NDA 2026 Notification Detail – Eligibility, Syllabus, Exam Dates and Selection Process

Complete Guide to NDA 2026 Exam – Everything You Need to Know

The UPSC will publish the NDA 1 2026 Notification on December 10, 2025, starting a new journey for aspirants tent to become the officer faculty of the Indian Armed Forces. The NDA written exam, chosen by many defence aspirants in the country, is one of India’s top defence exams, conducted biannually to select candidates for the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of NDA and the Indian Naval Academy (INA).

As a candidate taking the NDA exam, you will be examined below more than just your academic knowledge in the various subjects. The examination will evaluate your leadership, discipline with the military, and commitment to serve the country with honour and devotion.

NDA 2026 – Overview

NDA 2026 Important Dates

Let’s take a quick look at all the key dates for both NDA 1 2026 and NDA 2 2026 sessions.

What is the NDA Exam?

NDA Examination- The full form is the National Defence Academy Examination, which is the entry test to join the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force as an officer. The examination is held twice a year through the UPSC examination cycle; therefore, the cadets who clear the Written and SSB Interview rounds will get an opportunity to attend the NDA.

• Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun
• Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad
• Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala

This exam is not just an exam, but the first step to discipline, adventure, and leading others.

NDA 2026 Application Form

The online application for this exam will start from December 10, 2025, to December 30, 2025. Candidates can only apply online through the official UPSC website.

Application Fee

• General/OBC: ₹100
• SC/ST/Sons of JCOs/NCOs/ORs: Exempted from fee

How to Apply

• Visit www.upsc.gov.in.
• Click on "Apply Online for NDA & NA Examination".
• Give your personal details like qualifications, contact, etc.
• Upload a photograph, signature, and your identity proof.
• Pay the application fee (if applicable).
• Apply and print a copy of the application for future reference.

NDA 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Before applying, candidates must ensure they meet the eligibility requirements about age, educational, marital, and physical standards.

1. Nationality

The candidate must be:

• A citizen of India, or
• A subject of Nepal or Bhutan, or
• A Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1st January 1962.

2. Age Limit

• Candidates must be born between 2nd January 2007 and 1st January 2010.
• The age limit should be 16.5 years to 19.5 years, for the duration of the course commencement.

3. Marital Status

Unmarried male and female candidates only are eligible.

4. Educational Qualification

Provisional applications by students appearing in their Class 12 board exams are also accepted.

NDA 2026 Physical Standards

Physical fitness is important for the selection process of the NDA. The candidates have to fulfil the standards prescribed by UPSC and the Armed Forces Medical Board.

Minimum Height Requirements

Vision Standards

• Uncorrected vision is 6/6 in one eye, 6/9 in the other eye
• Myopia will not be allowed greater than -2.5 D
• Hypermetropia will not be allowed greater than +2.5 D
• LASIK surgery: Not permitted for Arthe my/Navy (permitted for the Air Force under strict conditions)

NDA 2026 Exam Pattern

The written exam will have two papers on 1 day: Mathematics and a General Ability Test (GAT).

NDA 2026 Syllabus

Mathematics:

Algebra, Trigonometry, Matrices and Determinants, Calculus, Vector Algebra, Statistics & Probability, Analytical Geometry (2D & 3D).

General Ability Test (GAT):

• Part A – English: Vocabulary, Grammar, Comprehension, and Usage.
• Part B – General Knowledge: Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, and Current Affairs.

The level of questions is based on Class 10–12 NCERT standards.

NDA 2026 Selection Process

The selection procedure for NDA happens in two parts:

Stage 1 – Written Examination

Candidates appear for two papers (Maths + GAT). Based on the cut-off marks, UPSC shortlists candidates for the next stage.

Stage 2 – SSB Interview

The Services Selection Board (SSB) interview tests the overall personality, leadership qualities, and officer-like traits of the candidate.

• Stage I: Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test + Picture Perception & Description Test (PP&DT)
• Stage II: Psychological Tests, Group Testing Officer Tasks (GTO), and Personal Interview
• Marks: 900

Candidates who clear both stages undergo a medical examination before the final merit list is prepared.

NDA 2026 Admit Card

• The NDA admit card will be released 3 weeks before the exam date on the UPSC website.
• Candidates can download the NDA admit card through either their registration ID or roll number.
• Candidates must bring a printed copy of the NDA admit card as well as a valid photo ID proof to the exam centre.

Exam Day Instructions

• Bring a black ballpoint pen and a clipboard.
• Calculators, smartwatches, or electronic devices are not allowed.
• Reach the exam centre at least one hour before reporting time.
• Avoid last-minute panic, keep your admit card, ID proof, and stationery ready the night before.

NDA Result 2026

• UPSC declares the NDA result in PDF format, listing roll numbers of qualified candidates.
• Those who clear the written exam are called for the SSB Interview.
• For final selection, the combined marks of Written + SSB will be taken into consideration.

Steps to Check the Result

1. Visit upsc.gov.in.
2. Click on the link showing "NDA 2026 Result".
3. Download the PDF and search for your roll number.
4. Save it for future reference.

NDA 2026 Cut-Off Marks (Expected)

The cut-off marks vary each year based on exam difficulty and vacancies. Here’s a look at previous year trends:

The expected NDA 1 2026 cut-off is likely to be around 310–325 marks for the written exam.

NDA 2025 Exam Analysis (Previous Year)

The overall difficulty level of NDA 2 2025 was moderate.

• Mathematics: Conceptual but calculative; focus on Algebra & Trigonometry.
• GAT (English): Moderate, with balanced grammar and comprehension questions.
• GAT (GK): Most questions came from Physics and Current Affairs.

Good attempts:

• Maths: 60–65 questions
• GAT: 95–105 questions

A score of 350–360 was considered safe for SSB shortlisting.

How to Prepare for NDA 2026

To crack NDA, you need a wise strategy, strong basics, and correct guidance. Here's how you can strategise:

• Adopt NCERTs: Improve your basics, particularly in Physics, Chemistry, and Maths.
• Practice PYQs: Practice previous year question papers to get to know more about the pattern and weightage of every topic.
• Mock Tests: Practice full mocks, keeping time management as you would on test day.
• Current Affairs: Practice it as a habit to read the news daily, if possible, or a monthly compilation if not.
• Physical Fitness: Being physically fit through training, either by running or outdoor sports, prepares one for the SSB.

Conclusion 

The NDA 2026 exam is a golden opportunity for hardworking and passionate students to join the National Defence Academy, one of the most respected institutions in India.

With just the right amount of commitment, discipline, and guidance, you will be able to earn your rightful place among the future leaders of the Indian Armed Forces and wear the stars upon your shoulders with pride.

Read more:

How to Prepare for NDA 2026 Along with Board Exams

NDA 2026: Common Mistakes to Avoid During Preparation

Top 3 Books for NDA Maths Preparation

Top 7 NDA Coaching Institutes in India 2026 with Fees