UPSC NDA 2 2026 Notification and exam date

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has published the UPSC NDA II 2026 Recruitment on its official website on 20 May 2026, and the Date of Exam 13 Sep 2026. Students who are appearing for the exam can check the Notification & Exam Date through the link available in this blog. In this blog, we will give you all the important information about the NDA II 2026 Exam, such as Notification, Vacancies, Eligibility, Syllabus, NDA Admit card 2026, selection process, and more.

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What is a UPSC NDA exam?

The National Defence Academy and Naval Academy (NDA & NA) Examination is one of the most prestigious and coveted examinations in India. This exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and is a gateway for promising young candidates to join the Indian Armed Forces, comprising the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The NDA exam is conducted to test the academic ability, physical fitness, and leadership qualities of the candidates. 

UPSC NDA Recruitment 2026

The National Defence Academy (NDA) 2026 recruitment process is highly competitive and rigorous. The UPSC NDA II Exam 2026 will be held by the UPSC on 20 May 2026. Candidates should be unmarried males and within the age of 16.5 years to 19.5 years on the date of the examination. Candidates should have passed or be appearing for the 12th standard. NDA & NA Exam Notification 2026 Recruitment provides a bright opportunity for candidates to enter the defence force.

UPSC NDA 2 Notification 2026

Furthermore, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the UPSC NDA exam twice a year for admission to the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings. The NDA full form is the National Defence Academy. Therefore, the UPSC released the NDA (II) Notification 2026 on 20 May 2026, and candidates had until 09 June 2026 to submit the online form.

  • This is an advertisement for the recruitment of male and female candidates in the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of UPSC NDA and INAC (Indian Naval Academy Course) 2023. UPSC NDA Notification 2026 will be released in PDF format with important details like the number of vacancies, the UPSC NDA 2 Exam date, exam pattern, syllabus, the course name, salary information, exam centers, eligibility criteria, medical standards, and the process to fill up the UPSC NDA registration form.

UPSC NDA II 2026 Overview

The National Defence Academy 1 & 2 2026 exam will be conducted offline. Complete details are given below:

TYPEDETAILS 
Name of the examUPSC NDA II 2026
Conducting AuthorityUnion Public Service Commission
Exam LevelNational
Exam frequencyTwice a year
Exam Duration5 hours (2.5 hrs each paper)
Date For Notification20 May 2026
Apply Online Starts 20 May 2026
Last Date for Application Online09 June 2026
UPSC NDA II 2026 Vacancy394
Exam StagesWritten exam and SSB Interview
Exam PurposeFor admission to the National Defence Academy (NDA) and the Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC) 
Age limit16.5 Years to 19.5 Years
Total MarksWritten Exam: 900
SSB Interview: 900
Selection ProcessWritten Test
SSB Interview
Medical Process
Recommended booksView
NDA Syllabus & Exam PatternView
NDA Question papersView
Official websitehttps://upsc.gov.in/

UPSC NDA 2026

Check the latest exam dates. The NDA II 2026 exam dates are provided below. Candidates can check the important dates and begin their preparation for the NDA Exam 2026.

EventsUPSC NDA 2 2026UPSC NDA 1 2026
NDA Notification Release Date 20 May 202610th December 2025
NDA Online Registration Start Date 20 May 202610th December 2025
NDA Apply Online Last Date 09 June 202630th December 2025
NDA Application Form Correction Window Dates –
NDA Exam Date 13 Sep 202612th April 2026
UPSC NDA Admit Card 2026A few days before the Exam2nd April 2026
NDA 2026 Answer Key –16th April, 2026
NDA Result –08 May 2026 
NDA Final Result –

UPSC NDA Question Paper PDF

The preparation for the UPSC NDA exam requires constant practice and clarity of the exam pattern. The best way to do so is by going through previous year question papers, which help candidates analyse important topics, difficulty level, and frequently asked questions. “Working through these papers builds confidence, enhances time management, and accuracy. UPSC NDA previous year question papers to boost your preparation and increase your chances of success by the link given below.

UPSC NDA Question Paper PDFs
SubjectsNDA-1NDA-2
UPSC NDA 1 2026 Question Paper PDF
Exam Date12 April 2026September 13, 2026
MathematicsDownload PDF
General Ability TestDownload PDF
NDA NA 2025 Question Paper
Exam Dates13 April 202514 September 2025
MathematicsDownload PDF Download PDF
General Ability TestDownload PDFDownload PDF
NDA NA 2024 Question Paper
Exam Dates21 April 20241 September 2024
MathematicsDownload PDFDownload PDF
General Ability TestDownload PDFDownload PDF

UPSC NDA 2 Exam 2026 Eligibility

The UPSC NDA I & II 2026 exam eligibility criteria include Nationality, Age, Educational Qualifications, and Physical Standards. UPSC NDA (National Defence Academy) Recruitment 2026 is a golden chance to get into one of the most prestigious defense training institutions of India. With thousands of aspirants competing for only a limited number of seats every year, the selection criteria are rigorous, and the calibre of success is exceptional. Here, we will break down the key criteria you need to meet to apply for UPSC NDA Recruitment 2026 effectively.

A) UPSC NDA 2026 Nationality

A candidate must be an unmarried male/female and must be –

  • (i) a citizen of India,
  • (ii) a subject of Nepal, or
  • (iii) a person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka and East African Countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire and Ethiopia or Vietnam, with the intention of permanently settling in India.

B) UPSC NDA  Age Limit, Gender, and Marital Status

Only unmarried male/female candidates born not earlier than 01st January 2008 and not later than 01st January 2011 are eligible

  • Minimum Age ➤ 16.5 Years
  • Maximum Age ➤ 19.5 Years

C) UPSC NDA Educational Qualifications

(i) For the Army Wing of the National Defence Academy:—12th Class pass or the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent examination conducted by a State Education Board or a University.

(ii) For Air Force and Naval Wings of National Defence Academy and for 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at Indian Naval Academy: 12th Class pass with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent conducted by a State Education Board or a University. Candidates who are appearing in 12th Class under the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent examination can also apply for this examination.

UPSC NDA Physical Standards

Candidates must be physically and medically fit to meet NDA eligibility requirements. The table below shows NDA physical eligibility for the Army, Navy, and Air Force. NDA height, weight, and chest measurements are required.

UPSC NDA: Indian Army Height and Weight Requirement (Male)

Age (yrs)Minimum weight (all ages)Age: 17 to 20 yrsAge: 20 + 01 day – 30 yrsAge: 30 + 01 day -40 yrsAge: Above 40 yrs
Height (in cm)Weight (Kg)Weight (Kg)Weight (Kg)Weight(Kg)Weight (Kg)
14035.343.145.147.049.0
14135.843.745.747.749.7
14236.344.446.448.450.4
14336.845.047.049.151.1
14437.345.647.749.851.8
14537.846.348.450.552.6
14638.446.949.051.253.3
14738.947.549.751.954.0
14839.448.250.452.654.8
14940.048.851.153.355.5
15040.549.551.854.056.3
15141.050.252.454.757.0
15241.650.853.155.457.8
15342.151.553.856.258.5
15442.752.254.556.959.3
15543.252.955.357.760.1
15643.853.556.058.460.8
15744.454.256.759.261.6
15844.954.957.459.962.4
15945.555.658.160.763.2
16046.156.358.961.464.0
16146.757.059.662.264.8
16247.257.760.463.065.6
16347.858.561.163.866.4
16448.459.261.964.667.2

NDA: Indian Army Height and Weight Requirement (Female)

Age (yrs)Minimum weight (all ages)Age: 17 to 20 yrsAge: 20 +01 day-30 yrsAge: 30 + 01 Day- 40 yrsAge: Above 40 yrs
Height (in cm)Weight (Kg)Weight (Kg)Weight (Kg)Weight (Kg)Weight (Kg)
14035.343.145.147.049.0
14135.843.745.747.749.7
14236.344.446.448.450.4
14336.845.047.049.151.1
14437.345.647.749.851.8
14537.846.348.450.552.6
14638.446.949.051.253.3
14738.947.549.751.954.0
14839.448.250.452.654.8
14940.048.851.153.355.5
15040.549.551.854.056.3
15141.050.252.454.757.0
15241.650.853.155.457.8
15342.151.553.856.258.5
15442.752.254.556.959.3
15543.252.955.357.760.1
15643.853.556.058.460.8
15744.454.256.759.261.6
15844.954.957.459.962.4
15945.555.658.160.763.2
16046.156.358.961.464.0
16146.757.059.662.264.8
16247.257.760.463.065.6
16347.858.561.163.866.4

NDA: Indian Navy Height and Weight Requirements

Check the Height and weight requirements for the NDA NA 2026.

Height (in Mtrs)Up to 17 yrs17 yrs + 1 day to 18 yrs18 yrs + 1 day to 20 yrs20 yrs + 1 day to 30 yrsAbove 30 yrs
Minimum Weight in KgMaximum Weight in KgMinimum Weight in KgMinimum Weight in KgMinimum Weight in KgMaximum Weight in KgMinimum Weight in KgMaximum Weight in KgMinimum Weight in KgMaximum Weight in Kg
1.4737454045404840504052
1.4837464146414841504153
1.4938474147414941514153
1.538474247425042524254
1.5139484248425042524255
1.5239494349435143534355
1.5340494349435143544356
1.5440504450445244554457
1.5541504450445344554458
1.5641514551455445564558
1.5742524652465446574659
1.5842524652465546574660
1.5943534753475647584761
1.644544754475647594761
1.6144544854485748604862
1.6245554955495849604963
1.6345564956495849614964

NDA: Indian Air Force Weights (Male)

Height (in cm)Age Range (in Years) / Weight (in Kgs)
15-1616-1717-1818-19
1524142.54445
1554243.545.347
15743454748
1604546.54849
16246485051
16548505253
16749515354
1705152.55556
17352.554.55758
17554.5565960
17856586162
18058.5606364.5
1836162.56566.5

NDA: Indian Air Force Weights (Female)

Height (in cm)Age Range (in Years) / Weight (in Kgs)
15-1616-1717-1818-19
14738404142
14839404243
14939414243
15040414344
1524142.54445
1554243.545.347
15743454748
1604546.54849
16246485051
16548505253
16749515354
1705152.55556
17352.554.55758
17554.5565960
17856586162
18058.5606364.5
1836162.56566.5


UPSC NDA Registration Fee

The application fee for the UPSC NDA I & II 2026 Exam is tabulated below:

CATEGORYFEES (IN INR)
General/OBC100
SC/ST/Women candidates/Sons of JCOs/NCOs/ORsNil

How to Apply for the NDA 2 2026 Application Form?

Furthermore, the Interested candidates should complete the NDA 2026 application form online. After the application form is released, a link to it will be provided on this page. The fee is payable both online and in person. Following the completion of the application process, a link to withdraw the UPSC NDA 2026 form is made available. The following are the steps to fill out the UPSC NDA 2026 application form.

  • Firstly, visit the official website of UPSC.
  • Click on Part 1 of the NDA form 2026
  • Furthermore, register for the exam, choose the preferred branch, verify the details, and submit the application form.
  • A registration ID and password will be generated.
  • In Part 2 of the NDA application form, candidates need to pay the application fees, select the exam centre, and upload scanned images of their photographs and signatures.
  • Eventually, a direct link to apply online for UPSC NDA 2 2026.

NDA 2 Vacancy 2026

The NDA II 2026 exam will fill 394 openings in the NDA’s Army, Navy, and Air Force wings for the 158th Course and the 120th Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC), which begin on July 1, 2027.

AcademyServiceVacancies (Male)Vacancies (Female)Total
National Defence AcademyArmy19810208
Navy370542 
Air Force
(i) Flying900292
(ii) Ground Duties (Tech)160218
(iii) Ground Duties (Non-Tech)080210
Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme)210324 
Total37024394

UPSC NDA Syllabus & Exam Pattern 2026

UPSC NDA Exam Pattern 2026

The UPSC NDA exam pattern comprises two papers conducted on the same day. So, the exams test a wide range of skills essential for admission into the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy. Here’s a breakdown of the format: 

Mathematics 

The first paper, Mathematics, aims to assess your mathematical abilities and understanding. This paper includes 120 questions, covering a variety of topics such as Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, and Geometry. Furthermore, the maximum marks for this section are 300, and you are given 2.5 hours to complete it. 

General Ability Test (GAT) 

The second paper is the General Ability Test, divided into two sections: English and General Knowledge. 

English 

This section aims to evaluate your proficiency in English, including grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension. It consists of 50 questions, carrying a total of 200 marks. 

General Knowledge 

The examiners divide the General Knowledge section into various subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, and Current Events. This section includes 100 questions and is worth 400 marks. 

  • Firstly, the NDA exam pattern 2026 is divided into two papers: Maths and GAT.
  • Both papers contain objective multiple-choice questions.
  • The Math paper has 120 questions worth 300 marks.
  • The GAT paper contains 150 questions worth 600 marks.
  • Each paper lasts two and a half hours.

The following is the structure of the NDA exam pattern 2026.

PAPERSSUBJECTMAXIMUM MARKSDURATION
Paper 1Mathematics3002 ½ hours
Paper 2GAT6002 ½ hours
Total9005 hours

UPSC NDA Exam Syllabus 2026

The NDA Syllabus 2026 is meticulously designed to evaluate the all-around abilities of the candidates. Therefore, it encompasses two major components: Mathematics and the General Ability Test (GAT). Let’s break down these elements and understand the specifics. 

UPSC NDA Exam Syllabus 2026 | Mathematics

Mathematics forms a crucial part of the NDA examination, aimed at assessing a candidate’s quantitative abilities. Topics include: 

  • Algebra: Fundamental operations, equations, and complex numbers.
  • Trigonometry: Trigonometric ratios, height, and distance calculations.
  • Analytical Geometry: Understanding Cartesian coordinate systems, lines, and circles.
  • Calculus: Differentiation and integration with application in real-life problems.
  • Vector Algebra: Magnitude and direction, scalar and vector products.
  • Statistics and Probability: Mean, median, mode, standard deviation, and probability theorems.

UPSC NDA Exam Syllabus 2026 | General Ability Test (GAT)

The GAT assesses a candidate’s general knowledge and ability to comprehend, as well as their familiarity with current events. This section is split into two parts: 

UPSC NDA Exam Syllabus 2026 | English

The English segment helps evaluate the candidate’s understanding and proficiency in the language. It includes questions on: 

  • Grammar and usage: Error correction, sentence completion, and paragraph jumbles.
  • Vocabulary: Synonyms, antonyms, and word meanings.
  • Comprehension: Understanding passages and answering related questions.

UPSC NDA Exam Syllabus 2026 | General Knowledge 

This part is extensive and covers a variety of topics: 

  1. Physics: Concepts of mechanics, waves, thermodynamics, and optics.
  2. Chemistry: Physical and chemical changes, oxidation, reduction, acids and bases.
  3. General Science: Basic biological concepts, human body systems, and environmental science.
  4. History: Indian independence movement, world history events, and significant historical figures.
  5. Geography: Physical, political geography, and important geographical phenomena.
  6. Current Events: National and international news, sports, and key events.

NDA Interview 2026

The SSB interview is divided into two stages. The following stages are described in detail:

  • Stage 1➤Screening Test comprises Verbal and Non-verbal tests and PPDT.
  • Stage 2➤Thematic Apperception Test (TAT), Word Association Test (WAT), Situation Reaction Test (SRT), and Self Description Test are all part of the Psychological Test (SD). The Group Testing Officers Test consists of the following components: GD, GPE, PGT, HGT, IOT, Command Task, Snake Race/Group Obstacle Race, Individual Lecture, and FGT. Personal Interview & Conferences is the final stage of stage 2.

Time Management 

Candidates must complete both papers within 2.5 hours each, making time management a critical component. To excel, practice finishing each section within the stipulated time during your preparation. 

Tips for Success at the NDA & NA Exam 2026

Here are a few tips to help you succeed: 

  • Firstly, start your preparation early to cover the entire syllabus thoroughly.
  • Practice previous years’ question papers to get a feel of the exam format and difficulty level.
  • Focus on improving time management skills to ensure you can complete both papers within the given time.
  • Utilise reliable study materials and books designed for NDA preparation.
  • Eventually, Stay updated on current affairs as they form a significant part of the General Knowledge section.

UPSC NDA Admit Card 2026

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will release the NDA 2 admit card 2026 on the official website. As soon as the date arrives, candidates download their UPSC NDA admit cards from the official website. Moreover, the NDA admit card 2026 is essential for candidates; without it, they cannot enter the exam hall.

How to Download NDA 2 Admit Card?

The steps to download the admit card for the NDA exam are provided below:

  • Visit the official website
  • On the home page, find the ‘E-admit card National Defence Academy Examination’ link
  • The login page opens in a new tab
  • Read the instructions carefully before downloading the admit card
  • Agree to the terms and conditions
  • Select any of the options: registration number or roll number
  • If candidates select the registration number option, they need to enter the registration number, date of birth, and the random image
  • If candidates select the roll number option, they need to enter the roll number, date of birth, and the random image
  • Click the ‘Submit’ button
  • NDA admit card appears on the screen
  • Download the admit card and take its printout

UPSC NDA II 2026 Answer Key

Furthermore, the authorities will release the NDA 2 2026 answer key on their official website after the exam, allowing candidates to evaluate their performance in the examination. However, after the exam, aspirants can easily access the answer key and compare their responses to estimate their probable scores. Therefore, this helps in gaining an early understanding of their chances of qualifying for the next stage of the selection process.

UPSC NDA II Result

The UPSC NDA II Final Result 2026 will be officially released in 2026. Furthermore, Candidates who will appear for the examination will be able to check their results on the official UPSC website. The authorities conducted the exam on 13 Sep 2026 to fill vacancies in the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings, including the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme. Here, we provide the previous Result NDA 1.

Book Name Book Type Book Link
(English Medium )
Book Link (Hindi Medium )
NDA/NA General Ability Test (Guide + PYQ) Book for ExamGuidebookView Book
NDA/NA Mathematics (Guide + PYQ) Book for ExamGuidebookView book
NDA/NA Mathematics ABHYAAS Mock Papers Book For ExamPractice setView book
NDA/NA General Ability Test (GAT) ABHYAAS Mock Papers Book For ExamPractice setView book
NDA Previous Year Mathematics & GATSolved Paper View Book View Book
NDA/NA Maths & GAT book for ExamQuestion BankView Book View Book
NDA/NA Solved Papers Book (Mathematics & GAT) For ExamSolved PapersView Book
NDA/NA (National Defence Academy/ Naval Academy) 26 GAT (General Ability Test) Solved Papers Book For – ExamSolved PapersView Book
NDA/NA (National Defence Academy/ Naval Academy) 26 Math Solved Papers Book For Exam in EnglishSolved PapersView Book

UPSC NDA II 2026 FAQs

Q1. What is the NDA Exam 2026?

Ans. UPSC conducts the National Defence Academy exam to recruit candidates for the Air Force, Navy, and Army.

Q2. How many subjects are there in the UPSC NDA Exam 2026?

Ans. There are Papers for the NDA Exam that contain various subjects such as Maths, English, Physics, Chemistry, General Science, and GK.

Q3. What is the exam date of NDA 2 2026?

Ans. The UPSC NDA ll Exam was conducted on 13 Sep 2026.

Q4. What is the last date for UPSC NDA 2 2026?

Ans. The last date for the NDA 2 2026 application form is 09 June 2026.

Sandeep Ojha

I am a Senior Content Writer at Examcart. I create reliable and easy-to-understand content for competitive exam aspirants on exam patterns, previous year papers, and recruitment updates. Dedicated to providing lakhs of aspirants with trustworthy & structured exam information at one place.