NDA Exam 2026 - Complete Overview
The NDA exam is a national-level competitive exam for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces as commissioned officers.
Exam Date
13 April, 2026
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What is NDA Exam?
The National Defence Academy (NDA) Exam is a national-level entrance examination conducted by the UPSC for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces – Army, Navy, and Air Force.
It is one of the most prestigious and competitive exams in India, opening the gateway for young aspirants to serve the nation as commissioned officers.
NDA Latest Updates
- The UPSC NDA Notification 2026 has been released on 10th December 2025 at upsc.gov.in.
- Total of 394 vacancies have been released and candidates can submit their NDA registration form from 10th December 2025 at upsc.gov.in.
- The last date to apply online for NDA 1 is 30th December 2025.
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- Latest Notifications
- Syllabus
- Eligiblity Criteria
- Previous Year Questions
Free Tools
- Age calculator
- Cut off Calculator
- Medical Fiteness Check
- Counselling Sessions
Explore Courses:
It is one of the most prestigious and competitive exams in India.
NDA Online Course
Target NDA 2026-27
- Duration: 6-12 Months
- 1000+ Hours Recorded lectures with top defence exam faculty
- 40+ Online Mocks
- 4000+ Important Questions
NDA Online Foundation
Target NDA 2026-27
- Duration: 1-2 Years
- 1000+ Hours Recorded lectures with top defence exam faculty
- 40+ Online Mocks
- 4000+ Important Questions
NDA Foundation Course
Target NDA 2026-27
- 1-2 Years
- NDA Coaching + Schooloing + SSB Training
- Prepare under top defence exam faculty
- Free e-learning platform
NDA After 12th Course
Target NDA 2026-27
- 6-12 Months
- Dedicated NDA Coaching
- Prepare under top defence exam faculty
- Free e-learning platform
Eligibility Criteria:
NDA Selection Proccess
The selection process for the NDA examination is conducted in multiple stages, and a candidate must qualify each stage separately to move forward. Final selection is based strictly on merit and medical fitness.
Stage 1: NDA Written Examination
Conducted by Union Public Service Commission
- Candidates first appear for the NDA written examination.
- The exam consists of Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT).
- Selection for the next stage is based on written exam performance and cut-off marks decided by UPSC.
Important: Only candidates who qualify the written exam are shortlisted for SSB.
Stage 2: SSB Interview
Conducted by the Services Selection Board
The SSB Interview is conducted over 5 days and assesses a candidate’s Officer Like Qualities (OLQs).
SSB Stage I: Screening Test
- Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR)
- Picture Perception and Description Test (PPDT)
Candidates who fail Stage I are screened out and do not proceed further.
SSB Stage II: Psychological & Group Testing
Candidates who clear Stage I undergo the following:
Psychological Tests
- Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)
- Word Association Test (WAT)
- Situation Reaction Test (SRT)
- Self-Description Test
Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks
- Group discussions
- Outdoor group tasks
- Command task
- Lecturette
Personal Interview
- One-to-one interview with the Interviewing Officer
Conference
- Final assessment and recommendation decision
Stage 3: Medical
- Candidates recommended by SSB undergo a medical examination conducted by authorised military medical boards.
- Medical standards are strictly as per Armed Forces norms.
- Both temporary and permanent unfitness can lead to rejection.
There is no relaxation in medical standards.
Stage 4: Final Merit
The final merit list is prepared based on:
- Written examination marks
- SSB Interview marks
(Medical fitness is mandatory for inclusion in the merit list.)
Allocation of Army, Navy, or Air Force depends on:
- Merit rank
- Candidate preference
- Availability of vacancies
Candidates in the final merit list receive joining instructions from the Service Headquarters and report to NDA, Khadakwasla for training, subject to medical fitness and vacancies.
NDA Syllabus
The NDA written examination syllabus is designed to test a candidate’s conceptual clarity, problem-solving ability, and general awareness up to Class 10–12 level.
The syllabus is prescribed by the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) and is the same for all candidates.
NDA Maths Syllabus
Paper I: Mathematics (300 Marks)
Algebra
- Sets, relations, and functions
- Real numbers
- Quadratic equations
- Complex numbers
- Permutations and combinations
- Binomial theorem
- Arithmetic, geometric, and harmonic progressions
Matrices & Determinants
- Types of matrices
- Determinants and their properties
- Solution of linear equations
Trigonometry
- Trigonometric ratios and identities
- Trigonometric equations
- Inverse trigonometric functions
Analytical Geometry
- Cartesian coordinate system
- Straight lines
- Circles
- Parabola, ellipse, and hyperbola
Differential Calculus
- Limits
- Continuity
- Derivatives and applications
Integral Calculus
- Integration
- Definite integrals
- Area under curves
Statistics & Probability
- Measures of central tendency
- Probability
Pro Tip: Click on any chapter above to access short, exam-focused notes.
NDA GAT Syllabus
Part A: English (200 Marks)
- Noun
- Pronoun
- Verb
- Tense
- Subject-Verb Agreement
- Voice
- Narration
- Preposition
- Conjunction
- Articles
- Determiners
- Modals
- Adjective
- Adverb
Pro Tip: Click on any chapter above to access short, exam-focused notes.
Part B: General Knowledge (400 Marks)
Physics
- Motion and laws of motion
- Work, energy, and power
- Heat and thermodynamics
- Sound and waves
- Electricity and magnetism
- Adverb
Chemistry
- Physical and chemical changes
- Elements, compounds, and mixtures
- Acids, bases, and salts
- Metals and non-metals
- Fuels and everyday chemistry
General Science
- Human body and nutrition
- Diseases and prevention
- Environment and ecology
History
- Ancient, medieval, and modern Indian history
- Indian freedom struggle
- Important historical movements
Geography
- Earth and its structure
- Climate and weather
- Indian geography
- Natural resources
Polity
- Indian Constitution
- Fundamental rights and duties
- Structure of government
Current Affairs
- National and international events
- Defence-related developments
- Sports, awards, and important appointments
Pro Tip: Click on any chapter above to access short, exam-focused notes.
NDA Result/Cut Off
The NDA cut-off is the minimum score required to qualify for the next stage of the selection process. It is decided every year by the Union Public Service Commission based on multiple factors.
Written Exam Cut-Off
This is the minimum score required to qualify the NDA written examination.
It is calculated out of 900 marks:
- Mathematics: 300 marks
- GAT: 600 marks
Candidates must:
- Secure the overall written cut-off, and
- Obtain the minimum qualifying marks in each paper separately.
Only candidates who clear the written cut-off are issued SSB call-up instructions.
Final Cut-Off
The final cut-off is calculated out of 1800 marks:
- Written Examination: 900
- SSB Interview: 900
It determines:
- Final selection
- Merit rank
- Service allocation (Army, Navy, Air Force)
Only candidates who clear the written cut-off are issued SSB call-up instructions.
Free Tools
- Age calculator
- Cut off Calculator
- Medical Fiteness Check
- Counselling Sessions
Free Downloads
- Latest Notifications
- Syllabus
- Eligiblity Criteria
- Previous Year Questions