The National Defence Academy (NDA) exam stands as a gateway for aspirants seeking to join the prestigious Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force as officers. With the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) being the conducting authority, the National Defence Academy exam is highly anticipated by thousands of young individuals across the nation. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the various aspects of the NDA 2026 exam, including its notification, exam dates, eligibility criteria, selection process, and exam pattern.
NDA 2026 Notification
The UPSC releases the official notification for the NDA exam, providing crucial details for aspiring candidates. For National Defence Academy 2026, the notification for NDA I was released on 10th December 2025, offering candidates insights into exam dates, eligibility criteria, application process, and syllabus. The notification for NDA II is expected to be released around 20th May 2026. The notification serves as a guiding light for aspirants, helping them plan and prepare for the exam effectively.
NDA 2026 Exam Date
Understanding the exam dates is essential for aspirants to streamline their preparation strategy. For National Defence Academy 2026, UPSC has announced the following exam dates:
NDA 1 2026:
- Exam Date: 12th April 2026
- Notification Release: 10th December 2025
- Last Date to Apply: 30th December 2025
NDA 2 2026:
- Exam Date: 13th September 2026
- Registration Dates: 20th May 2026 to 9th June 2026
NDA 2026 Eligibility Criteria
To appear for the National Defence Academy 2026 exam, candidates must fulfill specific eligibility criteria set by UPSC. Here’s a breakdown of the eligibility criteria:
Education Qualification:
- For Army Wing: Must have passed 12th grade (HSC) or equivalent from a recognized board or university.
- For Air Force, Naval Wings, and 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at Indian Naval Academy: Must have completed 12th grade (HSC) or equivalent with Physics and Mathematics from a recognized board or university. Candidates appearing in the 12th grade are also eligible.
Age Limit:
- Only unmarried male/female candidates born not earlier than 1st July 2007 and not later than 1st July 2010 are eligible for NDA I 2026.
- For NDA II 2026, candidates must be born between 2nd January 2008 and 1st January 2011.
Nationality:
- Must be an unmarried citizen of India, Bhutan, Nepal, or a Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962, to settle permanently, or a person of Indian origin migrated from specific countries to settle in India permanently.
Physical Standards:
- Candidates must meet specific physical criteria including running 2.4 km in 15 minutes, performing skipping, push-ups, sit-ups, chin-ups, and rope climbing to specified minimums.
NDA 2026 Selection Process
The selection process for National Defence Academy 2026 involves two stages: a written exam and an Intelligence & Personality Test (SSB Interview). Candidates who clear the written exam will undergo a personality test to assess their intelligence and character. To secure a place in the merit list, candidates must clear both stages. The final selection is based on the combined scores from the written exam and the SSB.
NDA 2026 Exam Pattern
Understanding the exam pattern is crucial for aspirants to prepare effectively for the National Defence Academy 2026 exam. Here’s an overview of the exam pattern:
- The exam will be conducted offline.
- Questions will be in the Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) format.
- Questions will be available in both English and Hindi languages.
- Negative marking will apply, deducting 0.83 marks for incorrect answers in Mathematics, and 1.33 marks each for incorrect answers in English and General Knowledge sections.
| Code | Subject | Max. Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mathematics | 300 | 2.5 hours |
| 2 | General Ability Test | 600 | 2.5 hours |
| Total | 900 | 5 hours |
Aspirants should familiarize themselves with the exam pattern to devise a structured preparation plan and ace the NDA 2026 exam.
In conclusion, the NDA 2026 exam presents a golden opportunity for aspirants to embark on a fulfilling career in the Indian Armed Forces. By understanding the exam’s nuances, adhering to eligibility criteria, and adopting a strategic preparation approach, candidates can realize their dreams of serving the nation with pride and honor.
FAQs
- What is NDA 2026?
NDA 2026 refers to the National Defence Academy (NDA) examination scheduled to be conducted in the year 2026. It is a prestigious exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for recruiting candidates into the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force as officers. - When will the notification for NDA 2026 be released?
The notification for NDA I 2026 was released by UPSC on 10th December 2025. The notification for NDA II 2026 is expected in May 2026. It will contain important details such as exam dates, eligibility criteria, application process, and syllabus. - What are the exam dates for NDA 2026?
The exam dates for NDA 2026 are as follows:
NDA 1 2026: 12th April 2026
NDA 2 2026: 13th September 2026 - What is the eligibility criteria for NDA 2026?
The eligibility criteria for NDA 2026 include:
Educational qualification: Candidates must have passed 12th grade (HSC) or equivalent with specific subjects depending on the branch they are applying for.
Age limit: Only unmarried male/female candidates born between certain dates are eligible (1st July 2007 to 1st July 2010 for NDA I; 2nd January 2008 to 1st January 2011 for NDA II).
Nationality: Candidates must be citizens of India, Bhutan, Nepal, or Tibetan refugees settled in India, or persons of Indian origin migrated from specific countries.
Physical standards: Candidates must meet specific physical criteria as prescribed by UPSC. - What is the selection process for NDA 2026?
The selection process for NDA 2026 involves two stages:
Written exam: Candidates must clear a written exam conducted by UPSC.
Intelligence & Personality Test (SSB): Candidates who clear the written exam will undergo a personality test to assess their intelligence and character. - What is the exam pattern for NDA 2026?
The exam pattern for NDA 2026 includes:
The exam will be conducted offline.
Questions will be in the Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) format.
There will be negative marking for incorrect answers.
The exam consists of two papers: Mathematics and General Ability Test. - How can I prepare for NDA 2026?
To prepare for NDA 2026, candidates should:
Understand the exam pattern and syllabus thoroughly.
Refer to standard study material and books recommended by experts.
Practice previous year question papers and mock tests.
Focus on physical fitness along with academic preparation.
Stay updated with current affairs and general knowledge topics. - Can I apply for NDA 2026 if I am currently in the 12th grade?
Yes, candidates appearing in the 12th grade are eligible to apply for NDA 2026, provided they meet all other eligibility criteria specified by UPSC. - Is there any relaxation in the age limit for NDA 2026?
No, there is no relaxation in the age limit for NDA 2026. Candidates must adhere to the age criteria specified by UPSC. - When will the results for NDA 2026 be announced?
The results for NDA 2026 will be announced by UPSC after the completion of the selection process, including the written exam and the Intelligence & Personality Test (SSB). The exact date of result announcement will be communicated by UPSC through its official website.
