NDA 2026 Calendar (Form, Exam, SSB Dates) – Complete Schedule for NDA Aspirants

CDS 2026 Calendar: Form Dates, Exam Dates, and SSB Details

Are you planning for the NDA 2026 exams? Well, this article is about to make it all very easy for you. You won't need to navigate between different sites and search for all the necessary information in lengthy PDF files.

All that you require is present right here – dates relating to application forms, the date of exams, dates of SSB, result notifications, and a complete timeline for NDA 1 and NDA 2 of 2026.

NDA 2026 – At a Glance

The National Defence Academy (NDA) exam is conducted twice every year by UPSC, commonly known as NDA 1 and NDA 2. The selection includes:

• Written Examination
• SSB Interview
• Medical Examination
• Final Merit List

Each stage has its own timeline, and knowing these dates early helps aspirants create a roadmap for preparation.

NDA 2026 Calendar (NDA 1 & NDA 2)

According to the UPSC's yearly schedule and historical trends, here is what we think will be the NDA (National Defence Academy) tests for 2026: NDA 1 in January, NDA 2 in August, October. The NDA Exams are normally run on time by the UPSC, and they maintain consistency, allowing you to plan as much as possible.

NDA 1 2026 – Important Dates

NDA 2 2026 – Important Dates

NDA 2026 Form Dates – When Should You Apply?

Nevertheless, this point in the process may have excited more individuals, perhaps because they look towards being a part of the NDA. Due to the time constraints associated with NDA forms being available for submission, keep alert for upcoming events regarding the NDA application process.

NDA 1 2026 Form Dates

• Forms expected in December 2025
• Last date to apply: 1st week of January 2026

This means you will have about 25 – 30 days in which you are required to fill out the application form.

NDA 2 2026 Form Dates

• Forms expected in May 2026
• Last date to apply: 1st week of June 2026

These fixed cycles are followed by a written examination, which marks the beginning of this process.

NDA 2026 Exam Dates – Written Test Schedule

A written examination that marks the beginning of this process follows these fixed cycles:

NDA 1 2026 Written Exam

Will be held on 29th of April 2026(Sunday)

NDA 2 2026 Written Exam

Expected on 6 September 2026 (typically the first Sunday of September).

The exam pattern for both remains the same:

NDA 2026 Admit Card Release Dates

The UPSC generally makes the availability of the admit cards known 20-25 days before the exams, so you can look forward to:

NDA 1 2026 Admit Card Date:

• NDA 1 2026 Admit Card: Last week of March 2026
• NDA 2 2026 Admit Card: Last week of August 2026

Always download early to avoid traffic issues on the last day.

NDA 2026 Result Dates (Written Exam)

In fact, the trend that the UPSC maintains regarding the declaration of the results for NDA written exams is that it comes within 30-40 days.

NDA 1 2026 Result

Expected in May 2026

NDA 2 2026 Result

Expected in October 2026

Results are always declared in the form of a PDF as a list containing roll numbers. At last, candidates need to register their names on the website of the Indian Army within the given timeframe.

NDA 2026 SSB Interview Dates (Army, Navy & Air Force)

After clearing the written exam, the real task starts at the SSB interview. The bright side is that you will have ample time between your written results and your SSB dates.

NDA 1 2026 SSB Interview Schedule

SSB for NDA 1 is usually conducted between:

June to September 2026

• Army SSB: June to September
• Navy SSB: July to September
• Air Force SSB (AFCAT Cell): Mostly between July and August

If your target is the Air Force, then be prepared for the Computerised Pilot Screening Test (CPSS) too.

NDA 2 2026 SSB Interview Schedule

SSB for NDA 2 is usually conducted between:

November 2026 to March 2027

This cycle is longer because it leads into the next year’s training session.

NDA 2026 Training Schedule

Those cleared in the SSB and the medical test get selected for admission into the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla.

Training batches begin as follows:

• NDA 1 2026 Batch: January 2027
• NDA 2 2026 Batch: July 2027

"Yes, it takes about a total of 12-15 months, right from form filling to joining."

How to Plan Your NDA 2026 Preparation According to the Calendar

Although knowing these dates is useful, even more important is the manner in which you choose to use these dates. Well, here is what you can do for preparation using the NDA 2026 dates:

1. Start Early – Don’t Wait for the Notification

Seriousness towards NDA means starting the preparation at least 9-12 months before the date of the examination. This will not only

• Strong basics in Maths
• Better English vocabulary & grammar
• Familiarity with GAT subjects
• Time for revision + mock tests

2. Use the Gap Between Exam & SSB Wisely

You will have at least 45-60 days before your SSB begins. Use that time to:

• Practice psychological tests
• Improve communication skills
• Work on physical fitness
• Prepare for interviews & group tasks

You can then join a 21-day SSB course at any prestigious academy, if the need be.

3. Follow UPSC Instructions Carefully

Common mistakes that may void the application include uploading the wrong photo and signature of the applicant. Always

• Use the correct photo format
• Validate details before submitting
• Keep copies of form receipts

4. Solve Previous Year Papers

Past trends show that NDA repeats many concepts, especially in:

• Maths: Algebra, Trigonometry, Coordinate Geometry
• GAT: English, Static GK, Science

Solving 5–10 years of papers builds a strong advantage.

Final Thoughts – Your NDA 2026 Journey Starts Now

NDA is not just a competitive exam; instead, it stands out as the key to a very prestigious job in India. If you dream of joining either the Army, Navy, or Air Force, then planning will bring you one step ahead of all other candidates. The above-provided calendar on NDA 2026 will help you mark all the important events from the date of release of the forms to the beginning of the training.

But this has always been seen in people who are consistent, disciplined, and determined. So, NDA 2026 will definitely be the turning point for you. So, gear up your preparations for the exam today to take a step toward the uniform.

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