The UPSC NDA Exam 2026 is a gateway for young aspirants to join the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA) and Indian Naval Academy (INA). Conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), this national-level examination is held twice a year to select candidates for the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings. If you’re preparing for the NDA 2026 exam, understanding the exam pattern, syllabus, and preparation strategies is crucial for success. Here we provides the most accurate and up-to-date information on the UPSC NDA Exam Pattern 2026, along with tips to help you rank high in your preparation and on search engines.
Overview of UPSC NDA Exam 2026
The UPSC NDA & NA Examination is a highly competitive exam that tests candidates’ academic knowledge, intelligence, and personality traits for a career in the Indian Armed Forces. The exam is conducted in two stages: a written examination and a Service Selection Board (SSB) interview. According to the UPSC Calendar 2026, the NDA 1 2026 exam is scheduled for April 12, 2026, and the NDA 2 2026 exam will take place on September 13, 2026.
This article covers the detailed NDA 2026 exam pattern, marking scheme, syllabus, and expert preparation tips to help you excel.
UPSC NDA Exam Pattern 2026: Key Highlights
The NDA 2026 exam pattern consists of two main stages:
Written Examination: Tests academic knowledge through two papers—Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT).
SSB Interview: Assesses personality, leadership, and psychological aptitude.
Here’s a breakdown of the NDA 2026 exam pattern:
1. Written Examination
The written exam is conducted offline (pen-and-paper mode) and consists of objective-type questions in English and Hindi. It is divided into two papers:
Paper
Details
Paper 1: Mathematics
– Total Questions: 120 – Total Marks: 300 – Duration: 2.5 hours – Marks per Question: 2.5 – Negative Marking: -0.83 per wrong answer
Paper 2: General Ability Test (GAT)
– Total Questions: 150 – Total Marks: 600 – Duration: 2.5 hours – Marks per Question: 4 – Negative Marking: -1.33 per wrong answer
Total Marks for Written Exam: 900 (Mathematics: 300 + GAT: 600)
Minimum Qualifying Marks: Candidates must score at least 25% in each paper to qualify for the SSB interview.
Exam Schedule
Morning Shift (Mathematics): 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Afternoon Shift (GAT): 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
2. SSB Interview
Candidates who clear the written exam proceed to the SSB Interview, which carries 900 marks and is conducted over 4–5 days. The SSB process is divided into two stages:
Stage 1: Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test and Picture Perception & Description Test (PP & DT).
Stage 2: Psychological Tests, Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks, and Personal Interview.
The SSB interview evaluates candidates’ leadership, teamwork, decision-making, and psychological suitability. Candidates applying for the Air Force must also pass the Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS) test.
Total Marks (Written + SSB): 1800
NDA 2026 Syllabus: Subject-Wise Breakdown
To excel in the NDA 2026 exam, candidates must thoroughly understand the syllabus, which is based on Class 10, 11, and 12 standards. Below is a detailed subject-wise syllabus:
1. Mathematics Syllabus
The Mathematics paper tests quantitative aptitude and problem-solving skills. Key topics include:
Algebra: Sets, Venn diagrams, quadratic equations, sequences, and series.
Trigonometry: Trigonometric ratios, identities, heights, and distances.
Matrices and Determinants: Types, operations, and inverse of matrices.
Analytical Geometry: Lines, conic sections, and 3D geometry.
Differential Calculus: Limits, derivatives, and applications.
Integral Calculus: Integrals, definite and indefinite integrals.
Topics: Grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, synonyms, antonyms, and sentence correction.
Objective: Tests language proficiency and communication skills.
Part B: General Knowledge (400 marks, 100 questions)
Physics (25%): Mechanics, optics, electricity, and magnetism.
Chemistry (15%): Chemical reactions, periodic table, and organic chemistry.
General Science (10%): Biology, human body, and environmental science.
History and Freedom Movement (20%): Indian history, freedom struggle, and world history.
Geography (20%): Physical and human geography, earth, and climate.
Current Events (10%): National and international news, sports, and awards.
NDA 2026 Marking Scheme and Negative Marking
Understanding the marking scheme is essential for effective exam strategy:
Mathematics:
Correct Answer: +2.5 marks
Incorrect Answer: -0.83 marks
Unanswered: 0 marks
GAT:
Correct Answer: +4 marks
Incorrect Answer: -1.33 marks
Unanswered: 0 marks.
Tip: Avoid guesswork due to negative marking. Focus on accuracy and attempt questions you are confident about.
NDA 2026 Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the NDA 2026 exam, candidates must meet the following criteria:
Age: Born between July 2, 2007, and July 1, 2010 for NDA 1 2026, and January 2, 2008, and January 1, 2011 for NDA 2 2026 (16.5 to 19.5 years).
Educational Qualification:
Army Wing: 12th Class pass or equivalent.
Air Force/Naval Wings and INA: 12th Class pass with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
Nationality: Indian citizens or subjects of Nepal/Bhutan or Tibetan refugees (before January 1, 1962).
Marital Status: Unmarried.
Physical Standards: Must meet UPSC-specified physical and medical standards.
Preparation Tips for UPSC NDA 2026
To crack the NDA 2026 exam, follow these expert-recommended strategies:
Understand the Syllabus and Exam Pattern: Familiarize yourself with the topics and weightage to prioritize your study plan.
Create a Study Schedule: Allocate time for each subject based on your strengths and weaknesses. Include daily revisions and mock tests.
Strengthen Basics: Use NCERT books for Class 11 and 12 to build a strong foundation in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and English.
Practice Previous Year Papers: Solve past papers and sample papers to understand question patterns and improve time management.
Stay Updated with Current Affairs: Read newspapers and follow reliable sources for national and international news.
Improve English Skills: Focus on grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension through daily reading and practice.
Physical Fitness: Maintain physical fitness for the SSB interview, as it’s a critical part of the selection process.
Join Online Courses: Enroll in reputed platforms like Physics Wallah for structured NDA preparation.
Recommended Books:
Mathematics: NCERT Class 11 & 12, R.S. Aggarwal.
English: Wren & Martin, Word Power Made Easy.
General Knowledge: Lucent’s GK, Manorama Yearbook.
SSB Interview: SSB Interview by Arihant Publications.
Important Dates for NDA 2026
Event
NDA 1 2026
NDA 2 2026
Notification Release
December 10, 2025
May 20, 2026
Application Period
Dec 10–30, 2025
May 20–June 9, 2026
Exam Date
April 12, 2026
September 13, 2026
Admit Card Release
Early April 2026
Early September 2026
Result Declaration
May 2026 (Tentative)
October 2026 (Tentative)
Note: Always check the official UPSC website (upsc.gov.in) for exact dates and updates.
Why Choose a Career in NDA?
Joining the NDA offers a prestigious opportunity to serve the nation while building a rewarding career in the Indian Armed Forces. The training at NDA equips candidates with leadership skills, discipline, and technical expertise, preparing them for roles in the Army, Navy, or Air Force.
Conclusion
The UPSC NDA Exam 2026 is a challenging yet rewarding opportunity for young aspirants to join the Indian Armed Forces. By understanding the exam pattern, mastering the syllabus, and following a disciplined preparation strategy, you can boost your chances of success. Stay focused, practice regularly, and keep yourself updated with the latest notifications from the official UPSC website.
For more details on the NDA 2026 syllabus, exam pattern, and preparation resources, visit upsc.gov.in. Start your preparation today and take the first step toward a glorious career in the defense forces!
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