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NDA Exam Dates 2026: NDA 2 Exam Dates and Important Details

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Vaishali Pandey
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Updated On:
Jun 4, 2026
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Vaishali Pandey
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Updated On:
Jun 4, 2026

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NDA Exam Dates 2026: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially announced the NDA 1 and NDA 2 exam dates for 2026. The NDA 1 exam was held on April 12, 2026, while NDA 2 is scheduled for September 13, 2026. Along with these dates, essential details about the application period, notification releases, and admit card timelines have also been shared. 

Read on to stay up-to-date with all the crucial events related to the NDA 2026 exams.

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By the end of this blog, you will know

  • The complete schedule for NDA exam dates in 2026, including application deadlines and notification dates.
  • Key steps involved in the NDA exam process, from applying to receiving your admit card.
  • How to plan your preparation and stay on top of crucial deadlines for a successful NDA attempt?

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UPSC NDA NDA Exam Dates & Key Details

The UPSC conducts the NDA exam twice every year for candidates aiming to join the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force. The official notification for the NDA 2 exam dates 2026 is out, announcing a total of 394 vacancies. NDA 2 2026 is also open to women candidates, with vacancies reserved for female applicants. Candidates who have passed Class 12 and are at least 16.5 years old are eligible to apply. Below is a detailed breakdown of the NDA exam dates 2026 and related information.

Particulars

Details

Exam Authority

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

Full Name of NDA

National Defence Academy

Examination Title

NDA & NA Examination 2026

Exam Category

National-Level

Frequency of the Exam

Twice Annually

NDA 1 Exam Date

April 12, 2026

NDA 2 Exam Date

September 13, 2026

Eligibility for NDA 2 2026

12th Pass Candidates

Selection Rounds

Written Exam + SSB Interview

Job Posting Location

Across India

Official Portal

upsc.gov.in

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Important NDA 2 Exam Dates 2026: Full Schedule

Here’s the full timeline for the NDA exam dates. Make sure to mark these dates on your calendar to stay prepared and ahead of the process.

Event

Date

Notification Release

May 20, 2026

Start of Online Applications

May 20, 2026

Final Date to Apply Online

June 9, 2026

NDA 2 Exam Date

September 13, 2026

Release of Admit Card

September 6, 2026 (approx. one week before the exam)

Declaration of Result

To be announced

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NDA Exam Dates: Application Form 2026

The NDA 2 2026 application form was available online on the official UPSC website from May 20 to June 9, 2026. The application process consists of two parts: Part I and Part II. To successfully apply, candidates must pay an application fee of INR 100, which can be done either online or offline. The application form is released along with the official NDA notification, which also provides details about the available vacancies for the NDA. Here’s how you can fill out the NDA application form:

  1. Visit the UPSC official website.
  2. Register by completing Part I of the application form.
  3. Log in with your registration number to access Part II of the form.
  4. Fill in all the required details in Part II of the form.
  5. Pay the application fee and print a copy of the completed form for future reference.

NDA Exam Dates: NDA Exam Eligibility

The NDA 2026 eligibility criteria outline the essential requirements that candidates must meet in terms of nationality, age, education, and physical fitness to appear for the exam. It's crucial to ensure you meet all these criteria before proceeding with your application.

Eligibility Criteria

Details

Nationality

Indian, Nepalese, Bhutanese, or Tibetan refugees who arrived before January 1, 1962.

NDA Exam Date 2026 Age Limit

Minimum age: 16.5 years.

Maximum age: 19.5 years.

Educational Qualifications

Army Wing: 12th pass or equivalent from a recognised board.

Air Force & Navy Wings: 12th pass with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects.

Marital Status

Only unmarried male and female candidates are eligible.

Physical Fitness

Must meet the medical and physical standards set by the NDA, including vision, height, and overall health criteria.

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NDA Admit Card Release Date 2026

The NDA 2 2026 admit card will be available for download approximately one week before the exam (around September 6, 2026). Please note that no hard copies of the admit card will be sent by mail. It contains essential details such as your name, roll number, exam center, and exam day guidelines.

Step No.

Instruction

1

Visit the official UPSC website.

2

Locate the 'Admit Card' link in the ‘What’s New’ section.

3

Click the link to open the login page.

4

Log in using your registration number or roll number.

5

Your NDA admit card will appear on the screen.

6

Download and take a printout of the admit card.

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NDA Exam Dates: NDA Exam Pattern and Details

The NDA exam comprises two written sections: Mathematics and the General Ability Test (GAT), totaling 900 marks. Those who qualify in the written exam are invited to the SSB Interview, which also carries 900 marks.

Paper

Subject

Maximum Marks

Duration

Paper 1

Mathematics

300

2.5 hours

Paper 2

General Ability Test (GAT)

600

2.5 hours

Total

900

5 hours

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SSB Interview: Stages and Tests

Candidates who qualify in the written exam are invited to appear for the SSB Interview. The interview is divided into two stages and includes various tests to evaluate a candidate’s suitability for the armed forces.

Stage

Test Type

Details

Stage 1

Screening Test

Verbal and non-verbal tests, Picture Perception and Discussion Test (PPDT)

Stage 2

Psychological Test

Thematic Apperception Test (TAT), Word Association Test (WAT), Situation Reaction Test (SRT), Self Description Test (SD)

Stage 2

Group Testing Officers Test

Group Discussion (GD), Group Planning Exercise (GPE), Progressive Group Task (PGT), Half Group Task (HGT), Individual Obstacle Task (IOT), Command Task, Snake Race/Group Obstacle Race, Individual Lecture, Final Group Task (FGT)

Stage 2

Personal Interview

One-on-one interview with the interviewer

Stage 2

Conference

Final assessment by the panel

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How to Access NDA Answer Key?

Once the full selection cycle concludes, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will release the official answer key for the NDA 2026 exam. Meanwhile, leading coaching centres usually publish unofficial answer keys within hours of the exam, allowing candidates to estimate their scores early on. Both the question paper and the corresponding answers are released together to help aspirants cross-check their responses.

Step No.

Action

1

Click on the subject-wise PDF link for the answer key.

2

A new page with the PDF will open.

3

Download and save the file for future use.

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Where & How to Check the Result?

The NDA 2026 result will be made available online through the official UPSC website in PDF format. The result list contains the roll numbers of those who’ve cleared the written exam. Qualified candidates will proceed to the next stage — the SSB Interview. The final cutoff is published after the entire selection process is complete.

Step No.

Instruction

1

Visit the UPSC official website.

2

Click on the link titled ‘National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination result’.

3

A PDF file containing the roll numbers of selected candidates will open.

4

Use Ctrl+F to search for your roll number.

5

If found, you’ve qualified for the next round.

6

Download and print the result for records.

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NDA 2026 Exam Dates: Exam Schedule and Timings

The NDA written examination is conducted in two sessions — one in the morning and the other in the afternoon. Candidates should carefully note their shifts and report to the examination centre well in advance.

Shift

Time Slot

Morning

10:00 AM to 12:30 PM

Afternoon

2:00 PM to 4:30 PM

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NDA 2026 Exam Centres (City-Wise List)

While the exam centres will be allocated later via the admit cards, this preliminary list helps aspirants plan their travel and arrangements. Here’s a list of complete city-wise list:

A–F

G–L

M–R

S–Z

Agartala

Ghaziabad

Madurai

Sambalpur

Bengaluru

Hyderabad

Mumbai

Thiruvananthapuram

Chennai

Kolkata

Patna

Visakhapatnam

Delhi

Lucknow

Pune

Warangal

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How Can You Effectively Prepare for NDA 2026 in Just 3 Months?

With limited time left for NDA 2026, now is the time to start preparing smartly. If you're aiming to crack the exam in a single attempt, follow this expert-approved study strategy:

1. Break Down the Syllabus: 

Start by understanding the full NDA 2026 syllabus to identify priority topics in Mathematics and General Ability.

2. Understand the Exam Framework: 

Familiarise yourself with the latest exam pattern—knowing the structure helps you plan better and reduce surprises on test day.

3. Refer to the Right Resources: 

Stick to well-reviewed NDA preparation books that offer clarity and concise coverage of important concepts.

4. Practice with a Purpose: 

Take full-length mock tests regularly and solve previous years' papers to enhance your problem-solving speed and time management.

5. Revise Smarter, Not Harder: 

Make weekly revision schedules to revisit formulas, vocabulary, and key themes, ensuring long-term retention of what you’ve studied.

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Cracking the NDA 2026 exam requires a mix of strategy, consistency, and smart preparation. With the exam dates and centres now confirmed, this is the right time to streamline your approach, stay updated on important deadlines, and focus on high-impact topics. Whether you're preparing on your own or seeking structured guidance through expert-led programs, make every day count. 

A clear plan and disciplined effort over the next few months can significantly boost your chances of joining the National Defence Academy and taking the first step toward a career in the armed forces.

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FAQs About NDA Exam Dates

What is the minimum height needed for NDA candidates, and does it differ based on the candidate’s region?

Yes, the minimum height requirement for NDA candidates is 157 cm. However, for candidates from specific regions like the North-Eastern states, Garhwal, and Gorkhas, the minimum height is relaxed to 152 cm. For candidates from Lakshadweep, the minimum height is 155 cm.​

Are spectacles or contact lenses permitted during the NDA medical examination?

Candidates are generally required to have unaided vision of 6/6 in both eyes. The use of spectacles or contact lenses is not permitted. However, minor refractive errors may be considered acceptable, subject to approval by the medical board.​

Is there a provision for correcting an application form after it has been submitted?

No, the UPSC does not provide a correction window for the NDA application form. If a candidate makes an error, they must submit a new application with the correct details. The latest application will be considered, and the previous one will be disregarded.​

Are there any restrictions on the number of attempts for the NDA exam?

There is no restriction on the number of attempts for the NDA exam.

What is the procedure if a candidate forgets their NDA application registration ID?

Candidates can retrieve their registration ID by visiting the UPSC website and using the "Forgot RID" option. They will need to provide details like their name, father's name, mother's name, and date of birth to retrieve the ID.​

Can a candidate apply for both NDA and CDS exams simultaneously?

Yes, a candidate can apply for both NDA and CDS exams if they meet the eligibility criteria for both. However, they must ensure that the exam dates do not clash and prepare accordingly.​

What documents are required during the SSB interview process?

Candidates must carry their original academic certificates, identity proof, NDA admit card, and passport-sized photographs during the SSB interview. It's advisable to also carry photocopies of these documents.​

What is the training duration at the National Defence Academy?

The training at the NDA spans three years, divided into six terms. Post this, cadets undergo one year of pre-commission training at their respective service academies.

Is there any provision for candidates with NCC certificates in the NDA selection process?

While NCC certificates can be beneficial in the CDS exam, they do not provide any direct advantage in the NDA selection process. However, the discipline and training from NCC can aid in SSB interviews.​

Can candidates from commerce or arts backgrounds apply for the NDA exam?

Yes, candidates from commerce or arts backgrounds can apply for the NDA exam. However, for the Air Force and Navy wings, candidates must have studied Physics and Mathematics in their 10+2.​

What is the medium of the NDA written examination?

The NDA written examination is conducted in both English and Hindi, except for the English section, which is only in English.​​

What is the procedure if a candidate loses their NDA admit card before the exam?

Candidates can re-download their admit card from the UPSC website using their registration ID or roll number. It's advisable to keep multiple copies of the admit card to avoid such situations.​

Is there any physical fitness test before the SSB interview?

While there isn't a separate physical fitness test before the SSB interview, candidates are expected to maintain good physical health. Physical tasks are part of the SSB process, and medical examinations assess fitness levels.​

About the Author

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Vaishali Pandey
Content Marketer
Check out full profile

A banker turned content marketer with expertise in growth-focused content strategies for the finance and digital sectors.  She currently drives data-backed content initiatives at Propelld, through high-impact storytelling.

Before moving into content marketing, Vaishali spent nearly a decade in banking, across their asset and lending divisions and spent almost a decade in finance. An MBA in Marketing and a writer at heart, she finally took up content marketing and now simplifies money talks for the readers.

She is also a certified digital marketer (MICA), combining data-driven insights with creative storytelling to deliver measurable business growth.

Beyond work, Vaishali is a handcrafted brand founder, avid reader, and travel & food blogger, blending creativity and strategy in everything she does.

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