NDA 2026 Notification – The National Defence Academy (NDA) exam is one of India’s most anticipated defense entrance exams, opening the door to careers as officers in the Indian Navy and Air Force.
Are you also applying for these positions? The online application process for the NDA and CDS exams is scheduled for April 12, 2026. Candidates have a great opportunity to change their lives. You can prepare for them and appear for the exam.
We are also taking a step forward to make your dream come true. If you need complete information about the CDS and NDA exams, including the syllabus, exam pattern, previous year questions, and other information, read the full post and take a step forward.
Defence jobs in India (NDA, CDS, Agniveer) are always in high demand among youth who dream of serving the nation. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts NDA (National Defence Academy) and CDS (Combined Defence Services) exams twice every year. For 2026, candidates are already waiting for the official notification.
NDA Exam Pattern:
- Mathematics: 120 Questions – 300 Marks
- GAT: 150 Questions – 600 Marks
- SSB Interview: 900 Marks
CDS Exam Pattern:
- English – 100 Marks
- GK – 100 Marks
- Elementary Maths – 100 Marks
Syllabus Highlights:
- Current Affairs, Polity, Defence Exercises, Geography, and Maths (up to Class 12).
NDA 2026 Notification
NDA 1 Exam Date: April 2026 (Notification in December 2025)
NDA 2 Exam Date: September 2026 (Notification in May 2026)
Eligibility: 12th pass (PCM required for Air Force & Navy)
Age Limit: 16.5 – 19.5 years
Mode: Offline (Pen-paper OMR)
Age Limit
The NDA 2026 age limit according to UPSC guidelines:
- NDA 1 2026: Candidates must be born between July 2, 2007, and July 1, 2010
- NDA 2 2026: Candidates must be born between January 2, 2008, and July 1, 2010
- Age range: 16.5 to 19.5 years at the time of examination
Marital Status: Only unmarried candidates are eligible to apply.
Gender Eligibility: Both male and female candidates are eligible to apply
NDA 2026 Notification Educational Qualifications
| Posts Name | Qualification |
| Army Wing | To apply candidates mes have Passed or appearing in Class 12 examination from any recognized board. No specific subject requirements |
| Air Force and Naval Wings | To apply candidates mes have Passed or appearing in Class 12 examination Must have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics in Class 12 |
NDA 2026 Notification Selection Process 2026
Stage 1: Written Exam (Maths + GAT)
Stage 2: SSB Interview (Psychological + GTO + Personal Interview)
Stage 3: Medical Test
Stage 4: Final Merit List
The NDA (National Defence Academy) selection process is conducted by UPSC and completed in two main stages: Written Exam and SSB Interview, followed by a Medical Examination.
🔹 1. Written Examination (900 Marks)
- Subjects:
- Mathematics → 300 marks
- General Ability Test (English + GK) → 600 marks
- Duration: 2.5 hours per paper
- Mode: Offline (OMR based)
- Cut-off: Varies every year (usually around 350–360 marks out of 900).
🔹 2. SSB Interview (900 Marks)
The Services Selection Board (SSB) conducts a 5-day interview process to test intelligence, personality, and officer-like qualities (OLQs).
Stage I (Screening)
- Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test
- Picture Perception & Description Test (PPDT)
👉 Candidates who clear Stage I proceed to Stage II.
Stage II (Psychological & Group Testing)
- Psychological Tests (TAT, WAT, SRT, SDT)
- Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks: Group discussion, group planning, outdoor tasks
- Personal Interview
- Conference (final assessment by board members)
🔹 3. Medical Examination
- Conducted by Armed Forces Medical Services.
- Tests eyesight, hearing, physical standards, and overall fitness.
- Candidates must meet strict physical & medical criteria.
🔹 4. Final Merit List
Candidates are allotted Army, Navy, or Air Force wings according to merit and preference.
Prepared on the basis of Written Exam (900 marks) + SSB Interview (900 marks) = 1800 marks.
NDA 2026 Notification Exam Pattern
| Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 300 | 2.5 hrs |
| GAT (English + GK) | 600 | 2.5 hrs |
| Total | 900 | – |
Paper I – Mathematics:
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Maximum Marks: 300
- Questions: 120 objective-type questions
- Marks per Question: 2.5 marks
- Negative Marking: -0.83 marks for each incorrect answer
Paper II – General Ability Test (GAT):
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Maximum Marks: 600
- Questions: 150 objective-type questions
- Sections: English (50 questions, 200 marks) + General Knowledge (100 questions, 400 marks)
- Marks per Question: 4 marks
- Negative Marking: -1.33 marks for each incorrect answer
Language of Examination
- Mathematics Paper: English only
- GAT Paper: Available in both English and Hindi
SSB Interview Process (5-Day Selection Procedure)
The Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview is conducted after candidates clear the written exam (NDA, CDS, etc.). It is a 5-day process designed to test a candidate’s personality, intelligence, and leadership qualities, also called Officer Like Qualities (OLQs).
Key Skills Tested in SSB Interview
- Leadership
- Communication skills
- Team spirit
- Decision making
- Mental stamina
- Confidence & responsibility
Day 1: Screening Test
This stage filters candidates for the remaining process.
- Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test – Verbal & Non-verbal reasoning questions.
- Picture Perception and Description Test (PPDT) – Candidates see a picture for 30 seconds, write a story, and discuss it in groups.
Note – Only those who clear Screening move to the next days.
Day 2: Psychological Tests
NDA 2026 Notification Conducted by psychologists to assess subconscious personality traits.
- Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) – Write stories on 11 pictures + 1 blank slide.
- Word Association Test (WAT) – Write first thought/response to 60 words shown one by one.
- Situation Reaction Test (SRT) – Write responses to 60 real-life situations.
- Self-Description Test (SDT) – Write about yourself (as seen by parents, teachers, friends, and your own view).
Day 3 & 4: Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks
Conducted in outdoor and indoor setups to test teamwork, leadership, and stamina.
- Group Discussion (GD)
- Group Planning Exercise (Military planning)
- Progressive Group Task (PGT)
- Group Obstacle Race (snake race)
- Half Group Task (HGT)
- Lecturette (short speech on given topic)
- Individual Obstacles (10 tasks in limited time)
- Command Task (candidate as group leader)
- Final Group Task (FGT)
Day 5: Conference
- All SSB board members (President, Psychologist, GTO, Interviewing Officer) sit together.
- Candidate faces a few final questions about their stay, experience, and general awareness.
- Decision is made whether the candidate is “Recommended” or “Not Recommended.”
Medical Examination & Final Merit
- Recommended candidates undergo a medical test.
- Final merit list = Written Exam Marks + SSB Marks.
NDA / CDS / Defence Exams – Physical Fitness Standards
To join the Indian Armed Forces, candidates must meet strict physical and medical standards. These ensure that only medically and physically fit candidates are recommended for training at NDA, IMA, INA, AFA, or Agniveer training academies.
Height & Weight Standards
For NDA (Army, Navy, Air Force) – Male Candidates
| Age (Years) | Min. Height | Weight Range (Kg) |
|---|---|---|
| 16 | 152 cm | 42–45 |
| 17 | 152 cm | 44–46 |
| 18 | 152 cm | 45–48 |
| 19 | 152 cm | 46–49 |
For Air Force, minimum height is 162.5 cm.
For Navy, leg length, sitting height, thigh length standards also apply.
For Female Candidates (CDS / NDA New Entry)
- Minimum Height: 152 cm
- Weight: As per age & height ratio (similar chart provided in official notification).
Vision Standards
- Army:
- Better eye: 6/6
- Worse eye: 6/9 (correctable with glasses)
- Navy:
- Better eye: 6/6
- Worse eye: 6/12
- Air Force:
- Minimum vision: 6/6 in one eye, 6/9 in other
- No color blindness
- LASIK surgery not allowed below 20 years
Chest Standards
- Fully expanded chest: 77 cm (Army/Navy)
- Expansion: Minimum 5 cm required
- Air Force: 81–85 cm (with 5 cm expansion)
General Medical Conditions
Candidate will be rejected if they have:
- Knock knees
- Flat feet
- Varicose veins
- Any chronic disease (like asthma, diabetes, epilepsy)
- Tattoos (except religious on inner forearm)
Physical Fitness Test (During Selection)
- Running: 1.6 km in 5–6 minutes
- Push-ups: 20–25
- Sit-ups: 30–40
- Chin-ups: 6–8
- Rope Climbing: 3–4 meters
Syllabus Overview: Comprehensive Subject Coverage
Mathematics Syllabus
- Concept of sets, operations on sets, Venn diagrams
- Complex numbers and their properties
- Binary number system and conversions
- Arithmetic, Geometric, and Harmonic progressions
- Quadratic equations and linear inequations
- Permutations, combinations, and binomial theorem
- Logarithms and their applications
- Types of matrices and operations
- Determinants and their properties
- Adjoint and inverse of matrices
- Applications in solving linear equations
- Angles measurement in degrees and radians
- Trigonometric ratios and identities
- Multiple and sub-multiple angles
- Inverse trigonometric functions
- Applications in height, distance, and triangles
- Coordinate geometry in 2D and 3D
- Distance formulas and equations of lines
- Circle, parabola, ellipse, and hyperbola
- Direction cosines and ratios
- Differential and integral calculus
- Applications of derivatives
- Basic integration techniques
6. Statistics and Probability:
- Random experiments and sample spaces
- Probability definitions and theorems
- Conditional probability and Bayes’ theorem
- Binomial distribution
General Ability Test Syllabus
- Grammar: Spotting errors, sentence improvement
- Vocabulary: Synonyms, antonyms, word selection
- Comprehension: Reading passages and questions
- Sentence Formation: Ordering words correctly
- Mechanics: Motion, force, momentum, work, energy
- Heat and Thermodynamics: Heat transfer, temperature measurement
- Sound: Wave properties, musical instruments
- Light: Reflection, refraction, optical instruments
- Electricity and Magnetism: Current, circuits, magnetism
- Modern Physics: Atomic structure, X-rays
- Basic Concepts: Atoms, molecules, chemical equations
- Acids, Bases, and Salts: Properties and reactions
- Metals and Non-metals: Properties and uses
- Carbon Compounds: Organic chemistry basics
- Everyday Chemistry: Fertilizers, materials, industrial processes
- Biology: Human body systems, diseases, nutrition
- Environmental Science: Ecology, pollution, conservation
- Space Science: Solar system, satellites, space exploration
- Technology: Latest developments and applications
History and Freedom Movement (64 Marks):
- Ancient India: Civilizations, empires, culture
- Medieval India: Mughal period, regional kingdoms
- Modern India: British rule, freedom struggle, independence
- Post-Independence: Major events, personalities
- Physical Geography: Climate, landforms, natural resources
- Indian Geography: States, rivers, mountains, economy
- World Geography: Continents, countries, global issues
- Economic Geography: Agriculture, industries, trade
- National Events: Politics, economy, social issues
- International Affairs: Global politics, organizations
- Defense Related News: Military developments, strategies
- Sports and Culture: Major events, personalities
Previous Question Papers – Download Here
NDA 2026 Application Process & Important Dates
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the NDA (National Defence Academy) exam twice every year – NDA 1 and NDA 2. For 2026, lakhs of students are waiting for the notification.
NDA 1 2026 Timeline
- Notification Release: December 10, 2025
- Application Form Available: December 10, 2025
- Last Date to Apply: December 30, 2025
- Application Correction Window: Early January 2026
- Admit Card Release: Last week of March 2026
- Written Examination: April 12, 2026
- Result Declaration: April 26, 2026 (Expected)
NDA 2 2026 Timeline
- Notification Release: May 20, 2026
- Application Form Available: May 20, 2026
- Last Date to Apply: June 9, 2026
- Written Examination: September 13, 2026
NDA 2026 Important Dates (Expected)
| Event | NDA 1 2026 | NDA 2 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Notification Release | December 2025 | May 2026 |
| Application Form Start | December 2025 | May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | January 2026 | June 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | March 2026 | August 2026 |
| Exam Date | April 2026 | September 2026 |
| Result Declaration | May 2026 | October 2026 |
NDA 2026 Application Process
- Visit UPSC Website
- Go to https://upsconline.nic.in
- Register (Part I)
- Fill basic details: Name, DOB, Email, Phone Number.
- Select preferences for Army, Navy, Air Force.
- Fill Application Form (Part II)
- Upload scanned photo, signature, and ID proof.
- Choose examination centre.
- Verify details before final submission.
- Fee Payment
- ₹100 for General/OBC
- SC/ST candidates & female candidates are exempted.
- Payment modes: Online (Debit/Credit/UPI/Net banking) or offline (Challan).
- Print Application Form
- After successful submission, download and print the application form for records.
Important Link
Check Cut-Off Marks – CLICK HERE
Current Affairs 2025 (Most Expected Topics)
Here’s a list of top trending current affairs likely to appear in 2025 exams 👇
🌏 National Affairs
- Union Budget 2025–26 Highlights
- New Education Policy Updates (NEP)
- Digital India 2.0 Initiatives
- Chandrayaan-3 success & Gaganyaan mission updates
- New Schemes by Government:
- PM Suryodaya Yojana
- PM Vishwakarma Yojana
- Ayushman Bharat Expansion
- PM Kisan 16th Installment
🌐 International Affairs
- G20 Presidency Outcomes
- India’s Role in BRICS, SCO, ASEAN Summits
- Israel-Palestine & Russia-Ukraine Updates
- Global Climate Agreements (COP29 2025)
💰 Economy & Finance
- RBI Monetary Policy 2025 updates
- India’s GDP growth rate
- Inflation trends
- World Bank, IMF reports
🛰️ Science & Technology
- ISRO: Gaganyaan, Aditya-L1, Venus Mission
- AI regulations in India
- India’s Semiconductor Mission progress
🏅 Sports
- Paris Olympics 2024 results & Indian winners
- ICC Champions Trophy 2025 updates
- Asian Games 2026 preparation
📚 Awards & Appointments
- Padma Awards 2025
- Nobel Prizes 2025
- New Chief Ministers, Governors, and Cabinet reshuffles
Read More
