The UPSC NDA 2026 notification is out — and if you are a defence aspirant in Class 11, Class 12, or a board-passed student within the age window, this is the most important document you will read this year. Everything you have been preparing for — the early morning runs, the NCERT chapters, the mock tests — leads to this: the official notification that opens the gateway to the National Defence Academy and a career as a commissioned officer in the Indian Armed Forces.
This complete, structured guide covers everything in the NDA notification 2026 — official exam dates for both NDA 1 and NDA 2, eligibility criteria, the step-by-step application process, documents required, vacancy details, exam pattern, and a targeted preparation timeline — so you never miss a deadline or a detail that could cost you a year.
NDA 2026 at a Glance
The National Defence Academy (NDA) examination is conducted twice every year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) — one of India’s most competitive and prestigious written examinations. Clearing it is the gateway to a 3-year training programme at NDA, Khadakwasla, Pune, followed by commissioning as a Lieutenant, Sub-Lieutenant, or Flying Officer in the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | NDA & NA (National Defence Academy and Naval Academy) Examination |
| Frequency | Twice a year — NDA 1 and NDA 2 |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in / upsconline.nic.in |
| NDA 1 Exam Date 2026 | April 12, 2026 (Sunday) |
| NDA 2 Exam Date 2026 | September 13, 2026 (Sunday) |
| NDA 1 Vacancies | 394 |
| Starting Salary | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 per month |
| Training Duration | 3 years at NDA + 1–1.5 years at Service Academy |
NDA 2026 Complete Calendar: All Important Dates
NDA 1 2026 — Complete Date Schedule
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | December 10, 2025 |
| Application Form Opens | December 10, 2025 |
| Application Form Last Date | December 30, 2025 (6:00 PM) |
| Application Correction Window | January 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | Last week of March 2026 |
| Written Exam Date | April 12, 2026 (Sunday) |
| Written Exam Result | First week of May 2026 |
| SSB Interview Period | May – June 2026 |
| Final Result Declaration | To be announced |
| Training Commencement | January 2027 |
NDA 2 2026 — Complete Date Schedule
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | May 20, 2026 |
| Application Form Opens | May 20, 2026 |
| Application Form Last Date | June 9, 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | Last week of August 2026 |
| Written Exam Date | September 13, 2026 (Sunday) |
| Written Exam Result | Last week of September 2026 |
| SSB Interview Period | October – November 2026 |
| Final Result Declaration | To be announced |
| Training Commencement | July 2027 |
⚠️ Critical Note for NDA 1 2026 Aspirants: The NDA 1 2026 application window has already closed (December 30, 2025). If you missed NDA 1 2026 registration, your next opportunity is NDA 2 2026 — notification releases May 20, 2026. Mark this date now and do not miss it.
NDA 2026 Vacancy Details
NDA 1 2026 — Wing-wise Vacancy Breakdown
| Wing / Academy | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Army Wing — NDA, Pune | 208 |
| Navy Wing — NDA, Pune | 42 |
| Air Force Wing — NDA, Pune (Flying) | 120 |
| Air Force Wing — NDA, Pune (Ground Duty) | 18 |
| Naval Academy, Ezhimala (10+2 Cadet Entry) | 6 |
| Total (NDA 1 2026) | 394 |
💡 Note: Female candidates are eligible for vacancies across all wings. Seats are allocated within the total vacancy pool based on merit.
NDA 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Understanding the NDA 2026 exam eligibility is the most important step before beginning your application. Meeting every condition is mandatory — partial eligibility is not accepted.
1. Nationality
Candidates must be one of the following:
- A citizen of India
- A subject of Nepal
- A subject of Bhutan
- A Tibetan refugee who arrived in India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanently settling in India
2. Age Limit
| Wing | Age Requirement |
|---|---|
| All Wings (NDA 1 2026) | 16.5 to 19.5 years as on July 1, 2026 |
| All Wings (NDA 2 2026) | 16.5 to 19.5 years as on January 1, 2027 |
💡 How to Check Age Eligibility: For NDA 1 2026 — you must be born between January 2, 2007 and July 1, 2009 (both dates inclusive). For NDA 2 2026 — you must be born between July 2, 2007 and January 1, 2010 (both dates inclusive).
3. Educational Qualification
| NDA Wing | Minimum Qualification |
|---|---|
| Army Wing | Class 12 pass or appearing — any stream |
| Navy Wing | Class 12 pass or appearing with Physics and Mathematics |
| Air Force Wing (Flying & Ground Duty) | Class 12 pass or appearing with Physics and Mathematics |
| Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry) | Class 12 pass or appearing with Physics and Mathematics |
💡 Appearing Candidates Are Eligible: Students appearing for Class 12 board exams (CBSE, BSEB, ICSE, or any state board) can apply for NDA. If selected, they must present their Class 12 passing certificate before joining.
4. Gender and Marital Status
- Both male and female candidates are eligible
- Candidates must be unmarried at the time of application and at the time of joining NDA
5. Physical Standards
| Parameter | Male Minimum | Female Minimum |
|---|---|---|
| Height (Army/Navy/AF Ground Duty) | 157 cm | 152 cm |
| Height (Air Force Flying Branch) | 162.5 cm | 152 cm |
| Weight | Proportionate to height and age | Proportionate to height and age |
| Chest (Male only) | 77 cm unexpanded, 5 cm expansion | — |
NDA 2026 Exam Pattern
Paper I — Mathematics
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Marks | 300 |
| Total Questions | 120 |
| Correct Answer | +2.5 marks |
| Wrong Answer | −0.83 marks (1/3rd negative) |
| Duration | 2.5 hours |
| Level | Class 11–12 (NCERT-based) |
Paper II — General Ability Test (GAT)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Marks | 600 |
| Total Questions | 150 |
| Part A — English | 200 marks (50 questions) |
| Part B — General Knowledge | 400 marks (100 questions) |
| Correct Answer | +4 marks |
| Wrong Answer | −1.33 marks (1/3rd negative) |
| Duration | 2.5 hours |
SSB Interview
| Component | Marks |
|---|---|
| Written Exam (Paper I + II) | 900 |
| SSB Interview / Personality Test | 900 |
| Grand Total | 1800 |
NDA 2026 Syllabus: Topic Overview
Paper I — Mathematics Key Topics
- Algebra: Sets, Complex Numbers, Quadratic Equations, AP/GP/HP, Permutations, Binomial Theorem, Logarithms
- Trigonometry: Identities, Inverse Trigonometric Functions, Heights & Distances
- Differential Calculus: Limits, Derivatives, Maxima & Minima
- Integral Calculus: Definite/Indefinite Integration, Differential Equations
- Matrices & Determinants, Vector Algebra
- Analytical Geometry (2D and 3D), Statistics and Probability
Paper II — GAT Key Topics
- English: Grammar, Vocabulary, Comprehension, Spotting Errors, Sentence Improvement
- General Knowledge: Physics, Chemistry, Biology (General Science), History of India, Geography of India and World, Indian Polity and Constitution, Current National and International Affairs, Defence and Security Updates
How to Fill the NDA Application Form 2026: Step-by-Step
The NDA registration process is conducted entirely online through the UPSC’s official portal. Here is the complete step-by-step process:
Step 1 — UPSC One Time Registration (OTR)
- Visit the official UPSC website: upsc.gov.in
- Navigate to “ONE TIME REGISTRATION”
- First-time applicants must complete the OTR process — create an account with your personal details, email address, and mobile number
- Once registered, you receive a permanent UPSC OTR Number — this is used for all future UPSC applications⚠️ Important: Your OTR Number is permanent. Do not create multiple accounts. If you have already registered for any previous UPSC exam (including NDA 2025), use the same OTR credentials.
Step 2 — Open NDA Application Form
- Log in to your OTR account
- Click on “Apply Online” under the NDA notification
- The application form will open — it is divided into multiple sections
Step 3 — Fill Personal and Academic Details
Enter the following with complete accuracy:
- Full name (as per Class 10 certificate)
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Nationality
- Educational qualification — class and stream details
- Home state and district
- Category (General / OBC / SC / ST / EWS)
- Choice of NDA wing preference
Step 4 — Upload Required Documents
All documents must be scanned and uploaded in the specified format and size:
| Document | Format | Size |
|---|---|---|
| Photograph (recent, passport size) | JPG/JPEG | 3 KB – 40 KB |
| Signature (on plain white paper) | JPG/JPEG | 1 KB – 30 KB |
| Category Certificate (if applicable) | As specified | As specified |
Step 5 — Pay Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹100 |
| SC / ST | Nil (Exempted) |
| Female Candidates (All Categories) | Nil (Exempted) |
Payment modes accepted: Net Banking, Credit Card, Debit Card, UPI, or Cash at SBI Branches using the e-challan generated during the application.
Step 6 — Final Submission and Print
- Review all entries carefully before final submission — errors cannot be corrected after submission except during the official correction window
- Click “Submit”
- Download and print the application confirmation page with transaction ID and registration number
- Save digital copies — you will need the registration number to download your admit card💡 Application Correction Window: UPSC typically opens a short correction window approximately 7–10 days after the application deadline closes. This allows limited corrections to specific fields. Use this window if you discover an error — it is not always available for all fields.
Documents Required for NDA 2026 Application
Keep these documents ready before beginning the application process:
- Class 10 mark sheet or birth certificate (for date of birth proof)
- Class 12 mark sheet (if passed) or school bonafide certificate (if appearing)
- Recent passport-size photograph (white/light background, clear face)
- Scanned signature on white paper
- Aadhaar Card (preferred ID proof)
- Caste / Category Certificate (for OBC/SC/ST/EWS candidates — issued by competent authority)
- Bank account details (for fee payment if applicable)
- Domicile Certificate (state domicile — for state-specific records)
NDA 2026 Application Common Mistakes to Avoid
These errors cause applications to be rejected or create problems at later stages:
- Wrong date of birth entry — always match exactly with your Class 10 certificate; even a one-digit error causes serious problems at the medical board
- Wrong name spelling — full name must match your Class 10 board certificate character by character
- Low-quality photograph upload — blurry, outdated, or incorrectly formatted photos cause application rejection
- Wrong category selection — submitting as General when you are OBC, or vice versa, creates serious eligibility complications
- Not noting down the registration number — without this, you cannot download your admit card
- Missing the application deadline — UPSC’s online portal closes at exactly 6:00 PM on the last date. Do not wait until the final day
- Incorrect wing preference — choosing Navy or Air Force without Physics and Mathematics in Class 12 makes you ineligible for those wings at the medical and training stages
NDA 2026 Admit Card: How to Download
The NDA admit card 2026 (also called the e-Admit Card or Hall Ticket) is released approximately 3 weeks before the examination date:
- NDA 1 2026 Admit Card: Last week of March 2026 (exact date to be announced)
- NDA 2 2026 Admit Card: Last week of August 2026
How to download:
- Visit upsc.gov.in
- Click on “e-Admit Card” under the Active Examinations section
- Enter your Registration Number and date of birth
- Download and print the admit card
What to carry on exam day:
- Printed NDA admit card (2 copies recommended)
- Original photo ID (Aadhaar Card / Passport / Voter ID)
- 2 recent passport-size photographs
- Pen (as permitted by the examination centre)
NDA 2026 Cut-off: Expected Range
The NDA written exam cut-off varies by year, competition level, and difficulty. Based on previous year trends:
| Category | Expected Written Exam Cut-off (out of 900) |
|---|---|
| General | 300 – 360 marks |
| OBC | 270 – 330 marks |
| SC/ST | 220 – 280 marks |
💡 Smart Target: Rather than aiming for the cut-off, target 400+ marks in the written exam. A higher written score gives you a stronger overall merit position going into SSB — maximising your selection probability in the final All India Merit List.
Preparation Timeline After NDA 2 2026 Notification
If you are targeting NDA 2 2026 (Exam: September 13, 2026), here is a phase-wise preparation timeline from the notification date:
| Phase | Timeframe | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation | May 20 – June 30 | Complete NCERT Maths + GAT syllabus reading; current affairs diary started |
| Intensive Practice | July 1 – August 10 | Topic-wise MCQ practice; 1 full mock test per week; formula sheet building |
| Mock Test Phase | August 11 – September 5 | 3 full mock tests per week; previous year papers daily; weak chapter revision |
| Final Revision | September 6 – 12 | No new topics; formula revision; 5-year paper revision; physical and mental rest |
| Exam Day | September 13, 2026 | 3-round paper strategy; attempt 80–90 questions with high confidence |
What Happens After the Written Exam?
Understanding the full selection pipeline helps you prepare holistically — not just for the written exam:
- Written Exam Result — Released by UPSC approximately 4–6 weeks after exam date. Roll-number-wise PDF published on upsc.gov.in
- SSB Call Letter — Qualified candidates receive SSB interview dates at one of the selection centres (Allahabad, Bhopal, Bangalore, Dehradun, etc.)
- SSB Interview (5 Days) — Stage I (Screening) + Stage II (Psychology + GTO + Personal Interview) + Conference
- Medical Examination — Conducted at a designated Military Hospital for SSB-recommended candidates
- Final Merit List — UPSC publishes the final All India Merit List combining written exam and SSB scores
- Training Commencement — Selected candidates join NDA, Khadakwasla — January 2027 for NDA 1 2026 selection
Preparation Strategy: NDA 2026 in 5 Focused Steps
Whether you are targeting NDA 1 (April 12) or NDA 2 (September 13), these five principles deliver consistent results:
Step 1 — NCERT First, Always. Every NDA question — Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, and Polity — traces back to NCERT textbooks. Complete NCERT Class 9–12 for all relevant subjects before touching any other resource.
Step 2 — Mathematics Daily. Solve 30–50 NDA Maths problems daily without exception. Mathematics is 300 marks — it is the single largest improvement lever in the NDA written exam. Focus on Algebra, Trigonometry, and Calculus first.
Step 3 — Current Affairs is a Marathon. Read one national newspaper daily from the very first day of preparation. The GAT paper’s Current Affairs section rewards aspirants who have been reading consistently for 6+ months — not those who cramped 3 months of news in 2 weeks.
Step 4 — Mock Tests from Month 3. Begin full-length, timed mock tests from Month 3 onward — minimum 1 per week. Analyse every error in every test. Track your score trend across 8–10 tests to monitor genuine improvement.
Step 5 — Physical Training is Non-Negotiable. Start running and strength training from Day 1 of your preparation. NDA’s SSB requires physical energy across 5 demanding days — and the physical standards at the medical board must be met unconditionally. Fitness cannot be built in 30 days.
NDA 2026 Recommended Resources
| Subject/Area | Best Resource |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | NCERT Class 11–12 + R.S. Aggarwal + Arihant NDA Maths |
| English | NCERT Class 11–12 + Wren & Martin Grammar |
| History | NCERT Class 8–12 History |
| Geography | NCERT Class 9–11 Geography |
| Polity | NCERT Class 11–12 Political Science |
| General Science | NCERT Class 9–10 Science |
| Current Affairs | The Hindu / Indian Express + Vision IAS Monthly CA |
| Previous Year Papers | Arihant NDA/NA Chapterwise Solved Papers (25 years) |
| Official Notification | upsc.gov.in |
In Short
The NDA notification 2026 represents one of the most significant opportunities in a young Indian’s life — the chance to join the world’s finest tri-service military academy and build a career of honour, leadership, and national service. NDA 1 2026 is on April 12, 2026. NDA 2 2026 is on September 13, 2026. Both windows are either open or approaching fast.
If you missed NDA 1’s application deadline, NDA 2 notification arrives on May 20, 2026 — mark it, prepare for it, and be ready to apply the moment the form opens. Every exam cycle is a complete opportunity if you walk into it prepared.
The uniform is not given to those who wish for it. It is earned by those who prepare for it — consistently, strategically, and with complete commitment.
Jai Hind. 🇮🇳
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📌 Share this guide with every NDA aspirant who needs the complete 2026 notification breakdown — every date, every detail, one guide.