NDA

Overview

The National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (NDA & NA) is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice a year to select candidates for the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy, and for the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme of the Indian Naval Academy. For the NDA & NA (II), 2026 exam, UPSC notified 394 vacancies across Army, Navy, Air Force and the Naval Academy scheme. The exam was held on 13 September 2026 for entry to the 158th NDA course and the 120th Indian Naval Academy Course, both commencing 1 July 2027.

Who can apply

Only unmarried candidates are eligible, and for the 2026 (II) cycle candidates had to be born between 1 January 2008 and 1 January 2011. For the Army wing, a pass in Class 12 under the 10+2 pattern (or an equivalent examination) is required. For the Air Force and Navy wings of the NDA, and for the Naval Academy's 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme, Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics is required. Candidates still appearing in Class 12 may also apply. A candidate who has resigned or been withdrawn on disciplinary grounds from an armed forces training academy is not eligible.

Selection process

Selection has two stages: a written examination conducted by UPSC, followed by an SSB (Services Selection Board) interview/personality test for candidates who clear the written stage. Candidates opting for the Air Force additionally undergo the Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS) if they qualify the SSB and express willingness. Final merit is based on the combined written and SSB marks; candidates must separately clear the minimum qualifying marks fixed by UPSC in the written exam and in the SSB test.

Exam pattern

Both papers are objective type. The Mathematics paper and Part B of the General Ability Test are set bilingually in Hindi and English. Calculators and log tables are not permitted in the exam hall.

Syllabus

Mathematics (300 marks): Algebra (sets, complex numbers, progressions, quadratic equations, permutations and combinations, binomial theorem, logarithms), Matrices and Determinants, Trigonometry, Analytical Geometry of two and three dimensions, Differential Calculus, Integral Calculus and Differential Equations, Vector Algebra, and Statistics and Probability.

General Ability Test (600 marks): Part A is English (200 marks) — grammar, usage, vocabulary and comprehension. Part B is General Knowledge (400 marks), covering Physics, Chemistry, General Science, Social Studies, Geography and Current Events at a broad, school-level standard.

Marking

Answers are recorded on an OMR sheet using a black ball pen only; pencils and ink pens are not allowed. There is negative marking for wrong answers in the objective papers. UPSC has discretion to fix separate qualifying marks for each subject.

Important dates

For NDA & NA (II), 2026: the exam was notified on 20 May 2026, the online application closed on 9 June 2026 (6:00 pm), and the written exam was held on 13 September 2026.

Fees

For 2026, the application fee is Rs 100. SC/ST candidates, female candidates, and wards of serving/ex-JCOs/NCOs/ORs (as defined in the notice) studying in a Sainik School or Military School are exempt from the fee. OBC and EWS candidates are not exempt and must pay the full fee. The fee is not refundable once paid.

How to apply

Candidates apply online at upsconline.nic.in by first creating an account and Universal Registration Number (URN), then filling the Common Application Form and the exam-specific module, including fee payment and choice of exam centre. A live photograph capture and signature upload are required. No changes are allowed to the application after submission, other than a one-time URN profile update that applies only to future applications.

After selection

Candidates who qualify the SSB interview join the National Defence Academy (Army, Navy or Air Force wing) or the Indian Naval Academy's 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme for training. Original Matriculation and Class 12 certificates must be produced at the SSB interview for verification.

Preparation tips

Since both papers are objective with negative marking, build accuracy in Mathematics fundamentals up to Class 12 level before attempting speed practice. For the General Ability Test, keep a running habit of reading current affairs alongside NCERT-level Physics, Chemistry and General Science, since the syllabus draws broadly rather than deeply. Because the SSB carries as many marks as the written papers combined, physical fitness and mock interview practice should start well before results are declared.