
NDA 2026 (National Defence Academy) is one of India’s most prestigious defence exams that provides an opportunity to join the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. This exam is for candidates who have a passion for serving the nation and want to build a career in the defence sector. If your age is between 16.5 to 19.5 years, you are eligible to apply. The selection process includes a tough written exam and a challenging SSB interview that assesses the candidate’s overall personality, leadership qualities, and decision-making skills.
Important Dates for NDA 2026 ⌚
Event | NDA 1 Date | NDA 2 Date |
Notification Release Date | Dec 2025 | May 2026 |
Registration Start Date | Dec 2025 | May 2026 |
Registration Last Date | Jan 2026 | June 2026 |
Admit Card Release | March 2026 (4th week) | Aug 2026 (4th week) |
Exam Date | April 2026 | Sept 2026 |
Result Declaration | May 2026 (1st week) | Sept 2026 |
SSB Interview | May/June 2026 | Sept/Oct 2026 |
How to Fill NDA 2026 Form? ✉️
- Visit the official website (upsc.gov.in).
- Click on “OTR (One Time Registration)” and fill in your basic details.
- Generate your login ID & password for future reference.
- The form is divided into two parts – Part I & Part II.
- Fill in your personal and educational details carefully.
- Upload a recent photo and signature in the specified format.
- Pay the application fees through online or offline mode.
- Review all the details before submission.
- Take a printout of the confirmation page for future reference.
NDA 2026 Eligibility Criteria 👨🎓
Nationality:
- Indian citizens or subjects of Nepal can apply.
- Refugees from Bhutan or Tibet who settled in India before 1 January 1962 are also eligible.
Qualifications:
- Air Force & Navy: Must have passed 12th with PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Maths) as compulsory subjects.
- Army Wing: Candidates from any stream who have passed 12th can apply.
- Appearing students who are currently giving their 12th board exams are also eligible.
Age Limit:
- Candidates must be between 16.5 to 19.5 years, born between 2 July 2005 and 1 July 2008.
Gender:
- Only unmarried male & female candidates are eligible. Married candidates cannot apply.
Medical Fitness:
- Candidates must meet strict defence medical standards for height, weight, and eyesight.
NDA 2026 Exam Pattern 🔬
- Mode: Offline (OMR based)
- Questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Language: English & Hindi
- Duration: Total 5 hours
- Sections:
- Mathematics (300 marks)
- General Ability Test (600 marks)
- Negative Marking: 1/3rd of the marks will be deducted for every wrong answer.
NDA 2026 Syllabus 📚
Mathematics:
- Algebra, Trigonometry, Determinants and Matrices, Integral Calculus, Differential Calculus, Probability, Statistics.
English:
- Grammar rules, Vocabulary, Synonyms-Antonyms, Comprehension, Idioms & Phrases.
General Knowledge:
- Physics, Chemistry, Biology, History, Geography, Political Science, Economics, and Current Affairs.
Preparation Tips for NDA 2026 🌟
- Create an effective study schedule that fits your daily routine.
- Solve previous year question papers to understand the exam pattern.
- Read daily current affairs and make notes.
- Focus on physical fitness with running, push-ups, and stamina-building exercises.
- Attempt mock tests and quizzes to improve time management.
- Focus on concept clarity and take advantage of coaching or online resources.
NDA 2026 Admit Card 📂
- It will be released in March and August 2026.
- Download it from the official website (upsc.gov.in).
- Read the details carefully, including exam center, roll number, and timings.
NDA 2026 Result 🏆
- Results will be declared in May and September.
- Candidates can download the result PDF from the UPSC official website.
- Selected candidates will be called for the SSB interview.
NDA 2026 Cut-Off 💪
- Official cut-off will be released after the results.
- A minimum of 25% marks in each subject is mandatory.
- The overall cut-off usually ranges between 350-400 marks based on previous trends.
NDA Exam Centres 🏢
- NDA exam is conducted in various major cities across India, such as:
- Delhi
- Mumbai
- Chennai
- Kolkata
- Hyderabad
- Lucknow
- Bhopal
- Jaipur
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 🤔
Q: Is the NDA form available offline?
A: No, it is available only online on the UPSC official website.
Q: Can females apply for NDA?
A: Yes, unmarried females are eligible and follow the same selection process.
Q: When is the physical test conducted?
A: The physical fitness test is conducted during the SSB interview to assess endurance and stamina.