UPSC NDA 1 Exam 2026 - Application form (Closed), Exam Dates (Out), Vacancies

UPSC NDA 2026 - Overview

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

NDA 2 Exam Date 2026

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 was released on December 10, 2025. Candidates were able to fill the UPSC NDA 1 application form 2025 until December 30, 2025. They have to provide valid documents and information while filling the UPSC NDA registration 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 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. They 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

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

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

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.