UPSC NDA Selection Process 2026 - Step wise process, Written Exam, SSB Interview
Ongoing Event
NDA Application Date:10 Dec' 25 - 30 Dec' 25
UPSC mentioned the NDA selection process 2026 in the official notification. The NDA 2026 notification contains the details that is available for download on their official website, upsc.gov.in/upsconline.nic.in. Candidates are encouraged to go through the NDA 2026 selection process to get an idea of how the NDA exam will take place.
There are 3 Main stages in the NDA selection process 2026. First, Candidates must appear for the NDA 2026 written exam followed by the SSB interview and medical examination. According to the NDA admission process, only candidates who have cleared the written exam will be called for the SSB interview. Hence, it is important for candidates to prepare well for the NDA 2026. Candidates can prepare effectively using NDA question papers, the exam pattern, and the syllabus. The NDA final merit list 2026 will be prepared based on how candidates perform in both the written exam and interview. Candidates can go through the material below for more information about the NDA Joining Process 2026.
NDA Selection Process 2026 - Stages
NDA Written Exam 2026
NDA SSB Interview
Medical Examination
Know about:
NDA Selection Process 2026 - Written Exam
The first stage in the NDA selection process is the written exam. The NDA 2026 written exam comprises two papers - Elementary Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT). The total marks allotted to the NDA written exam is 900. Candidates have to clear both papers separately.
NDA Paper 1 comprises 120 questions for 300 marks while paper 1 comprises 150 questions for 600 marks. As per the NDA exam pattern 2026, there is a negative marking of one-third marks in both papers. Candidates who score marks equal to or more than the NDA 2026 cut-off marks will be called for the SSB interview.
NDA 2026 Selection Process - SSB Interview
Candidates who clear the NDA exam 2026 are called for the SSB interview at various selection centres. NDA SSB Interview is a five day process held at Indian Armed Force selection centres. NDA SSB day 1 comprises a Picture Perception & Discussion Test (PPDT) and an Officer Intelligence Rating Test (OIR). Shortlisted candidates on day 1 are retained at the selection centre for the next four days.
The further NDA interview process comprises Psychology Tests, Group Testing Officers Task (GTO), Personal Interviews and a Conference of the NDA selection process. There is no specific syllabus of 2026 NDA for the interview round. For more details, candidates can check the table provided below.
NDA Selection Process 2026: Stepwise Selection Process
Stages | Tests |
Screening |
|
Psychological Tests |
|
Group Testing Officers Task (GTO) |
|
Personal Interview | Personal Interview with Officers |
Conference | It comprises interaction with all board members including GTO, psychologist, board president and others |
Quick Links:
NDA SSB Selection Centres 2026
Candidates appearing for NDA 2026 must check selection centres from the table mentioned below.
List of SSB Interview Centres
Branch | SSC Centres |
| |
Indian Navy |
|
Indian Army |
|
NDA Selection Process 2026 - Medical Examination
Recommended candidates from the SSB interview of the NDA selection process are called for medical examination. In the SSB medical exam, candidates are tested on various factors like height, weight, physical fitness and others. Candidates declared physically fit in all respects will be commissioned as Cadets in various academies of the Indian Army Forces.
Documents Required for NDA Selection Process 2026
Candidates appearing for the NDA interview process at SCN have to carry the below-mentioned documents.
Original 10th pass certificate or equivalent in support of date of birth
Original 10+2 pass certificate or equivalent in support of educational qualification
Valid Photo ID proof
Caste certificate if belonging to SC, ST, OBC etc
SSB call letter
NDA Selection Process 2026 - Final Merit List
To get acquainted with the Indian Armed Forces, candidates need to secure a minimum NDA cut off 2026 to get an SSB call letter.
Candidates appearing for the Indian Air Force have to qualify Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS).
The final result of the NDA 2026 selection process is prepared on the basis of performance in the written exam and SSB interview.
NDA Selection Process 2026 - Final Call
The exam authorities will issue the NDA final call letter to join the course. The final call letter of the NDA 2026 is issued after the entire selection process is over. UPSC issues the final call letter to the candidates who cleared all the levels of the NDA selection process.
NDA Selection Process 2026 - Reasons for candidate’s disqualification
Candidates previously rejected on the basis of medical standards are not allowed to attend the SSB interview of the NDA selection process.
Candidates who were withdrawn previously from NDA/NA on medical grounds or left the training voluntarily are eligible for admission only if they qualify for the medical fitness test.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who conducts the NDA exam?
A:
The NDA exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
Q: What are the different stages of the NDA selection procedure 2025?
A:
As per the selection procedure of NDA 2025, the stages include written examination, SSB interview, medical examination, and the final merit list.
Q: What is the minimum age limit to apply for NDA 2025?
A:
The minimum age limit for NDA 1 is 16.5 years.
Q: Is the medical examination compulsory for NDA selection 2025?
A:
Yes, the medical examination is one of the important stages of the NDA Selection procedure 2025.
Q: What are the different branches of NDA?
A:
The different branches of NDA include the Indian Air Force (IAF), the Indian Army and the Indian Navy.
Q: Is the NDA selection procedure for the IAF, Indian Army and Indian Navy the same?
A:
Yes, the selection procedure of NDA 2025 for all the branches is the same.
Q: What are the documents required in the NDA selection procedure 2025?
A:
Candidates need to submit class 10th and 12th certificates, valid photo ID, SSB call letter and caste certificate (if applicable) during the NDA selection procedure 2025.
Q: What are the different stages of an SSB interview?
A:
The different stages of the NDA SSB interview are screening. psychological Tests, Group Testing Officers Task (GTO), Personal Interview and conference.
Q: I am medically not physically fit. Can I apply for NDA 2025?
A:
If a candidate is not physically fit as per the NDA selection parameters, they cannot apply for NDA.
Articles
Related Stories
|
Upcoming Competition Exams
Certifications By Top Providers
Explore Top Universities Across Globe
Questions related to NDA
On Question asked by student community
Have a question related to NDA ?
Hello there,
The NDA (National Defense Academy) Exam, conducted by UPSC twice yearly.
Educational criteria:
- For Army Wing: Candidates must have completed their 10+2 or equivalent examination from a recognized board.
- For Air Force and Naval Wings: Candidates must have completed their 10+2 or equivalent examination with Physics and Mathematics.
Understanding and solving different previous question papers is one of the best practice for the preparation specially for exams like NDA . It gives you proper understanding of the exam pattern, important topics to cover and marking scheme.
Here are the links attached from the official website of Careers360 which will provide you with the complete detailed syllabus for NDA examination and previous years question paper as well. Kindly go through this:
Syllabus :
https://competition.careers360.com/articles/nda-syllabus
Previous years question paper:
https://competition.careers360.com/articles/nda-question-paper-with-solution
thank you!
Hey candidate
Joining the National Defence Academy (NDA) directly after 10th is not possible, because the NDA requires candidates to have completed 12th class (10+2) or equivalent. preparation early (General Ability Test + Mathematics).
Here’s a short roadmap from 10th to NDA:
1. After 10th:
Choose Science (Physics & Maths) for Air Force/Navy, any stream for Army.
Start fitness training and join NCC if possible.
2. During 11th:
Focus on core subjects and general knowledge.
Continue physical fitness.
3. During 12th:
Prepare for NDA exam (Mathematics + General Ability Test).
Take mock tests and maintain fitness.
4. Apply for NDA:
Apply online at UPSC website.
Prepare for SSB interview + medical exam.
5. After selection:
Join NDA, Pune for 3 years + service academy training.
Tip: Start fitness, GK, and Maths now for a strong foundation.
Hope this helps you
All the best
Hello,
Knowing Hindi isn't necessary for giving NDA exam. The question papers are bilingual for most sections.
Though you will need Hindi as a language to communicate with other troops. Proficiency in English is required to crack the English paper and interview. Strong English skills is important for SSB and future career as an officer.
For more information about the NDA examination check out the official website of Careers360.
https://competition.careers360.com/articles/nda-eligibility-criteria
Thank you.
Hello
Yes, you are eligible as per your DOB (26,09,2006) for both exam NDA1 and NDA2 2025. Your age falls between 16.5 to 19.5 years for the NDA Exam. The NDA 1 exam form was released in December 2025, and the NDA 2 exam for released in May 2026. Those students who are born between July 2, 2007 and July 1, 2010, are eligible for the NDA Exam. For more information, you can read the article, which is based on the NDA Eligibility Criteria 2026 , from our official website, careers360.
Thank you.
Hi
No, you are not eligible for the NDA1 Exam because your age does not fall within the requirements (July 2, 2007 and July 1, 2010). So, my suggestion is that you can prepare for the NDA 1 and NDA 2 2027 exam. For the NDA 2027 exam, you are eligible as per your DOB. If you want to prepare for the NEET exam, you can consider our platform, which helps you in your preparation. For more information about the NDA exam, you can read the article NDA Eligibility Criteria 2026.
Thank you.
Applications for Admissions are open.
Apply for Online M.Com from Manipal University
NDA Notifications
Never miss NDA update
Get timely NDA updates directly to your inbox. Stay informed!