National Defence Academy Exam 2026: Eligibility, Pattern & Dates – Complete Guide

The National Defence Academy (NDA) remains one of the most prestigious gateways into the Indian Armed Forces for young aspirants. Conducted twice every year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), the NDA exam offers entry into the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force wings. This guide covers in detail all essential aspects related to NDA 2026 including eligibility criteria, exam pattern, important dates, syllabus, preparation tips, and more, ensuring aspirants get all the information they need to start their journey from scratch.

What is the NDA Exam?

The NDA exam is a national-level competitive examination conducted by UPSC. It recruits candidates for training at the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy, preparing them to become officers in the Indian Armed Forces. Candidates who clear the written exam are called for the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview and medical tests to finalize their selection.

NDA 2026 Exam Dates: Notification and Schedule

UPSC has announced the official NDA 2026 exam schedule. There are two sessions:

Candidates should mark these dates and prepare accordingly to ensure timely application and structured preparation.

NDA 2026 Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?

Age Limit

• NDA 1 2026: Candidates must be born between 2nd July 2007 and 1st July 2010.
• NDA 2 2026: Candidates must be born between 2nd January 2008 and 1st January 2011.

Marital Status

• Only unmarried male and female candidates are eligible to apply.

Educational Qualification

• Army Wing: Candidates must have passed or appearing for Class 12 (10+2) examination from a recognized board in any stream.
• Air Force & Naval Wings: Candidates must have passed or appearing for Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) from a recognized board.
• Candidates appearing in the final year of Class 12 are also eligible, but 11th appearing candidates are not eligible.

Nationality

• Candidates must be Indian nationals, or subjects of Nepal, Bhutan, or Tibetan refugees who came to India before January 1, 1962, with the intent to settle permanently.

This eligibility ensures only the right candidates enter the rigorous selection process.

NDA 2026 Exam Pattern: Structure of the Test

The NDA Written Examination is conducted offline (Pen & Paper mode) and consists of two papers held on the same day:

Important Notes

• Negative marking is applicable for incorrect answers: 0.83 marks deducted in Mathematics and 1.33 marks in GAT.
• Total marks: 900.
• Questions are objective type (multiple choice).

Candidates must clear cutoff marks in each paper to qualify for the next stage (SSB Interview).

NDA Syllabus 2026: Subject-Wise Details

The syllabus is critical for focused preparation:

Mathematics

• Algebra, Matrices and Determinants
• Trigonometry
• Analytical Geometry (2D and 3D)
• Differential and Integral Calculus
• Vector Algebra
• Statistics and Probability

General Ability Test (GAT)

• English: Grammar, Vocabulary, Comprehension
• General Knowledge:
  • Physics: Mechanics, Heat, Light, Sound, Electricity
  • Chemistry: Elements, Compounds, Chemical Reactions
  • General Science: Biology, Environment
  • History: Indian Culture, Freedom Movement
  • Geography: Physical, Political, Economic Geography
  • Current Affairs: National and International Events (Important for GAT and SSB Interview)

A detailed syllabus breakdown helps aspirants strategize their study plans effectively.

NDA 2026 Application Process and Fee

• Applications open online from 10th December 2025 for NDA I and 20th May 2026 for NDA II on the official UPSC website.
• Fill the NDA application form carefully, upload required documents, and pay the application fee of INR 100 (exemptions apply for female, SC/ST candidates).
• Keep an eye on application correction windows to fix any mistakes.
• Print the confirmation page after submission for future reference.

NDA Preparation Tips for 2026

• Start preparation immediately after the notification release.
• Focus equally on Mathematics and General Ability Test.
• Solve past 10 years’ question papers and take regular mock tests to improve speed.
• Develop strong conceptual clarity, especially in Physics and Mathematics.
• Improve English proficiency via reading and writing practice.
• Stay physically fit — SSB interview assesses physical endurance.
• Keep updated on current affairs daily to excel in General Knowledge and interviews.

Time management, proper planning, and disciplined practice are key to cracking NDA.

NDA 2026 Selection Procedure

1. Written Exam: Candidates are shortlisted based on their marks.
2. SSB Interview: Psychological tests, group tasks, physical fitness, and personal interviews conducted over 5-6 days.
3. Medical Examination: Candidates who qualify SSB undergo a medical check.
4. Final Merit List: Based on combined written and interview scores.

NDA Career: Opportunities and Benefits

• Training at NDA, Khadakwasla, Pune.
• Joint training for Army, Navy, and Air Force cadets.
• Commission as an officer post-training.
• Respected career with attractive rank, salary, and perks.
• Opportunities for leadership and service to the nation.

Ground Zero Defence Academy: Best Institute for NDA Coaching in Dehradun

For aspirants looking for the best NDA coaching in Dehradun, Ground Zero Defence Academy stands out as a top choice in this region. Known as the best defence academy in Dehradun, it offers expert guidance from experienced faculty, comprehensive coaching modules, and personalized mentoring to help you succeed in the NDA 2026 exam.

This nda defence academy Dehradun provides:

• Structured courses covering NDA syllabus thoroughly.
• Regular mock tests simulating exam conditions.
• Dedicated defence coaching in Dehradun for all defence exams including CDS coaching in Dehradun.
• Hostel facility with a disciplined environment for focused study.
• Special focus on physical training to ace SSB interviews.
• Transparent and affordable dehradun NDA coaching fees with flexible payment options.

Aspiring candidates can benefit hugely by joining this reputed Top 10 NDA coaching institute in Dehradun as it consistently ranks among the top defence academy in Dehradun for its success rate and quality teaching.

Ground Zero Defence Academy also offers a daily current affairs update service on its website, which is essential for NDA aspirants to stay informed and prepared for the General Knowledge section and SSB interview discussions.

For all NDA aspirants aiming to train at the best defence academy in Dehradun, Ground Zero Defence Academy is the ideal choice for a successful career in the Indian Armed Forces.