The NDA Exam Date 2026 is one of the most searched queries by defence aspirants in India — and for good reason. Missing an exam date or application deadline means waiting 6 more months for the next cycle. This page gives you the complete NDA 2026 exam schedule, important deadlines, admit card dates, and result timelines — all in one place.
NDA 2026 Exam Date — Full Schedule at a Glance
| Event | NDA & NA Exam I 2026 | NDA & NA Exam II 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Official Notification | January 2026 | May–June 2026 |
| Application Window Opens | January 2026 | May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | February 2026 | June 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | February 2026 | June–July 2026 |
| Admit Card / e-Admit Card | March 2026 | August 2026 |
| NDA Written Exam Date | April 2026 | September 2026 |
| Written Exam Result | June–July 2026 | November 2026 |
| SSB Interview Dates | July–October 2026 | January–April 2027 |
| Medical Examination | Post SSB clearing | Post SSB clearing |
| Final Merit List | November–December 2026 | May–June 2027 |
⚠️ These dates are based on historical UPSC patterns. The official NDA 2026 exam dates will be confirmed in the UPSC Annual Calendar released at upsc.gov.in. This page will be updated immediately upon official confirmation.
NDA Admit Card 2026 — How to Download
UPSC releases NDA admit cards (e-Admit Cards) approximately 3 weeks before the exam date. You cannot appear for the exam without a valid admit card. Here is how to download yours:
- Go to upsconline.nic.in
- Click on “e-Admit Card” in the menu
- Select “National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination”
- Enter your Registration ID and Date of Birth
- Download and print the admit card (carry a colour printout on exam day)
Important: Carry the admit card along with a valid photo ID (Aadhaar, Passport, or Driving Licence) to the exam centre. No candidate is allowed inside the hall without both documents.
NDA 2026 Exam Cities — Where Can You Appear?
UPSC conducts the NDA exam at exam centres across India. Candidates can choose their preferred city while filling the application form. Major exam cities include:
- Delhi (multiple centres)
- Mumbai
- Kolkata
- Chennai
- Bengaluru
- Hyderabad
- Lucknow
- Pune
- Jaipur
- Chandigarh
- Bhopal
- Patna
- Dehradun
- Allahabad / Prayagraj
The full list of exam centres is published in the official UPSC notification. Candidates are advised to choose a city where they reside or can comfortably travel to on exam day — exam centre changes after submission are rarely permitted.
NDA Exam Timing — What Happens on Exam Day
| Session | Paper | Time | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning Session | Paper I — Mathematics | 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM | 300 |
| Afternoon Session | Paper II — General Ability Test | 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM | 600 |
Both papers are objective-type (MCQ). Candidates must reach the exam centre at least 30 minutes before the start time. Entry is not permitted after the gate is closed.
NDA 2026 Result Date — What Happens After the Exam
After the written exam, UPSC typically takes 2–3 months to declare results. Here is the full post-exam timeline:
- Written Exam Result (2–3 months after exam): Candidates who clear the minimum cutoff in both papers are shortlisted for SSB interview. The cutoff varies each cycle based on difficulty and vacancies.
- SSB Interview Call Letter (1–2 weeks after result): Shortlisted candidates receive SSB interview dates and reporting centre details via email/SMS and on the UPSC website.
- SSB Interview (5 days): Conducted at Services Selection Boards in cities like Allahabad, Bhopal, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Mysuru, Varanasi, Landour, Coimbatore, Visakhapatnam. Read the complete SSB Interview process guide.
- Medical Examination: Candidates recommended by SSB undergo a comprehensive medical examination at a Military Hospital.
- Final Merit List: UPSC releases the final merit list based on written exam + SSB marks. Candidates are allocated to Army, Navy, or Air Force wing based on preference and merit.
How Many Days to Prepare for NDA 2026 Exam?
The answer depends on your current level. Here is NCA’s recommended preparation timeline:
| Current Status | Recommended Prep Time | Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Class 11 student | 12–18 months | Enrol in NDA Foundation course — covers Class 11–12 syllabus alongside NDA prep |
| Class 12 appearing (PCM) | 6–10 months | Focused coaching with mock tests; boards and NDA prep run parallel |
| Class 12 passed, first attempt | 4–6 months | Intensive daily coaching with full-length tests every week |
| Re-attempting NDA | 3–4 months | Gap analysis from previous attempt + targeted revision |
India’s oldest NDA coaching institute — NCA (est. 1967) — offers batches tailored to each of these profiles. Contact us to find the right batch for your timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions — NDA Exam Date 2026
What is the NDA exam date for 2026?
Based on historical UPSC patterns, NDA I 2026 is expected in April 2026 and NDA II 2026 in September 2026. Official dates will be announced in the UPSC notification. Bookmark this page for real-time updates.
How many times is NDA conducted in a year?
UPSC conducts the NDA exam twice a year — NDA I (April/May) and NDA II (September). Each cycle offers approximately 390 vacancies, totalling around 780 vacancies per year.
Is there a gap between NDA I and NDA II result?
Yes. NDA I written result typically comes 2–3 months after the exam (June–July), while NDA II result comes around November. The SSB process for both cycles extends across the following months.
Can I apply for both NDA I and NDA II in the same year?
Yes, provided you meet the age eligibility for both exam cycles. Many aspirants apply for NDA I and, if unsuccessful, apply again for NDA II in the same year — giving them two chances annually.
What to do if I miss the NDA application deadline?
Once the last date passes, UPSC does not accept late applications under any circumstances. If you miss NDA I 2026’s deadline, apply for NDA II 2026 — provided you still meet the age criteria. Use the waiting period to prepare even more thoroughly.
Planning ahead is the hallmark of a defence officer — and the best plan is to start your preparation now, before the notification even drops. Join NCA’s NDA 2026 coaching batch and stay 6 months ahead of the competition.
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