UPSC NDA 1 Exam 2026 - Application form (Out), Exam Dates (Out), Vacancies
Ongoing Event
NDA Application Date:10 Dec' 25 - 30 Dec' 25
UPSC NDA 2026 - Union Public Service Commission released the UPSC NDA 1 notification 2026 on December 10, 2025 on the official website, upsc.gov.in. The UPSC NDA 1 2026 application form link has also been activated at the same time. The UPSC NDA 1 application form last date is December 30, 2025. The NDA 1 exam 2026 is scheduled to be conducted on April 12, 2026.
This Story also Contains
- UPSC NDA 2026 - Overview
- UPSC NDA 2026 Exam Dates
- UPSC NDA 2026 Application Form
- UPSC NDA 2026 Eligibility Criteria
- UPSC NDA 2026 Exam Pattern
- UPSC NDA 2026 Exam Centres
- UPSC NDA 2026 Syllabus
- UPSC NDA 2026 Admit Card
- UPSC NDA 2026 Question Paper
- UPSC NDA 2026 Answer Key
- UPSC NDA 2026 Result
- UPSC NDA 2026 Cut Off
- UPSC NDA 2026 Selection Process
- UPSC NDA 2026 Salary
The UPSC NDA exam will be conducted twice every year in offline mode. Candidates who clear the UPSC NDA exam will be selected for the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy. Check the article below to know more about the UPSC NDA 2026 exam.
UPSC NDA 2026 - Overview
Full name of the exam | UPSC National Defence Academy exam |
Short Name | UPSC NDA |
Conducting Authority | Union Publish Service Commission |
Website | upsc.gov.in / upsconline.nic.in. |
Exam mode | Offline |
Application mode | Online |
Application fee | Rs 100 |
Number of vacancies | 394 |
Exam level | National |
Stages of the exam |
|
UPSC NDA 2026 Exam Dates
The UPSC NDA exam dates 2026 have been announced by the commission well in advance. The UPSC NDA exam date was announced through the Annual Calendar. As per the NDA exam dates, the UPSC NDA 1 exam will be conducted on April 12, 2026 and UPSC NDA 2 exam is scheduled on September 13, 2026. By knowing the NDA 1 2026 exam dates, candidates can plan their preparation accordingly. Check the table below to know all the UPSC NDA exam dates 2026.
NDA 1 Exam Date 2026
Event | NDA 1 Dates |
UPSC NDA notification date | December 10, 2025 |
NDA 1 application form date 2026 | December 10, 2025 |
NDA application form last date | December 30, 2025 |
NDA 1 application correction facility | To be announced |
NDA 2026 admit card date | To be announced |
NDA 1 exam date 2026 | April 12, 2026 |
NDA result date | To be announced |
SSC Interview date | To be announced |
Final result date | To be announced |
NDA 2 Exam Date 2026
Event | NDA 2 Dates |
UPSC NDA notification date | May 20, 2026 |
NDA 2 application form date 2026 | May 20, 2026 |
NDA application form last date | June 9, 2026 |
NDA 2 application correction facility | To be announced |
NDA 2026 admit card date | To be announced |
NDA 2 exam date 2026 | September 13, 2026 |
NDA result date | To be announced |
SSC Interview date | To be announced |
Final Result date | To be announced |
UPSC NDA 2026 Application Form
Candidates have to fill the UPSC NDA application form 2026 online in order to appear in the exam. The UPSC NDA 2026 application form has been released on December 10, 2025. Candidates can fill the UPSC NDA 1 application form 2025 until December 30, 2025. Candidates have to provide valid documents and information while filling the UPSC NDA application form 2026. Check the steps below to fill the NDA application form -
How to apply for NDA 2026?
Candidates can follow the steps below to fill the NDA form 2026.
Visit the UPSC website - upsc.gov.in/upsconline.nic.in
Complete the account creation process.
Login using your credentials.
Fill out the UPSC NDA application form as prompted.
Upload all the necessary documents.
Pay the NDA application fee.
Submit the NDA form.
UPSC NDA 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates have to check the UPSC NDA eligibility criteria 2026 before filling the application form. Candidates have to meet the NDA 2026 eligibility at every stage of the selection process. The UPSC NDA eligibility criteria are the minimum requirements which a candidate must meet to appear in the exam. Check the below table to know the NDA eligibility 2026 -
NDA 1 Eligibility Criteria 2026
Particulars | Details |
Nationality |
|
NDA age limit | Candidates must be between the ages of 16.5 and 19.5 |
NDA Educational Qualification |
|
Physical Measurement |
|
UPSC NDA 2026 Exam Pattern
The UPSC NDA exam pattern 2026 is given in the official notification. The exam pattern of UPSC NDA 2026 consists of 2 stages. The first stage is the written test and the second stage is the SSB interview (Intelligence and personality test).
NDA Exam Pattern 2026
Subject | Duration | Maximum marks |
Mathematics | 2 ½ hours | 300 |
General Ability Test | 2 ½ hours | 600 |
Total | 900 | |
SSB Interview | 900 | |
UPSC NDA 2026 Exam Centres
Candidates appearing for the exam are given an UPSC NDA 2026 exam centre to which they need to appear and give the exam. The allotment of UPSC NDA 2026 exam centres is based on ‘first apply- first allot’. Candidates are advised to apply early for the exam so that they would get the NDA exam centre of their choice. The NDA exam centres 2026 are situated in almost 75 cities in India. Candidates must note that the UPSC ND exam centres, once allotted, cannot be changed.
UPSC NDA 2026 Syllabus
The UPSC NDA syllabus 2026 is available in the official notification. The NDA 2026 syllabus and topics and sub-topics will be available for the candidates to start their preparation.
NDA Mathematics Syllabus 2026 -
- Algebra.
- Matrices and determinants.
- Trigonometry.
- Analytical geometry of two and three dimensions.
- Differential Calculus.
- Integral Calculus and Differential Equations.
- Vector Algebra.
- Statistics and Probability.
NDA General Ability Test Syllabus 2026 -
- Part A - English.
- Part B - General knowledge.
- Physics.
- Chemistry.
- General Science.
- History, freedom, movement, etc.
- Geography.
- Current events
How to prepare for UPSC NDA 2026?
Cracking the UPSC NDA exam requires dedication and a proper strategy. Some of the UPSC NDA 2026 preparation tips which are beneficial to the candidates are -.
- Understand the syllabus and exam pattern.
- Build a strong foundation of the basics by gathering the NDA best books (NCERT books provide a good foundation).
- Revise concepts regularly.
- Enhance vocabulary skills and stay updated with current affairs.
- Develop time management, reasoning and problem-solving skills( helps in sharpening the mind)
- Practice NDA sample papers and previous year question papers.
- Stay focused.
- Maintain physical fitness and eat healthy.
UPSC NDA 2026 Admit Card
The NDA admit card 2026 is released 7 days before the examination. Candidates can download the UPSC NDA 2026 admit card from the official website, upsc.gov.in. The UPSC NDA admit card is like an entry pass into the exam centre. Candidates must note that the NDA admit card 2026 will not be sent by post and can only be downloaded.
UPSC NDA 2026 Question Paper
The UPSC NDA question paper 2026 is released on the official website a few days after the examination. Candidates will also be able to view the UPSC NDA previous year question papers on the official website. Practicing UPSC NDA question papers makes a huge impact in the candidate’s preparation.
UPSC NDA 2026 Answer Key
The NDA answer key 2026 is crucial for candidates who have appeared in the examination. The NDA 2026 answer key will be released by UPSC after the examination in a few weeks. The NDA answer key will help candidates in resolving any doubts regarding the answers and helps in evaluating their score.
UPSC NDA 2026 Result
The UPSC NDA result 2026 is released on the official website. Candidates may expect the NDA 2026 result within a month after the exam is conducted. The UPSC NDA result will be released in PDF format. Those who clear the NDA written exam will have to appear in the SSB interview.
UPSC NDA 2026 Cut Off
The UPSC NDA cut off 2026 will be released after the final results are released. All the NDA cut off marks will be released together at once. The UPSC NDA 2026 cut off is the same for all categories. Candidates can check the previous years' NDA 1 cut off marks to get an idea of how many marks are required to qualify the exam.
NDA 1 2024 cut off
Events | NDA written exam cut off | Final NDA cut off |
NDA 1 2024 Cut off | 291 (With at least 20% marks in each subject) | 654 out of 1800 |
NDA 2 Cut Off 2024 | 305 (With at least 25% marks in each subject) | 673 out of 1800 |
UPSC NDA 2026 Selection Process
The detailed UPSC NDA selection process is available in the official notification. The UPSC NDA selection process 2026 consists of a written test and SSB interview (Service Selection Board). Candidates who clear the NDA written exam 2026 will be called for the SSB interview.
Candidates must log in to joinindianarmy.nic.in to know their SSB interview date and time. The SSB interview will be challenging. Those who clear the NDA SSB interview will get selected into the National Defence Academy.
UPSC NDA 2026 Salary
Candidates can find the UPSC NDA salary details 2026 in the official notification. The NDA 2026 stipend which will be offered to the candidates during the cadet training is Rs 56,100. After the completion of the training, candidates will be offered the NDA salary in the pay level 10 which is between Rs 56,100 – Rs 1,77,500. Along with the NDA 1 salary 2026, candidates will also be offered various allowances.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who can give NDA 1 2026?
A:
Indian citizens between the ages of 16.5 and 19.5 who have passed the 12th class can appear in the UPSC NDA exam.
Q: When will the UPSC NDA 2026 application form be released?
A:
The UPSC NDA 1 application form has been released on December 10, 2025.
Q: Do 12th marks matter in the NDA exam 2026?
A:
A candidate must have passed the 12th class to be eligible for the UPSC NDA exam.
Q: How much is the NDA 2026 salary?
A:
Candidates will be given an NDA salary of Rs 56,100 during the training period.
Q: What is the UPSC NDA exam date?
A:
The UPSC NDA 1 2026 exam will be conducted on April 12, 2026
Q: How many NDA vacancies have been announced?
A:
The NDA 1 2026 vacancy are a total of 394
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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.
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