NDA 2026: Notification, Eligibility, Dates, Registration, Pattern, Syllabus, Preparation, Interview Process

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is responsible for conducting the NDA (National Defence Academy) 2026 examination, held twice a year on a national level. This exam is a gateway for candidates aspiring to join the Defence forces, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force. UPSC will issue notifications regarding the available vacancies in the Defence forces, which are filled based on NDA scores. 

The number of vacancies depends on the training capacity of the National Defence Academy (NDA) and the Indian Naval Academy. Upon clearing the NDA 2026 exam, candidates must undergo the SSB (Services Selection Board) interview and medical examination for final selection into the armed forces.

The NDA exam is to select suitable candidates for admission to the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy, as well as the Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC). Both male and female candidates can apply for the NDA 2026 examination. Find comprehensive details regarding the NDA 2026 examination, including application procedures, eligibility criteria, examination pattern, syllabus, and related information.

NDA 2026 Highlights

NDA 2026 is a chance for people who dream of joining the Indian Armed Forces. The exam is tough and organized by UPSC, where candidates need to prove themselves to secure a spot.

NDA 2026 Important Dates

Here are the tentative dates for the NDA examinations in 2026:

For NDA 1 2026:

For NDA 2 2026:

NDA 2026 Application Form

Candidates need to first register with UPSC to fill out the NDA 1 application form 2026. The application form can be filled in two parts. Candidates need to complete both parts of the application form successfully by paying the application fees. Interested and eligible candidates can fill out the NDA application form 2026 online. UPSC NDA online form 2026 comprises OTR and filling out the application form. Candidates are required to complete the OTR first before proceeding towards filling out the application form. Fee payment for the NDA 2026 exam can be done online and offline.

• UPSC NDA 2026 application forms are available exclusively through online mode, with no provision for offline submissions.
• The application window for NDA 1 will open from the 3rd week of December 2025 and continue until the first week of January 2026.
• Candidates must diligently fill out the application form, ensuring accuracy and consistency with their provided documents and Photo ID proof.
• The application process involves multiple stages, including One-Time Registration (OTR), data entry, image uploads, and fee payment.
• For NDA 2, the application period spans from the second week of May 2026 to the first week of June 2026.
• Careful attention should be paid to uploading scanned images of the signature and photograph as per the prescribed specifications.
• The UPSC may offer a correction facility post-application completion, allowing candidates to rectify any errors or discrepancies.
• It’s essential to retain a printed copy of the filled-in application form for future reference and correspondence.
• Candidates are advised to keep track of important dates and deadlines to ensure timely completion of the application process.
• Any communication or updates from UPSC regarding the application process should be closely monitored to stay informed.

NDA 2026 Application Fee

The application fee for NDA can be paid through both online and offline methods. General candidates are required to pay a fee of Rs. 100/-. However, SC/ST candidates, female candidates, and wards of JCOs/NCOs/ORs candidates are exempt from paying the application fee. Online payments can be made using MasterCard, Visa, Rupay debit/credit cards, UPI, etc., while offline payments can be made via SBI bank challan.

NDA 2026 Application Correction

UPSC will offer a seven-day timeframe for adjustments in both One-Time Registration (OTR) details and application forms. Correction for NDA applications will exclusively take place online. This facility will be available from the second week of January 2026 for NDA 1 and the second week of June 2026 for NDA 2.

Candidates are advised to utilize the correction window provided, as no further opportunities will be available afterwards. Any necessary modifications to the application form can be made through online mode by logging in with the appropriate credentials.

How to Apply for the NDA 2026 Application Form?

• Step 1: Access the UPSC Website – Visit the official website of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) using the provided link.
• Step 2: OTR Registration Portal – Click on the OTR Registration portal on the UPSC website.
• Step 3: Fill out OTR Details – Fill in the required details for the One-Time Registration (OTR) form to register yourself.
• Step 4: Login – Log in again using your registered credentials to access the application form.
• Step 5: Fill Application Form – Proceed to fill out the application form, providing personal, educational, address, and other necessary details.
• Step 6: Upload Images – Upload scanned images of your photograph and signature according to the specified guidelines.
• Step 7: Payment – Pay the application fee through either online or offline mode as per your preference.
• Step 8: Confirmation – After successful fee payment, take a printout of the filled application form for your records and future reference.

NDA 2026 Eligibility Criteria

As per the NDA eligibility criteria, both male and female candidates who have finished their Class 12 or its equivalent are eligible to apply for the exam. Unmarried individuals of both genders can apply for the NDA 1 2024 exam. Candidates must have a birth date falling between July 2, 2007, and July 1, 2010.

Nationality:

• Indian Nationals and subjects of Nepal are eligible to apply.
• Persons of Indian origin who have migrated from Burma, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and East African Countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, and Ethiopia or Vietnam to permanently settle in India.

Age Limit:

• Gender: Both male and female candidates can apply for NDA & NA.
• Marital Status: Only unmarried candidates are eligible.
• Age Limit for NDA 1: Candidates should be born between 2nd July 2007 and 1st July 2010.
• Age Limit for NDA 2: Candidates should have a date of birth falling between 2nd January 2008 and 1st July 2011.

Qualification:

• Army Wing (NDA): Must have passed the 10+2 or equivalent examination from any recognized board.
• Air Force & Naval Wings (NDA & NA): Should have qualified for the 12th or equivalent examination with Chemistry, Physics & Mathematics subjects from a recognized state or national board.
• Candidates appearing in the qualifying exam are also eligible to apply.

Physical Standards:

• Candidates must be physically and mentally fit to apply for the NDA exam.
• After clearing the entrance exam, candidates have to undergo all the required medical tests.

NDA 2026 Exam Pattern

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) outlines the NDA exam pattern in its notification. The NDA exam is conducted in a pen and paper-based mode, featuring solely objective-type questions. The exam consists of two papers: Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT). In total, the NDA question paper contains 270 questions, with the written exam carrying a total of 900 marks. Candidates must secure at least 25 per cent marks in each paper of the NDA exam to qualify. Additionally, there is a negative marking for incorrect answers in the exam.

• Exam Mode: The examination will be conducted in a pen and paper-based mode.
• Sections: There will be two sections: Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT).
• Duration: Each section will have a duration of two and a half hours.
• Type of Questions: The questions asked in the examination will be of objective type.
• Language: The Mathematics section will be in English, while the General Ability Test (GAT) section will be available in both English and Hindi languages.
• Negative Marking: For each wrong answer, 0.33% of the marks assigned to the question will be deducted.

Section-wise Distribution of Marks:

NDA 2026 Syllabus

UPSC provides the official syllabus alongside the notification. Candidates need to adhere to the officially prescribed syllabus while preparing for the exam. Below are some key topics included in the NDA syllabus for 2026.

NDA 2026 Preparation Tips

Prepare effectively for NDA 2026 with these strategic tips. From understanding the syllabus to regular mock tests and maintaining overall well-being, these tips will guide you towards a focused and successful preparation journey.

1. Understand the Syllabus and Exam Pattern: Begin by thoroughly understanding the NDA syllabus and exam pattern to ensure targeted preparation.
2. Create a Timetable: Develop a well-structured timetable allocating sufficient time to each subject, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
3. Regular Mock Tests: Incorporate daily practice of mock tests to assess your performance, identify strengths and weaknesses, and refine your strategy accordingly.
4. Utilize Previous Year Papers and Sample Papers: Solve previous year question papers and sample papers to acquaint yourself with the exam format, types of questions, and time management skills.
5. Study Material: Refer to high-quality study materials recommended by experts to supplement your preparation and gain in-depth knowledge of the subjects.
6. Make Short Notes: Create concise notes on important topics to facilitate quick revision and reinforcement of key concepts.
7. Maintain Health and Well-being: Prioritize your health by maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and getting adequate sleep of 6 to 7 hours daily to ensure optimal cognitive function and productivity.
8. Stay Motivated and Positive: Maintain a positive attitude, stay motivated, and believe in your abilities throughout your preparation journey. Celebrate small victories and milestones to stay focused and committed to your goal of cracking the NDA exam.

NDA 2026 Exam Centers

The NDA examination centres are spread across various cities nationwide, providing candidates with convenient options for taking the exam. From metropolitan hubs like Delhi and Mumbai to smaller cities like Jorhat and Almora, these centres ensure accessibility for aspirants from diverse regions.

NDA 2026 Books

Prepare effectively for the NDA 2026 examination with the help of recommended books tailored to the exam syllabus and pattern. These books offer comprehensive coverage of subjects such as Mathematics, General Ability Tests, and more, aiding candidates in their preparation journey towards success.

NDA 2026 Admit Card

The NDA 2026 admit card, essential for exam entry, will be accessible online seven days before the examination. For NDA 1, it will be released in the fourth week of March 2026, and for NDA 2, in the second week of June 2026. Admit cards will be available exclusively through online mode.

NDA hall tickets will not be sent via post or offline means. Candidates must download the admit card online by entering their RID, Roll Number, DOB, and other necessary details. In case of non-receipt or any queries regarding the admit card, candidates can contact the commission for assistance.

NDA 2026 Answer Key

Officially, UPSC does not release an answer key for the NDA examination. However, certain coaching institutions may choose to publish the NDA answer key 2026 following the exam. These answer keys may be available on the same day as the exam or within a week thereafter.

The answer key for NDA 1 is expected to be available in April 2026, while for NDA 2, it will be released in September 2026. These answer keys will be accessible online in PDF format and are likely to contain the expected answers to the questions asked in the examination.

NDA 2026 Result

Candidates who have appeared in the NDA exam can access their NDA Result 2026 through online mode. The result for NDA 1 is expected to be published in the first week of May 2026, and for NDA 2, in September 2026. The result will be provided in PDF format, featuring the roll numbers of qualified candidates.

The UPSC NDA result will be announced in two stages. Initially, the result will be published for candidates who have qualified for the written exam. Subsequently, the final result will be declared after candidates successfully clear the SSB interview process. Candidates need to take a printout of the result and keep it safe for future reference.

NDA 2026 Cut-off

The NDA Cut-off 2026 will be released after the declaration of the result. Based on the cut-off marks, candidates will qualify for the subsequent rounds of the selection process. The cut-off will be made available exclusively through online mode.

The cut-off for NDA 2026 will be determined by several factors including the number of candidates, individual candidate’s scores, the difficulty level of the exam, previous cut-off trends, and candidate categories. To qualify for the SSB interview, candidates must meet or exceed the cut-off marks set by the authorities.

NDA 2026 SSB Interview

The NDA SSB interview process will be conducted after the declaration of the result. Candidates participating in the SSB interview must bring their original documents and identification for the verification process. It is imperative to adhere to the interview dates specified in the interview letter.

The SSB Interview is a two-stage selection procedure. In Stage 1, candidates undergo an Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR), Picture Perception (PP), and Description Test (DT). Stage 2 involves an Interview, Group Testing Officer Tasks, a Psychology Test, and a conference. To qualify for NDA & NA selection, candidates must clear all these tests diligently. Following the SSB interview, the final result will be published on the official website.

NDA 2026 FAQs

Sunil Kushwaha

As a dedicated Biology Science graduate, I’m passionate about sharing the latest updates in national and state entrance exams through my blog. I aim to keep aspiring students informed about exam trends, important dates, and changes in syllabi. With a keen interest in education, I strive to offer valuable insights for students navigating the competitive landscape of entrance examinations and admission tests. Stay updated with me.