The NDA 1 2026 Notification has officially been released by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), opening the gateway for aspirants across India to join one of the most prestigious institutions of the Indian Armed Forces — the National Defence Academy (NDA).
This article provides a complete and simplified guide covering all the essential details such as exam dates, eligibility and age limit, syllabus, exam pattern, preparation strategy, and the importance of structured guidance through NDA coaching.
With increasing competition each year, many aspirants are now opting for professional NDA coaching to gain conceptual clarity, regular practice, and exam-oriented mentoring. Especially for students seeking defence coaching in Hyderabad, enrolling in a specialised NDA coaching programme can significantly improve performance in both the written examination and the SSB interview stages.
The application process begins on 10 December 2025, and the NDA 1 2026 exam will be held on 12 April 2026. Early and consistent preparation—supported by the right NDA coaching framework—is essential to clear the written examination and confidently progress to the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview stage.
NDA 1 2026 Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | NDA & NA Examination (I) 2026 |
| Conducting Body | UPSC |
| Total Vacancies | 394 |
| Mode of Exam | Pen & Paper (Offline) |
| Stages | Written Exam + SSB Interview |
NDA 1 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 10 December 2025 |
| Application Start Date | 10 December 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 30 December 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | Last week of March 2026 |
| Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
| Result Declaration | First week of May 2026 |
| SSB Interview | May – June 2026 |
NDA II 2026 Exam Schedule
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 20 May 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 9 June 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | Last week of August 2026 |
| Exam Date | 13 September 2026 |
| Result Declaration | September 2026 |
| SSB Interview | October 2026 |
NDA Eligibility Criteria 2026
Nationality
- Indian citizens
- Subjects of Nepal or Bhutan
- Persons of Indian origin migrated from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, or East African countries with intent to permanently settle in India
NDA Age Limit 2026
- NDA 1 2026: Born between 1 July 2007 – 1 July 2010
- NDA 2 2026: Born between 2 January 2008 – 1 July 2011
- Age range: 16.5 to 19.5 years
- Only unmarried male and female candidates are eligible
Educational Qualification
| Wing | Qualification |
|---|---|
| Army Wing | 12th Class pass (10+2 pattern) |
| Air Force & Naval Wings | 12th Class pass with Physics & Mathematics |
Physical Standards
Candidates must be physically and mentally fit as per NDA medical standards. Final selection depends on clearing:
- Written examination
- SSB interview
- Medical examination
NDA Exam Pattern 2026
| Paper | Duration | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 2.5 Hours | 300 |
| General Ability Test (GAT) | 2.5 Hours | 600 |
| Total (Written Exam) | — | 900 |
- Objective-type questions
- Mathematics paper in English
- GAT paper in English & Hindi
- Negative marking applicable (⅓ marks deducted per wrong answer)
NDA Syllabus 2026
| Paper | Duration | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 2.5 Hours | 300 |
| General Ability Test (GAT) | 2.5 Hours | 600 |
| Total (Written Exam) | — | 900 |
Mathematics Syllabus
- Algebra
- Trigonometry
- Differential & Integral Calculus
- Vector Algebra
- Matrices & Determinants
- Analytical Geometry
- Statistics & Probability
General Ability Test (GAT) Syllabus
English
- Grammar
- Vocabulary
- Comprehension
- Sentence formation
General Knowledge
- Physics
- Chemistry
- General Science
- History
- Geography
- Current Affairs
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NDA Preparation After 10th
Starting NDA preparation after Class 10 gives aspirants a significant advantage. It allows enough time to:
- Build strong conceptual clarity
- Improve speed & accuracy
- Prepare simultaneously for written exam and SSB
Preparation Tips
- Follow the official NDA syllabus strictly
- Create a daily study timetable
- Solve previous year question papers
- Attempt mock tests regularly
- Maintain physical fitness and discipline
NDA Previous Year Papers & Cut-Off
Solving previous year papers helps candidates understand:
- Exam difficulty level
- Question trends
- Time management
Previous year cut-off (approx.)
- Written Exam: 291 marks
- Minimum 20% in each subject
- Final selection: Around 654 marks
Why Choose Nation Defence Academy for NDA Coaching?
Selecting the right NDA institute plays a crucial role in success.
Benefits of Nation Defence Academy
- Experienced defence-oriented faculty
- Structured study material
- Regular mock tests & performance analysis
- Integrated SSB interview preparation
- Coaching for students after 10th & 12th
- Online & offline classes available
Nation Defence Academy focuses on holistic development, ensuring aspirants are prepared both academically and physically for a career in the Indian Armed Forces.
Conclusion
The NDA 1 2026 Notification offers a golden opportunity for young aspirants to serve the nation as officers in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. With a clear understanding of the eligibility criteria, syllabus, exam pattern, and preparation strategy, candidates can significantly improve their chances of success.
Early preparation, consistent practice, and guidance from a reputed institute like Nation Defence Academy can transform aspiration into achievement.
NDA 1 2026 Notification Out 394 Vacancies - FAQs Answered
What is the exam date for NDA 1 2026?
The NDA 1 2026 exam date is 12 April 2026, as announced by UPSC in the official notification.
What is the age limit for NDA 1 2026 eligibility?
The NDA 1 2026 age limit is 16.5 to 19.5 years, with candidates born between 1 July 2007 and 1 July 2010 eligible.
What is the syllabus for NDA 1 2026?
The NDA 1 2026 syllabus includes Mathematics and General Ability Test (English & General Knowledge) as prescribed by UPSC.
What is the exam pattern of NDA 1 2026?
The NDA exam pattern 2026 consists of two objective papers—Mathematics (300 marks) and GAT (600 marks) conducted in offline mode.
Why is NDA coaching important for NDA 1 2026 preparation?
NDA coaching provides structured preparation, mock tests, and SSB guidance, especially beneficial for aspirants opting for defence coaching in Hyderabad.
