The UPSC releases the NDA 2 2026 admit card approximately 10–12 days before the September 13, 2026, exam date. Candidates can download their hall tickets exclusively from the official UPSC portal at upsc.gov.in using their registration ID or roll number, date of birth, and the required security captcha code.
What is the Exam?
The National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA) Examination is a prestigious national-level competitive exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). It serves as the gateway for young aspirants to join the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Successfully clearing the two-stage selection process—comprising a written examination and a rigorous Service Selection Board (SSB) interview—leads to a commission as an officer in the Indian Armed Forces. The NDA 2 2026 cycle is specifically for the 158th Course and 120th Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC).
Key Highlights 2026
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | NDA & NA (II) 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 394 |
| Exam Date | September 13, 2026 |
| Admit Card Mode | Online (Official Website) |
| Selection Process | Written Examination & SSB Interview |
Syllabus 2026
The written exam is divided into two primary subjects: Mathematics and the General Ability Test (GAT).
| Paper | Subjects Covered | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | Algebra, Calculus, Trigonometry, Analytical Geometry, Statistics, Probability | 300 |
| GAT (Part A) | English (Grammar, Vocabulary, Comprehension) | 200 |
| GAT (Part B) | Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, Current Affairs | 400 |
Exam Pattern
The exam is conducted in two sessions on the same day. All questions are objective-type. To excel, we recommend that you practice free mock tests for Defence on Exam Bhai to familiarize yourself with the pressure of the 5-hour long examination window.
| Paper | Duration | No. of Questions | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 2.5 Hours | 120 | 0.83 marks per wrong answer |
| GAT | 2.5 Hours | 150 | 1.33 marks per wrong answer |
Eligibility Criteria
According to the official guidelines provided by the UPSC (upsc.gov.in), candidates must meet the following criteria to be eligible for the NDA 2026 examination:
- Age Limit: Candidates must be aged between 16.5 and 19.5 years. For the 2026 cycle, candidates must have been born not earlier than July 2, 2007, and not later than July 1, 2010.
- Educational Qualification:
- Army Wing: 12th Pass or appearing in any stream.
- Air Force and Naval Wings: 12th Pass or appearing with Physics and Mathematics.
- Nationality: Citizen of India, subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962.
- Marital Status: Only unmarried male and female candidates are eligible.
Application Process
- Visit the official UPSC website at upsconline.nic.in.
- Complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) if you are a first-time applicant.
- Fill in the application form with accurate personal and academic details.
- Upload your scanned photograph and signature according to the specified dimensions.
- Pay the application fee (exempted for SC/ST/Women candidates).
- Submit the form and take a printout of the application for future reference.
Preparation Strategy
Consistency and strategic planning are the bedrocks of success. At Exam Bhai, we emphasize a rigorous approach:
- Concept Building: Focus on NCERT books for Mathematics and General Science, as they form the core of the syllabus.
- Current Affairs: Stay updated with the last 6-9 months of national and international news.
- Mock Practice: Speed and accuracy are vital. You should consistently practice free mock tests for Defence on Exam Bhai to simulate real-world conditions.
- SSB Prep: Do not wait for written results to start preparing for your SSB interview; build officer-like qualities and physical fitness daily.
- Revision: Dedicate the last 15 days before the exam exclusively to revising previous year question papers. You can also access comprehensive study resources for Defence on Exam Bhai to stay ahead of the curve.
Cut-Off Trends
As per the official data available on the UPSC portal (upsc.gov.in), the cut-off marks for the written stage are calculated out of 900 marks. Historical trends suggest that securing a score between 330 and 360 is generally considered safe for clearing the written stage.
- Note: Candidates are required to secure at least 25% marks in each paper to qualify.
- Variable Factors: The cut-off fluctuates based on the difficulty level of the paper, the total number of candidates, and the number of vacancies available for that specific session.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Where can I download the NDA 2 2026 admit card? A: You can download it directly from the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in once the link is activated in September 2026.
Q2: Is the admit card sent via post or email? A: No, the UPSC does not send physical or digital copies via post or email. It must be downloaded online from the official portal.
Q3: What documents should I carry to the exam center? A: You must carry a printed copy of your e-admit card and a valid original photo ID proof (Aadhar Card, PAN Card, Driving License, etc.).
Q4: What should I do if there is a mistake in my name or details on the admit card? A: Immediately contact the UPSC Facilitation Counter or send an email to the official helpdesk mentioned on the UPSC website to request a correction.
Q5: Can I use a mobile phone to access the admit card? A: While it might open, we strongly recommend using a desktop or laptop to download and print the file to avoid formatting errors or technical glitches.
Q6: What is the reporting time for the NDA exam? A: You must report at least 30 minutes before the scheduled time mentioned on your admit card. The entry gates usually close 10 minutes before the commencement of the exam.
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