NDA 1 2026 Notification Out: Eligibility, Exam Dates, and Application Link

The UPSC has officially released the NDA 1 2026 Notification, opening doors for students aspiring to serve in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The National Defence Academy (NDA) examination is a premier entrance test conducted biannually by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). It offers a unique pathway for young candidates to embark on a distinguished defence career immediately after passing their 12th-grade examinations. This article serves as a comprehensive resource for aspirants to understand exam schedules, eligibility standards, age limits, syllabus structure, and the online registration process.

NDA 1 Notification 2026 Out

The application window for NDA 1 opened on December 10, 2025, with the written examination scheduled for April 12, 2026. Given the highly competitive nature of this exam, early and strategic preparation is essential to master both academic subjects and SSB interview requirements. Success in the written test is the gateway to the Service Selection Board (SSB) interview process. Stay updated with this guide for all crucial exam dates, eligibility prerequisites, and the direct application link.

Download the Official NDA 1 2026 Notification PDF

Check Official UPSC Calendar 2026 

NDA 1 2026: Important Exam Highlights

Understanding core exam details is vital for streamlining your preparation and ensuring all necessary documentation is in place. Review the table below for a structured summary of the selection process and essential requirements.

NDA 1 Exam 2026: Important Dates

UPSC has officially published the NDA 1 2026 exam dates via the UPSC Calendar 2026. The notification was released on December 10, 2025. Candidates should bookmark this page and keep track of key deadlines to ensure a smooth application process.

The application fee for general category candidates is Rs. 100. SC/ST candidates, female applicants, and wards of JCOs/NCOs/ORs are exempt from payment.

Online applications must be submitted by 6:00 PM on December 30, 2025.
E-admit cards will be issued one week prior to the examination date and can be downloaded exclusively from the official portal: https://upsconline.nic.in
Please note that no admit cards will be dispatched via post or email.

NDA 1 Exam Eligibility Criteria 2026

Eligibility criteria are paramount for NDA aspirants, as the UPSC conducts rigorous document verification during the selection cycle. Requirements cover nationality, age, education, marital status, and physical standards. These criteria ensure that only candidates who meet the disciplinary, academic, and fitness benchmarks proceed to training.

Nationality

Candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Citizens of India, OR
• Subjects of Nepal, OR
• Persons of Indian origin who have migrated from countries such as Burma, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, or certain East African nations with the intention of settling permanently in India.

Age Limit

• NDA 1 2026: Born between 2 July 2007 and 1 July 2010
• NDA 2 2026: Born between 2 January 2008 and 1 July 2011
• Acceptable age range: 16.5 to 19.5 years
• Only unmarried male and female candidates can apply.

Educational Qualification

• Army Wing: Passed Class 12
• Air Force & Naval Wings: Passed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics
• Students appearing in Class 12 may also apply.

Physical Fitness Standards

• Candidates must meet medical and fitness standards set by the armed forces. After clearing the written exam, physical tests and medical examinations will be conducted during the SSB interview process.

NDA 1 Exam Syllabus 2026

A deep understanding of the syllabus is crucial for structured exam preparation. The NDA exam comprises two major sections: Mathematics and the General Ability Test (GAT). A strong performance in these sections is mandatory to qualify for the subsequent SSB interview stage.

NDA 1 Exam Pattern 2026

The NDA 1 examination is conducted in an offline format, consisting of objective-type questions in Mathematics and GAT, with a penalty for incorrect answers. Upon qualifying the written test, candidates advance to the SSB interview, which carries significant weight in the final selection process.

Download NDA Previous Year Question Papers Here

How to Apply for NDA 1 Exam 2026?

All NDA applications must be submitted online via the official UPSC portal, upsconline.gov.in. Candidates must first complete the One-Time Registration (OTR), which creates a lifetime profile for UPSC examinations. Once registered, candidates can log in to submit their NDA application. Ensure that all personal, academic, and identification details match your official documents perfectly to avoid rejection. Before submitting, review all information carefully. If you have already completed your OTR, you may proceed directly to the application form submission.

Steps to Apply for NDA 2026:

1. Visit the official UPSC website.

2. Access the OTR registration link.

3. Complete your OTR profile.

4. Log in and select the NDA application form.

5. Provide accurate personal and academic information.

6. Upload scanned images of your photograph and signature.

7. Pay the examination fee, if applicable.

8. Finalize the submission and save a printed copy for your records.

NDA 1 2026 Application Correction Window

UPSC provides a seven-day correction window for candidates to rectify any inaccuracies in their submitted application details.

• NDA 1 Correction: Second week of January 2026
• NDA 2 Correction: Second week of June 2026

All corrections must be made through the official portal using your credentials. No changes will be entertained after the window expires.