Last Updated: June 2026 | Verified From: UPSC Official Website & Join Indian Army Portal | Verification Status: ✅ Verified
Quick Answer
NDA (National Defence Academy) is India’s premier joint defence training institution. The NDA exam is conducted twice a year by UPSC — NDA 1 and NDA 2. It is open to male and female candidates who have passed or are appearing in Class 12. Selected candidates join the Army, Navy, or Air Force wings of NDA at Khadakwasla, Pune, for a 3-year training programme followed by 1 year at respective service academies. NDA officers start with a basic pay of ₹56,100/month under Level 10 of the 7th Pay Commission.
AI Search Summary
What is NDA? The National Defence Academy is India’s tri-service academy where cadets from the Army, Navy, and Air Force train together before joining their respective service academies.
Who is eligible? Unmarried male and female Indian citizens who have passed or are appearing in Class 12 from a recognised board. Age must be between 16.5 and 19.5 years as of the date of commencement of the course.
How does it work? Written exam (UPSC) → SSB Interview (5 days) → Medical Examination → Merit List → Training at NDA Khadakwasla.
Why is it important? NDA is the earliest and most prestigious route to becoming a commissioned defence officer in India.
How to apply? Visit upsconline.nic.in when the notification is released (typically January for NDA 1, June for NDA 2) and apply online.
Introduction
If you dream of wearing olive green, navy white, or air force blue — the National Defence Academy (NDA) is where that journey begins.
The NDA exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and is one of the most competitive and prestigious defence entrance examinations in India. Every year, hundreds of thousands of young aspirants appear for the NDA exam, but only a few hundred earn the honour of joining India’s finest defence training institution at Khadakwasla, Pune.
This complete guide covers everything you need to know about NDA in 2026 — from eligibility and syllabus to the selection process, salary, physical standards, and the best preparation strategy. Whether you are in Class 11, Class 12, or preparing for your second attempt, this is your definitive reference.
What is NDA? – Overview
The National Defence Academy is the world’s first tri-service academy where cadets of the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force train together before joining their respective service academies for pre-commissioning training.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | National Defence Academy Examination |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Frequency | Twice a year (NDA 1 & NDA 2) |
| Mode | Offline (Pen & Paper) |
| Training Location | NDA Khadakwasla, Pune, Maharashtra |
| Duration of Training | 3 years at NDA + 1 year at service academy |
| Branches | Army, Navy, Air Force |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
NDA Eligibility Criteria 2026
Nationality
Candidates must be a citizen of India, or a subject of Bhutan or Nepal, or a Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962, or a person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, or East African countries with the intention of permanently settling in India.
Age Limit
Candidates must be between 16½ and 19½ years of age as of the first day of the month in which the course commences. For NDA 1 2026, candidates born between specific dates (as per official notification) are eligible. Always verify exact birth date cut-offs from the official UPSC notification.
Educational Qualification
| NDA Wing | Minimum Qualification |
|---|---|
| Army Wing | Class 12 (10+2) or equivalent from a recognised board |
| Navy Wing | Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics |
| Air Force Wing | Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics |
Candidates appearing in Class 12 are also eligible to apply. However, they must produce the qualifying certificate at the time of joining if selected.
Marital Status
Candidates must be unmarried at the time of application and must remain unmarried until the completion of training at the service academy.
NDA Exam Pattern 2026
The NDA written examination is conducted by UPSC and consists of two papers:
| Paper | Subject | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Mathematics | 300 | 2.5 hours |
| Paper II | General Ability Test (GAT) | 600 | 2.5 hours |
| Total Written | 900 | ||
| SSB Interview | Intelligence & Personality Test | 900 | 5 days |
| Grand Total | 1800 |
Negative Marking: Yes. 1/3rd of marks deducted for each wrong answer.
NDA Syllabus 2026
Paper I – Mathematics (300 marks)
- Algebra
- Matrices and Determinants
- Trigonometry
- Analytical Geometry of 2D and 3D
- Differential Calculus
- Integral Calculus and Differential Equations
- Vector Algebra
- Statistics and Probability
Paper II – General Ability Test (600 marks)
| Section | Topics | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English | Grammar, Vocabulary, Comprehension, Composition | 200 |
| General Knowledge | Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, Current Affairs | 400 |
NDA Selection Process 2026
The NDA selection process has three stages:
Stage 1 – UPSC Written Examination
Candidates appear for the 900-mark written exam at designated centres across India. UPSC releases a merit list of shortlisted candidates for the SSB interview based on written exam performance.
Stage 2 – SSB Interview (5 Days)
The Services Selection Board (SSB) interview is a comprehensive 5-day personality and intelligence assessment conducted at SSB centres in Allahabad, Bhopal, Bangalore, and Mysore.
| Day | Tests |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | OIR Test, PPDT (Screening) |
| Day 2 | Psychology Tests (TAT, WAT, SRT, SDT) |
| Day 3 & 4 | GTO Tasks (Group outdoor tasks) |
| Day 3 & 4 | Personal Interview |
| Day 5 | Conference |
Learn more about the SSB Interview Complete Guide and individual tests like OIR Test, PPDT, and GTO Tasks.
Stage 3 – Medical Examination
Candidates recommended by the SSB undergo a comprehensive medical examination conducted by the Armed Forces Medical Board. Only medically fit candidates are included in the final merit list.
NDA Physical Standards 2026
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Height (Army/Navy) | Minimum 157 cm |
| Height (Air Force – Pilot) | 162.5 cm to 196.85 cm |
| Weight | Proportionate to height and age |
| Chest | Minimum 5 cm expansion |
| Eyesight (Army) | 6/6 in better eye, 6/18 in worse eye (corrected) |
| Eyesight (Air Force – Flying) | 6/6 in each eye (uncorrected) |
For detailed physical and medical standards, read our NDA Physical Standards 2026 and NDA Medical Standards 2026 guides.
NDA Salary 2026 – Pay Scale & Allowances
NDA cadets do not receive a salary during training. However, they receive a stipend. After commissioning as officers, the pay structure is as follows under the 7th Pay Commission:
| Rank | Level | Basic Pay (₹/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Lieutenant | Level 10 | ₹56,100 |
| Captain | Level 10B | ₹61,300 |
| Major | Level 11 | ₹69,400 |
| Lieutenant Colonel | Level 12A | ₹1,21,200 |
| Colonel | Level 13 | ₹1,30,600 |
In addition to basic pay, officers receive Dearness Allowance, Military Service Pay (₹15,500/month), House Rent Allowance, Transport Allowance, and various other service-specific allowances. For a complete breakdown, read our NDA Salary 2026 guide.
NDA Preparation Strategy 2026
Mathematics Preparation
Mathematics carries 300 marks and is the differentiator in NDA written exam results. Focus on:
- NCERT Class 11 & 12 Mathematics — master every chapter thoroughly
- Previous year papers — solve the last 10 years of NDA Math papers
- Trigonometry and Calculus — highest weightage topics
- Daily practice — minimum 2 hours per day dedicated to Mathematics
GAT Preparation
- English: Read editorials daily, practice grammar exercises
- Physics & Chemistry: NCERT Class 11 & 12
- History & Geography: NCERT Class 6–12, standard reference books
- Current Affairs: Read one national newspaper daily, follow PIB and official defence websites
SSB Preparation
SSB preparation must run parallel to written exam preparation. Work on your personality, confidence, and Officer Like Qualities (OLQs) from day one. Read our detailed SSB Interview Complete Guide and the guide on Officer Like Qualities.
NDA Training Life at Khadakwasla
Life at NDA Khadakwasla is one of the most intense, transformative, and rewarding experiences a young Indian can have. Cadets follow a rigorous daily schedule that includes:
- Early morning physical training and drill
- Academic classes (graduation-level curriculum)
- Equestrian training, sailing, and adventure activities
- Wing-specific technical training
- Leadership exercises and extra-curricular activities
After 3 years at NDA, cadets proceed to the Indian Military Academy (IMA) Dehradun, Naval Academy Ezhimala, or Air Force Academy Hyderabad for their pre-commissioning training before being commissioned as officers. Learn about life at IMA Dehradun and life at AFA Hyderabad.
NDA vs CDS – Which is Better?
| Parameter | NDA | CDS |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Class 12 (10+2) | Graduate |
| Age | 16.5 – 19.5 years | 19 – 25 years (varies by entry) |
| Training Duration | 4 years (NDA + Service Academy) | 1–1.5 years |
| Career Start | Earlier commissioning via longer training | Later entry, shorter training |
| Best For | Class 12 students | Graduates & final year students |
For a detailed comparison, read our NDA vs CDS guide. For the CDS route, see our CDS Complete Guide 2026.
NDA Cut Off 2026 – What to Target?
While official 2026 cut offs will be published after results, historical data shows:
| Stage | Approximate Cut Off (Written) |
|---|---|
| Written Exam (for SSB call) | 320–360 out of 900 |
| Final Merit (Written + SSB) | 700–750 out of 1800 |
Note: Cut offs vary each year based on difficulty and vacancies. Always aim for 450+ in written to be safe. Full cut off analysis available in our NDA Cut Off 2026 article.
Best Books for NDA Preparation 2026
| Subject | Recommended Book |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | R.S. Aggarwal – Mathematics for NDA/NA |
| Mathematics | NCERT Class 11 & 12 Mathematics |
| English | Wren & Martin – High School English Grammar |
| General Knowledge | Manorama Year Book 2026 |
| Physics/Chemistry | NCERT Class 11 & 12 Science |
| Previous Papers | Arihant NDA/NA 10 Years Solved Papers |
See the full list in our Best Books for NDA Preparation 2026 guide.
Key Takeaways
- NDA is conducted twice a year by UPSC — apply as soon as you become eligible (Class 12 level)
- Both male and female candidates are eligible to apply
- Minimum Class 12 pass for Army Wing; Physics + Maths required for Navy and Air Force
- Total selection process: Written Exam → SSB → Medical → Merit List
- Starting salary after commissioning: ₹56,100/month + allowances
- Training: 3 years at NDA Khadakwasla + 1 year at service academy
- SSB preparation is as important as written exam preparation — start early
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can girls apply for NDA 2026?
Yes. Following the Supreme Court order in 2021, female candidates are now eligible to apply for NDA. They are eligible for all three wings — Army, Navy, and Air Force.
What is the minimum height for NDA?
The minimum height for NDA Army and Navy wings is 157 cm. For Air Force Flying branch, the height requirement is between 162.5 cm and 196.85 cm (with leg length between 99 cm and 120 cm).
How many attempts are allowed for NDA?
There is no fixed limit on the number of NDA attempts. However, since the age limit is 16.5 to 19.5 years, most candidates get 4–6 attempts between Class 11 and the age cut-off.
What happens after clearing NDA?
After clearing the NDA written exam, shortlisted candidates are called for SSB interview. Those recommended by SSB undergo a medical examination. Medically fit candidates are added to the final merit list and offered joining at NDA Khadakwasla.
Is NDA better than CDS?
NDA is the entry route for Class 12 students, while CDS is for graduates. NDA offers a longer and more immersive training experience. CDS is better for those who complete graduation first. Both lead to commissioning as officers. Read the full NDA vs CDS comparison.
What is the stipend during NDA training?
NDA cadets receive a stipend of approximately ₹56,100/month during training (subject to revision). They also get accommodation, food, uniform, and other facilities at no cost.
How many vacancies are there in NDA 2026?
NDA vacancies vary by notification. Typically, around 400 total vacancies are announced across Army, Navy, and Air Force wings per notification. Always verify exact vacancies from the official UPSC notification at upsc.gov.in.
Can I apply for NDA if I have spectacles?
It depends on the wing. For the Army wing, corrected vision of 6/6 in the better eye is acceptable. For the Air Force Flying branch, uncorrected vision of 6/6 in each eye is required. For Navy, specific vision standards apply. Consult the official medical standards for your wing.
Conclusion
The NDA exam is more than an entrance test — it is the beginning of a lifelong journey in service to the nation. With the right preparation strategy, consistent effort, and a warrior’s mindset, cracking NDA is absolutely achievable.
Start your NDA preparation today. Study the syllabus, solve previous year papers, work on your physical fitness, and develop the Officer Like Qualities that the SSB assessors look for.
Defence Dreamers Academy is here to guide you every step of the way — from your first day of preparation to the day you wear your uniform.
Call to Action
🎯 Start your NDA journey today. Explore our complete resource library:
- 📘 NDA Syllabus 2026 – Complete Breakdown
- 📋 NDA Preparation Strategy 2026
- 🎖️ SSB Interview Complete Guide
- 💰 NDA Salary & Allowances 2026
- 🏥 NDA Medical Standards 2026
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