Are you ready to join the elite ranks of the Indian Armed Forces through the most prestigious entrance examination in the country? Today is April 9, 2026, and the buzz surrounding the UPSC NDA 2026 has reached a fever pitch as the NDA 1 2026 Exam Date is just three days away. For thousands of aspirants across India, this week marks the beginning of a life-defining journey toward wearing the olive greens, the whites, or the blues.
UPSC NDA 2026 Notification Out? Check Exam Dates, Eligibility & Application Guide
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has confirmed the schedule for the UPSC NDA 2026 cycle, covering both the NDA 1 and NDA 2 examinations. As of today, April 9, 2026, candidates are gearing up for the NDA 1 2026 written exam scheduled for April 12, 2026. Simultaneously, the official notification for NDA 2 2026 is expected to be released on May 20, 2026. This national-level entrance exam is the gateway for both male and female candidates to join the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy.
Official Website: UPSC Official Website
The selection process for UPSC NDA 2026 remains one of the toughest in the world, involving a rigorous written test followed by an extensive SSB Interview 2026 phase. With the UPSC NDA 2026 Vacancy count standing at 394 for the first session, competition is expected to be fiercer than ever.
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Detailed Overview of UPSC NDA 2026 in 2026
The National Defence Academy (NDA) is a unique tri-service academy where cadets of the three services—Army, Navy, and Air Force—train together before they go on to their respective service academies. In 2026, the UPSC continues to refine the examination process to identify candidates with the right "Officer Like Qualities" (OLQs).
UPSC NDA 1 2026 vs NDA 2 2026
UPSC conducts the NDA exam twice a year. The NDA 1 2026 session is for the course commencing in January 2027, while the NDA 2 2026 session will lead to the course starting in July 2027.
Breaking News: The NDA 1 2026 Admit Card was released on April 2, 2026. If you haven't downloaded it yet, visit upsconline.nic.in immediately before the portal experiences heavy traffic on the eve of the exam.
Total Vacancy Distribution for 2026
The vacancy list for the UPSC NDA 1 2026 session is as follows:
- Army: 208
- Navy: 42
- Air Force (Flying): 92
- Air Force (Ground Duty Tech): 18
- Air Force (Ground Duty Non-Tech): 10
- Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry): 24
- Total: 394 Posts
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Eligibility Criteria & Requirements for 2026
To apply for UPSC NDA 2026, candidates must strictly adhere to the eligibility norms. Any discrepancy found at the time of the SSB Interview 2026 or medical examination will lead to immediate disqualification.
Age Limit for 2026 Sessions
The age bracket remains strictly between 16.5 and 19.5 years. For the 2026 cycle, the specific date of birth ranges are:
| Session | Minimum Date of Birth | Maximum Date of Birth |
|---|---|---|
| NDA 1 2026 | July 2, 2007 | July 1, 2010 |
| NDA 2 2026 | January 2, 2008 | January 1, 2011 |
Educational Qualification
The academic requirements vary depending on the wing you wish to join:
- For Army Wing: Candidates must have passed the Class 12th (10+2 pattern) examination or equivalent from a recognized board. Students appearing for the exam in 2026 are also eligible.
- For Air Force and Navy Wings: Candidates must have passed Class 12th with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects.
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Step-by-Step Application Process / How to Apply (2026 Update)
The UPSC NDA 2026 Application Form for the second session will be available from May 20, 2026. Candidates must use the One Time Registration (OTR) platform.
- One Time Registration (OTR): Visit upsconline.nic.in and register yourself. If you have already registered for previous exams like CDS or Civil Services, use your existing credentials.
- Filling the Application (Part-I): Provide your personal details, choice of branch preference (Army/Navy/Air Force), and contact information.
- Payment of Fee: The application fee for UPSC NDA 2026 is ₹100. However, Female candidates, SC/ST candidates, and Wards of JCOs/NCOs/ORs are fully exempted from the fee.
- Uploading Documents (Part-II): Upload a scanned photograph, signature, and a valid Photo ID card (Aadhar, PAN, Voter ID).
- Center Selection: Select your preferred exam center. Since centers are allotted on a "first-apply-first-allot" basis, it is advised to apply as soon as the NDA 2 2026 Registration opens on May 20.
Pro Tip: Ensure that the photograph used in the application is not older than 10 days from the date of the notification release. The date of the photograph must be printed clearly on the image.
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Important Dates & Official Notification Details for 2026
Managing your preparation schedule requires a clear understanding of the UPSC NDA 2026 Exam Calendar. Below is the comprehensive schedule for the year:
NDA 1 & NDA 2 2026 Schedule
| Event | NDA 1 2026 Date | NDA 2 2026 Date |
|---|---|---|
| Official Notification Release | December 10, 2025 | May 20, 2026 |
| Application Window Opens | December 10, 2025 | May 20, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | December 30, 2025 | June 9, 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | April 2, 2026 | August 2026 |
| Written Examination Date | April 12, 2026 | September 13, 2026 |
| Result Declaration (Written) | May 2026 | October 2026 |
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UPSC NDA 2026 Syllabus & Exam Pattern
To clear the UPSC NDA 2026, you must master two papers conducted on the same day in an offline (pen-and-paper) mode.
Paper 1: Mathematics (300 Marks)
- Time Duration: 2.5 Hours
- Total Questions: 120
- Topics: Algebra, Trigonometry, Analytical Geometry, Differential Calculus, Integral Calculus, Vector Algebra, Statistics, and Probability.
- Negative Marking: 0.83 marks for every wrong answer.
Paper 2: General Ability Test – GAT (600 Marks)
- Part A (English): 200 Marks (Grammar, Vocabulary, Comprehension).
- Part B (General Knowledge): 400 Marks (Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, and Current Affairs).
- Total Questions: 150
- Negative Marking: 1.33 marks for every wrong answer.
Selection Tip: Focus heavily on Current Affairs 2026 for the GAT paper. Questions related to India's recent defense deals, missile tests (like Agni or Pralay), and international summits are highly likely.
UPSC NDA 2026 Selection Process: The SSB Interview
Clearing the written exam is only the first step. The SSB Interview 2026 is a 5-day intensive personality and intelligence test.
- Stage I (Day 1): Screening test involving Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception & Description Test (PP&DT).
- Stage II (Days 2-5): Psychology Tests, Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks, and the Personal Interview.
- Conference (Day 5): The final board recommendation.
- Medical Examination: Conducted for recommended candidates at Military Hospitals.
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Salary and Benefits for NDA Officers in 2026
Once you complete your three years at NDA and one year at the respective service academy (IMA/INA/AFA), you are commissioned as a Lieutenant (or equivalent).
- Stipend during Training: ₹56,100 per month.
- Starting Salary (Lieutenant): Level 10 Pay Matrix (₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500).
- Allowances: Military Service Pay (MSP), Dearness Allowance, Kit Maintenance Allowance, and Field Area Allowances.
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Conclusion & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The UPSC NDA 2026 represents more than just a job; it is a calling to serve the nation with "Seva Paramo Dharma." As the April 12 Exam approaches, stay calm, revise your formulas, and keep your admit card ready. For those looking toward the September 2026 attempt, the notification on May 20 will be your signal to start.
Is female candidate eligible for UPSC NDA 2026?
Yes, both unmarried male and female candidates are fully eligible to apply for the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy. The eligibility criteria regarding age and education remain the same for all.
What is the age limit for NDA 2 2026?
For the NDA 2 2026 session, candidates must have been born between January 2, 2008, and January 1, 2011. No age relaxation is provided for any category (SC/ST/OBC).
Can I apply for NDA 2026 if I am in Class 12?
Yes, students appearing for their Class 12th Board Exams in 2026 are eligible to apply. However, they must provide proof of passing the qualifying examination by the time the course commences in 2027.
Is there any change in the UPSC NDA 2026 Exam Pattern?
No, the exam pattern remains a two-stage process: a Written Examination (Mathematics & GAT) followed by a 5-day SSB Interview. Both papers are conducted on the same day.
When will the UPSC NDA 1 2026 Result be declared?
The written result for the NDA 1 2026 exam (held on April 12) is expected to be announced by the third or fourth week of May 2026.
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Are you ready to lead from the front and earn the prestigious Olive Green uniform in 2026?
