Table of Contents
Introduction
The National Defence Academy (NDA) Entrance Test is a highly prestigious examination in India that opens the doors to a career in the armed forces. It is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to select candidates for admission into the renowned National Defence Academy, where cadets undergo training to become officers in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
This year the exam is expected to be held on April 12, 2026 (NDA 1) and September 13, 2026 (NDA 2).
This article provides a comprehensive guide to the NDA Entrance Test, covering its conducting body, exam dates, admission process, exam pattern, syllabus, previous year papers, exam fees, success rate, and a conclusive summary.
Conducting Body: UPSC
The NDA Entrance Test is administered by the UPSC, which is India’s central recruiting agency for various prestigious government posts. UPSC plays a crucial role in selecting candidates based on merit and suitability for the armed forces.
How Often Is the NDA Exam Held?
The NDA exam is conducted twice every year.
For 2026, it is expected to be held in:
- NDA I – April
- NDA II – September
Notifications are released a few months before the exam, so it’s important to keep an eye on the official UPSC website.
NDA Exam Dates Important Dates
The NDA Entrance Test is conducted twice a year, typically in the months of April and September.
NDA 2026 exam date was announced by UPSC for written exam, release of notification, and application form. NDA exam dates 2026 are given in the table below.
NDA-1, 2026 Exam Dates
| Events | NDA 1 Exam Date 2026 |
| NDA 1 2026 notification | 10th December, 2025 |
| NDA 1 2026 application form | 10th – 30th, December, 2025 |
| NDA 1 2026 Exam Date | 12th April, 2026 |
NDA-2, 2026 Exam Dates
| Events | NDA 2 Exam Date 2026 |
| NDA 2 2026 notification | 20th May, 2026 |
| NDA 2 2026 application form | 20th May – 9th June, – 2026 |
| NDA 2 2026 Exam Date | 13th September, 2026 |
How To Register For The NDA 2026 Exam?
In order to register, you need to apply online on the official UPSC portal.
The application fee is INR 100. SC/ST/Sons of JCOs, NCOs, ORs are exempted from fee payment. NDA 1 official notification PDF was released on December 10, 2025. NDA II notification 2026 will be released on May 20, 2026. Follow the steps below to fill the application form:
- Visit the site-upsconline.nic.in
- Click the NDA apply online link
- Create the one time unique registration
- Apply for the exam
- Upload the documents
- Pay the application fee
- Submit the application form
Eligibility
To be eligible for admission into the NDA,
- Candidates must be unmarried male/female citizens of India between the ages of 16.5 and 19.5 years.
- Many more
| Exam Name | NDA Examination 2026 |
| Examination Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam level | National |
| Age Limit | 16.5 years to 19 years |
| Educational Qualification | Army Wing – Pass certificate in 10+2 exam Air Force & Naval Wings – Passing Certification of Class 12th exam with Physics and Mathematics |
| Marital Status | Only unmarried candidates can apply. Marriage is prohibited during training. |
| Number of attempts | No limit |
NDA Eligibility Criteria: Nationality
A candidate must be
- A citizen of India, or
- A subject of Nepal, or
- A subject of Bhutan, or
- A Tibetan refugee permanently settled in India from and before January 1, 1962.
- A person of Indian origin migrated from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Burma, East African countries of Uganda, Kenya, the United Republic of Tanzania, Malawi, Zaire, Zambia, Ethiopia, and Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.
Note:
- It should be clear that the applicant who belongs to categories 2,3,4, and 5 must have a Certificate of eligibility that has been issued by the Government of India.
- Gorkha applicants who are subjects of Nepal however, do not need to produce this certificate.
NDA Seats for Boys & Girls
NDA-1, 2026: Vacancy
| Academy | Wings | No. of Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| NDA | Army | 208 (including 10 for female candidates) |
| Navy | 42 (including 03 for female candidates) | |
| Air Force | (i) Flying-92 (including 02 for female candidates) (ii) Ground Duties (Tech)-18 (including 02 for female candidates) (iii) Ground Duties (Non-Tech)- 10 (including 02 for female candidates) | |
| Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme) | – | 24 (including 03 for female candidates) (All Executive Branch) |
| Total | 394 |
NDA-1, 2023: Vacancy
NDA 1 vacancy 2023 has been announced along with the NDA notification. The vacancy break-up for NDA 1 2023 exam is given below:
| Academy | Wings | No. of Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| NDA | Army | 208 (including 10 for female candidates) |
| Navy | 42 (including 03 for female candidates) | |
| Air Force | (i) Flying: 92 (including 02 for female candidates) (ii) Ground Duties (Tech) – 18 (including 02 for female candidates) (iii) Ground Duties (Non Tech) – 10 (including 02 for female candidates) | |
| Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme) | – | 25 (for male candidates only) |
| Total | 395 |
NDA-2, 2022: Vacancy
The vacancy details regarding the NDA 2 2022 for women candidates are given in the table below.
| Academy | Wings | No. of Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| NDA | Army | 208 (including 10 for female candidates) |
| Navy | 42 (including 03 for female candidates) | |
| Air Force | (i) Flying-92 (including 02 for female candidates) (ii) Ground Duties (Tech)-18 (including 02 for female candidates) (iii) Ground Duties (Non-Tech)- 10 (including 02 for female candidates) | |
| Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme) | – | 30 (for male candidates only) |
| Total | 400 |
NDA-1, 2026 Exam Pattern
The NDA exam consists of a written exam followed by a SSB Interview.
Both the written exam and the SSB interview individually carry 900 marks, totalling to 1800 marks.
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Mode | Offline |
| Number of papers | GAT (General Ability Test) and Mathematics |
| Duration of test | GAT: 2 ½ hours Mathematics: 2 ½ hours |
| Number of questions | GAT: 150 Mathematics: 120 |
| Language of question paper | English and Hindi |
| Maximum Marks | GAT: 600 (150 X 4 marks each) Mathematics: 300 (120 X 2.5 marks each ) |
| Negative Marking | GAT: -1.33 Mathematics: -0.83 |
| Total marks | Written Exam: 900 SSB Interview: 900 |
What About The SSB Interview?
Candidates who clear the written exam are called for the SSB interview, which is:
- Conducted over 5 days
- Carries 900 marks
Includes two stages:
- Stage 1- Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception and Description Test (PP&DT).
- Stage 2- Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests, and the Conference plus Personal Interview.
NDA Syllabus 2026
UPSC NDA syllabus is divided into Maths and GAT. It is necessary to be well-versed with the NDA syllabus.
NDA Maths Syllabus 2026
The Mathematics section is based on Class 11 and 12 level. If your basics are clear with the help of NCERT books, you’re already on the right track.
NDA Mathematics Syllabus for 2026
| Mathematics | |
| Topics | Syllabus |
| Algebra | Concept of set, operations on sets, Venn diagrams. De Morgan laws, Cartesian product, relation, equivalence relation. Real numbers, complex numbers, modulus, cube roots, conversion of a number in a binary system to decimals, and vice-versa. Arithmetic, Geometric and Harmonic progressions. Quadratic equations, Linear inequations, Permutation and Combination, Binomial theorem, and Logarithms |
| Calculus | Concept of a real-valued function, domain, range, and graph of a function. Composite functions, one-to-one, onto, and inverse functions. The notion of limit, standard limits, continuity of functions, algebraic operations on continuous functions. Derivative of function at a point, geometrical and physical interpretation of a derivative-application. Derivatives of sum, product, and quotient of functions, a derivative of a function concerning another function, the derivative of a composite function. Second-order derivatives. Increasing and decreasing functions. Application of derivatives in problems of maxima and minima. |
| Integral Calculus and Differential Equations | Integration as inverse of differentiation, integration by substitution and by parts, standard integrals involving algebraic expressions, trigonometric, exponential and hyperbolic functions. Evaluation of definite integrals: determination of areas of plane regions bounded by curves, applications. |
| Vector Algebra | Vectors in two and three dimensions, magnitude, and direction of a vector. Unit and null vectors, the addition of vectors, scalar multiplication of a vector, scalar product, or dot product of two vectors. Vector product or cross product of two vectors. Applications—work done by a force and moment of a force and in geometrical problems |
| Matrices and Determinants | Types of matrices, operations on matrices. Determinant of a matrix, basic properties of determinants. Adjoint and inverse of a square matrix, Applications-Solution of a system of linear equations in two or three unknowns by Cramer’s rule and by Matrix Method |
| Trigonometry | Angles and their measures in degrees and radians. Trigonometric ratios. Trigonometric identities Sum and difference formulae. Multiple and Sub-multiple angles. Inverse trigonometric functions. Applications-Height and distance, properties of triangles. |
| Statistics and Probability | Probability: Random experiment, outcomes, and associated sample space, events, mutually exclusive and exhaustive events, impossible and certain events. Union and Intersection of events. Complementary, elementary, and composite events. Definition of probability—classical and statistical including their examples. Elementary theorems on probability—simple problems. Conditional probability, Bayes’ theorem—simple problems. Random variable as function on a sample space. Binomial distribution, examples of random experiments giving rise to Binomial distribution. |
| Analytical Geometry Of Two and Three Dimension | Rectangular Cartesian Coordinate system. Distance formula. Equation of a line in various forms. The angle between two lines. Distance of a point from a line. Equation of a circle in standard and a general form. Standard forms of parabola, ellipse, and hyperbola. Eccentricity and axis of a conic. Point in a three-dimensional space, the distance between two points. Direction Cosines and direction ratios. Equation of line given two points. Direction Cosines and direction ratios. Equation of a plane and a line in various forms. The angle between two lines and the angle between two planes. Equation of a sphere. |
NDA GAT Syllabus for 2026 (General Ability Test)
The NDA GAT consists of two sections: English and General Knowledge. The English section consists of 200 Marks while the General Knowledge is of 400 Marks.
A total of 150 questions are asked in this paper, out of which 50 questions are from English and the remaining 100 questions are from General Knowledge. The total marks allotted to this section are 600.
The basic overview of NDA syllabus for Paper 2 is given below.
NDA GAT English Syllabus
English Syllabus
The English question paper will be set in a way that the candidate’s understanding of the language is gauged. It covers various aspects like:
Grammar and usage, vocabulary, comprehension
Cohesion, Proposition and more
NDA GAT General Knowledge Syllabus
The question paper includes topics ranging from important subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, History & Geography, Polity, Current Affairs and Defence-related topics. This paper is more about awareness and clarity than rote learning.
Physics
- Physical Properties and States of Matter
- Modes of transference of Heat
- Mass, Weight, Volume, Sound waves and their properties
- Simple musical instruments
- Rectilinear propagation of Light
- Density and Specific Gravity
- Reflection and refraction
- Principle of Archimedes
- Spherical mirrors and Lenses
- Pressure Barometer
- Human Eye
- Motion of objects
- Natural and Artificial Magnets
- Velocity and Acceleration
- Properties of a Magnet
- Newton’s Laws of Motion
- Earth as a Magnet
- Force and Momentum
- Static and Current Electricity
- Parallelogram of Forces
- Conductors and Non-conductors
- Stability and Equilibrium of bodies
- Ohm’s Law
- Gravitation
- Simple Electrical Circuits
- Elementary ideas of work
- Heating, Lighting, and Magnetic effects of Current
- Power and Energy
- Measurement of Electrical Power
- Effects of Heat
- Primary and Secondary Cells
- Measurement of Temperature and Heat
- Use of X-Rays
- General Principles in the working of Simple Pendulum, Simple Pulleys, Siphon, Levers, Balloon, Pumps, Hydrometer, Pressure Cooker, Thermos Flask, Gramophone, Telegraphs, Telephone, Periscope, Telescope, Microscope, Mariner’s Compass; Lightning Conductors, Safety Fuses
Chemistry
- Preparation and Properties of Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen and Carbon Dioxide, Oxidation and Reduction.
- Acids, bases and salts.
- Carbon and its different forms
- Physical and Chemical Changes
- Fertilizers: Natural and Artificial
- Elements
- Material used in the preparation of substances like Soap, Glass, Ink, Paper, Cement, Paints, Safety Matches, and Gunpowder
- Mixtures and Compounds
- Elementary ideas about the structure of Atom
- Symbols, Formulae, and simple Chemical Equation
- Atomic Equivalent and Molecular Weights
- Law of Chemical Combination (excluding problems)
- Valency
- Properties of Air and Water
General Science
- Common Epidemics, their causes, and prevention
- Difference between the living and non-living
- Food as a source of Energy for man
- Basis of Life: Cells, Protoplasms, and Tissues
- Constituents of food
- Growth and Reproduction in Plants and Animals
- Balanced Diet
- Elementary knowledge of the Human Body and its important organs
- The Solar System: Meteors and Comets, Eclipses.
- Achievements of Eminent Scientists
History
- Forces shaping the modern world
- Renaissance
- Exploration and Discovery
- A broad survey of Indian History, with emphasis on Culture and Civilisation
- Freedom Movement in India
- French Revolution, Industrial Revolution, and Russian Revolution
- War of American Independence,
- Impact of Science and Technology on Society
- Elementary study of Indian Constitution and Administration
- Concept of one World
- Elementary knowledge of Five Year Plans of India
- United Nations
- Panchsheel
- Panchayati Raj, Democracy, Socialism and Communism
- Role of India in the present world
- Co-operatives and Community Development
- Bhoodan, Sarvodaya
- National Integration and Welfare State
- Basic Teachings of Mahatma Gandhi
Geography
- The Earth, its shape and size
- Ocean Currents and Tides Atmosphere and its composition
- Latitudes and Longitudes
- Temperature and Atmospheric Pressure, Planetary Winds, Cyclones, and Anticyclones; Humidity; Condensation and Precipitation
- Concept of time
- Types of Climate
- International Date Line
- Major Natural Regions of the World
- Movements of Earth and their effects
- Regional Geography of India
- Climate, Natural vegetation. Mineral and Power resources
- Location and distribution of agricultural and Industrial activities
- Origin of Earth. Rocks and their classification
- Important Sea ports and main sea, land, and air routes of India
- Weathering: Mechanical and Chemical, Earthquakes and Volcanoes
- Main items of Imports and Exports of India
Current Affairs
- Knowledge of Important events that have happened in India in recent years
- Prominent personalities of both Indian and International level
- Cultural activities and sports activities
- Current important world events.
What Is The Expected Cut Off For NDA 2026?
The NDA Entrance Test is known for its high level of competitiveness, given the limited number of seats available at the NDA. The success rate varies each year, but it remains relatively low(as low as 1%) due to the stringent selection process and the challenging nature of the exam. Aspiring candidates must invest time and effort into their preparation to increase their chances of success.
The qualifying cutoff marks prescribed for each subject are 25%. Candidates are required to qualify the exam by securing separate cutoff marks in the written exam and SSB Interview. The previous year cut offs are given below for your perusal:
| NDA Exam | Cut off For Written Exam | Cut Off for Final Exam |
| 2025 (1) | 334 | 699 |
| 2024 (2) | 305 | 673 |
| 2024 (1) | 291 | 654 |
| 2023 (2) | 292 | 656 |
| 2023 (1) | 301 | 664 |
Previous Year Papers
Preparing for the NDA Entrance Test requires a deep understanding of the exam pattern and the types of questions asked in previous years. Aspirants can find below year papers in pdf format to practice and familiarize themselves with the exam’s format.
| 2025 NDA 2 Question Paper General Ability Test Mathematics |
| 2025 NDA 1 Question Paper General Ability Test Mathematics |
| 2024 NDA 2 Question Paper General Ability Test Mathematics |
| 2024 NDA 1 Question Paper General Ability Test Mathematics |
| 2023 NDA 2 Question Paper General Ability Test Mathematics |
| 2023 NDA 1 Question Paper General Ability Test Mathematics |
| 2022 NDA 2 Question Paper General Ability Test Mathematics |
| 2022 NDA 1 Question Paper General Ability Test Mathematics |
Success Rate in Exam
The NDA Entrance Test is known for its high level of competitiveness, given the limited number of seats available at the NDA. The success rate varies each year, but it remains relatively low due to the stringent selection process and the challenging nature of the exam. Aspiring candidates must invest time and effort into their preparation to increase their chances of success.
What Is The Career Growth After NDA?
An NDA officer gets a job that sets the course for a flourishing, long-term career. Ranks usually progress from Lieutenant to Captain to Major to Colonel to Brigadier to Major General to ultimately the Lieutenant General.
Along the way, officers usually receive leadership roles at a young age, international training opportunities, UN peacekeeping missions and pension and post-retirement benefits.
Conclusion
The NDA Entrance Test is a golden opportunity for young individuals who dream of serving their nation with honor and pride as officers in the armed forces. Aspiring candidates must approach the exam with dedication, perseverance, and a strategic study plan. Success in the NDA Entrance Test not only opens doors to an illustrious military career but also instills values of discipline, leadership, and camaraderie. It is a journey that demands the best of physical and mental abilities, making it a remarkable milestone in the lives of those who make the cut.
**Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)**
1. How much time is required for NDA preparation?
NDA preparation usually requires anywhere from 6 months to 1 year.
2. How often is the NDA Entrance Test conducted?
The NDA Entrance Test is conducted twice a year, usually in April and September.
3. Is there a negative marking in the NDA Entrance Test?
Yes, there is negative marking for incorrect answers in both the Mathematics and GAT papers.
4. Is NDA exam tough?
Yes, the NDA exam is highly competitive and challenging.
Only about 1% of the total candidates who sit the exam are selected.
5. What are the key subjects to focus on for the GAT paper?
The GAT paper covers general knowledge, English language, and logical reasoning.
Aspirants should focus on these subjects along with current affairs.
6. How can I access previous year papers for the NDA Entrance Test?
Previous year papers for the NDA Entrance Test can be found and downloaded online for practice and preparation.
7. Can girls apply for NDA now?
Yes, women candidates are completely eligible as long as they are unmarried.