Introduction
The NDA 2026 Exam, conducted by UPSC, is the gateway to join the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force as an officer. This guide covers eligibility criteria, exam pattern, detailed syllabus, key dates, preparation tips, and FAQs—everything you need in one place.
Quick NDA 2026 Highlights
- Exam Conducting Body: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
- Wings Covered: Army, Navy, Air Force
- Mode of Exam: Offline (Pen & Paper)
- Stages: Written Test + SSB Interview
- Attempts Allowed: Until age limit is crossed
- Eligibility: 16.5–19.5 years, unmarried, Class 12 passed
NDA 2026 Eligibility Criteria
1. Nationality
- Indian citizen
- OR subject of Nepal/Bhutan
- OR Tibetan refugee (before Jan 1, 1962)
- OR Indian origin person migrated from select countries (Pakistan, Sri Lanka, East Africa, etc.)
2. Age Limit
- Born between July 2, 2007 and July 1, 2010 (tentative, confirm in UPSC notification)
- Age: 16.5 to 19.5 years
3. Educational Qualification
- Army Wing: Class 12 pass in any stream
- Air Force & Naval Wings / INA: Class 12 pass with Physics + Mathematics
4. Gender & Marital Status
- Male & Female candidates eligible
- Must be unmarried
5. Physical Standards (Key Points)
- Height: 157 cm (male), 152 cm (female)
- Vision: 6/6 or 6/9, correctable with glasses
- No chronic illness, deformities, or major surgeries
NDA 2026 Exam Pattern
| Stage | Subjects | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written Exam | Mathematics | 300 | 2.5 hrs |
| General Ability Test (GAT) | 600 | 2.5 hrs | |
| Total (Written) | 900 | ||
| SSB Interview | Stage I + II | 900 | 4–5 days |
| Grand Total | 1800 | ||
🔹 Negative marking applies.
🔹 GAT covers English, GK, Current Affairs, Science & Humanities.
NDA 2026 Syllabus
Mathematics (300 Marks)
- Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Calculus
- Matrices & Determinants
- Probability & Statistics
- Vectors, Analytical Geometry (2D & 3D)
GAT (600 Marks)
- English (200): Grammar, Comprehension, Vocabulary
- GK (400): Physics, Chemistry, Biology, History, Geography, Current Affairs
NDA 2026 Key Dates (Expected)
| Event | NDA 1 | NDA 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Notification Release | Jan 2026 | May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | Feb 2026 | June 2026 |
| Exam Date | April 2026 | Sept 2026 |
👉 Always check the latest dates at UPSC Official Website.
NDA 2026 Application Process (How-To)
- Go to upsc.gov.in.
- Register via One-Time Registration (OTR).
- Fill in the NDA application form.
- Upload photo & signature.
- Pay fee (₹100; SC/ST/females exempted).
NDA 2026 Preparation Strategy
📚 Academic
- NCERT (10–12) → Maths, Science, Social Studies
- Mock tests & previous years’ papers
- Balance Maths & GAT daily
💪 Physical Fitness
- Run 2–3 km daily
- Push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups, squats
- Yoga & flexibility drills
🗣 SSB Interview Prep
- Practice group discussions
- Build confidence in public speaking
- Read daily current affairs
Recommended Books
- NDA Pathfinder (Arihant)
- NCERT Textbooks (10–12)
- Wren & Martin Grammar
- Lucent’s GK
- UPSC NDA Previous Year Papers
FAQs on NDA 2026
Yes, female candidates are eligible for all wings.
16.5 to 19.5 years. Confirm exact dates in the UPSC notification.
Not compulsory. With disciplined self-study and mock tests many clear NDA without coaching.
Written cutoff ~340–360/900; final cutoff ~700–720/1800 (varies yearly).
You’ll attend the SSB Interview, which tests psychology, leadership, and personality.
Conclusion
The NDA 2026 exam is your chance to start a career in the armed forces at a young age. With a clear plan, disciplined study, and fitness training, you can crack it.
👉 If you want expert resources and guidance to boost your NDA prep, check out NK Leadify’s study resources and take the first step toward your defence career.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- NDA 2026 = Written Test (900) + SSB (900)
- Eligibility = Class 12 pass, 16.5–19.5 yrs, unmarried
- Maths & GAT both crucial → balance prep
- Start early: academics + physical fitness + current affairs
- Verify dates & eligibility with UPSC’s official site