NDA 2026 Exam: Dates, Eligibility, Application Process & Everything You Need to Know

The National Defence Academy (NDA) examination is not an exam—it’s a ticket to a life of honour, service, and adventure. Twice a year, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) administers NDA 2026, providing aspiring individuals with a chance to become part of the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the Indian Armed Forces.

If you dream of wearing the uniform, this comprehensive guide will take you through all the key information regarding NDA 2026, such as important dates, eligibility criteria, application process, NDA syllabus, and selection processes.

NDA 2026: Important Dates

NDA 1 – April Session

Notification Release: 10th December 2025

Application Starts: 10th December 2025

Last Date to Apply: 30th December 2025

Application Correction Window: 2nd week of January 2026

Admit Card Release: 4th week of March 2026

Exam Date: 12th April 2026

Written Result Announcement: 1st week of May 2026

SSB Interviews: May–June 2026

NDA 2 – September Session

Notification Release: 20th May 2026

Application Starts: 20th May 2026

Last Date to Apply: 9th June 2026

Correction Window: 2nd week of June 2026

Admit Card Release: 4th week of August 2026

Exam Date: 13th September 2026

Written Result Announcement: Late September 2026

SSB Interviews: October 2026

NDA 2026 Application Process

Mode: Online only, through the official UPSC website.

Fee: ₹100 for general candidates. Female candidates, SC/STs, and sons/daughters of JCOs/NCOs/ORs are exempted.

Payment Modes: Debit/credit card, UPI, or SBI challan.

Correction Window: Available for 7 days after the application deadline in every session.

Age Limit

NDA 1 2026: Should be born between 2nd July 2007 and 1st July 2010

NDA 2 2026: Should be born between 2nd January 2008 and 1st July 2011

Marital Status:

Only unmarried male and female candidates are allowed.

Educational Qualification:

For Army Wing: Passed or appearing in 10+2 (any stream)

For Air Force & Navy Wings: 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM)

Exam Pattern & Syllabus

Mode: Offline (Pen and Paper)

Duration: Each paper is 2.5 hours

Languages: Bilingual (English & Hindi)

Paper Structure:

Mathematics – 300 Marks

General Ability Test (GAT) – 600 Marks

English, General Knowledge, Science, History, Geography, and Current Affairs

(The official syllabus for NDA 2026 has not been released yet. Candidates are advised to go through the previous year’s syllabus and papers for preparation.)

Selection Procedure

NDA selection is done in three stages:

1. Written Examination (NDA 1 & NDA 2)

2. SSB Interview – Personality and Intelligence Tests in two stages:

Stage 1: OIR (Officer Intelligence Rating) and PPDT (Picture Perception and Discussion Test)

Stage 2: GTO tasks, personal interview, and psychology test

3. Medical Examination – Medical fitness tests are conducted on SSB-recommended candidates at authorised centres.

The approximate number of vacancies for NDA 2026 is going to be 400 seats covering all three wings—Army, Navy, and Air Force. These may vary as per the Ministry of Defence and UPSC notifications.

Final Thoughts

NDA 2026 is not merely an exam—it’s a mission. A mission for people who dare to lead, to serve, and to fly high. With two opportunities in the year and an open selection process, this exam gives a life-altering chance to each enthusiastic defence aspirant.

Keep yourself abreast with official UPSC notifications, keep your preparation plan disciplined, and above all, have faith in the uniform you aspire for.

Enroll in Centurion Defence Academy’s NDA 2026 Course for Assured Success

If you’re aiming to crack the NDA 2026 exam and secure a place in the Indian Armed Forces, now is the time to start serious preparation — and Centurion Defence Academy is the best place to begin your journey.

Centurion Defence Academy is India’s leading defence coaching institute, known for its highest selection rate in NDA. With a proven track record, expert faculty, structured study plans, and regular SSB training sessions, Centurion offers a comprehensive NDA 2026 course designed specifically for aspirants targeting NDA 1 & NDA 2 2026.

Key Features of Centurion’s NDA 2026 Course:

• Hybrid Mode (Online + Offline) classes with daily live lectures

• Complete syllabus coverage for Maths, English, and General Ability Test (GAT)

• Dedicated SSB Mentorship Program with retired defence officers

• Regular mock tests and doubt-clearing sessions

• Personalized performance tracking and guidance

• Spoken English and Personality Development classes

Whether you’re a fresh Class 12 student or a repeater aiming for the next attempt, Centurion’s NDA 2026 course offers the right blend of academic preparation and personality grooming.