Quick Answer — NDA 2 2026 at a glance
The UPSC NDA 2 2026 notification was released on 20 May 2026 for 394 vacancies (370 male, 24 female) in the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy (158th Course) and the Indian Naval Academy (120th INAC). Applications close on 9 June 2026, and the written exam is on 13 September 2026. Unmarried candidates born between 2 January 2008 and 1 January 2011 who have passed or are appearing in Class 12 are eligible. Selection is a written exam (900 marks) followed by the SSB Interview (900 marks) and a medical exam.
The NDA 2 2026 exam is the second and final National Defence Academy entry of the year and one of the most direct routes for Class 12 students to become commissioned officers in the Indian Armed Forces. This guide covers everything from the official notification details and eligibility to the full exam pattern, syllabus, the 5-day SSB Interview, officer salary, and a focused preparation plan from New Careers Academy (NCA) — India’s oldest defence coaching institute, established in 1967.
NDA 2 2026 Notification — Key Highlights
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) released the NDA & NA (II) 2026 notification on 20 May 2026. Here is the snapshot every aspirant needs.
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam name | NDA & NA (II) 2026 — NDA 158th Course / INAC 120th Course |
| Conducting body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Total vacancies | 394 (370 male + 24 female) |
| Notification date | 20 May 2026 |
| Application last date | 9 June 2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Written exam date | 13 September 2026 (Sunday) |
| Mode | Offline (pen & paper), centres across India |
| Written marks | 900 (Mathematics 300 + GAT 600) |
| SSB Interview marks | 900 |
| Official website | upsc.gov.in / upsconline.nic.in |
NDA 2 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification released | 20 May 2026 |
| Online application starts | 20 May 2026 |
| Application last date | 9 June 2026, 6:00 PM |
| Correction window | 10–16 June 2026 (as per UPSC) |
| Admit card release | Approx. 3 weeks before exam (early September 2026) |
| Written exam | 13 September 2026 |
| SSB Interview | December 2026 – January 2027 |
NDA 2 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Who can apply for NDA 2 2026? Unmarried male and female candidates born between 2 January 2008 and 1 January 2011 (age 16.5–19.5 years), who have passed or are appearing in Class 12 from a recognised board, are eligible. Candidates applying for the Air Force, Navy and Naval Academy must have Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics in Class 12.
Age Limit
Only unmarried candidates born not earlier than 2 January 2008 and not later than 1 January 2011 are eligible — an effective age band of 16.5 to 19.5 years at the time of course commencement.
Educational Qualification
For the Army Wing of the NDA: 12th class pass or appearing, in any stream from a recognised board. For the Air Force, Naval Wings and the 10+2 Cadet Entry at the Indian Naval Academy: 12th class pass with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.
Nationality
A candidate must be an unmarried citizen of India, or a subject of Nepal or Bhutan, or a Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1 January 1962, or a person of Indian origin who has migrated from specified countries with the intention of permanently settling in India.
Physical Standards
Candidates must meet the physical and medical standards prescribed for the NDA, including minimum height (generally 157 cm, with relaxations for specific regions) and the vision standards required for the chosen service. Final medical fitness is assessed after the SSB Interview.
NDA 2 2026 Exam Pattern
The NDA written examination consists of two papers conducted on the same day, carrying a combined 900 marks. For the full marking scheme, subject-wise weightage and a chapter-level breakdown, see our detailed NDA Exam Pattern 2026 guide and the complete NDA Syllabus 2026 breakdown. Wondering what score you need? See the NDA Cut Off 2026 & predictor.
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Questions | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Mathematics | 300 | 120 | 2.5 hours |
| Paper II | General Ability Test (GAT) | 600 | 150 | 2.5 hours |
| Total | Written exam | 900 | 270 | 5 hours |
Marking Scheme
In Mathematics, each correct answer earns 2.5 marks and 0.83 marks are deducted for each wrong answer. In the GAT, each correct answer earns 4 marks and 1.33 marks are deducted for each wrong answer. Unanswered questions carry no penalty, so intelligent question selection is critical.
How is an NDA candidate finally selected? The written exam carries 900 marks and the SSB Interview carries 900 marks, for a grand total of 1800 marks. Only candidates who clear the written cut-off are called for the 5-day SSB Interview, after which a medical examination decides final fitness before the merit list is published.
NDA 2 2026 Syllabus (Overview)
From 2026, the NDA syllabus is aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, emphasising conceptual understanding and analytical ability over rote learning.
Paper I — Mathematics (300 marks)
Algebra, Matrices and Determinants, Trigonometry, Analytical Geometry (2D & 3D), Differential Calculus, Integral Calculus and Differential Equations, Vector Algebra, and Statistics & Probability — broadly the Class 11 and 12 mathematics curriculum.
Paper II — General Ability Test (600 marks)
The GAT is split into two parts: Part A — English (200 marks) covering grammar, vocabulary, comprehension and cohesion; and Part B — General Knowledge (400 marks) covering Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, and Current Events. General Knowledge carries the highest weight within the GAT, so current affairs and science fundamentals are decisive.
NDA 2 2026 SSB Interview — The 5-Day Process
Clearing the written exam is only half the journey. The Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview is a rigorous 5-day assessment carrying 900 marks, conducted in two stages.
What happens in the NDA SSB Interview? The SSB runs over 5 days in two stages. Stage 1 (Screening) includes the Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) test and the Picture Perception & Discussion Test (PP&DT) — only those who clear Stage 1 continue. Stage 2 spans Psychological tests, Group Testing Officer (GTO) tasks, the Personal Interview, and the final Conference.
Stage 1 — Screening (Day 1)
The Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) test followed by the Picture Perception & Discussion Test (PP&DT). Candidates who do not clear screening are sent back the same day, which is why screening preparation is so important. Read NCA’s detailed SSB OIR Test Complete Guide to master this round.
Stage 2 — Days 2 to 5
Psychological Tests (Thematic Apperception Test, Word Association Test, Situation Reaction Test, Self-Description), GTO Tasks (Group Discussion, Group Planning Exercise, Progressive Group Task, Half Group Task, Command Task, Lecturette, Individual Obstacles, Final Group Task), the Personal Interview, and the Conference on the final day where the board takes its recommendation decision. Understanding the most common pitfalls early can make the difference — see Top SSB Rejection Reasons.
NDA Salary & Career Growth
NDA cadets receive a fixed monthly stipend during training, and a competitive officer pay scale on commissioning.
| Stage | Pay |
|---|---|
| During NDA training (3 years) | ₹56,100 per month (stipend) |
| On commissioning (Lieutenant, Level 10) | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 basic pay |
| In-hand (with allowances) | ₹75,000 – ₹90,000+ per month |
Beyond pay, officers receive Military Service Pay, Dearness Allowance, free medical care, subsidised accommodation, and a clear promotion ladder — making it one of India’s most respected and secure careers.
NDA 2 2026 Expected Cut Off
The NDA cut off is released by UPSC after the SSB results and varies each cycle with difficulty and vacancies. Based on recent trends, aspirants should target the following as a safe benchmark.
| Stage | Expected mark (out of) |
|---|---|
| Written cut off | ~340–360 / 900 |
| Final cut off (written + SSB) | ~700–720 / 1800 |
Note that there is also a sectional qualifying requirement — a candidate must score at least 25% in each paper (Mathematics and GAT) individually to be considered, regardless of total marks. This is why neglecting either paper is a common, avoidable cause of failure.
NDA 2 2026 Preparation Strategy — A Focused Plan
With the written exam on 13 September 2026, aspirants have roughly three months of focused preparation time. Here is a proven, structured approach.
1. Master the high-weight areas first
In Mathematics, prioritise Algebra, Calculus, Trigonometry and Coordinate Geometry — together they form the bulk of the paper. In the GAT, General Knowledge (400 marks) is the single largest scoring block, so build a daily current-affairs and general-science habit early.
2. Practise with full-length mocks
The five-hour written exam is as much a test of stamina and question selection as knowledge. Take full-length mock tests weekly, then analyse every mistake — especially the trade-off between attempting and skipping questions given the negative marking. For the exact weightage of every topic, study NCA’s complete NDA Exam Pattern & Syllabus 2026 breakdown.
3. Start SSB preparation in parallel
Most aspirants make the mistake of waiting for the written result before touching SSB preparation. Officer-Like Qualities (OLQs), spontaneity in the PP&DT, and structured responses in the Psychological tests take months to develop. Begin OIR practice and self-description work now using NCA’s SSB OIR Test Complete Guide, and learn the most common SSB rejection reasons so you can avoid them well in advance.
4. Build physical fitness and current affairs daily
Physical fitness is essential both for the SSB GTO ground tasks and the medical standards. Pair a daily fitness routine with 20 minutes of current affairs to cover two requirements at once.
NDA vs Other Defence Entries After Class 12
The NDA is not the only officer-entry route for Class 12 students. Understanding the alternatives helps you build a backup plan and apply to multiple entries in the same year.
| Entry | Eligibility | Selection |
|---|---|---|
| NDA (Army/Navy/Air Force) | Class 12 (PCM for Air/Navy) | UPSC written + SSB |
| Indian Navy 10+2 B.Tech | Class 12 PCM + JEE Main | JEE Main score + SSB |
| Army TES (Technical Entry Scheme) | Class 12 PCM + JEE Main | Shortlist + SSB |
If you have Physics, Chemistry and Maths and a strong JEE Main score, applying to the NDA alongside the technical entries widens your chances considerably. Compare the routes in detail with NCA’s NDA vs Navy 10+2 B.Tech Entry guide and read the latest Army TES-56 2026 notification.
How to Apply for NDA 2 2026 — Step by Step
- Visit the official portal — go to upsconline.nic.in and open the NDA & NA (II) 2026 application link.
- Register (Part I) — complete the One Time Registration (OTR) with your personal, educational and contact details.
- Fill the application (Part II) — select your service preference (Army/Navy/Air Force/Naval Academy), choose your exam centre, and upload a photo, signature and photo ID.
- Pay the fee — ₹100 for general/OBC candidates; SC/ST and eligible female candidates are exempt.
- Submit before the deadline — finalise and submit before 9 June 2026, 6:00 PM, and save the confirmation for your records.
Documents Required to Apply
Keep these ready before you start the form to avoid last-minute errors: a scanned passport-size photograph and signature (as per UPSC size specifications), a valid photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, Voter ID or Driving Licence), your Class 10 certificate for date-of-birth proof, and Class 12 mark sheet or admit card if you are still appearing. Candidates aiming at the Navy and technical entries should also keep their PCM marks handy — see the related Indian Navy 10+2 B.Tech Entry guide if you are applying to multiple schemes.
NDA 2 2026 Admit Card
UPSC releases the NDA admit card (e-admit card) approximately three weeks before the exam — expect it in early September 2026. Download it only from upsc.gov.in using your registration ID and date of birth, and carry a printed copy along with the same photo ID used in your application to the exam centre. No candidate is permitted to sit the exam without a valid admit card.
Why Choose New Careers Academy (NCA) for Your NDA & SSB Preparation
Founded in 1967, New Careers Academy is India’s oldest defence coaching institute, with a multi-decade track record of guiding students into the NDA, Indian Navy, Indian Army and Air Force. Our NDA + SSB programme is built around the exact selection structure described above.
- Written exam mastery — structured Mathematics and GAT coaching with NEP-2026-aligned material and regular full-length mock tests.
- SSB-focused training — dedicated modules for OIR, PP&DT, Psychological tests, GTO tasks and the Personal Interview, led by experienced assessors and ex-defence officers.
- Screening-round drilling — intensive practice on the Stage 1 screening that eliminates most candidates.
- Personalised feedback — individual performance tracking and personal-interview rehearsals.
- Proven mentorship — guidance from a faculty that has prepared thousands of successful defence aspirants since 1967.
Explore our full NDA Exam Pattern & Syllabus 2026 breakdown and our complete SSB preparation resources to start strong.
Frequently Asked Questions — NDA 2 2026
What is the last date to apply for NDA 2 2026?
The last date to submit the NDA 2 2026 online application is 9 June 2026 at 6:00 PM on upsconline.nic.in.
How many vacancies are there in NDA 2 2026?
There are 394 vacancies in total — 370 for male candidates and 24 for female candidates across the Army, Navy, Air Force and Naval Academy.
When is the NDA 2 2026 written exam?
The NDA 2 2026 written exam will be held on 13 September 2026 (Sunday) in offline mode.
What is the age limit for NDA 2 2026?
Only unmarried candidates born between 2 January 2008 and 1 January 2011 (about 16.5 to 19.5 years) are eligible to apply.
Can girls apply for NDA 2 2026?
Yes. Unmarried female candidates are eligible, with 24 vacancies reserved for women across the services in this cycle.
What is the NDA 2 2026 exam pattern?
Two papers: Mathematics (300 marks, 120 questions) and the General Ability Test (600 marks, 150 questions), for a total of 900 marks, each lasting 2.5 hours.
Is there negative marking in NDA?
Yes. In Mathematics, 0.83 marks are deducted per wrong answer; in the GAT, 1.33 marks are deducted. There is no penalty for unanswered questions.
What is the total marks for NDA selection?
The written exam carries 900 marks and the SSB Interview carries 900 marks, for a grand total of 1800 marks.
What is the NDA stipend during training?
NDA cadets receive a stipend of ₹56,100 per month during the three-year training period, with food, accommodation and uniforms provided.
Do I need Physics and Maths for NDA 2 2026?
For the Army Wing, any Class 12 stream is accepted. For the Air Force, Navy and Naval Academy, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics in Class 12 are mandatory.
Conclusion
The NDA 2 2026 exam is a direct, prestigious pathway for Class 12 students to earn a permanent commission as an officer in the Indian Armed Forces. With 394 vacancies, the written exam on 13 September 2026, and the SSB Interview following in December 2026–January 2027, focused and structured preparation starting now is what separates selected candidates from the rest. Whether your strength is the written paper or you need to crack the SSB screening, New Careers Academy — India’s oldest defence coaching institute since 1967 — is ready to guide you from application to allotment. Begin your NDA + SSB journey with NCA today.
Last updated: 8 June 2026. Sources: UPSC NDA & NA (II) 2026 official notification (upsc.gov.in). This article is for guidance; always verify exact dates and criteria from the official UPSC notification before applying.
