NDA Exam 2026

Union Public Service Commission — National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)NationalOffline (Pen & Paper)Exam: September 2026

12th-level exam for entry into the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of the NDA.

NDA — Exam Highlights

Exam Name

NDA

Conducting Body

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

Level

National

NDA Important Dates & Schedule

NDA 2 NotificationMay 2026

NDA 2 Written ExamSeptember 2026

Dates are indicative — verify on the official website.

NDA — Overview

The NDA exam, conducted by UPSC, is the gateway for young Class-12 candidates to join the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy and the Indian Naval Academy. The written exam tests Mathematics and General Ability, after which qualified candidates face the rigorous SSB (Services Selection Board) interview and medical examination. NDA offers a distinguished career as a commissioned officer in the Indian Armed Forces.

NDA Eligibility Criteria

Class 12 pass (with Physics & Maths for Air Force/Navy and technical entries); unmarried candidates meeting physical/medical standards.

NDA Exam Pattern & Format

Marks, duration, number of questions and marking scheme.

Written: Mathematics (300 marks) and General Ability Test (600 marks: English + General Knowledge). SSB Interview (900 marks). Negative marking in the written exam.

NDA Syllabus & Topics

Subject-wise topics covered in the exam.

Mathematics (algebra, calculus, trigonometry, geometry, statistics), English and General Knowledge (Physics, Chemistry, History, Geography, Current Affairs).

NDA Selection Process

Stage-by-stage selection.

Written Exam → SSB Interview (5-day process) → Medical → Final merit.

How to Prepare for NDA — Strategy & Tips

A focused, time-tested approach to crack NDA.

Read the official NDA notification carefully to confirm eligibility, age limit and the latest exam pattern. Build strong fundamentals in reasoning, quantitative aptitude and general awareness, and revise current affairs daily. Cover the full syllabus from standard books and make short revision notes for each topic. Solve previous-year NDA papers and take timed mock tests to improve speed, accuracy and time management.

NDA — Frequently Asked Questions

What is the NDA exam?

NDA is a national-level government recruitment exam conducted by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in the Defence Exams category. 12th-level exam for entry into the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of the NDA.

Who is eligible for NDA?

Class 12 pass (with Physics & Maths for Air Force/Navy and technical entries); unmarried candidates meeting physical/medical standards.

What is the NDA exam pattern?

Written: Mathematics (300 marks) and General Ability Test (600 marks: English + General Knowledge). SSB Interview (900 marks). Negative marking in the written exam.

What is the selection process for NDA?

Written Exam → SSB Interview (5-day process) → Medical → Final merit.

When is the NDA exam conducted?

The NDA exam is held September 2026. Exact dates are announced in the official notification — always verify on https://upsc.gov.in.

Is NDA information on MyInternships.in free?

Yes. All exam information is completely free and compiled from official government sources, with a reminder to verify details on the official website.