NDA 2026 Exam Date, Official Notification & Application Details

The National Defence Academy (NDA) entrance examination is a prestigious and highly competitive exam in India that paves the way for students to join the armed forces as officers.

Best NDA Coaching 2026 Exam Details & Preparation Tips

Students who aim for the Indian Armed Forces consider the National Defence Academy (NDA) as one of the most distinguished educational institutions. A substantial number of students submit NDA applications annually yet most candidates fail to complete the complete challenging admission process. Students who want to succeed at NDA need complete preparation and NDA coaching serves as their path to success.

This guide provides in-depth information about NDA exams by covering important areas including registration guidelines and education structure together with learning advantages of classes and effective preparation methods for exam success without formal training.

What is NDA Coaching?

NDA coaching develops specific methods for students to prepare them for both the written examination and Service Selection Board interview. Students receive a detailed method to learn plus personal instruction to handle their preparation better.

NDA coaching consists of these main features:

Subject-specific classes: Focused on Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT)
Students should take practice exams to understand the actual testing format.
SSB interview preparation: Includes physical training, group discussions, and personality development
Students learn to organize their work properly and achieve better study results through time management.
Students who need help can attend regular sessions to solve their problems.

Students who get NDA test preparation receive better chances to pass the exam and meet interview standards.

NDA Exam 2026 Application Fees & Process

Candidates who wish to apply for the NDA exam 2026 must pay a specified fee:

General/OBC Candidates Need to Pay: ₹100
SC/ST Candidates and Sons of JCOs/NCOs/ORs: fee Not Required

Candidates can pay the application fee through different payment methods such as online via debit/credit cards, UPI, or through an offline payment method at the designated bank (SBI).

How Candidates Can Apply For NDA 2026

Here are the steps to apply for NDA 2026:

Access the UPSC website through upsconline.nic.in
Enter your personal and education background in Part I of the official application form
Upload required papers: Digitize your photo and signature plus show your ID documents
Select your payment option to submit the application fee either online or offline.
Review and submit the form by checking all entries and printing a backup for your records

NDA 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Before applying for the NDA exam, candidates must meet certain eligibility criteria:

Education Qualification

For Army Wing: Candidates must have passed the 12th standard from a recognized board (Any stream).
For Air Force and Navy Wings: Candidates must have passed 12th standard with Physics and Mathematics as core subjects.

Candidates appearing for the 12th exam in 2026 can also apply, as long as they meet all other criteria.

NDA 2026 Age Limit

The age limit for candidates applying for NDA 2026 is between 16.5 to 19.5 years. Specifically, candidates should have been born between 2nd July 2006 and 1st July 2009.

Nationality

Candidates must be:

Indian citizens
Subjects of Nepal or Bhutan
Persons of Indian origin who have migrated from countries like Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, or East African nations, with eligibility certification.

NDA Physical Standards

Physical fitness plays a crucial role in the selection process for NDA. Candidates must meet the following physical standards:

Height: Minimum 157 cm (For Air Force, it’s 162.5 cm)
Weight: Proportional to age and height
Eyesight: Correctable to 6/6 in both eyes
No deformities: No knock knees, flat foot, or any physical disabilities

If you want to prepare for the physical standards, consider joining a NDA coaching centre that provides physical training, ensuring you’re in top shape for the exam.

NDA 2026 Written Exam Pattern

The NDA written exam consists of two papers:

Paper	Subject	Duration	Marks
I	Mathematics	2.5 Hours	300
II	General Ability Test(GAT)	2.5 Hours	600

Total Marks: 900
SSB Interview: 900 marks
Negative Marking: 1/3 mark for incorrect answers

NDA 2026 Syllabus Breakdown

Paper I: Mathematics

The Mathematics paper in NDA is vast and requires a good understanding of fundamental concepts. It covers:

Algebra
Trigonometry
Analytical Geometry
Calculus
Vectors
Statistics & Probability
Matrices & Determinants

Paper II: General Ability Test (GAT)

The GAT paper includes:

English: Grammar, Vocabulary, Comprehension, and Usage
General Knowledge:
1. Physics
2. Chemistry
3. History & Geography
4. Political Science
5. Current Affairs

Intelligence and Personality Test (SSB Interview)

After clearing the NDA written exam, candidates must undergo the SSB Interview. This five-day process evaluates various personality traits, including leadership skills, teamwork, and mental toughness. The stages include:

Psychological Tests
Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks
Personal Interview
Medical Examination

Mock SSB sessions offered by NDA coaching institutes can significantly improve your chances of success.

NDA I vs NDA II – Exam Comparison Table (2026)

Category	NDA 1 (2026)	NDA 2 (2026)
Exam Name	NDA & NA Examination (I), 2026	NDA & NA Examination (II), 2026
Conducting Body	UPSC	UPSC
Notification Release	December 10, 2025	Expected in May 20, 2026
Application Dates	December 10, 2025 – December 30, 2025	Expected May 20, 2026 – June 9, 2026
Exam Date	April 12, 2026	Expected September 13, 2026
Total Vacancies	Approximately 400	Similar (to be announced)
Army Seats	208	Similar
Navy Seats	42	Similar
Air Force Seats	120	Similar
Naval Academy (10+2)	30	Similar
Eligibility	Unmarried males/females born between July 2, 2006 – July 1, 2009	Same
Education Required	12th Pass/Appearing (Army: Any stream, Navy/Air Force: PCM)	Same
Exam Pattern	Written Test (900 marks) + SSB Interview (900 marks)	Same
Application Fee	₹100 (Free for SC/ST/Females/JCOs/NCOs/ORs Wards)	Same
Official Website	upsconline.nic.in	upsconline.nic.in
Can I Apply for Both?	Yes, if eligible	Yes, if eligible

Note: These dates are based on previous years and are subject to change. Always refer to the official UPSC website for the most accurate information.

How to Crack NDA 2026 in First Attempt with Coaching

Joining a professional NDA coaching centre increases your chances of clearing the exam on the first attempt. Here’s why:

Structured preparation: Coaches design a timetable based on exam trends
Expert faculty: Access to experienced instructors and mentors
Comprehensive study materials: Resources focused on Maths and GAT
Practice exams and mock tests: To simulate real exam conditions
Physical and SSB training: Physical fitness and mental preparedness are vital for success

Institutes like Sukhoi Academy provide all-encompassing training for the written exam, physical fitness, and SSB preparation.

How to Crack NDA 2026 Without Coaching

While coaching can greatly improve your chances, it is not mandatory. If you prefer self-study, follow these guidelines:

Focus on Core Subjects: Maths and English are crucial.
Prepare a Study Plan: Prioritize topics and dedicate time daily.
Use Quality Resources: Use NCERTs, previous year papers, and trusted study materials.
Solve Mock Tests: Regularly take mock exams to improve speed and accuracy.
Stay Informed: Keep up with current affairs through newspapers and magazines.

If you have the discipline and self-motivation to study independently, you can crack NDA without coaching.

Can I Crack NDA Without Coaching?

Yes, it’s possible to clear NDA without coaching, but it requires extreme dedication and discipline. Self-study can be effective if you:

Are confident in your basics
Can stick to a routine
Are self-motivated to stay on track with your preparations

However, many students prefer NDA coaching to streamline their preparation and make learning more efficient.

Online vs Offline NDA Coaching

Both online and offline NDA coaching have their benefits and limitations.

Online NDA Coaching – Benefits:

Flexibility: Learn from anywhere at your convenience
Affordable: Usually cheaper than offline coaching
Access to recorded sessions: Review lessons at your own pace

Limitations:

Lack of direct interaction
No physical training or fitness support

Offline NDA Coaching – Benefits:

Structured environment: Helps you stay disciplined
Expert mentors: Direct guidance from faculty
Physical and SSB preparation: Includes physical fitness training and mock interviews

Limitations:

Fixed schedule: You must attend classes in person
Cost: Higher due to facilities like hostels, meals, and travel

Which is the Best NDA Coaching in India?

The Best NDA coaching in India centres offer a comprehensive approach to preparation, with quality instructors, regular test series, and personalized support. Some of the top-rated institutes in India include:

Sukhoi Academy: Known for its expert faculty, quality mock exams, and physical training facilities.
Cavalier India
Baalnoi Academy
Doons Defence Academy
Major Kalshi Classes

Sukhoi Academy is especially popular among candidates looking for Best NDA coaching in Faridabad, with its reputation for high success rates.

What are the Fees of NDA 2026 Coaching?

The fees for NDA coaching vary depending on whether you choose online or offline coaching:

Online Coaching fee: ₹20,000 – ₹40,000
Offline Coaching fee: ₹50,000 – ₹1,20,000 (may vary depending on duration and facilities)
Hostel & Mess charges: ₹6,000 – ₹10,000 per month
SSB Interview Training Fee: ₹10,000 – ₹20,000

Be sure to choose a package which is suitable for your needs—one that offers both written exam and SSB training.

NDA Coaching & Exam Success Blueprint

Start early and give ample amount of time to Mathematics and General Ability subjects
Consider joining the best NDA coaching if you need structured guidance and mock sessions to clear the entrance exam
Prepare for the SSB interview by practicing mock drills and group discussion
Be physically fit to meet all the NDA physical standards
Stick to your preparation plan and review your progress regularly to avoid any hurdle

With the right preparation, you can clear the NDA exam and begin your journey to serving the nation in the Armed Forces.

FAQs – NDA 2026 Exam

Q1. When will the NDA 1 2026 exam be conducted?
The NDA 1 2026 exam is expected to be held in April 2026. The exact date will be mentioned in the official UPSC notification.

Q2. When will the NDA 1 2026 notification be released?
The NDA 1 2026 notification will likely be released in December 2025 on the UPSC official website. Candidates can download the PDF from the link provided on Sukhoi Academy’s page.

Q3. How can I apply for the NDA 1 2026 exam online?
You can apply online through the official UPSC website. Sukhoi Academy provides a direct application link and step-by-step guidance to make the registration process simple.

Q4. What is the application fee for NDA 1 2026?
The NDA 1 2026 application fee is expected to be ₹100 for General/OBC candidates. SC/ST candidates and female candidates are exempted from paying the fee.

Q5. What is the NDA 1 2026 age limit?
Candidates must be between 16.5 to 19.5 years of age as of the exam date. Sukhoi Academy’s guide helps you check exact eligibility before applying.

Q6. Why choose Sukhoi Academy for NDA 2026 preparation?
Sukhoi Academy offers expert faculty, updated study material, mock tests, and both online & offline classes to help students crack NDA 2026 in the first attempt.