Is NDA exam conducted every year?

NDA exam is conducted every year twice in a year. The exam is conducted to select candidates for admission to Army, Navy and Air Force wings of NDA and Indian Naval Academy courses. The selection process comprises written exam and SSB Interview. The total marks allotted to the written exam are 900. The SSB interview carries 900 marks.

When will the NDA 2 notification 2026 be released?

The Commission will release the NDA 2 notification 2026 on the official portal at upsc.gov.in. It will be issued on May 20, 2026. The last date to apply for NDA 2 will be June 9, 2026.

When was the NDA 1 Notification 2026 released?

The Commission released the NDA 1 notification 2026 on December 10. Along with the notification, the application process was started. The last date to fill the application form online was December 30.

What are the passing marks in NDA?

Candidates are required to score a minimum of around 25 per cent marks in each subject to clear the NDA written exam. The total marks allotted to the written exam are 900. Besides the subject-wise cut off marks, the examination authority also decides overall cut off marks for different defence services. Candidates are required to secure both section-wise and overall cut off marks. To be in the final merit list, candidates are required to secure separate qualifying marks in the written exam and SSB interview.

What after the declaration of NDA result?

NDA result is announced separately for written exam and SSB interview. After the result for the written exam is announced, candidates are called for SSB Interview. After completion of the SSB Interview, UPSC prepares a merit list based on the performance in the written exam and SSB interview. Allotment of candidates are done based on the written exam and SSB interview.

What are the details printed on NDA admit card?

NDA admit card is released online by the Union Public Service Commission. The admit card is released on the official website-upsc.gov.in. To download the admit card, candidates need to enter registration number or roll number, date of birth and captcha code. The hard copy of the admit card is not sent to candidates by post. Candidates need to carry the printed copy of the admit card along with one photo-identity proof to the exam centre. The following details are printed on the admit card: Candidate’s Name Date of birth Roll number Photograph and signature Exam Date Exam time Reporting time Name of exam centre Address of exam centre City Centre code (if any)

In how many cities NDA exam will be conducted?

NDA exam is conducted across multiple test centres in more than 70 cities. The exam is conducted in two shifts-morning and afternoon. Candidates are required to appear in both shifts. The details regarding the NDA exam centre are mentioned on the admit card. There is a ceiling on the number of candidates allotted to each of the centres except Chennai, Dispur, Kolkata and Nagpur. Allotment of NDA centres is done on the first-apply-firstallot basis and once the capacity of a particular centre is attained, the same is frozen. Applicants who cannot get a centre of their choice due to ceiling, are required to choose a NDA exam centre from the remaining ones. Applicants should apply early so that they get their preferred exam centre.

When NDA application form 2026 was released?

NDA 1 application form was released on December 10, 2025. The last date to fill application form is December 30. NDA 2 online form will be available on May 20. Last date to fill the application form is June 8, 2026.

Where will I get NDA apply online link?

NDA apply online link is acrivated on the official website of the exam conducting body. However, we will provide the direct link to register online for the exam. Only online applications are accepted for the exam.

Where can I get my NDA admit card?

NDA admit card is made available one week before the exam. The direct link to download the admit card is provided on this page. It can be downloaded by logging with the required credentials. They need to carry the printed copy of their admit cards along with one photo-identity proof to the exam centre.

How many weeks before the exam will the NDA admit card be released?

NDA admit card is released three weeks before the exam. To download it, candidates need to enter either registration number or roll number. The hard copy of the admit card is not sent to candidates by post.

What are the details printed on NDA admit card?

NDA admit card is released online by the Union Public Service Commission. The admit card is released on the official website-upsc.gov.in. To download the admit card, candidates need to enter registration number or roll number, date of birth and captcha code. The hard copy of the admit card is not sent to candidates by post. Candidates need to carry the printed copy of the admit card along with one photo-identity proof to the exam centre. The following details are printed on the admit card: Candidate’s Name Date of birth Roll number Photograph and signature Exam Date Exam time Reporting time Name of exam centre Address of exam centre City Centre code (if any)

What are the passing marks in NDA?

Candidates are required to score a minimum of around 25 per cent marks in each subject to clear the NDA written exam. The total marks allotted to the written exam are 900. Besides the subject-wise cut off marks, the examination authority also decides overall cut off marks for different defence services. Candidates are required to secure both section-wise and overall cut off marks. To be in the final merit list, candidates are required to secure separate qualifying marks in the written exam and SSB interview.

Is NDA exam conducted in both English and Hindi?

NDA question paper is framed in both English and Hindi. The written exam is conducted for 900 marks. The test carries two papers-Maths and GAT. Candidates qualifying the written exam are called for SSB interview.

How are NDA test centres allotted to candidates?

NDA test centres are allotted to candidates as per the preferences given by them in the application form. The exam centres are allotted to candidates on the first-cum-first-apply basis. Candidates should apply early in order to get the preferred test cities. The examination authority reserves the right to allot test cities to candidates.

NDA Exam Date 2026 OUT: Check UPSC NDA Complete Schedule

2.1K Students Q&A

Exam On - 12 Apr '26

Updated on Mar 18, 2026 15:21 IST

By Shikha Goyal, Assistant Manager

NDA 2026 Exam Dates: The Union Public Service Commission is likely to release the NDA admit card around 10 to 15 days prior to the examination date. The NDA admit card is mandatory to carry to the examination hall. The NDA 1 exam will be held on April 12, 2026. The NDA 1 notification was announced on December 10, 2025. Along with the notification, application process was started. The last date to fill the application form was December 30.

On the other hand, the NDA 2 notification will be released on May 20. The application link will also be activated. Candidates will be able to fill out the application form online until June 9, 2026. The NDA 2026 important dates consists of the important event related to the NDA exam including application process, notification, release of admit card, decalration of result and answer key. Scroll down to know more about the NDA exam dates 2026.

Table of contents

NDA Admt Card Dates
NDA Shift Timings
NDA Notification Dates 2026
NDA Application Form Dates 2026
NDA Exam Schedule 2026
NDA Result Dates
NDA Dates 2026 FAQs

NDA Admt Card Dates

NDA admit card is released online one week before exam. Candidates can download their admit cards by logging with the required credentials. The hard copy of the admit card is not sent to candidates by post.

NDA Shift Timings

NDA exam is conducted in two shifts-morning and afternoon. The Maths exam of the NDA paper is conducted in the morning shift from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The GAT paper is held in the forenoon shift from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 pm. The table below provided UPSC NDA Shift Timings.

Shifts	Exam Time	Reporting Time
Forenoon shift	10.00 am to 12:30 pm	9.50 am
Afternoon shift	2.00 pm to 4:30 pm	1.50 pm

NDA Notification Dates 2026

DeskCalendar Notification: 20 May ' 26

NDA 1 notification was released on December 10. The notification for next session will be released on May 20. Notification will be released in PDF. It comprises details related to the exam. The candidates were required to read and understand all the eligibility conditions mentioned in the official notification to apply for the NDA exam.

NDA Application Form Dates 2026

NDA application dates are announced by the examination authority. NDA 1 application form will be released on December 10. The application form for the second session will be released on May 30. Candidates need to apply online for the exam.

NDA Exam Schedule 2026

Take a look at the table below for the complete schedule of NDA 2026 exam

Dates	Upcoming Exam Dates
Apr ' 26	NDA 1 Admit Card 2026 TENTATIVE
12 Apr ' 26	NDA 1 2026 Exam Date
Apr ' 26	NDA 1 2026 Result TENTATIVE
20 May ' 26	NDA 2 2026 notification
20 May ' 26 - 09 Jun ' 26	NDA 2 2026 application
13 Sep ' 26	NDA 2 2026 Exam

Dates	Past Exam Dates
10 Dec ' 25	NDA 1 Notification 2026
10 Dec ' 25 - 30 Dec ' 25	NDA 1 Application Form 2026
14 Sep ' 25	NDA 2 2025 exam
View More Past Events (14)

NDA Result Dates

NDA result is announced online within 15 days after the exam is conducted. The result is made available in PDF form. Candidates qualifying the written exam are called for SSB Interview. The final selection is done based on written exam and SSB interview.

NDA Dates 2026 FAQs

Candidates can check below NDA 2026 Dates FAQs.

Q: Is there any minimum qualifying marks in NDA exam?

Yes, candidates need to secure 20 to 25 per cent in each subject of NDA exam. Besides, candidates need to secure the NDA cut off separately in the written exam and qualifying marks. The total marks allotted to the written exam are 900, the GAT section carries 600 marks and Mathematics section carries 300 marks. The SSB Interview carries 900 marks.

Q: How many times can a candidate appear for the NDA exam, and what is the minimum qualifying marks required to pass?

NDA exam is conducted twice a year by UPSC. Candidates can appear for both the sessions of NDA exam. NDA 1 exam is conducted for admission to the courses commencing in January. NDA 2 exam is conducted for admission to the courses commencing in July. To qualify each section of the NDA exam, candidates need to secure 25 per cent in each subject. NDA exam is conducted to select candidates for admission to the Army, Navy and Air Fotce wings of National Defence Academy and Indian Naval Academy.

Q: What is grade pay of NDA Officers?

NDA grade pay depend on the post to which they are selected. NDA salary is based on the 10th pay scale as per 7th pay commission. NDA grade pay for different posts is given below.

NDA Rank	NDA Grade Pay (in INR)
Captain	6,100
Major	6,600
Lieutenant	5,400
Lieutenant Colonel	8,000
Brigadier	8,900
Colonel	8,700
Major General	10,000

Q: How to prepare for NDA exam in three months?

Candidates must prepare a proper study plan for NDA exam. Besides, they must solve previous years question papers. Attempt mock tests to know the strong and weak areas.To crack the exam, the preparation should be good.

Q: What is the difference between NDA 1 and 2 exams?

There is no difference between UPSC NDA 1 and 2 exams. NDA 1 exam is conducted for admission to the January batch. Whereas, NDA 2 exam is conducted for admission to July batch.

National Defence Academy or NDA exam is conducted twice a year by Union Public Service Commission for admission to Army, Navy and Air Force wings of NDA and Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC). It is the most sought-after defence entrance exams in the country where both male and female candidates can apply.

The exam is conducted in two stages: written exam and SSB Interview. In 2020, a total of 5.3 Lacs candidates had applied for the exam, out of which 2.4 Lacs candidates appeared for the exam. UPSC prepares a list of candidates who obtain minimum qualifying marks in the written exam. Such candidates are called for SSB Interview for Intelligence and Personality Test.

Also Read: Know the difference between NDA & NA I and II Exams

Q: How many vacancies were announced for NDA 1 2026 exam?

A total of 394 vacancies were announced for NDA 1 2026 exam. The break-up is given below.

Academy	Wings	No. of Vacancies
NDA	Army	208 (including 10 for female candidates)
	Navy	42 (including 05 for female candidates) (All Executive Branch)
	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

Q: How much time is required for NDA Exam Preparation?

NDA preparation requires one year to six months. Candidates must focus on all subjects and topics relevant to the exam. They should attempt mock tests. Candidates must know the exam pattern and syllabus. They should also solve the previous years question papers.

Q: Will NDA exam be affected by Agneepath Scheme?

Agnipath scheme is conducted for JCO entry whereas NDA exam is conducted for Officer entry. Agnipath scheme is restricted to the recruitment of soldiers. This is just a four-year scheme. NDA exam is conducted for permanent service commission. Therefore, NDA exam is not affected by Agneepath scheme. NDA exam is conducted by UPSC to select eligible candidates for admission to the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of NDA and Indian Naval Academy courses. Both male and female candidates are eligible to apply for the exam. Through NDA exam, candidates are selected as Commissioned Officers in armed forces. The selection process of NDA comprises written exam and SSB interview. The written exam is conducted for 900 marks and SSB interview carries 900 marks. The final merit list is prepared out of 1800.

Q: What is NDA marking scheme?

NDA marking scheme is prescribed by UPSC. Candidates for correct answers are given 2.5 marks in Maths. 0.83 marks are deducted for wrong answers. Four marks are given for correct answers in GAT. 1.33 marks are deducted for wrong answers. Total marks allotted to the written exam are 900.

Q: What is the training process after joining NDA?

The selected candidates for the three services-Army, Navy and Air Force are given preliminary training both academic and physical for a period of three years at the National Defence Academy which is an Inter-Service Institution. The training during
the first two and half years is common to the cadets of three wings. All the cadets on passing out are awarded degrees from Jawaharlal Nehru University Delhi as under:
(a) Army Cadets: BSc/ BSc (Computer)/ BA
(b) Naval Cadets: B Tech Degree
(c) Air Force Cadets: B Tech Degree /B Sc/BSc (Computer)
All the cadets undergoing B.Sc/B.Sc (Computer)/BA Degree programme are awarded the degree on the successful completion of Academics, Physical and Service Training at NDA.
All the cadets undergoing B Tech programme are awarded the B Tech degree on the subsequent Pre Commissioning Training
Academies/ Institutions/ Ships/ Air Craft
The selected candidates of the Naval Academy are given preliminary training both academic and physical, for a period of four years at Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala. The cadets of 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme are awarded a B Tech Degree on successful completion of training.

Q: Are there any allowances along with the NDA salary?

There are multiple allowances offered to the Officers along with NDA salary such as Uniform Allowance, Dearness and Transport Allowance, Para Reserve Allowance, Technical Allowance, Children Education Allowance, Hostel Subsidy, High Altitude Allowance, etc. The Army Aviators (Pilots) in Lt and above in Level 10 and above serving in the Army Aviation Corps are entitled to flying allowance of INR 25,000 (R1H1 of Risk and Hardship Matrix).. .

Q: What is the full form of NDA?

NDA stands for National Defence Academy. NDA is situated at Khadakwasla, Pune, Maharashtra and it is one of the most prestigious military training institutions in the world. NDA trains cadets for Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. The cadets are trained to become officers in the Indian Armed Forces upon graduation. Cadets are received a Bachelor's degree in the field of engineering or technology or any other field. NDA exam is conducted for two courses every year, one starting in January and the other starting in July. The courses are of three years duration and cadets are trained in various aspects of military and academic education. NDA exam comprises written exam and SSB interview.