will NDA 2026 be conducted?
Across various cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Dehradun, Chandigarh, and many more.
Q37. Will there be an official answer key?
UPSC does not release official answer keys. However, coaching centers might release unofficial ones.
Q38. Can I appear for both NDA 1 and NDA 2?
Yes, if you meet the age criteria, you can appear for both.
Q39. Can I change my exam center?
Only during the correction window, and if seats are available.
Q40. Is it necessary to join coaching for NDA?
Not mandatory. With self-study and proper strategy, many crack it without coaching.
NDA 2026 is your chance to serve the nation with pride and honor. Whether you’re a boy or a girl, if you’re committed and disciplined, AUBSP believes you can crack this prestigious examination. Don’t wait! Start your preparation with confidence, follow the right steps, and most importantly—stay focused.
If you still have any questions, feel free to drop them below—AUBSP is here to guide you through your NDA journey!
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.