UPSC NDA 2026 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.