NDA Recruitment 2026 | Exam Dates | Eligibility Criteria | Age Limit
NDA or National Defence Academy Exam is a national-level exam organized by UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) to recruit candidates in the Army, Navy, and Air Force. It is a two-tier examination, wherein candidates qualifying the written test will also have to clear the SSB interview round.
NDA Recruitment 2026
| Exam Name | National Defence Academy |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
| Exam Type | National Level |
| Eligibility Criteria | Unmarried Male candidates can apply |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Exam Mode | Offline |
| Duration | Mathematics: 2 hours 30 minutesGeneral Ability Test: 2 hours 30 minutes |
NDA I 2026 Exam Dates
Key Dates for NDA 2026
| UPSC NDA Exam Date 2026 | ||
| Events | NDA 1 2026 | NDA 2 2026 |
| Notification | 10th December 2025 | 20th May 2026 |
| Application form | 10th December 2025 | 20th May 2026 |
| Last date to apply | 30 December 2025 | 9th June, 2026 |
| Admit Card Release Date | Last week of March 2026 | First Week of September 2026 |
| Written exam date | 12th April 2026 | 13th September 2026 |
| Declaration of written result | 26 April 2026 (Expected) | Last Week of Sep 2026 |
| SSB Interview | To be notified | To be notified |
Make sure to keep an eye on the official UPSC website for the exact dates, as they can vary slightly each year.
Eligibility Criteria
- Age Limit: You need to be between 16.5 to 19.5 years as of the first day of the month in which the exam is being conducted (for NDA I, your birth date should fall between 1st January 2008 and 1st January 2011).
- Educational Qualification:
- For Army Wing: 10+2 pass (or equivalent) from a recognized board.
- For Air Force and Navy Wings: 10+2 pass with Physics and Mathematics as subjects.
Exam Pattern
The NDA exam is divided into two parts:
- Written Exam:
- Mathematics (300 marks): This section consists of questions on topics like Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, and Geometry.
- General Ability Test (600 marks): This is further divided into:
- English (200 marks): Comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and basic English usage.
- General Knowledge (400 marks): Includes subjects like Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, and Current Affairs.
- SSB Interview (900 marks):
- After qualifying the written exam, selected candidates are called for the SSB interview (Services Selection Board), which evaluates personality, intelligence, and physical fitness.
- The SSB process usually takes 5 days, involving tests like group discussions, psychological testing, physical tasks, and individual interviews.
Preparation Tips for NDA 2026
- Understand the Syllabus: The first step is to go through the NDA syllabus thoroughly. Both the Mathematics and General Ability sections require solid preparation, especially for subjects like Physics and History.
- Start Early: As you’re preparing for NDA 2026, ideally, start your preparation well in advance. Given that the exam tests your knowledge in both academic subjects and general awareness, consistent study is key.
- Focus on Time Management: Practice solving papers within the stipulated time to improve your speed and accuracy, especially for the Mathematics section, which can be tricky.
- Stay Updated on Current Affairs: General Knowledge is a major section in the NDA. Make it a habit to read newspapers, watch the news, and use apps or websites to stay informed about national and international events.
- Physical Fitness: For the SSB interview, physical fitness is important. Include regular physical training or exercise in your daily routine to improve stamina, strength, and agility.
- Mock Tests & Previous Year Papers: Solving previous years’ papers and taking regular mock tests can help you understand the exam pattern and improve your preparation strategy.
- Join Coaching (Optional): If you’re looking for a structured approach, you can consider joining a coaching institute like Target Defence Academy or any other that specializes in NDA preparation. They offer mock tests, personality development sessions, and expert guidance.
- Revise Regularly: NDA is a competitive exam, so frequent revision of concepts and practicing problem-solving techniques is essential to ensure you retain information for the long term.
After the NDA Exam
Once you clear the written exam and the SSB interview, you’ll go through a medical check-up. If all is well, you’ll receive a recommendation for training at the National Defence Academy in Khadakwasla, Pune.
Strategy for NDA 2026
- Focus on Weak Areas: Identify your weak subjects early and work more on those areas.
- Stay Disciplined: Given the vast syllabus, staying disciplined and sticking to a routine is crucial.
- Stay Healthy: Make sure you balance your mental and physical health. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep will support both your mind and body.
