NDA 2026 Exam Guide — Army, Navy & Air Force

NDA (National Defence Academy) is one of India's most prestigious institutions — the joint academy where officers for the Army, Navy, and Air Force receive their training. Clearing NDA opens the door to a highly respected military career.

Conducting Body: UPSC (Union Public Service Commission)
Exam cycle: Twice a year — NDA I (April) and NDA II (September)
Expected 2026: NDA I notification: January 2026; NDA II: July 2026

NDA 2026 — Eligibility

NDA Selection — 4 Stages

1. Written Exam (UPSC) — Math + GAT
2. SSB Interview (5-day process at Service Selection Board)
3. Medical Examination
4. Merit List (written + SSB marks combined)

Written Exam Pattern

• Negative marking: 1/3 per wrong answer
• Medium: English / Hindi

Mathematics — Syllabus

(Class 11–12 level Mathematics)

• Algebra, Matrices and Determinants
• Trigonometry (very important — 20–25% of Maths paper)
• Analytical Geometry (2D and 3D)
• Differential Calculus, Integral Calculus
• Differential Equations
• Vector Algebra
• Statistics and Probability

GAT (General Ability Test) — Syllabus

English (200 marks): Grammar, Vocabulary, Reading Comprehension, Fill in the blanks, Error detection

Physics: Laws of Motion, Optics, Electricity, Magnetism, Thermodynamics, Waves, Modern Physics

Chemistry: Chemical Reactions, Metals-Nonmetals, Carbon compounds, Periodic Table, Acids-Bases-Salts

General Knowledge: Indian History + Freedom Movement, Indian Geography, Indian Polity (Constitution), Indian Economy, Current Affairs + Science & Technology

SSB Interview (Services Selection Board) — 5 Days

If you clear the written exam (screening cutoff), you're called for SSB:

Day 1: Stage 1 Screening

• OIR (Officer Intelligence Rating) test (verbal + nonverbal reasoning)
• Picture Perception & Discussion Test (PPDT)
• Screened OUT or IN at end of Day 1

Days 2–4: Stage 2 (for those who clear Stage 1)

• Psychology tests: TAT (Thematic Apperception Test), WAT (Word Association Test), SRT (Situation Reaction Test), Self Description
• Group Testing Officer (GTO) tasks: Group Discussion, Group Planning, Progressive Group Task, Individual Obstacles, Command Task
• Personal Interview with IO (Interviewing Officer)

Day 5: Conference

• Board discusses your assessment across all days
• "Recommended" or "Not Recommended" announced

SSB Pass rate: Approximately 5–10% of those who appear at SSB. Very demanding — personality, leadership, and officer-like qualities assessed.

NDA Training After Selection

Training at NDA, Khadakwasla, Pune:

• 3-year training program
• B.Sc./B.A. degree from JNU upon completion
• After NDA: Army goes to IMA Dehradun, Navy to NNS Vizag, Air Force to AFAC Hyderabad for further 1-year training

NDA Salary After Graduation

On joining as Lieutenant (Army) / Sub-Lieutenant (Navy) / Flying Officer (Air Force):

Career growth: Captain (2 years) → Major (6 years) → Lt. Colonel (13 years) → Colonel (16 years) → Brigadier → Major General.

Additional: Free housing (mess/quarter), ration allowance, uniform allowance, medical for self + family, 60 days annual leave, Canteen Stores Department access.

Expected Cut-Off 2025 (Reference)

SSB recommendation rate varies. Even with 400+ score: Need good SSB performance.

Preparation Strategy

12-Month Plan:

Months 1–3: Mathematics Foundation

• NCERT 11th + 12th Mathematics — complete
• Focus: Trigonometry (20% of maths paper), Calculus
• Practice: 30 maths problems daily

Months 4–6: Physics + Chemistry + English

• NCERT Physics 11th + 12th (100% of NDA Physics syllabus)
• NCERT Chemistry 11th + 12th
• English: Grammar (Wren & Martin) + daily editorial reading

Months 7–9: GK + Current Affairs

• Indian History: NCERT 6th–12th Modern History
• Indian Polity: Laxmikant (basic chapters)
• Geography: NCERT 9th–10th
• Current Affairs: 6 months — newspaper / GKToday

Months 10–12: Mocks + SSB Prep

• 2 NDA full mocks per week (Testbook, Oliveboard)
• SSB preparation: Read Naik's SSB Book, practice TAT stories
• Physical fitness: 1.6 km in 7 minutes, push-ups 40+, pull-ups 8+

Best Resources:

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I appear for NDA while in Class 12? Yes — appearing candidates (in Class 12 at time of notification) are eligible. You must complete Class 12 before joining the academy. If not selected in first attempt, you can try multiple times until you exceed the age limit.

NDA age limit: If I turn 19.5 before the exam — am I disqualified? Age limit is based on the date of commencement of the NDA course (not the exam date). Check exact cutoff dates in the official notification carefully.

I have PCM in 12th — can I join Army or only Air Force/Navy? PCM holders can join Army, Navy, OR Air Force. Non-PCM (e.g., Arts/Commerce) can only join Army. PCM opens more options — maximize your chances.

Is NDA worth it over IIT/Engineering colleges? Different life paths. NDA: Military career, leadership, adventure, service + excellent salary + early financial independence. IIT: Corporate tech career, higher earning potential after 10 years. Both are exceptional — choose based on what inspires you. NDA offers something no corporate job does: Service and leadership at the national level.

SSB failure — how many times can I appear for SSB? If you qualify the written exam: Called for SSB as many times as you qualify. Some candidates qualify written exam 3–4 times before cracking SSB. Each SSB attempt counts independently. Work on your OLQ (Officer Like Qualities) between attempts.