UPSC NDA 2026: Eligibility, Age Limit, Syllabus, Exam Pattern, SSB and Preparation
UPSC Planner Editorial Team
UPSC Planner Guide
Summary
Complete UPSC NDA and Naval Academy guide covering age limit, 10+2 eligibility, Army/Navy/Air Force entries, vacancies, Mathematics, GAT, SSB, medical standards and preparation.
UPSC NDA & Naval Academy: Complete Guide
The National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination is a Union Public Service Commission examination for candidates targeting a specialised public-service, forest-service or defence career. This page brings together the exam purpose, eligibility, stages, preparation approach and official links.
At a glance
| Item | Guide summary |
|---|---|
| Official name | National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination |
| Conducting body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Candidate profile | Verify education, age, nationality and medical requirements in the current notice |
| Selection | Written examination, Services Selection Board (SSB) assessment, medical examination and final merit. Successful candidates join the prescribed academy/training pathway for Army, Navy, Air Force or the 10+2 Naval Academy entry according to eligibility, preferences, merit and vacancies. |
| Best starting point | Read the pattern, download the latest notice, then build a subject-wise plan |
Recent official reference
The official NDA & NA (II), 2026 notification was issued on 20 May 2026; applications closed on 9 June 2026 and the examination is scheduled for 13 September 2026. It notified 394 tentative vacancies: NDA Army 208, Navy 42, Air Force 120 and Naval Academy 24, with the male/female split stated in the notice. The age window is 1 January 2008 to 1 January 2011, both dates inclusive as specified, for unmarried male/female candidates.
This guide is evergreen. The current notification controls dates, vacancies, age limits, reservations, fees, application steps, medical standards, paper instructions and course-specific rules.
Eligibility
NDA candidates must meet the notification’s age window, marital-status, nationality and school-qualification requirements. Army Wing generally accepts 10+2 or equivalent; Air Force, Naval Wing and the 10+2 Naval Academy entry require the specified Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics background. Candidates must satisfy medical and physical standards.
Selection journey
Written examination, Services Selection Board (SSB) assessment, medical examination and final merit. Successful candidates join the prescribed academy/training pathway for Army, Navy, Air Force or the 10+2 Naval Academy entry according to eligibility, preferences, merit and vacancies.
How to prepare
- Download and annotate the latest notification and syllabus.
- Separate static subjects from current affairs and maintain an official-source revision file.
- Solve recent UPSC papers before choosing books or test series.
- Build a weekly plan with timed practice, revision and error analysis.
- Prepare the qualifying, descriptive, physical, medical or interview components from the beginning; do not postpone them until after the written result.
- Track application windows, admit-card notices, results, cut-offs and corrigenda from UPSC.
Who should choose this exam?
This exam is suitable for candidates who meet its specific academic and medical requirements and are comfortable with its selection stages. It should not be treated as a simple extension of CSE: NDA & Naval Academy has its own paper mix, qualifying rules and final selection process.
Official links
- UPSC examination notification archive
- NDA & NA (II), 2026 official notification
- UPSC active examinations
- UPSC previous question papers
- UPSC online application portal
Before applying
Check the latest official notification, advertisement, corrigendum and timetable. Do not rely on an old date, vacancy, fee, age limit, physical standard or paper pattern.
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UPSC NDA & NA (II) 2026 latest notification snapshot
The official NDA & NA (II), 2026 notification was issued on 20 May 2026. Applications closed on 9 June 2026 and the examination is scheduled for 13 September 2026. The notice lists 394 tentative vacancies: Army 208, Navy 42, Air Force 120 and Naval Academy 24, with male/female distribution stated separately.
For this intake, unmarried male/female candidates born between 1 January 2008 and 1 January 2011 are eligible, subject to all conditions. The examination fee is Rs. 100, with the exemptions specified by UPSC.
Application process and document checklist
- Create or update the UPSC online profile and Universal Registration Number where applicable.
- Complete the Common Application Form and examination-specific module before the deadline.
- Keep the Matriculation/Secondary certificate, degree or 10+2 proof, category certificate, photo ID, photograph and signature ready in the format requested.
- Check the examination centre, fee exemption, force/academy preferences and declaration carefully.
- Download the e-Admit Card from the UPSC portal; it is not normally sent by post.
- Preserve the application number, URN, submitted form and payment receipt.
Career and selection perspective
The exam is not only a written test. Final selection can depend on written merit, interview/SSB, physical or medical fitness, preferences, vacancies and document verification. Candidates should understand the service or academy before choosing preferences.
A practical preparation plan
First phase: syllabus and fundamentals
Map every topic to the official syllabus, revise basic concepts and solve a small set of previous questions daily.
Second phase: exam-specific practice
Move from reading to timed papers, descriptive writing, mathematics, language practice, current affairs and specialist preparation required for this exam.
Third phase: selection-stage readiness
Maintain documents, fitness, medical readiness, interview communication and revision while continuing written practice.
UPSC NDA frequently asked questions
What is the NDA exam?
It is the UPSC entrance examination for admission to the National Defence Academy and the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at the Indian Naval Academy.
Can a Class 12 student apply?
Candidates appearing in or having passed the qualifying 10+2 examination may apply subject to the notification. Class 11 candidates are not eligible.
Is PCM compulsory for NDA?
PCM is required for the Air Force and Naval Wings and the 10+2 Naval Academy entry. Army Wing eligibility is based on 10+2 or equivalent.
What is the NDA written exam total?
Mathematics is 300 marks and GAT is 600 marks, followed by a 900-mark SSB test/interview.
Is NDA only for male candidates?
No. The notification specifies eligibility for unmarried male and female candidates, with vacancies and selection lists handled according to the notified rules.