NDA Examination 2026: Important Dates, Eligibility & Application Process

The National Defence Academy (NDA) examination is the gateway for young aspirants to join the prestigious Indian Armed Forces as commissioned officers. Conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), the NDA exam offers an opportunity to serve the nation through the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings. This comprehensive guide provides complete and authentic information about NDA 2026, covering everything from important dates to preparation strategies.

NDA 2026 Examination Schedule & Important Dates

The NDA examination is conducted twice a year, offering candidates two opportunities to pursue their dream of joining the Indian Armed Forces. Here are the complete details for NDA 2026:

NDA 1 2026 Schedule

NDA 2 2026 Schedule

Complete NDA 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Age Requirements

The age criteria for NDA 2026 have specific requirements that candidates must carefully note:

NDA 1 2026:

• Candidates must be born between July 2, 2007, and July 1, 2010
• Age range: 16.5 to 19.5 years

NDA 2 2026:

• Candidates must be born between January 2, 2008, and January 1, 2011

Educational Qualifications

For Army Wing:

• Candidates must have passed or be appearing in Class 12 (10+2) from any recognized board
• Students from any stream are eligible

For Air Force and Naval Wings:

• Candidates must have passed or be appearing in Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as compulsory subjects

Nationality Requirements

Eligible candidates include:

• Indian citizens
• Subjects of Nepal
• Persons of Indian origin from Burma, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and East African countries (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia) or Vietnam who have migrated to India with intention of permanent settlement

Marital Status

Only unmarried male and female candidates are eligible to apply for NDA

Physical Standards

Height Requirements:

• Male candidates: Minimum 157 cm (163 cm for Flying Branch)
• Female candidates: Minimum 152 cm (163 cm for Flying Branch)

Height Relaxation:

• Candidates from North Eastern Hills, Garhwal and Kumaon regions, and Gorkhas: 5 cm relaxation

Additional Requirements for Flying Branch:

• Sitting height: Minimum 81.50 cm, Maximum 96 cm
• Maximum thigh length: 64 cm
• Leg length: Minimum 99 cm, Maximum 120 cm

Chest Measurements:

• Minimum chest measurement when fully expanded: 81 cm
• Minimum range of expansion: 5 cm

NDA 2026 Application Process

Step-by-Step Application Procedure

Step 1: One-Time Registration (OTR)

• Visit the official UPSC website: upsc.gov.in or upsconline.nic.in
• Complete the One-Time Registration by providing required personal details

Step 2: Login and Application Form

• Login using OTR credentials
• Fill the NDA application form with personal details, educational qualifications, and address

Step 3: Upload Documents

• Upload scanned photograph and signature as per specifications
• Upload photo identity document (Aadhar Card, Voter ID, PAN Card, Passport, or Driving License)

Step 4: Fee Payment

• Pay the application fee through online or offline mode

Step 5: Final Submission

• Review all details carefully before final submission
• Take printout of the confirmation page for future reference

Application Fees

Payment Methods

Online Payment:

• Debit/Credit Cards (Master, Visa, RuPay)
• Internet Banking
• UPI
• Mobile Wallets

Offline Payment:

• SBI Bank Challan (Cash deposit at any SBI branch)

Document Requirements

Scanned Image Specifications:

NDA 2026 Vacancy Details

Based on the latest available information, the approximate vacancies for NDA 2026 are expected to be similar to previous years:

Total Approximate Vacancies: 406

NDA 2026 Exam Pattern

The NDA examination consists of a written test followed by SSB Interview and Medical Examination.

Written Examination

Marking Scheme

Mathematics Paper:

• Correct answer: +2.5 marks
• Wrong answer: -0.83 marks

GAT Paper:

• Correct answer: +4 marks
• Wrong answer: -1.33 marks

GAT Paper Breakdown

Comprehensive NDA 2026 Syllabus

Mathematics Syllabus

Major Topics:

1. Algebra
   • Sets, Venn diagrams, De Morgan laws
   • Complex numbers and cube roots of unity
   • Arithmetic, Geometric, and Harmonic progressions
   • Quadratic equations and linear inequalities
   • Permutation, combination, and binomial theorem
2. Matrices and Determinants
   • Types of matrices and operations
   • Determinant properties and applications
   • Cramer’s rule and matrix method for solving equations
3. Trigonometry
   • Trigonometric ratios and identities
   • Sum and difference formulas
   • Multiple and sub-multiple angles
   • Height and distance applications
4. Analytical Geometry
   • Rectangular Cartesian coordinate system
   • Equations of lines, circles, parabola, ellipse, and hyperbola
   • Three-dimensional geometry concepts
5. Calculus
   • Differential and integral calculus
   • Applications in maxima and minima problems
   • Differential equations
6. Vector Algebra
   • Vector operations and properties
   • Scalar and vector products
   • Applications in geometry and physics
7. Statistics and Probability
   • Basic probability concepts
   • Conditional probability and Bayes’ theorem
   • Binomial distribution

General Ability Test Syllabus

English Section (50 Questions, 200 Marks):

• Grammar and usage
• Vocabulary and comprehension
• Sentence improvement and error spotting
• Synonyms and antonyms
• Para jumbling and completion

General Knowledge Section (100 Questions, 400 Marks):

Subject-wise Distribution:

Detailed Subject Coverage:

Physics Topics:

• Physical properties and states of matter
• Motion, velocity, and acceleration
• Newton’s laws of motion
• Heat, sound, and light
• Electricity and magnetism
• Simple machines and their applications

Chemistry Topics:

• Physical and chemical changes
• Elements, compounds, and mixtures
• Acids, bases, and salts
• Atomic structure basics
• Chemical equations and reactions

General Science:

• Basis of life – cells, tissues, organs
• Human body systems
• Plant and animal biology
• Environmental science basics

History:

• Indian freedom movement
• Indian Constitution basics
• Five-year plans and governance
• Ancient, medieval, and modern Indian history

Geography:

• Earth’s physical features
• Latitude, longitude, and time concepts
• Climate, weather, and natural phenomena
• Indian geography and world geography

Current Affairs:

• National and international events (last 6-8 months)
• Defense-related developments
• Government policies and schemes
• Sports, awards, and achievements

NDA Selection Process

The NDA selection process involves multiple stages designed to assess candidates’ academic knowledge, personality, and physical fitness.

Stage 1: Written Examination

All registered candidates appear for the written examination consisting of Mathematics and GAT papers. Only candidates securing minimum qualifying marks proceed to the next stage.

Stage 2: SSB Interview (900 Marks)

The SSB Interview is conducted over 5 days and includes:

Day 1: Screening

• Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test
• Picture Perception and Description Test (PP&DT)

Day 2: Psychology Tests

• Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)
• Word Association Test (WAT)
• Situation Reaction Test (SRT)

Day 3: Group Testing Officer Tasks

• Group discussions
• Group planning exercises
• Outdoor group tasks

Day 4: Personal Interview

• Individual interview with interviewing officer

Day 5: Conference

• Final assessment and recommendation

Stage 3: Medical Examination

Candidates recommended by SSB undergo comprehensive medical examination at designated Military Hospitals to ensure physical and mental fitness for military service.

Stage 4: Final Merit List

The final selection is based on combined performance in written examination and SSB Interview, subject to medical fitness and document verification.

NDA Exam Centres 2026

The NDA examination is conducted across 75+ cities in India. Exam centre allocation follows a “first-apply-first-allot” basis.

Major Exam Centres Include:

North India:
Delhi, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Lucknow, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Jammu, Srinagar

South India:
Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Coimbatore, Mysore

West India:
Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Indore, Nagpur, Panaji (Goa)

East India:
Kolkata, Patna, Ranchi, Bhubaneswar, Siliguri

Northeast:
Dispur, Gangtok, Shillong, Imphal, Aizawl, Itanagar

Important Points:

• Candidates can select up to 3 preferred centres during application
• No centre change requests entertained after allocation
• Candidates must reach exam centre one hour before reporting time

Preparation Strategy for NDA 2026

Subject-wise Preparation Tips

Mathematics Preparation:

• Master fundamental concepts from Classes 11-12
• Focus on algebra, trigonometry, and calculus
• Practice daily with time management
• Memorize important formulas and theorems
• Solve previous year papers regularly

English Preparation:

• Read newspapers daily (The Hindu, Indian Express)
• Practice grammar rules and vocabulary building
• Solve comprehension passages regularly
• Focus on error spotting and sentence improvement

General Knowledge Preparation:

• Use NCERT books for foundational knowledge
• Read current affairs from reliable sources
• Prepare notes for quick revision
• Focus on defense-related current affairs

Current Affairs Strategy:

• Read newspapers daily for 6-8 months before exam
• Use monthly current affairs magazines
• Follow defense-related news and updates
• Make concise notes for revision

Recommended Study Materials

Essential Books:

Mathematics:

• NCERT Class 11-12 Mathematics
• Pathfinder for NDA by Arihant Publications
• R.S. Aggarwal Mathematics for NDA

English:

• Wren & Martin English Grammar
• Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi

General Knowledge:

• NCERT books (Classes 8-12) for foundation
• Manorama Yearbook
• Pratiyogita Darpan for current affairs

Integrated Study Material:

• Mission NDA Book (comprehensive coverage)

Time Management Strategy

Recommended Study Schedule:

Mock Tests and Practice

• Attempt mock tests regularly to improve speed and accuracy
• Analyze performance and identify weak areas
• Practice time management during mock tests
• Solve at least 10 years of previous question papers

NDA Career Prospects and Salary

Upon successful completion of NDA training, officers are commissioned into the Indian Armed Forces with attractive career prospects.

Initial Salary Structure:

Career Growth:

• Regular promotions based on performance and experience
• Opportunities for specialization and higher command positions
• Additional allowances and benefits
• Post-retirement benefits and pension

Final Tips for Success

1. Start Early: Begin preparation at least 12-18 months before the exam
2. Consistent Study: Maintain daily study routine with adequate breaks
3. Physical Fitness: Maintain good physical condition for SSB and medical tests
4. Current Awareness: Stay updated with national and international affairs
5. Mock Tests: Regular practice tests to improve time management
6. Positive Attitude: Develop leadership qualities and positive mindset
7. Documentation: Keep all certificates and documents ready for verification

About Ground Zero Defence Academy, Dehradun

Ground Zero Defence Academy stands as a premier institution for NDA preparation in Dehradun, offering comprehensive coaching and guidance to aspiring defense personnel. Located in the heart of Uttarakhand’s educational hub, the academy has established itself as a trusted name among defense coaching institutes.Why Choose Ground Zero Defence Academy?

Experienced Faculty: Our team comprises experienced educators and retired defense personnel who understand the nuances of NDA examination and military training.

Comprehensive Curriculum: We offer complete coverage of NDA syllabus including Mathematics, General Ability Test, current affairs, and SSB interview preparation.

Modern Infrastructure: State-of-the-art classrooms, well-equipped library, and computer lab with internet facility for online mock tests and research.

Personalized Attention: Small batch sizes ensure individual attention to each student, helping identify and address specific learning needs.

Regular Assessments: Weekly tests, monthly assessments, and comprehensive mock exams to track progress and improve performance.

SSB Training: Specialized SSB interview training including group discussions, personal interviews, and personality development sessions.

Current Affairs Updates: Daily current affairs sessions and monthly magazines to keep students updated with latest developments.

Our Services Include:

• NDA Foundation Courses: Complete preparation program for students after 10th and 12th
• Regular Coaching: Full-time and part-time batches with flexible timings
• Online Classes: Digital learning platform for remote students
• Hostel Facility: Comfortable accommodation for outstation students
• Physical Training: Regular PT sessions and sports activities
• Career Counseling: Guidance for course selection and career planning
• Study Material: Comprehensive books, notes, and practice papers

Contact Information:

Address: Ground Zero Defence Academy, Dehradun, Uttarakhand

Specialized Training Areas:

• NDA coaching in Dehradun
• CDS preparation
• AFCAT coaching
• SSB interview training
• Foundation courses after 10th and 12th

Key Features:

• Experienced defense background faculty
• Proven track record of selections
• Individual attention and mentoring
• Regular parent-teacher meetings
• Affordable fee structure
• Scholarship programs for deserving students

Course Offerings:

• NDA foundation course in Dehradun
• NDA coaching with schooling in Dehradun
• Weekend batches for working professionals
• Online coaching facility
• Crash courses before exams

Ground Zero Defence Academy has been instrumental in shaping the careers of numerous successful candidates who are now serving as officers in the Indian Armed Forces. Our holistic approach to defense preparation, combining academic excellence with personality development and physical fitness, makes us the preferred choice for NDA aspirants in Dehradun and surrounding regions.

Join Ground Zero Defence Academy and take the first step towards a prestigious career in the Indian Armed Forces. Our commitment to excellence and student success makes us the leading defense academy in Dehradun for NDA, CDS, and other defense examinations.