UPSC mentioned the NDA selection process 2026 in the official notification. The NDA 2026 notification contains the details that are available for download on their official websites, upsc.gov.in/upsconline.nic.in. Candidates are encouraged to go through the NDA 2 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 Written Exam 2026
NDA SSB Interview
Medical Examination
Know about:
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.
Candidates who clear the NDA exam 2026 are called for the SSB interview at various selection centres. The NDA SSB Interview is a five day process held at Indian Armed Forces 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.
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 |
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Candidates appearing for NDA 2026 must check selection centres from the table mentioned below.
Branch | SSC Centres |
| |
Indian Navy |
|
Indian Army |
|
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.
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
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.
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.
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)
The NDA exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
As per the selection procedure of NDA 2026, the stages include written examination, SSB interview, medical examination, and the final merit list.
The minimum age limit for NDA 1 is 16.5 years.
Yes, the medical examination is one of the important stages of the NDA Selection procedure 2026.
The different branches of NDA include the Indian Air Force (IAF), the Indian Army and the Indian Navy.
Yes, the selection procedure of NDA 2026 for all the branches is the same.
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 2026.
The different stages of the NDA SSB interview are screening. psychological Tests, Group Testing Officers Task (GTO), Personal Interview and conference.
If a candidate is not physically fit as per the NDA selection parameters, they cannot apply for NDA.
On Question asked by student community
Hi,
You have to just fill date of birth (DD/MM/YY), and you will get your exact age. If you are between the ages of 16 years 6 months to 19 years 6 months, you are eligible for the NDA Exam.
Hello Dear Student,
Haan, aap NDA exam de sakti ho. Aapki DOB 12/09/2013 hai, to future NDA attempts ke liye age criteria ke according eligible ho jaogi jab aap 12th me hogi. NDA ke liye girls bhi apply kar sakti hain.
NDA eligibility generally:
Hi,
No, there is absolutely no compulsion to give NDA 2 if you already cleared NDA 1. NDA 1 and NDA 2 are separate exams conducted twice a year by UPSC.
If you clear NDA 1 and complete the selection process successfully, you do not need to appear for NDA
Hello Dear Student,
No, there is absolutely no compulsion to give NDA 2 if you have already cleared NDA 1. Both exams are separate, independent opportunities offered by the UPSC in the same year. If you qualify the written exam and clear the SSB for NDA 1, you can completely
Hi,
Nahi, aap NDA exam ke liye eligible nahi hain. Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) ke NDA ke liye age limit 16.5 se 19.5 years hoti hai.
Aapka DOB 22 Jan 2006 ke hisaab se 2026 tak aap age limit cross kar chuki hain, isliye NDA ke liye apply nahi
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