NDA Exam Date 2026: Official Schedule for NDA 1 and NDA 2 Released

The National Defence Academy (NDA) remains the most prestigious gateway for students aspiring to serve as commissioned officers in the Indian Armed Forces. As we move into the 2026 academic cycle, understanding the NDA Exam Course Exam Date 2026 is crucial for candidates who need to align their 10+2 education with the specific requirements of the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings.

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the schedule, with NDA 1 scheduled for April 12, 2026, and NDA 2 for September 13, 2026. However, beyond the dates, the real challenge lies in mastering the academic streams and the intensive 2026 syllabus.

Official NDA Exam Date 2026 Academic Timeline

Before diving into the course specifics, ensure you have these critical dates in your planner:

Event	NDA 1 2026	NDA 2 2026
Notification Release	December 10, 2025	May 20, 2026
Last Date to Apply	December 30, 2025	June 9, 2026
Admit Card Release	March 2026	August 2026
Written Exam Date	April 12, 2026	September 13, 2026

NDA Exam Course Details 2026: Stream-Wise Eligibility

The NDA offers different academic paths based on the wing you choose. In 2026, the eligibility criteria emphasize specific subject combinations at the 10+2 level.

1. Army Wing Course

The Army Wing is the most flexible regarding academic backgrounds.

• Educational Requirement: Passed or appearing in Class 12 (10+2 pattern) from any recognized board.

• Stream Eligibility: Students from Arts, Commerce, or Science streams are all eligible to apply.

• Focus: While the entrance exam includes Mathematics, the course itself focuses on diversified leadership and military science.

2. Air Force and Naval Wings

These wings require a technical foundation due to the nature of modern warfare and aviation.

• Educational Requirement: Class 12 pass with Physics and Mathematics.

• Stream Eligibility: Only Science stream students (PCM) are eligible.

• 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme: This specific course at the Indian Naval Academy also mandates Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level.

Note: If you are interested in technical agricultural advancements or biological sciences as a fallback, you might want to check out the B.Sc Agriculture Syllabus 2026 to see how it compares to the NDA's technical rigor.

NDA 2026 Syllabus and Subject Breakdown

The NDA Exam Course Details 2026 written examination consists of two primary papers. Both are objective-type and conducted offline.

Paper I: Mathematics (300 Marks)

This paper tests your proficiency in 10+2 level mathematics. Key topics for 2026 include:

• Algebra: Complex numbers, Venn diagrams, and Logarithms.

• Calculus: Differential and Integral calculus (high weightage).

• Trigonometry: Identities and Inverse functions.

• Statistics & Probability: Data analysis and probability distributions.

Paper II: General Ability Test (GAT) (600 Marks)

The GAT is divided into two parts:

1. Part A (English): Tests grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension (200 marks).

2. Part B (General Knowledge): Covers Physics, Chemistry, General Science, Social Studies, and Current Affairs (400 marks).

The 10+2 B.Tech Cadet Entry Scheme (July 2026)

For students specifically looking for an engineering degree while serving, the Indian Navy offers the 10+2 (B.Tech) Cadet Entry Scheme.

• Course Commencement: July 2026.

• Requirement: Minimum 70% aggregate in PCM in Class 12 and 50% in English.

• Selection: Based on JEE Main 2025 CRL ranks followed by an SSB interview.

• Degree: Cadets earn a B.Tech degree from JNU upon completion.

Training and Degree Awarded

Once you clear the written exam and the 5-day SSB Interview, you join the academy for a 3-year foundational course.

• Army Cadets: Receive a B.A. or B.Sc. degree.

• Navy/Air Force Cadets: Receive a B.Sc. or B.Tech degree.

• Location: Khadakwasla, Pune.

After three years at NDA, cadets move to their respective service academies (IMA, INA, or AFA) for one year of specialized training before being commissioned as Lieutenants or equivalent ranks.

FAQs on NDA Exam Course Details 2026

Q1. Can Arts students apply for the NDA Exam Course Details 2026?  

Yes, Arts students can apply, but only for the Army Wing. The Navy and Air Force wings require Physics and Mathematics in Class 12.

Q2. What is the age limit for NDA 2026? 

Candidates must generally be between 16.5 and 19.5 years old. For NDA 1 2026, the birth date should fall between July 2, 2007, and July 1, 2010.

Q3. Is there a negative marking in the NDA 2026 exam? 

Yes, 0.33 marks are deducted for every wrong answer in both the Mathematics and GAT papers.

Q4. Are female candidates eligible for all wings in 2026?

Yes, female candidates are eligible for the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings, including the Naval Academy's 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme.

Conclusion

The NDA Exam Course Details 2026 highlight a rigorous selection process that values both academic excellence and physical fitness. Whether you are aiming for the high-flying Air Force or the steadfast Army, your preparation must start with a deep understanding of your chosen stream's requirements.

If you are currently evaluating your options for 2026 and are interested in other professional science streams, don't miss the latest guide on whether Is B.Sc Agriculture Worth It in 2026? which explores course details and academic scope for the upcoming year.