NDA Exam: Eligibility, Syllabus, Pattern & Selection Process

On December 10, the NDA 1 notification 2026 will be made public. The deadline for submitting the application is December 10–30. The exam is scheduled on April 12. On May 20, the NDA 2 notification will be made public. The application must be completed by June 9, 2026. September 14 is the date of the exam.

The NDA exam has an age limit of 16.5 to 19.5 years. Students are eligible to apply if they have passed or are taking the Class 12 exam. A written exam and an SSB interview are part of the selection procedure. For more information about the test, see the section below.

NDA 2026 Exam Highlights

• Exam Conducting Body: UPSC

• Frequency: Twice a year

• Mode of Exam: Offline (Pen and Paper)

• Training Duration: 3 years at NDA specialized training

• Entry After: Class 12 (Students from any board)

• For: Army, Navy, and Air Force

• Selection Stages: Written exam SSB Medical.

NDA Exam 2026 Application Form

Candidates who meet the requirements can apply online for the NDA 1 and NDA 2 exams using the NDA Application Form, which was made available by UPSC. Two distinct forms—one for NDA 1 2026 and another for NDA 2 2026—will be released by UPSC in 2026. Candidates who qualify for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force can complete the online application process by visiting the official UPSC website.

Personal information, academic details, exam centre selection, and the uploading of necessary documents are all included in the form. Completing it correctly is crucial since any errors could result in the application being rejected.

NDA 2026 Application Form Release Dates

Although UPSC will publish the official calendar, the expected dates for NDA 2026 are:

NDA 1 2026

• Notification Release: 10 December 2025

• Application Form Opens: 10 December 2025

• Application Form Closes: 30 December 2025

NDA 2 2026

• Notification Release: 20 May 2026

• Application Form Opens: 20 May 2026

• Application Form Closes: 9 June 2026

Make sure you mark these dates on your calendar to avoid last-minute rush or missing the deadline.

What Is NDA?

The NDA Exam is the gateway to the National Defence Academy, where candidates receive three years of rigorous academic, military, and physical training. After completing NDA, cadets move to their respective training academies—Indian Military Academy (Army), Naval Academy (Navy), or Air Force Academy—for final training before being commissioned as officers.

The exam is held twice—NDA 1 and NDA 2—and includes two major stages:

1. Written Exam (Mathematics and General Ability Test)

2. SSB Interview (Personality, psychology, physical fitness, and leadership assessment)

NDA 2026 Important Dates

Eligibility Criteria for NDA Exam 2026

To apply for the NDA Exam 2026, students must meet the following criteria:

1. Nationality

You must be:

• A citizen of India,

• Or a subject of Nepal,

• Or a Person of Indian Origin (PIO) who has migrated from approved countries.

2. Age Limit

For NDA 2026, candidates should be between 16.5 to 19.5 years at the time of joining NDA.

This generally applies to candidates who are born between:

• NDA 1 2026: Likely between July 2007 and July 2010

• NDA 2 2026: Likely between January 2008 and January 2011

(Dates may vary slightly depending on the official UPSC notification.)

3. Educational Qualification

• For Army Wing: Must have passed or be appearing in Class 12 from any stream.

• For Navy and Air Force: Must have studied Physics and Mathematics in Class 12.

4. Gender

Since 2021, both male and female candidates can apply.

5. Physical Standards

Candidates must meet strict physical and medical requirements, including height standards, eyesight criteria, and overall fitness.

NDA 2026 Admit Card Release Dates

UPSC usually releases the NDA admit card three weeks before the examination date. Based on expected timelines:

NDA 1 2026

• Exam Date: 12 April 2026 (Sunday)

• Expected Admit Card Release: Last week of March 2026

NDA 2 2026

• Exam Date: 13 September 2026 (Sunday)

• Expected Admit Card Release: Last week of August 2026

Students should regularly check the UPSC website during these periods to avoid missing the download window.

Where to Download the NDA Admit Card 2026

The admit card for both NDA 1 and NDA 2 is released on the official UPSC website:

upsc.gov.in → Examinations → Active Examinations → National Defence Academy

You will find a direct link titled "Download e-Admit Card" once it becomes available.

How to Download Your NDA Admit Card (Step-by-Step Guide)

Downloading the admit card is straightforward if you follow these steps carefully:

1. Visit the official UPSC website: upsc.gov.in

2. Go to the “Examinations” tab.

3. Select Active Examinations.

4. Click National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I/II) 2026.

5. Click on Download e-Admit Card.

6. Choose the login method:

   • Registration ID

   • Roll Number

   • Name (if enabled)

7. Enter the required details, captcha code, and submit.

8. Your admit card will appear on the screen.

9. Download and print multiple copies for safety.

Tip: Use a laptop or desktop instead of a phone to avoid formatting errors while downloading the PDF.

NDA Exam Pattern 2026

The written test consists of two papers:

1. Mathematics

• Marks: 300

• Duration: 2.5 hours

• Questions: 120

• Level: Class 11 & 12 Mathematics

• Topics: Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, Coordinate Geometry, Probability, etc.

2. General Ability Test (GAT)

• Marks: 600

• Duration: 2.5 hours

• Sections:

  • English (200 marks): Grammar, vocabulary, comprehension

  • General Knowledge (400 marks): Physics, Chemistry, History, Geography, Current Affairs, Biology

Total Marks (Written Exam): 900

SSB Interview: 900 marks

Grand Total: 1800 marks

NDA SSB Interview: What to Expect

The SSB interview is a five-day personality assessment conducted at designated centres like Bengaluru, Allahabad, and Bhopal. The SSB evaluates qualities like leadership, teamwork, confidence, communication skills, problem-solving ability, and mental toughness.

The major stages include:

• Screening Test

• Psychology Tests

• Group Tasks

• Personal Interview

• Conference Round

Candidates who clear SSB must then clear medical tests before joining the academy.

NDA 2026 Syllabus Overview

Mathematics

• Algebra

• Matrices & Determinants

• Trigonometry

• Analytical Geometry

• Differential & Integral Calculus

• Vector Algebra

• Probability & Statistics

General Ability Test

English:

• Grammar & Usage

• Vocabulary

• Reading Comprehension

General Knowledge:

• Physics: Motion, Electricity, Optics

• Chemistry: Organic & Inorganic basics

• Biology: Human body, diseases

• History & Civics: Indian freedom movement, Constitution

• Geography: Climate, soil, maps

• Current Affairs: Defence updates, national events, sports, awards.

How to Prepare for NDA Exam 2026

Students from Tier-1 cities often have access to coaching, good internet resources, and disciplined study plans. Here’s how you can prepare effectively:

1. Build Strong Basics

The NDA paper is not extremely difficult, but it requires speed and accuracy. Strengthen Class 10–12 Maths and improve your English grammar and vocabulary.

2. Make a Daily Study Schedule

Allocate:

• 2 hours for Mathematics

• 2 hours for GAT

• 30–45 minutes for Current Affairs

3. Solve Previous Year Papers

NDA papers follow a consistent pattern. Solving past papers helps identify important topics and improves speed.

4. Improve Physical Fitness

Running, push-ups, sit-ups, swimming, and endurance exercises will help you clear SSB physical rounds and prepare for NDA training.

5. Read Newspapers

Reading The Hindu or Indian Express improves English and current affairs.

6. Practice Communication Skills

SSB requires confidence and clarity. Participate in debates, group discussions, or public speaking.

Life at the National Defence Academy

NDA is not a regular college—it is a world of discipline, honour, and excellence. Cadets undergo:

• Academic training (B.Sc / B.A / B.Tech)

• Military drills

• Physical conditioning

• Adventure sports

• Weapon training

• Leadership development

Life at NDA is challenging but transformative. Cadets make lifelong friendships, build resilience, and develop leadership skills that shape their careers as future officers of the Indian Armed Forces.

Why NDA Is a Great Career Choice in 2026

• Highly respected profession

• Job security and benefits

• Opportunity to serve the nation

• Adventure-filled lifestyle

• Leadership roles from an early age

• World-class training and discipline

For many young students, joining NDA is not just a career decision—it’s a calling.