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Claim Free Beta AccessThe official NDA 2 2026 application process is now closed. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) activated the application link on May 20, 2026, and extended the final submission deadline to June 11, 2026. Aspiring candidates must now prepare for the written examination scheduled for September 13, 2026.
What is the Exam?
The National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA) Examination is a prestigious, bi-annual national-level competitive exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). It serves as the primary gateway for young, unmarried male and female candidates to enter the Indian Armed Forces as officers. Selected candidates undergo rigorous training at the National Defence Academy in Khadakwasla, Pune, or the Indian Naval Academy in Ezhimala, Kerala, leading to commission into the Army, Navy, or Air Force.
Key Highlights 2026
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | NDA & NA (II) 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Total Vacancies | 394 |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen and Paper) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Exam Date | September 13, 2026 |
| Official Website | upsconline.nic.in |
Syllabus 2026
The NDA written exam comprises two distinct papers: Mathematics and the General Ability Test (GAT). A deep understanding of this syllabus is non-negotiable for success.
| Subject | Key Topics |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | Algebra, Calculus, Matrices & Determinants, Trigonometry, Analytical Geometry, Vector Algebra, Statistics & Probability. |
| GAT - Part A (English) | Grammar, Vocabulary, Comprehension, Cloze Test, Sentence Ordering, Synonyms/Antonyms. |
| GAT - Part B (GK) | Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, Current Affairs, Indian Polity. |
Exam Pattern
Success in the NDA exam requires mastery over speed and accuracy. The paper structure is designed to test both conceptual knowledge and analytical aptitude. Before jumping into deep study, we recommend you practice free mock tests for Defence on Exam Bhai to acclimatize yourself to the real-time pressure of the examination.
| Paper | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 120 | 300 | 2.5 Hours |
| General Ability Test | 150 | 600 | 2.5 Hours |
Eligibility Criteria
According to the official guidelines released on upsc.gov.in, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Nationality: Must be a citizen of India, a subject of Bhutan or Nepal, or a Tibetan refugee who settled in India before January 1, 1962.
- Age Limit: Candidates must be born between January 2, 2008, and January 1, 2011.
- Education: For the Army wing, 10+2 passed or appearing in any stream. For Air Force and Naval wings, 10+2 passed or appearing with Physics and Mathematics as mandatory subjects.
- Marital Status: Only unmarried male and female candidates are eligible.
Application Process
Though the registration window for NDA 2 2026 has concluded, understanding the process is vital for future attempts:
- Registration: Candidates visit the official UPSC portal to create an OTR (One Time Registration) profile.
- Form Filling: Applicants log in and fill out the details regarding educational qualifications and personal identification.
- Document Upload: Scanned copies of photographs and signatures are uploaded per specifications.
- Fee Payment: A nominal application fee is paid (exempt for SC/ST and female candidates).
- Submission: Final submission results in a registration number which is required for downloading the admit card.
Preparation Strategy
We at Exam Bhai advocate for a disciplined, structured approach. To maximize your output, start by building your conceptual foundation using NCERT textbooks. To effectively track your progress, access the structured study modules for Defence on Exam Bhai to identify your weak areas early. Regularly solving previous year question papers is the single most effective way to understand the difficulty level. Furthermore, you should join our community of aspirants for Defence on Exam Bhai to stay updated on notifications and peer-led preparation discussions.
Cut-Off Trends
The cut-off marks for the NDA written examination, as per official data from upsc.gov.in, typically range between 320 and 360 marks out of 900. However, the final selection cut-off (including the SSB interview marks) usually sits between 700 and 720. We suggest aiming for at least 400+ in the written exam to secure a comfortable buffer for the final merit list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I still apply for NDA 2 2026? No, the application window for NDA 2 2026 closed on June 11, 2026.
Q2: Is Maths mandatory for all wings? No, Maths is mandatory only for the Air Force and Naval Academy wings. Army candidates can be from any stream.
Q3: Is there any limit on the number of attempts? There is no fixed limit on the number of attempts, provided you meet the age and educational criteria.
Q4: How can I check my application status? Candidates can check their status by logging into the official UPSC OTR portal using their credentials.
Q5: What is the marking scheme for the exam? In Mathematics, each correct answer earns 2.5 marks, while each incorrect answer results in a penalty of 0.83 marks. In GAT, each correct answer earns 4 marks, with a penalty of 1.33 marks per wrong attempt.
Q6: What documents do I need for the exam day? Candidates must carry a printed copy of their admit card and an original photo-identity card (Aadhar Card, PAN Card, or Voter ID) as proof.
Next Steps & Related Links
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