Joining the Indian Armed Forces is not just a career choice it’s a commitment to serve the nation with pride, discipline, and honor. For thousands of young aspirants across India, the National Defence Academy (NDA) exam is the first step toward that dream.
The UPSC NDA 1 2026 Notification is officially out, opening doors for candidates who wish to join the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force after Class 12.
If you’re planning to appear for NDA 1 2026, this detailed guide from GS Defence Academy will walk you through everything—eligibility, important dates, vacancies, exam pattern, selection process, cutoff, and preparation tips.
NDA 1 2026 – Key Highlights
Before we dive deep, here’s a quick overview:
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | NDA & NA Examination |
| Session | NDA 1 (April 2026) |
| Mode of Exam | Offline (Pen & Paper) |
| Academies | NDA Khadakwasla & INA Ezhimala |
| Eligibility | 10+2 pass/appearing |
| Gender | Male & Female |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Selection Process | Written + SSB + Medical |
NDA 1 2026 Important Dates
Staying updated with timelines is crucial. Missing a deadline can cost you an entire year.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 10 December 2025 |
| Application Start | 10 December 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 30 December 2025 |
| Correction Window | After application closes |
| Admit Card | 1 week before exam |
| NDA 1 2026 Exam Date | April 2026 (Expected) |
| Result | April/May 2026 |
| SSB Interview | After written result |
Tip: Always check the official UPSC website for updates.
NDA 1 2026 Eligibility Criteria
UPSC follows strict eligibility rules. Make sure you meet all criteria before applying.
1) Nationality
You must be:
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A citizen of India
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OR a subject of Nepal/Bhutan
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OR a Tibetan refugee (before 1 Jan 1962)
2) Age Limit
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Age: 16.5 to 19.5 years
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Eligible birth dates: 1 July 2007 – 1 July 2010
No age relaxation is provided.
3) Educational Qualification
| Wing | Qualification |
|---|---|
| Army | 10+2 pass (any stream) |
| Air Force | 10+2 with Physics & Maths |
| Navy | 10+2 with Physics & Maths |
| Naval Academy | 10+2 with Physics & Maths |
Class 12 appearing students can apply.
4) Marital Status
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Candidate must be unmarried
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Marriage during training is not allowed
5) Physical Standards
Medical fitness plays a major role.
You must:
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Be physically fit
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Meet height/weight standards
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Have acceptable eyesight
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Be free from serious medical conditions
NDA 1 2026 Vacancies
UPSC generally offers 394 vacancies.
| Wing | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Army | 208 |
| Navy | 42 |
| Air Force | 120 |
| Naval Academy | 24 |
| Total | 394 |
Vacancies may change slightly in the final notification.
NDA 1 2026 Exam Pattern
The NDA written exam has two papers on the same day.
| Paper | Subject | Duration | No. of Questions | Marks | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Mathematics | 2.5 Hours | 120 | 300 | Class 11 & 12 level, objective type, negative marking |
| Paper 2 | General Ability Test (GAT) | 2.5 Hours | 150 | 600 | Includes English & General Knowledge |
| English (Part A) | — | 50 | 200 | Grammar, vocabulary, comprehension | |
| General Knowledge (Part B) | — | 100 | 400 | Physics, Chemistry, History, Geography, Polity, Current Affairs | |
| Total | — | 5 Hours | 270 | 900 | Both papers conducted on the same day |
Important Points
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All questions are objective type (MCQs)
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Negative marking applies
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Both papers are conducted offline (pen & paper)
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Qualifying the written exam leads to SSB Interview (900 marks)
NDA 1 2026 Selection Process
Selection happens in three stages.
Stage 1: Written Exam
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Objective-type questions
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Negative marking applicable
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Need to clear sectional and overall cutoff
Stage 2: SSB Interview (5 Days)
This is where personality matters.
Day-wise Activities:
Day 1
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OIR Test
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Picture Perception & Discussion Test
Day 2–4
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Psychology Tests
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GTO Tasks
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Group Activities
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Personal Interview
Day 5
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Conference
SSB Marks: 900
Stage 3: Medical Examination
Candidates undergo detailed medical tests to ensure fitness for military training.
NDA 1 2026 Application Process
The application is fully online.
Steps:
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Visit UPSC official website
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Complete One-Time Registration (OTR)
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Fill NDA 1 2026 form
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Upload photo & signature
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Pay fee
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Submit and download confirmation
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General/OBC | ₹100 |
| SC/ST/Female | Exempted |
Expected NDA 1 2026 Cut Off
Based on past trends:
| Stage | Expected Cut Off |
|---|---|
| Written | 345–360 / 900 |
| Final | 700–725 / 1800 |
Cutoffs vary yearly depending on difficulty and vacancies.
NDA Previous Years Cut Off (Last 5 Years)
| Year | Exam | Written Cutoff* | Final Cutoff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | NDA-I | 334 | 699 |
| 2024 | NDA-I | 291 | 654 |
| 2024 | NDA-II | 305 | 673 |
| 2023 | NDA-I | 301 | 664 |
| 2023 | NDA-II | 292 | 656 |
| 2022 | NDA-I | 360 | 720 |
| 2022 | NDA-II | 316 | 678 |
| 2021 | NDA-I | 343 | 709 |
| 2021 | NDA-II | 355 | 726 |
| 2020 | NDA-I | 355 | 723 |
| 2020 | NDA-II | 355 | 719 |
Note : Written cutoff out of 900 marks. Final cutoff out of 1800 marks (Written + SSB)
NDA 1 2026 Syllabus Overview
A focused syllabus approach helps avoid wasting time.
Mathematics Syllabus
| Topic | Key Areas Covered |
|---|---|
| Algebra | Sets, Relations, Complex Numbers, Quadratic Equations, Logarithms, Progressions, Binomial Theorem |
| Matrices & Determinants | Matrix operations, Determinants, Inverse of a matrix, Applications |
| Trigonometry | Angles, Trig ratios, Identities, Heights & Distances |
| Analytical Geometry (2D & 3D) | Straight lines, Circles, Parabola, Ellipse, Hyperbola, Distance between points |
| Differential Calculus | Limits, Continuity, Differentiation, Applications |
| Integral Calculus | Integration, Definite integrals, Area under curves |
| Vector Algebra | Vectors in 2D & 3D, Scalar & Vector products |
| Statistics & Probability | Mean, Median, Mode, Standard Deviation, Probability basics |
General Ability Test (GAT) Syllabus
English (200 Marks)
| Topic | Key Areas Covered |
|---|---|
| Grammar | Tenses, Parts of Speech, Sentence Correction |
| Vocabulary | Synonyms, Antonyms, Idioms & Phrases |
| Comprehension | Reading passages, Answering questions |
| Usage & Structure | Spotting errors, Fill in the blanks |
General Knowledge (400 Marks)
| Subject | Key Areas Covered |
|---|---|
| Physics | Motion, Heat, Light, Sound, Electricity, Magnetism |
| Chemistry | Physical & Chemical changes, Elements, Acids & Bases, Materials |
| General Science | Everyday science, Scientific awareness |
| History | Indian History, Freedom Movement, World History basics |
| Geography | Earth, Climate, India & World Geography |
| Polity | Constitution, Rights, Duties, Governance basics |
| Current Affairs | National & International events, Defence news, Sports, Awards |
Smart Preparation Strategy by GS Defence Academy For NDA 1 2026
At GS Defence Academy, we have mentored hundreds of NDA aspirants. Here’s what works:
Study Plan
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6–8 hrs daily
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Balanced focus on Maths + GAT
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Weekly revision
Physical Fitness
Start early:
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Running
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Push-ups
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Sit-ups
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Stamina training
Helps during SSB and medicals.
Personality Development
SSB focuses on:
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Confidence
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Leadership
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Communication
Practice speaking and group discussion.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many aspirants lose marks due to small errors.
Avoid:
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Ignoring negative marking
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Over-attempting questions
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Skipping revision
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Ignoring physical fitness
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Studying without a plan
Why NDA is a Golden Opportunity
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Officer-level entry
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Prestigious career
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Job security
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Adventure & travel
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Nation-serving role
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Excellent salary & benefits
Beyond salary, NDA offers respect and pride.
Final Words
The NDA 1 2026 exam is your gateway to a life of honor, discipline, and leadership. Every year, lakhs apply—but only the most dedicated make it through.
Start early, stay consistent, and believe in your goal.
If you’re serious about cracking NDA, the right mentorship and strategy can make all the difference.
Your NDA journey begins today with GS Defence Academy — trusted by many as the best defence academy in Dehradun for serious defence aspirants.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1) Can girls apply for NDA 1 2026 exam?
Yes, female candidates are eligible to apply for NDA 1 2026, provided they meet age, education, and physical standards.
Q2) Can a 12th appearing student apply for NDA 1 2026?
Yes, Class 12 appearing students can apply for NDA 1 2026. They must pass before joining the academy.
Q3) Is coaching necessary to crack NDA exam?
Coaching is not compulsory for NDA, but structured guidance, mock tests, and expert mentorship improve success chances.
Q4) How many attempts are allowed in NDA exam?
There is no fixed attempt limit in NDA. You can apply until you meet the age eligibility criteria.
Q5) Is NDA Maths difficult?
NDA Maths is based on Class 11–12 syllabus. It is not difficult if your basics are clear and you practice regularly.
Q6) What is a safe score in NDA written exam 2026?
A score of 360+ marks in NDA written exam is generally considered safe to clear the cutoff.
Q7) When should I start NDA preparation?
The best time to start NDA preparation is from Class 11 to build strong fundamentals.
