UPSC NDA Exam Date 2026 Released: Check Schedule for NDA 1 & NDA 2

The Union Public Service Commission conducts the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy (NDA & NA) Examination to recruit candidates for the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings. With the release of the official UPSC Exam Calendar, candidates can now prepare for the upcoming NDA 1 and NDA 2 examinations of 2026 with clarity.

UPSC NDA Exam Date 2026 Out

The NDA 1 Exam is set for 12th April 2026, while the NDA 2 Exam will take place on 13th September 2026. Aspiring candidates who have completed their 12th grade should note these dates to streamline their study schedules. Official vacancy details will be published alongside the notification, and candidates are encouraged to begin their defense preparation early to improve their chances of success.

NDA 1 Exam Date 2026

In addition to the exam dates, the UPSC has specified the notification and registration timelines for the NDA 1 examination. As a prestigious national-level recruitment drive, the selection process comprises a comprehensive written test followed by an SSB Interview. The written stage focuses on Mathematics and the General Ability Test (GAT), while the subsequent SSB Interview is designed to evaluate a candidate's leadership skills, psychological fitness, and suitability for a career in the armed forces.

Download NDA 1 Admit Card 2026 – Official Link

NDA 2 Exam Date 2026

The UPSC has also finalized the schedule for the NDA 2 Exam 2026, which is slated for 13th September 2026. By announcing the notification and registration dates well in advance, the commission provides applicants with ample time to prepare for the rigorous selection standards required for entry into the National Defence Academy and the Naval Academy.

UPSC NDA Exam Pattern 2026

The 2026 NDA & NA Examination structure remains consistent, featuring a written exam comprising two papers: Mathematics and the General Ability Test (GAT). Following the written stage, successful candidates proceed to the SSB Interview. With the written portion worth 900 marks and the SSB interview accounting for another 900 marks, candidates face a total evaluation out of 1800 marks.

Written Exam: 

• Mode of Exam: Offline
• Mathematics: 120 questions, 300 marks.
• General Aptitude Test (GAT): 150 questions, 600 marks.
• Total Marks: 900.
• Negative Marking: There is negative marking for incorrect answers in both papers.
• Exam Duration: Each paper is 2.5 hours long.

SSB Interview:

• Two Stages: Stage 1 involves Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) and Picture Perception and Description Test (PP&DT). Stage 2 involves Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests, and the Conference.
• Total Marks: 900