UPSC NDA Form 2026: How to Apply Online Step by Step

Are you aspiring to join the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA) and serve the nation? The UPSC NDA 2026 application form is your gateway to this esteemed institution. This comprehensive guide provides complete, step-by-step instructions for filling the NDA 2026 online application form, covering everything from eligibility criteria to document requirements. Whether you’re preparing for NDA 1 2026 or NDA 2 2026, this detailed blog will help you navigate the application process seamlessly.

NDA 2026 Important Dates and Deadlines

Before diving into the application process, it’s crucial to understand the key dates for UPSC NDA 2026:​

NDA 1 2026 Schedule

• Notification Release Date: December 10, 2025​
• Application Start Date: December 10, 2025​
• Application Last Date: December 30, 2025​
• Exam Date: April 12, 2026​

NDA 2 2026 Schedule

• Notification Release Date: May 20, 2026​
• Application Start Date: May 20, 2026​
• Application Last Date: June 9, 2026​
• Exam Date: September 13, 2026​

Complete NDA 2026 Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the NDA 2026 exam, candidates must meet specific eligibility requirements as mandated by UPSC:​

Age Limit for NDA 2026

• Minimum Age: 16 years 6 months (16.5 years)​
• Maximum Age: 19 years 6 months (19.5 years)​

For NDA 1 2026: Candidates must be born between July 2, 2007, and July 1, 2010​
For NDA 2 2026: Candidates must be born between January 2, 2008, and January 1, 2011​

Educational Qualification Requirements

The educational requirements vary based on the service wing:​

• Army Wing: Candidates must have passed Class 12 (10+2) or equivalent from a recognized board​
• Air Force and Naval Wings: Candidates must have passed Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects​

Nationality and Marital Status

• Nationality: Indian citizens, subjects of Nepal/Bhutan, or Tibetan refugees who came to India before January 1, 1962​
• Marital Status: Only unmarried male and female candidates are eligible​

Physical Standards for NDA 2026

Candidates must meet specific physical requirements:​

Height Requirements

• General Category: Minimum 157 cm for Army and 162.5 cm for Air Force​
• Special Provisions: 5 cm relaxation for candidates from Gorkha and hill areas of North-Eastern India, Garhwal, and Kumaon​

Required Documents for NDA 2026 Application

Before starting your NDA online application, ensure you have the following documents ready:​

Essential Documents

1. Scanned Photograph: 20-300 KB in JPG format with white background​
2. Scanned Signature: 20-100 KB in JPG format using black/blue ink​
3. Photo Identity Document: Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, PAN Card, Passport, or Driving License in PDF format (20-300 KB)​
4. Class 10 and 12 Certificates: For verification of age and educational qualification​
5. Caste Certificate: If claiming reservation benefits​

Document Specifications

• Photo Format: JPG only, recent photograph with white background​
• Signature Format: Must not be in capital letters, use blue/black ink only​
• File Size Limits: Strictly adhere to the specified KB limits for each document​

Step-by-Step NDA 2026 Application Process

The UPSC NDA application process consists of two main parts. Follow these detailed steps to complete your application successfully:​

Step 1: Visit the Official UPSC Portal

Navigate to the official UPSC website: upsconline.nic.in or upsc.gov.in​

Step 2: Complete One-Time Registration (OTR)

1. Click on “One Time Registration (OTR)” link​
2. Enter personal details including:
   • Full name (as per Class 10 certificate)​
   • Date of birth​
   • Gender​
   • Father’s and Mother’s name​
   • Contact details (email and mobile number)​
3. Generate your Universal Registration Number (URN)​
4. Create login credentials for future access​

Step 3: Fill Part I Application Form

1. Select “National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination 2026”​
2. Complete the application form with:
   • Personal information​
   • Educational qualifications​
   • Service preference (Army, Navy, Air Force)​
   • Exam center preference​
3. Save and proceed to Part II​

Step 4: Complete Part II Application

1. Upload Required Documents:
   • Photograph (JPG format, white background)​
   • Signature (JPG format, black/blue ink)​
   • Photo ID proof (PDF format)​
2. Select Exam Center: Choose your preferred examination center​
3. Pay Application Fee (if applicable)​

Step 5: Fee Payment for NDA 2026

The NDA application fee structure is as follows:​

• General/OBC/EWS Candidates: ₹100​
• SC/ST/Female/Sons of JCOs, NCOs, ORs: Fee exempted​

Payment Methods:

• Online: Debit/Credit Cards, UPI, Net Banking​
• Offline: SBI Bank Challan​

Step 6: Final Submission and Confirmation

1. Review all entered information carefully​
2. Use “Print Preview” option to verify details​
3. Accept the declaration by clicking “I have read Declaration and Agree”​
4. Submit the application form​
5. Download and print the confirmation page for future reference​

Medical and Vision Standards for NDA 2026

Many candidates clear the written exam but face disqualification at the medical stage due to strict standards. Understanding these rules can save your effort and time:​

• Eyesight Standards:
  • Visual Acuity without glasses: 6/6 (normal vision) is ideal.
  • Corrected Vision: Minimum 6/9 in better eye and 6/12 in the other eye.
  • Color Blindness is not allowed, especially for Air Force and Navy wings.​
  • Night blindness or any form of color blindness leads to disqualification.
• Chest Expansion:
  • Minimum 5 cm expansion during full inspiration is mandatory.
  • Chest measurement should be proportionate and healthy; any abnormality is rejected.​
• X-Ray and Hernia:
  • Candidates must be free from Hernia or any knee-related disorders.
  • Mandatory chest X-rays are taken to rule out tuberculosis or other lung diseases.​
• Permanent Medical Rejections:
  • Conditions like knock knees, flat feet, varicose veins, hearing impairments, and hernias lead to permanent medical rejection in the selection process.​
  • Skeletal deformities or mobility restrictions are scrutinized strictly during the medical exam.

Detailed NDA 2026 Syllabus with Topic-wise Breakdown

Candidates require casting their preparation with strong focus on each syllabus topic that UPSC tests:​

Mathematics

• Algebra (Quadratic Equations, Arithmetic Progressions)
• Trigonometry (Heights & Distances, Trigonometric Ratios)
• Geometry (Lines, Angles, Circles)
• Mensuration (Areas and Volumes)
• Statistics & Probability
• Differential Calculus and Integration Basics

General Ability Test (GAT)

English

• Grammar (Parts of Speech, Tenses)
• Vocabulary (Synonyms, Antonyms)
• Comprehension
• Sentence Completion

General Knowledge

• Physics (Basic laws, Heat, Light, Sound)
• Chemistry (Atomic Structure, Chemical Reactions)
• General Science
• History (Indian & World History)
• Geography (Physical Geography, Indian Geography)
• Current Events (Recent National and International Developments)
• Political Science (Indian Constitution, Governance)

Recommended Books & Preparation Strategy

To prepare effectively, here are the best books trusted by NDA toppers:​

Preparation Strategy

• Begin with NCERTs to build fundamentals.
• Daily Current Affairs reading (newspapers & online portals).
• Solve previous years’ papers rigorously.
• Join mock tests and time management practice sessions.
• Regular revision of difficult topics.

NDA 2026 Cut-Off Marks and Previous Year Trends

Cut-off marks vary yearly based on vacancy and competition. Understanding trends helps strategize scoring:​

• General category cut-off is higher; SC/ST/OBC have relaxed norms.
• Writing and SSB performance combined determine final selection.

SSB Interview Process Overview

The SSB (Services Selection Board) interview is critical in final selection after the written exam passes:​

Stages of SSB Interview:

1. Screening Test: Basic psychological and intelligence tests.
2. Psychological Tests: Thematic Apperception Test (TAT), Word Association Test (WAT), Situation Reaction Test (SRT).
3. Group Testing Officer Tasks: Group discussions, group planning, outdoor tasks.
4. Personal Interview: One-on-one interview with board officers.
5. Conference: Final assessment and recommendations.

Duration

• The entire process lasts for 4-5 days.
• Candidates must stay physically and mentally strong.

Tips for SSB

• Authenticity and confidence matter most.
• Be honest, positive, and clear in communication.
• Practice group activities and improve leadership skills.

NDA 2026 Exam Pattern and Syllabus Overview

Understanding the NDA exam pattern is crucial for your preparation:​

Written Examination Structure

The NDA written exam consists of two papers:​

Paper 1: Mathematics

• Total Marks: 300​
• Total Questions: 120​
• Duration: 2.5 hours​
• Marking Scheme: +2.5 for correct answer, -0.83 for incorrect answer​

Paper 2: General Ability Test (GAT)

• Total Marks: 600​
• Total Questions: 150 (50 English + 100 General Knowledge)​
• Duration: 2.5 hours​
• Marking Scheme: +4 for correct answer, -1.33 for incorrect answer​

Key Syllabus Topics

Mathematics: Algebra, Calculus, Trigonometry, Matrices, Statistics, Probability​
English: Grammar, Comprehension, Vocabulary, Sentence Formation​
General Knowledge: Physics, Chemistry, History, Geography, Current Affairs​

Application Correction Window

UPSC provides an application correction facility for candidates who need to modify their submitted forms:​

• Correction Period: Typically 7 days after the application deadline​
• Allowed Changes: Personal details, document uploads, exam center preference​
• Process: Login with your credentials and make necessary corrections​

Important Tips for NDA 2026 Application

Before Applying

1. Verify Eligibility: Double-check age, educational qualification, and physical standards​
2. Prepare Documents: Ensure all documents meet specified format and size requirements​
3. Choose Exam Center Wisely: Selection is on “first apply, first allot” basis​

During Application

1. Fill Carefully: Enter information exactly as per your certificates​
2. Upload Quality Documents: Ensure clear, readable scanned copies​
3. Review Before Submission: Use print preview to verify all details​
4. Keep Confirmation: Save and print the final confirmation page​

After Submission

1. Check Application Status: Regularly monitor your application status​
2. Download Admit Card: Keep checking for admit card release dates​
3. Prepare for Exam: Start your NDA preparation immediately after successful application​

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Incorrect Date of Birth: Ensure DOB matches your Class 10 certificate exactly​
2. Wrong Document Format: Upload documents only in specified formats (JPG/PDF)​
3. Incomplete Information: Fill all mandatory fields completely​
4. Late Application: Apply well before the deadline to avoid technical issues​
5. Ignoring Correction Window: Utilize the correction facility if needed​

Why Choose Ground Zero Defence Academy?

At Ground Zero Defence Academy, we understand the importance of proper guidance for NDA aspirants. Our expert faculty, with years of experience in defence training, provides:

• Comprehensive NDA Coaching: Complete preparation for Mathematics and GAT
• Regular Mock Tests: Simulate actual exam conditions
• Doubt Clearing Sessions: Personal attention to every student
• Success-Oriented Approach: Proven track record of NDA selections
• Updated Study Material: Latest syllabus-based content and current affairs

Join Ground Zero Defence Academy in Dehradun for the best NDA coaching and turn your dream of serving the nation into reality.

Conclusion

The UPSC NDA 2026 application process is straightforward when you follow the correct steps and meet all eligibility criteria. Remember to apply early, prepare all documents in advance, and double-check every detail before submission. The journey to NDA begins with this application form, so ensure you complete it accurately and on time.

For any assistance with your NDA preparation or application process, Ground Zero Defence Academy is here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today and take the first step toward your dream career in the Indian Armed Forces.

Stay connected with the official UPSC website for updates, but for every aspiring NDA candidate aiming to turn dreams into reality, GroundZeroDefenceAcademy.com is your steadfast companion—providing not just information, but relentless guidance, expert mentorship, and inspiration to fuel your journey beyond the ordinary and into the ranks of the nation’s finest