NDA Exam 2026 Eligibility, Age Limit, Exam date and Educational Qualification
Important Topics You Need To Prepare for AFCAT Exam Table…
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NDA Exam 2026 Eligibility, Age Limit, Exam date and Educational Qualification
Welcome, future officers! The National Defence Academy (NDA) exam isn’t just a test; it’s the most prestigious gateway for young aspirants to begin a life of honour, service, and leadership in the Indian Armed Forces (Army, Navy, and Air Force).
Conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), the NDA entry is a dream shared by countless young men and women across the nation.
At Cadets Defence Academy Dehradun, we understand that your journey to wearing the uniform begins with clarity on the eligibility and the timeline. Getting these fundamental details right is the crucial first step in your preparation strategy.
This comprehensive guide will not only lay out the official NDA Exam 2026 Eligibility Criteria, Age Limit, and Educational Qualification but will also equip you with the deep, insider knowledge—especially regarding the rigorous physical standards and the SSB Interview—that our successful cadets master.
Let’s cut through the confusion and set the stage for your success in the NDA Exam 2026.
Section I: NDA Exam 2026: A Quick Overview and Key Dates
The NDA selection process is a three-stage marathon: the Written Examination, the SSB Interview (including the Psychological and Group Testing), and the Medical Examination. The final merit list is based on your performance in the written exam and the SSB interview.
NDA 2026 Overview: Everything You Need to Know at a Glance
| Feature | Detail |
| Name of Exam | National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (NDA & NA) |
| Conducting Authority | UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) |
| Exam Frequency | Twice a Year (NDA I and NDA II) |
| Exam Mode | Pen & Paper Based Mode (Offline) |
| Tentative Vacancies | Approximately 400 (Subject to Official Notification) |
| Level of Exam | National Level |
| Mode of Application | Online only (Through the official UPSC website) |
| Application Fee | ₹100/- (Exemptions for SC/ST, Female Candidates, and Wards of JCOs/NCOs/ORs) |
NDA Exam Date 2026: The Critical Timeline
The UPSC follows a strict, predictable schedule. We urge every aspirant to mark these official NDA exam dates 2026 and use them as non-negotiable deadlines in your study plan.
For NDA 1 2026: Your First Shot at Glory
Event | Date (Confirmed/Tentative) |
NDA Notification Date 2026 (Release) | 10th December 2025 |
Release of Application Form | 10th December 2025 |
Ending Date of Application Form | 30th December 2025 |
Application Correction (OTR details) | 2nd week of January 2026 |
Admit Card Available | 4th week of March 2026 |
NDA 1 2026 Exam Date | 12th April 2026 (Sunday) |
Result Announcement | 1st week of May 2026 |
SSB Interview | May/June 2026 |
For NDA 2 2026: The Second Opportunity
Event | Date (Confirmed/Tentative) |
NDA Notification Date 2026 (Release) | 20th May 2026 |
Release of Application Form | 20th May 2026 |
Last Date to Submit the Application Form | 9th June 2026 |
Application Correction | 2nd week of June 2026 |
Admit Card Available | 4th week of August 2026 |
NDA 2 2026 Exam Date | 13th September 2026 (Sunday) |
Result Announcement | September 2026 |
SSB Interview | October 2026 |
NDA Exam Timeline 2026 Strategy: Start your preparation the day the notification is released, or even better, six months before the first notification. The window for application is short—do not wait for the deadline.
Section II: Deciphering the NDA 2026 Eligibility Criteria
The Basic Eligibility for NDA Exam 2026 is non-negotiable. Aspirants must strictly adhere to the UPSC-mandated requirements covering nationality, age, and marital status.
Who Can Apply for NDA 2026? Nationality and Status
- Indian Nationals are eligible to apply.
- A subject of Nepal or a subject of Bhutan is also eligible.
- A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Burma, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, East African countries (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, and Ethiopia), or Vietnam, with the intention of permanently settling in India. (A Certificate of Eligibility issued by the Government of India is mandatory in such cases).
Gender, Marital Status, and Essential NDA Eligibility Requirements 2026
- Gender: Both Male & Female candidates can apply for NDA & NA. This revolutionary inclusion has opened up the Armed Forces to the brightest young women in the country.
- Marital Status: Only unmarried candidates are eligible to apply. This status must be maintained until the completion of the training period.
NDA Age Limit 2026: The Most Critical Factor
The NDA age limit 2026 is the single most restrictive and important factor. UPSC is very rigid about the cut-off dates. Your Date of Birth (DOB) must fall within the specified period. There is no age relaxation in NDA 2026 for any category (SC/ST/OBC), unlike many other government exams.
Age Criteria for NDA 1 2026
NDA 1 2026 Age Criteria for Boys & Girls | Minimum Age for NDA 2026 | Maximum Age Limit NDA Exam 2026 |
Date of Birth must fall on or between | 2nd July 2007 | 1st July 2010 |
Age Criteria for NDA 2 2026
NDA 2 2026 Age Criteria for Boys & Girls | Minimum Age for NDA 2026 | Maximum Age Limit NDA Exam 2026 |
Date of Birth must fall on or between | 2nd January 2008 | 1st January 2011 |
IMPORTANT: This is the precise Age Eligibility for NDA Entry 2026. If your birth date is even one day outside this range, you are ineligible. Use our Cadets Defence Academy Age Calculator tool on our website for an instant, accurate check!
Section III: Educational Qualification: Your Academic Passport to the Forces
The NDA Educational Qualification 2026 is determined by the specific wing you wish to join. Aspirants need to pay close attention to the required subjects.
Educational Requirements NDA Exam 2026 for Each Wing
Wing/Academy | Minimum Education for NDA 2026 | Stream-Wise Eligibility NDA 2026 |
Army Wing of NDA | Must have passed the 10+2 (or equivalent) examination from any recognized Board. | Any Stream (Arts, Commerce, Science) is accepted. |
Air Force & Naval Wings of NDA | Must have passed the 10+2 (or equivalent) examination from a recognized State or National Board. | Mandatory Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM). |
Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme) | Must have passed the 10+2 examination. | Mandatory Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM). |
Can 12th Pass for NDA 2026 Apply?
- Yes, students who have passed the 10+2 (or equivalent) examination are fully eligible.
- Appearing Candidates are also Eligible: Candidates who are currently in the 12th grade (or equivalent) and will be appearing for the final exam are also eligible to apply for the NDA 2026 examination. However, they must be able to produce proof of passing the exam when required by the Selection Board.
NDA Qualification After 10th 2026: Setting the Right Track
While you technically cannot apply for NDA immediately after 10th, the time right after your 10th board exams is the most crucial period for charting your path.
If your ultimate goal is the Air Force or Naval Wings, you must opt for the Science Stream with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) in your 11th and 12th grades. For the Army Wing, any stream works, but a strong foundation in PCM will greatly aid in the Mathematics section of the written exam. Start your strategic preparation at this stage!
Section IV: NDA 2026 Exam Pattern: Understanding the Battlefield
Success in the NDA exam is not just about hard work; it’s about smart work and understanding the exam’s structure. The written examination is the first filter, and knowing the NDA exam pattern 2026 is non-negotiable for strategic preparation.
Section-wise Distribution of Marks and Time
The UPSC NDA written exam is divided into two distinct papers conducted on the same day:
Paper | Subject | Duration | Total Marks | Medium of Examination |
Paper I | Mathematics | 2.5 Hours (150 minutes) | 300 Marks | English |
Paper II | General Ability Test (GAT) | 2.5 Hours (150 minutes) | 600 Marks | English and Hindi |
Total Written Exam Marks | 5 Hours | 900 Marks | ||
SSB Interview/Personality Test | 5 Days | 900 Marks | ||
Grand Total Marks | 1800 Marks |
NDA Exam Question Type & Negative Marking Policy
The NDA Exam is conducted in Objective Type (Multiple Choice Questions – MCQs) format. Each question offers four options, with only one correct answer.
Important Note: Many aspirants overlook the negative marking aspect — but it can significantly affect your score!
Negative Marking Details:
For every incorrect answer, 0.33% of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted.
In the Mathematics Paper (300 Marks / approx. 120 questions), each question carries ≈ 2.5 marks, meaning a penalty of ≈ 0.83 marks per wrong answer.
In the GAT Paper (600 Marks / 150 questions), each question carries 4 marks, meaning a penalty of 1.33 marks per wrong answer.
Tip: Attempt only those questions you are confident about to maximize accuracy and minimize negative marking!
The Hidden Gatekeeper: NDA 2026 Sectional Cut-offs
This is an area where most competitor blogs fall short. Simply passing the aggregate mark is often not enough. UPSC enforces minimum qualifying marks for both papers, making them both mandatory to pass:
- The Rule: A candidate must secure a minimum qualifying mark in each paper (Mathematics and GAT) to be considered for the merit list.
- Historical Data (Key Insight): While the final cut-off is decided by UPSC, historically, candidates must aim to score at least 25% in each paper. This means you must score:
- Minimum of 75 Marks in Mathematics (out of 300).
- Minimum of 150 Marks in GAT (out of 600).
- The Reality: To actually be called for the SSB, the overall cut-off is much higher (historically, around 315-350 out of 900 for the written exam). However, failing the sectional cut-off in even one paper means instant disqualification, regardless of your high score in the other paper.
Section V: NDA 2026 Syllabus: What You Must Master
The vast syllabus for the NDA exam demands a structured, focused approach. It’s crucial to understand the weightage of different sections and prepare accordingly.
Paper I: In-Depth Mathematics Syllabus (300 Marks)
The Mathematics section is the most challenging for non-Science stream students. It covers topics primarily from Class 11th and 12th curricula
Area | Key Topics to Focus On | Weightage (Estimated) |
Algebra | Complex Numbers, Quadratic Equations, Logarithms, Matrices and Determinants, Binomial Theorem. | High |
Calculus | Differential Calculus, Integral Calculus and Differential Equations, Limits and Continuity. | Very High |
Trigonometry | General Solution of Triangles, Heights and Distances, Inverse Trigonometric Functions. | Medium |
Vector Algebra | Vector Components, Scalar and Dot Product, Cross Product, Application in Geometry. | Low to Medium |
Analytical Geometry | Straight Lines, Circles, Conic Sections, 3D Geometry (Direction Cosines/Ratios). | High |
Statistics and Probability | Measures of Central Tendency and Dispersion, Correlation and Regression, Random Experiment, Binomial Distribution. | Very High |
Cadets Defence Academy Strategy: Focus heavily on Calculus and Statistics & Probability. These are high-scoring, predictable areas. Our specialized faculty simplifies complex topics like Analytical Geometry to ensure you clear the 75-mark sectional cut-off and aim for 150+ marks easily.
Paper II: General Ability Test (GAT) Syllabus (600 Marks)
The GAT is split into two parts: English and General Knowledge.
Part A: English (Approx. 200 Marks)
This section evaluates your fundamental understanding of English grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension.
Key Topics:
Spotting Errors
Sentence Improvement/Correction
Comprehension Passages
Antonyms & Synonyms
Ordering of Words/Sentences
Idioms and Phrases
Goal:
The English paper is highly scoring. Aim for 70% or more in this part to boost your GAT score and comfortably cross the overall 150-mark minimum threshold.
Part B: General Knowledge (Approx. 400 Marks)
The General Knowledge part is multidisciplinary and is further divided into six sub-sections:
Sub-Section | Total Marks (Approximate) | Important Topics |
Physics | 100 Marks | Mechanics, Heat, Light, Electricity, Atomic Structure. |
Chemistry | 60 Marks | Physical & Chemical Changes, Properties of Air/Water, Acids, Bases, Salts, Fertilizers. |
General Science | 40 Marks | Basic Biology (Health & Nutrition), Everyday Science, Common Diseases. |
History, Freedom Movement, etc. | 80 Marks | Indian History (Pre-1947), Culture, World History (Major events). |
Geography | 80 Marks | Earth, Atmosphere, Ocean Currents, Indian Geography, Resources. |
Current Events | 40 Marks | National & International Events, Major Defence/Sports Awards, UN Bodies. |
Cadets Defence Academy Strategy: The GAT paper is often a game-changer. Our curriculum focuses on a deep-dive into Physics and Chemistry (25% of the GAT score!) to secure high marks. Simultaneously, our weekly Current Affairs modules ensure you are always ahead of the curve in the remaining sections.
Section VI: Physical Standards: The Final Eligibility Hurdle 🩺
The Physical Standards are often the least understood and most complex part of the NDA eligibility requirements 2026. Candidates must be physically and mentally fit according to the standards prescribed by the UPSC and the Ministry of Defence. Failure to meet these after the SSB interview will lead to rejection.
Height and Weight Requirements
The minimum acceptable height for all candidates is 157 cm (162.5 cm for Air Force). Special relaxations are given for candidates from Gorkhas, Garhwalis, Kumaonis, and those from the Hills of North Eastern Region of India (152 cm).
- Correlation: Your weight must be proportional to your height and age, as per the official medical standards chart (BMI is checked).
- Cadets Defence Academy Tip: Do not wait until the SSB. Start working on your physical fitness, eliminating excess weight, and building core strength right now.
Vision Standards: A Detailed Breakdown (Crucial for Air Force)
Vision standards vary significantly by wing. Aspirants for the Air Force and Navy must have superior vision.
Wing | Uncorrected Vision | Corrected Vision (Best Eye) | Limits of Myopia/Hypermetropia |
Army/Navy | 6/60, 6/60 | 6/6, 6/9 | Myopia ≤ −2.5 D, Hypermetropia ≤ +3.5 D |
Air Force | 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in the other (Uncorrected) | Not Applicable | No Myopia is generally permissible. Better Eye 6/6, Worse Eye 6/9. |
- Flying Branch Specifics (Air Force): Candidates must have good binocular vision and perfect colour perception. Specific tests like the convergence test and depth perception test are administered. Spectacles are generally a barrier for the Air Force Flying Branch.
- Permanent Tattoo Policy: Permanent body tattoos are generally not permitted, except for small, discrete tattoos on the inner face of the forearm (from the elbow to the wrist) or on the reverse side of the palm/hand (tribal candidates may have exceptions).
Cadets Defence Academy Dehradun Advantage: We conduct mandatory pre-medical check-ups with expert military doctors to identify and correct any minor deficiencies well before the official medical board, minimizing the risk of a “Medically Unfit” ruling.
Section VII: The 5-Day SSB Interview Process: The Personality Test
After clearing the written exam, you receive a call-up for the Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview—a five-day, nine-technique test of your Officer Like Qualities (OLQs). The 900 marks for the SSB are as crucial as the written exam marks.
Day 1: Screening Test (The Entry Gate)
- OIR (Officer Intelligence Rating) Test: A simple verbal and non-verbal test to check your basic intelligence and speed.
- PPDT (Picture Perception and Discussion Test): Candidates view a hazy picture for 30 seconds, write a story, and then discuss it as a group.
- Result: Only screened-in candidates proceed to the next four days. Failure to perform well here means you are sent home on Day 1.
Day 2: Psychological Testing
This is where your inner personality, thoughts, and attitudes are assessed under a time constraint by a Psychologist.
- TAT (Thematic Apperception Test): Writing 12 stories based on pictures (one blank).
- WAT (Word Association Test): Responding to 60 words with the first thought/sentence that comes to mind.
- SRT (Situation Reaction Test): Writing down your spontaneous reaction to 60 routine/challenging situations.
- SD (Self-Description Test): Writing the opinion of your parents, teachers, friends, subordinates, and your own self.
Days 3 & 4: GTO (Group Testing Officer) Tasks
The GTO assesses your ability to function as a leader and a team member.
- Outdoor Tasks: Group Discussion (GD), Group Planning Exercise (GPE), Progressive Group Task (PGT), Half Group Task (HGT), Command Task, and Final Group Task (FGT).
- Lecturette: An impromptu 3-minute speech on a given topic.
- Individual Obstacles: 10 obstacles to be tackled individually within a given time.
Day 5: Conference and Result
- Personal Interview (PI): Conducted by the Interviewing Officer (usually on Days 2, 3, or 4). This is a face-to-face cross-examination of your life, family, education, general awareness, and reasons for joining the Defence Forces.
- The Conference: All three assessors (GTO, Psychologist, and Interviewing Officer) meet to discuss your performance. The result (Recommended or Not Recommended) is announced shortly after.
Section VIII: The Cadets Defence Academy Dehradun Advantage: Your Guarantee for Success
Clearing the NDA Exam 2026 and the subsequent SSB is a highly competitive endeavour. You need structured, expert guidance that goes beyond self-study. At Cadets Defence Academy Dehradun, we offer a comprehensive training program built on years of success and led by ex-military officers and subject matter experts.
Integrated Written & SSB Preparation
We are one of the few institutions that integrate SSB preparation from Day 1 of your written exam coaching. This ensures that the OLQs are not just crammed but ingrained in your personality, which is vital for the psychological tests.
Sectional Excellence and Focused Strategy
- Mathematics: Our program guarantees that every student clears the sectional cut-off. We employ subject-specific faculty to focus on the high-yield topics like Calculus and Algebra with specific problem-solving techniques.
- GAT Mastery: We dedicate separate blocks for the Physics/Chemistry portion (25% of GAT) to maximize scores and ensure you don’t falter on the science fundamentals required for the Air/Naval Wings. Our daily Current Affairs and GK sessions are unparalleled.
Unmatched Infrastructure and Mentorship
- SSB Grounds: We possess dedicated, sprawling GTO grounds designed exactly as the real SSB centres to provide an authentic, stress-tested environment.
- Faculty: All SSB assessors and mentors are retired officers with vast experience in the selection process. They know precisely what the Services Selection Board is looking for.
Your dream of wearing the uniform in 2026 starts with a decision today. Don’t leave your future to chance. Join the ranks of successful cadets who trained at the best institution in Dehradun.
For more information on batch start dates, physical training modules, and to book your free career counselling session, call us today or visit the Cadets Defence Academy Dehradun campus.
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