UPSC NDA 2026: Eligibility, Age Limit, Syllabus, Exam Pattern, SSB and Preparation

Overview

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

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.

Search intent covered by this guide

This page is designed as a one-stop reference for candidates searching for UPSC NDA 2026 eligibility, age limit, 2026 notification, vacancies, application process, selection process, career options, preparation strategy and official links.

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.

Related UPSC resources

UPSC NDA 2026 Syllabus

Syllabus

This page is a structured preparation map. Always compare it with the latest official notification because UPSC can revise wording, paper rules, optional subjects or qualifying conditions.

Syllabus at a glance

Mathematics covers algebra, matrices and determinants, trigonometry, analytical geometry, differential and integral calculus, vector algebra, statistics and probability. The General Ability Test covers English, physics, chemistry, general science, history, geography and current events.

Detailed preparation buckets

General awareness and current affairs

Follow national and international events, government schemes, constitutional and institutional developments, economy, science and technology, environment, disaster management, internal security and defence-related developments as relevant to the exam. Use primary government and institutional sources wherever possible.

Language and comprehension

Practise reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, précis, structured answers and time-bound writing whenever the examination includes English, Hindi or descriptive papers. Maintain an error log rather than only collecting notes.

Quantitative and analytical ability

Build fundamentals first, then practise mixed timed sets. Focus on accuracy, estimation, arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, data interpretation, reasoning and decision-making according to the exam’s paper list.

Subject-specialist preparation

For IFoS, cover the chosen optional subjects at the required depth. For NDA and CDS, give mathematics the level and daily practice it needs. For CAPF, connect general studies with internal security, governance, constitutional structure and contemporary national issues.

Study workflow

Foundation: complete one reliable source per subject and make short revision notes.
Integration: map current affairs to the syllabus and solve topic-wise questions.
Testing: take full-length papers under the official time limit.
Revision: revisit mistakes, facts, formulas, vocabulary and weak topics on a fixed cycle.
Written/SSB/physical readiness: add the non-written stages early where applicable.

What not to do

Do not prepare from an old syllabus alone, ignore qualifying papers, assume CSE preparation covers every paper, or wait for the written result before starting the next stage.

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.

Official links

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.

Search intent covered by this syllabus page

This page targets searches for UPSC NDA 2026 syllabus, subject-wise syllabus, paper-wise topics, what to study, books and resources, previous-year questions and preparation strategy.

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.

Subject-wise study checklist

Static foundation

Use the official syllabus as the master checklist for history, geography, polity, economy, science, environment, current affairs, language, mathematics, reasoning, security or specialist papers applicable to the exam.

Current affairs

Maintain separate notes for national events, government schemes, defence and security, environment, international relations, science and technology, economy, awards, reports and important institutions. Every note should answer: what happened, why it matters, the institution involved and the likely syllabus connection.

Previous-year paper method

Download official papers from UPSC.
Classify each question by syllabus topic.
Record the recurring concepts and question style.
Re-solve the paper without notes.
Convert mistakes into a short revision list.

Answer and language practice

Where the exam includes descriptive writing, essay, précis, comprehension or a written SSB-related assessment, practise structure, clarity, grammar, word control and time management every week.

Resource strategy

Start with the official syllabus and notification, then use one standard source per subject, official government reports and recent UPSC papers. Avoid collecting multiple books before completing revision and testing.

Common syllabus mistakes

Preparing CSE alone for an exam with a different paper mix.
Ignoring qualifying papers or specialist optional subjects.
Reading current affairs without mapping them to the syllabus.
Postponing mathematics, essay, language, physical or SSB preparation.
Treating an old notification as the current rulebook.

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.

Related UPSC resources

UPSC NDA 2026 Exam Pattern

Exam Pattern

The pattern below explains the normal selection architecture and the current guide’s planning assumptions. The latest UPSC notice is authoritative for marks, time limits, negative marking, qualifying thresholds, languages, medical rules and academy/course-specific conditions.

Selection structure

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.

Written examination

The written test carries 900 marks: Mathematics 300 and General Ability Test 600. Both papers are objective and each is 2½ hours. Mathematics and Part B of GAT are bilingual in Hindi and English; calculators are not permitted. SSB carries 900 marks. Negative marking applies; the current notification controls the exact marking scheme, calculator rules, question language and qualifying standards.

Merit and qualifying components

Separate qualifying components may include language, physical standards, medical fitness, SSB or interview thresholds. A candidate can be strong in the written paper and still be ineligible if a mandatory later-stage requirement is not met. Read every stage in the notification before applying.

Preparation implications

Use the official time limit for every full-paper practice session.
Check the negative-marking rule before attempting random guesses.
Practise the same answer format and language expected in the paper.
Keep documents, certificates, photographs, signatures and identity proof ready before the application window.
Treat physical fitness, medical readiness, descriptive writing and SSB preparation as parallel workstreams where applicable.

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.

Official links

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.

Search intent covered by this exam-pattern page

This page targets searches for UPSC NDA 2026 exam pattern, papers and marks, time duration, negative marking, cut-off, qualifying papers, SSB/PET/PST, interview marks and final merit.

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.

How to read the pattern

Separate the examination into three buckets: papers that contribute to merit, papers or stages that are qualifying, and eligibility stages such as physical/medical fitness or document verification. A high written score alone does not replace a mandatory qualifying stage.

Negative marking and exam-day rules

Objective papers may carry negative marking. Use only the current notice for the exact penalty, question language, calculator permission, OMR instructions, paper sequence and allowed stationery. Read the special instructions before the examination day.

Cut-off and final merit

UPSC may prescribe minimum qualifying marks for individual papers and stages. Written cut-offs, interview/SSB performance, category, preferences, vacancies and medical fitness can all affect the final outcome. Previous cut-offs are useful for planning but cannot guarantee a future threshold.

Exam-day checklist

Download and check the e-Admit Card.
Carry the permitted photo ID and required stationery.
Reach the centre before the reporting time.
Fill roll number, test booklet series and other OMR fields exactly as instructed.
Do not carry a calculator or prohibited device when the notice disallows it.

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.