How to download NDA admit card?

UPSC releases NDA admit card one week before the exam. It can be downloaded by logging with the required credentials. The hard copy of the same is not sent 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)

Is it compulsory to take the colour print of an NDA admit card to the exam center?

No, it is not compulsory to take the colour printout of NDA admit card to the exam centre. According to the official notice, candidates need to bring the printout of the admit along with the (original) Photo Identity Card, whose number is mentioned in the admit card. They need to bring the admit card in each session to secure admission to exam centre. Candidates need to preserve the admit card till the declaration of the final result as it is required for the SSB Interview.

Do I need to carry a printed copy of the NDA admit card at the exam centre?

Candidates need to carry the printed copy of their NDA admit cards to the exam centre.Enter registration number or roll number and date of birth or password to download the admit card.

Who can apply for an NDA exam?

The eligibility criteria for the NDA exam is given below: The age limit is 16.5 to 19.5 years Candidates who have passed Class 12 can apply

Is NDA application process revised?

Union Public Service Commission has revised NDA application process. As per the new process, online form comprises Account Creation, Universal Registration, Common Application Form and Examinations. All applicants are required to fill up the application and upload their documents in the newly introduced portal afresh. The old One Time Registration (OTR) module will not be applicable.

What details are mentioned in NDA notification?

NDA official notification is released by UPSC. The PDF is made available on this page after it is released. The notification PDF comprises the important details related to the exam.

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.

Which are the best books for NDA SSB Interview?

Cracking SSB Interview is not easy task. The difficulty level is high and candidates must have sound knowledge of their subjects to clear the interview. The best books for SSB Interview are given below: SSB Interview: The Complete Guide by Dr N. K. Natarajan SSB OIR & PPDT: Complete Guide to Stage 1 SSB Interview by DDE.

What is the per month salary for NDA Officers?

NDA salary per month is INR 56,100 during the training period. After joining NDA, candidates get the starting salary. Over the time, the NDA salary increases based on the experience and performance. NDA salary per month for Lieutenant is between INR 56,100-1,77,500. The highest NDA salary for Officer is INR 2,50,000 per month for the Chief of Army Staff. The month-wise NDA salary is given below: Captain: INR 61,300-1,93,900 Major: INR 6,94,00-2,07,200 Lieutenant Colonel: INR 1,21,200-2,12,400

Who earns more- NDA officer or IAS officer?

The NDA Cadets receive a fixed stipend of INR 56,100 per month. An IAS Officer earn between INR 56,100 and INR 2,50,000.

What is psychological test in NDA SSB interview?

The pyschological tests in NDA SSB interview comprises the following: Thematic Apperception Test Word Association Test Situation Reaction Test Self Description Test

How can I improve my Vocabulary for NDA exam?

Candidates can improve their vocabulary for the NDA exam by reading newspapers. They should also practice the previous years papers. Reading editorials of the newspapers is also very useful. Attempt mock tests to know the important vocabulary questions.

What are the ranks given to the candidates on successful commissioning?

On successful commissioning in Army, candidates are given the rank of Lieutenant. In Navy, candidates are given the rank of Sub Lieutenant. In Air Force, candidates are given the rank of Flying Officer. The starting NDA salary of an Officer is INR 56,100. This is the stipend offered to the candidates during the training period and the minimum salary that a Lieutenant gets. It keeps on increasing as per the level of the post.

What is the current NDA salary during the entire duration of training in Service academies?

NDA salary during the entire duration of training is INR 56,100. Candidates starting salary during the training period and in the initial phase of their job. Over time, the post and salary of NDA officers keep increasing based on their performance and experience. The NDA salary per month for the Lieutenant post ranges from INR 56,100 to 1,77,500, while the highest salary for NDA Officer is INR 2,50,000 per month for the Chief of Army Staff.

What is the insurance policy given to the selected cadets in NDA?

Army group insurance fund cover is INR 15 Lakh. An ex-gratia amount of INR 12.5 Lacs or INR 9,000 per month is paid to the NoK.

What is Army Group Insurance policy for NDA Officers?

Army Group Insurance Fund provides insurance cover of INR 15 Lacs on payment of one time non-refundable premium of INR 7,200 (subject to revision from time to time) by cadets from the date of joining for pre-commission training i.e. for 3 years.

What is pre-commissioning stipend for NDA Gentlemen Cadets?

The Lady/Gentlemen Cadets during pre commission trg when in receipt of stipend are insured for INR One Cr as applicable to officers of the regular Army. Monthly AGIF subscription will be deducted directly by PCDA (O), Pune. For those who are invalidated out by Invalidated Medical Board (IMB) on account of disability and not entitled to any pension will be provided INR 25 Lacs for 100 percent disability. This will be proportionately reduced to INR 5 Lacs for 20 percent disability. However, for less than 20 percent disability, an ex-gratia grant of INR 50,000 only will be paid. Disability due to alcoholism, drug addiction and due to the diseases of pre-enrolment origin will not qualify for disability benefit and ExGratia Grant. In addition, Lady/Gentleman Cadets withdrawn on disciplinary grounds, expelled as an undesirable or leaving the Academy voluntarily will not be eligible for disability benefits and Ex-Gratia.

What is the purpose of the NDA syllabus?

NDA syllabus is prescribed by the examination authority. The syllabus comprises the topics that candidates need to prepare for the exam. The first and foremost step towards preparation is going through the syllabus. Knowing the syllabus helps candidates to plan a strategy to ace the exam, thereby, giving them the right direction for preparation. NDA syllabus has two sections for the written exam, General Ability Test (GAT) and Mathematics. GAT aims to test the candidate's basic knowledge of History, GK, Current Affairs of National and International Events, English, Science, and Geography. On the other hand, the Mathematics paper of NDA comprises questions based on Class 12. The GAT paper holds the maximum weightage in the syllabus.

Are NDA and CDS syllabus same?

NDA exam is conducted for admission to the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of National Defence Academy and Indian Naval Academy Course. CDS exam is conducted to select eligible candidates for Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA) and Officers Training Academy (OTA). The level of NDA syllabus is of Class 10, 11 and 12 levels. Whereas the standard of CDS syllabus is of graduation level. NDA syllabus is divided into Maths and GAT. CDS syllabus is divided into Elementary Maths, English and General Awareness. The total marks allotted to the NDA written exam are 900. The total marks allotted to the written exam of CDS are 300 for IMA, INA and AFA and 200 for OTA.

What are the benefits of NDA answer key?

NDA answer key is released separately for Maths and GAT. The answer key is released online. It is used to compare the answers marked in the exam. This also help in calculating the probable score.

How do I use previous years' question papers to prepare for NDA?

NDA exam consists of two papers- Maths and GAT. Total marks allotted to the The following tips help candidates to prepare for NDA exam. Understand the exam Know the syllabus Solve the previous years question papers Prepare a timetable Follow the study routine Attempt mock tests

How to Download NDA answer key?

NDA answer key is released online by UPSC separately for Maths and GAT. Candidates can download the answer keys for all Sets of test booklets such as A, B, C and D. The steps to download NDA answer key are given below: Visit the official website of UPSC From the 'Examination' tab on the home page, candidates need to go to the 'Answer Keys' tab Click the NDA answer key' links Clicking the links, the answer keys for different subjects appears on the screen Download the answer key and save the file.

When NDA question papers are released?

NDA question papers are released by UPSC within two to three days after the question papers are released. NDA question papers are made available on the official website of UPSC in PDF. Candidates can download NDA question papers for different subjects-Maths and GAT. Practising the question papers, candidates can know the type of questions asked in the exam.

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

Does NDA select cadet according to academy vacancy or service vacancy?

NDA select cadet based on service vacancy. It is according to the number of officers required at that time. But the academy accommodation also plays a role. The existing infrastructure at the academy can accommodate a certain number of cadets each term. If it is extended or the intake is greater than the capacity, the training standards will drop.

What are the important points related to NDA vacancies?

Few important points related to NDA vacancies are given below: NDA vacancies are provisional and may change depending on the availability of training capacity of the National Defence Academy and Indian Naval Academy Candidates are required to specify clearly in the online NDA application form, the services for which they wish to be considered in the order of their preferences Candidates are also advised to indicate as many preferences as they wish for NDA recruitment so that while offering appointments due consideration can be given to the preferences as per their ranks in the merit list Candidates should note that they will be considered under NDA recruitment 2022 for appointment to those services only for which they have expressed their preferences UPSC will not entertain any request for addition/alteration in the preferences indicated in the NDA Recruitment application Admission will be offered to candidates on the basis of NDA results of the written exam and SSB Interview

Can women candidates apply for Indian Naval Academy courses for NDA exam?

Women candidates can apply for Indian Naval Academy courses for NDA exam. In 2024, vacancies were released for women candidates for admission to Indian Naval Academy courses.

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

When NDA 2026 exam will be held?

NDA exam dates 2026 ere announced through the annual calendar. NDA 1 exam will be held on April 12. The exam for UPSC NDA II will be held on September 13. Candidates can apply for both the sessions. The total marks allotted to the test are 900.

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.

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.

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.

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.

How many hours should be given to study for NDA?

Candidates should study for two to three hours. Practice previous year question paper. Candidates must know the syllabus and exam pattern. They should prepare study routine. Candidates must also solve mock test to improve speed.

How do I use previous years' question papers to prepare for NDA?

NDA exam consists of two papers- Maths and GAT. Total marks allotted to the The following tips help candidates to prepare for NDA exam. Understand the exam Know the syllabus Solve the previous years question papers Prepare a timetable Follow the study routine Attempt mock tests

Is NDA exam tough to crack?

NDA exam is highly competitive. Candidates can crack the exam with proper preparation and practice.

What is the difficulty level of NDA exam?

The difficulty level of NDA Maths paper is usually moderate while GAT was easy. The English Language paper of NDA is usually easy where questions are asked on grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension. The General Awareness section of NDA is moderate. Candidates need to keep themselves updated with the latest events in India and the world. To ace the exam, candidates need to understand the exam pattern and syllabus, practice mock test, solve previous years' question papers, etc. With hard work and dedication, candidates can crack the exam easily. The total marks allotted to the written exam of NDA are 900. Candidates need to secure 25 per cent in each subject to qualify the exam. Candidates qualifying the written exam of NDA are called for SSB Interview.

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.

How many questions are asked in NDA exam?

GAT paper of NDA comprises a total of 150 questions. The GAT section is divided into two parts. Part A comprises English while Part B consists of General Knowledge. The number of questions in the Maths section of NDA exam is 120. Questions in the Maths section are asked from Algebra Calculus, Matrices and Determinants Integral Calculus and Differential Equations Trigonometry Vector Algebra Analytical Geometry Of Two and Three Dimension and Statistics and Probability. NDA question papers are framed in both English and Hindi by the examination authority.

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.

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.

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.

How many vacancies were announced for NDA 2 2025 exam?

A total of 404 vacancies were announced for NDA 2 2025 exam. The vacancy 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) 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) - 36 (including 04 for female candidates) Total 404

NDA cut off is the minimum qualifying marks that candidates need to secure in the written exam and SSB interview. UPSC prescribes cut off marks for written exam and final selection. Candidates need to secure separate qualifying marks in written exam and SSB interview. Candidates securing the NDA cut off marks are called for subsequent rounds of selection process. NDA exam is conducted to select eligible candidates for admission to Army, Navy and Air Force wings of National Defence Academy and Indian Naval Academy course. NDA selection process comprises written exa and SSB interview. Candidates qualifying the written exam by securing the required cut off are called for the SSB interview. Candidates need to secure the cut off marks in the SSB interview also.

when NDA cut off is released?

NDA cut off is released after the completion of the exam. The cut off is released separately for the written exam and final selection. There are also sectional cut off marks for the exam. Candidates need to secure 25 per cent in each subject of NDA exam. Based on the cut off marks of the written exam, candidates are selected for the SSB Interview. The final cut off is decided based on the written exam and SSB interview.

Where can I check the NDA cutoff scores?

NDA cutoffs are released on the official website in PDF form after the declaration of the final result. The cutoff marks are also provided on this page after it is announced by the examination authority. The cut off are released separately for written exam and final selection. Candidates need to secure the cut off marks inorder to get selected in the exam. The steps to check NDA cut off marks are given below: Visit the official website of UPSC From the 'Examination' tab, candidates need to go to the 'Cut off' tab In the cut off page, candidates will find the NDA cut off marks Check the cut off marks

What is the impact of NDA cut off in tie-breaking policy?

Wherever two or more candidates have secured equal aggregate marks in NDA & NA exam, the ties are resolved in accordance with the following principles approved by the Commission: In case of equal marks in aggregate, the candidate senior in age may be placed at higher rank and In case of the candidates having same age and same aggregate marks, the candidate getting higher aggregate score in written papers may be placed at higher rank

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.

How are candidates assessed in NDA SSB Interview?

Candidates are judged based on their Psychological Aptitude and Intelligence in the SSB Interview of NDA exam. The Ministry of Defence establishes NDA SSB (Service Selection Board). NDA SSB is the body that schedule, organise and conduct SSB interview for the aspirants applying for Indian Military Forces. SSB Interview is conducted at the NDA SSB Centres. The NDA SSB interview is conducted for Intelligence and Personality Test. Aspirants applying for the Air Force have to separately qualify for the CPSS (Computerized Pilot Selection System) & PABT (Pilot Aptitude Battery Test).

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.

NDA Exam 2026: Application Form Correction, Exam Dates, Pattern, Syllabus & Prep Tips

2.1K Students Q&A

Exam On - 12 Apr '26

Updated on Feb 9, 2026 20:45 IST

By Rachit Kumar Saxena, Manager-Editorial

NDA 2026: Union Public Service Commission will conduct the National Defence Academy/Naval Academy Exam on April 12, 2026 for 394 vacancies. As per the official timeline, the Commission will release the NDA admit card in the last week of March. The candidates will be required to download their admit card from upsc.gov.in. The candidates should note that the NDA 2026 will be conducted offline at the designated exam centres.

The UPSC allot the NDA exam centre on the first apply first allot basis. There will be no option to change the exam centre. The Commission will not entertain any such applications or request. NDA 1 exam date was announced through annual calendar. The application form filling process for NDA 1 2026 closed on December 30.

NDA 1 notification was released in PDF form. It comprises the details related to the exam. The selection process comprises written exam and SSB Interview. The exam will be conducted for admission to the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of the NDA for the 157th Course and for the 119th Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC) commencing from January 1, 2027.

NDA 2 2026 notification will be released on May 20. The last date to fill the application form is June 9, 2026. The exam will be held on September 14. Read below for more details on the exam.

Table of contents

What is NDA exam?
NDA Exam Schedule 2026
NDA Admit Card 2026
NDA Syllabus & Exam Pattern 2026
NDA Application Form 2026
NDA Vacancies 2026
NDA Selection Process 2026
NDA Result 2026
NDA Cutoff 2026
NDA Exam Analysis 2026
NDA Answer Key 2026
NDA Preparation Tips
NDA Salary
NDA 2026 FAQs

What is NDA 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