Table of Contents
What is NDA ?
NDA (The National Defense Academy) This exam is conducted by the UPSC. Those student who want to Join the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force, This exam is the Path for Aspirants. First Time NDA Exam is Conducted in 1954 By the UPSC. The Main Requirement is the age limit, which determines who can apply and who cannot. The NDA 2026 Exam is Conducted two times in a year, which is referred as NDA 1 and NDA 2 . Successful candidates undergo rigorous training and education at the NDA campus Khadakwasla, Pune. The Date of NDA 2026 Exam is officially released. NDA 1 exam will be held on 12th April 2026 and NDA 2 Exam will be held on 13th September 2026 and the Application Form started from 10th December 2025.
Overview: NDA 2026 | |||||||||
| Important Dates | Application Fee | ||||||||
|
| ||||||||
Highlights: NDA Exam 2026
NDA Highlights Selected Candidates Go into the joint services academy—Army, Navy, and Air Force wings. The NDA Exam is Conducted by UPSC.
| Particulars | Details |
| Name of exam | National Defense Academy exam |
| conducting authority | UPSC |
| exam frequency | Two Times in a year |
| exam mode | Pen and Paper mode |
| level of exam | National level |
| Mode of exam | Offline |
| exam stages | Written Exam and SSB interview |
| Exam duration | GAT 2.5 hours and mathematics 2.5 hours |
| total questions | GAT 150 and Mathematics 120 |
| Total Marks | Written Exam 900 & SSB Interview 900 |
| Official website | https://upsc.gov.in/ |
Upcoming Major Changes for NDA 2026
- Modern Warfare Training:
The syllabus is redesigned to prepare “techno-commanders” — officers skilled in handling advanced technology and modern battle strategies. - New Technology Modules:
Added subjects include network-centric operations, artificial intelligence (AI), cyber warfare, and space & information warfare. - Stricter Negative Marking:
Tougher marking rules introduced to discourage blind guessing and promote accurate, thoughtful answers. - Focus on Core Skills:
Greater importance given to analytical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership abilities.
Revised Weightage in Exams:
More marks will now be given to General Knowledge, English language skills, and situational judgment questions — aligning with today’s Defence Requirements.
Very Important Date : NDA 2026
This is Very Important Dates Including Notification Dates , Exam Dates and Admit Card. The Table Before for the Complete schedule of NDA 2026 Exam.
| Dates | Upcoming Exam Dates |
| 10 December 2025 | NDA1 Notification 2026 |
| 10 December 2025 – 30 December 2025 | NDA 1 2026 Application Form Start |
| 12 April 2026 | NDA 1 2026 Exam Date |
| 20 May 2026 | Notification of NDA 2 2026 Exam |
| 29 May 2026 – 09 June turn 26 | NDA 2 2026 Application Date |
| 13 September | NDA 2 2026 Exam |
Eligibility Criteria: NDA 2026
It is very important for candid needs to fulfill the polling and the eligibility criteria 2026.
Age: 16.5 to 19.5 years (usually for candidates born between January 2, 2007, and July 1, 2010 for NDA 1 2026)
NDA Age Limit: 2026
- Age for Candidates is 16.5 to 19.5 Years . Candidates born Not Earlier than 01st January 2007 and Not later then 1st January 2010.
- Only Unmarried Male and Female are eligible for the Exam.
- Nationality: Indian Citizens Including Nepal/Bhutan.
Educational Qualification: NDA EXAM 2026
The Educational Qualification is different For academies. Each Academies have their Own qualification, so candidates can check NDA qualification, which are given below.
| Academy | Qualification |
| Army Wing of NDA | Must pass Class 12/HSC From any Recognized bored University |
| Navy, Naval Academy and Air Force Of NDA | Must pass Class 12/HSC Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics |
NDA 2026: Physical Requirement
If you’re dreaming of joining the National Defence Academy (NDA). It’s not just about cracking exams you need a body that can keep up with the Army, Navy and Air Force. Physical Requirement is Briefly Explain below.
| HEIGHT | |
Army: Usually 157.5 cm (around 5’2”) Navy & Air Force: Usually 162.5 cm (around 5’4”) | |
| Category | Minimum Height |
| Bhutan, Sikkim and Northeast Region | 152 Cm |
Tribals from Ladakh Region | 155 Cm |
| Gorkhas, Nepali, Assamese, Garhwali, Kumaoni and Uttarakhand | 152 Cm |
| Andaman & Nicobar Lakshadweep, Minicoy Island | 155 Cm |
Why It Matters:
- Defence training involves long marches, climbing, and physically demanding tasks.
- Being within height and weight limits ensures you can handle rigorous training safely.
Tips to Meet Standards:
- Maintain a balanced diet.
- Do regular exercise: running, push-ups, sit-ups.
- Check your weight regularly and aim for healthy BMI (Body Mass Index).
Visual Requirement (Eye Health) | |
| Basic Requirements | Must have good eyesight. Clear Vision is Essential for Safety and Performance. |
| Visions Standards |
|
| Colour and Night vision |
|
Syllabus: NDA 2026
It is very important to know the NDA Syllabus 2026. UPSC Always releases Syllabus along with the notification. while preparing for exam Candidates must refer to the official prescribed Syllabus. Candidate must check Syllabus to understand the topics that must be study for upcoming exam. Standard Of Syllabus is from 10th,11th & 12th. Check below the some important topics of NDA Syllabus 2026
MATHEMETICS: Determinants, Analytical Geometry of two and three Dimension, Trigonometry, Algebra, Differential Calculus, Vector, Algebra, Integral Calculus and Differential Equation, Statistics and Probability ETC
GENERAL ABILITY TEST: English (Vocabulary, compressions, cohesion, Preposition, General knowledge, Physics, Chemistry, History, Geography, General Science, Current Events etc.
Exam Pattern
Exam Pattern Totally Make UPSC so that Candidates can understand the overall structure of the exam. There is also Negative Marking in the exam and NDA Exam include Written Exam and Interview. After qualifying the written exam candidate have to attempt the SSB interview. There are Total 900 marks from Written exam and 900 marks from SSB interview. Paper pattern of NDA Describe below.
| Negative Marking | Exam name | Duration of exam | Number of questions |
| 1/3 per wrong | Mathematics | 2.5 hours | 120 |
| 1/3 per wrong | general ability test | 2.5 hours | 50 |
| SSB interview | – | 50 |
SSB Interview
SSB interview is divided into two stages. Stage 1 and stage 2 you have to know about the interview of NDA, so here is the Explanation given below.
Stage 1 : Picture Perception and Description test (PP & DT) and Comprises Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR)
Stage 2 : SSB Interview Comprises Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Test and Conference.
Apply Online : Application Form NDA 2026
Application form of NDA will be released on 10th December only official website of UPSC.
How to Register for NDA Exam 2026
- Visit the official website of UPSC OR Search TopexamIndia.com
- Now create an Account clicking on the “Account Creation” link
- Verify your Email ID and Mobile number using OTP
- Login mobile and password or Email ID and password
- Create The Universal Registration Number
- Fill all details in the application form
- Submit your fees
- Apply for NDA and NA exam
How to Download the NDA Admit card 2026
Generally Admit card available before Exam and Candidate has to download Admit card. Candidate needs to the printed copy of their admit card if you can Cary at least 2 copy of your admit card & And your photo of identity and Government Issue ID card to the exam Center.
- Visit the official website OR Search TopexamIndia.com
- Click on the Admit Card link
- Enter the login Information like Registration details OR Mobile Password
- Download the Admit card Take it Print out
How to Check NDA Result 2026
NDA result is announced by UPSC on their official website. You can check your result by your Roll number, shortlisted candid are eligible for SSB interview. How to check NDA result Explain below.
- The official website of UPSC OR Search TopexamIndia.com
- Click on the Result button
- Clicking the link and a result PDF opens
- Qualified roll numbers of candidates display in PDF
- Search your Roll number in the result PDF
- And download the result PDF
Preparation Tips
- Build a daily, focused study schedule with emphasis on weak areas and regular mock practice which help you in your managing time .
- Use NDA-specific study guides, previous year solved papers, and take coaching support if needed ,Increase your ability to taking exam
- Develop leadership and group interaction skills for the SSB phase by participating in team activities or community group tasks or with Your Friends.
- Track current affairs and defence-related news for GAT’s Current Events section, it is very important.
- Join online NDA preparation forums and attend webinars for motivational and exam strategy sessions from Internet.