UPSC NDA & NA (I): Exam Date, Notification & Latest Update
Last Updated: Aug 14, 2026
Current stage (2027): Exam date announced
The UPSC has announced the exam date for NDA & NA II 2026. Candidates should check the official schedule on upsc.gov.in.
UPSC NDA & NA (I) — Key Dates
| Stage | 2027 |
|---|---|
| Notification | 2 Dec 2026 |
| Apply by | 22 Dec 2026 |
| Prelims | 11 Apr 2027 (written) |
| Mains | — |
| Interview / Final | SSB interview after result |
| Fee | Rs 100 (Gen); SC/ST exempt |
Official website: https://upsc.gov.in
UPSC NDA & NA (I) 2027: Who Should Apply, What It Offers, and How It Compares
The National Defence Academy & Naval Academy (NDA & NA) Examination is one of India’s most prestigious entry points into uniformed service. For school-leavers who are certain they want a career in the armed forces, it offers a unique blend of academic rigour, physical training and leadership development. This briefing is for students and parents deciding whether this path fits their aspirations, and for those weighing it against other competitive examinations.
What the exam is and who runs it
Conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), the NDA & NA Examination recruits young men for permanent commissions in the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. The Naval Academy wing is male-only. Successful candidates undergo three years of training at the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, followed by a year at their respective service academies (IMA for Army, INA for Navy, AFA for Air Force). Graduates are commissioned as officers in their chosen service.
Vacancies and competition
The number of vacancies for NDA & NA (I) 2027 is published in the official notification on upsc.gov.in. Historically, the Army wing accounts for the largest share of vacancies, followed by the Navy and Air Force. The Naval Academy vacancies are exclusively for male candidates. The competition is intense: the ratio of applicants to final selections is typically around 1:100 to 1:150, meaning only one in every hundred applicants ultimately secures a seat.
Eligibility: who can sit the exam
The eligibility criteria—age limits, educational qualifications and nationality—are specified in the official notification. Candidates must verify their eligibility before applying, as discrepancies discovered later can lead to disqualification. The notification also lists relaxations for reserved categories.
Career path and posting realities
After three years at NDA and one year at the respective service academy, officers are commissioned into their units. Army officers serve in infantry, armoured, artillery or support arms; Navy officers serve on ships, submarines or shore establishments; Air Force officers fly fighter, transport or helicopter squadrons. Postings are governed by service needs and can involve frequent transfers, long sea duties or operational deployments. The career progression is structured: from Lieutenant to Colonel (Army), Lieutenant to Commander (Navy), or Flying Officer to Wing Commander (Air Force), with opportunities for higher technical, staff or command appointments.
How it compares with other exams
Unlike the Civil Services Examination, which recruits generalist administrators, NDA & NA recruits specialist officers destined for command roles. The academic load is heavier in Mathematics and Science, and the physical standards are stricter. Compared with engineering or medical entrance exams, NDA & NA demands broader humanities knowledge alongside technical subjects. Compared with the CDS exam (which is for graduates), NDA & NA is open to 12th-pass students, making it a unique early-career option.
Stages of the exam
Stage 1 – Written Prelims
Prelims is a single-day, objective-type test with two papers: Mathematics (300 marks, 2.5 hours) and General Ability Test (GAT, 600 marks, 2.5 hours). Mathematics covers algebra, trigonometry, calculus and statistics; GAT spans English, General Knowledge, Physics, Chemistry, General Science, Geography, History and Current Affairs. The prelims cut-off is set by UPSC and varies each year.
Stage 3 – SSB Interview
Candidates who clear prelims are called for a five-day SSB assessment at one of the selection centres. The board evaluates Officer Like Qualities through intelligence tests, picture perception, psychological tests, group discussions, outdoor tasks and a personal interview. The process is designed to identify leadership potential, teamwork and mental resilience rather than academic knowledge alone.
Syllabus overview
The syllabus is based on school-level NCERT textbooks in Mathematics, Science and Social Science, with an added emphasis on current events. English tests comprehension and précis writing; GK tests breadth across physics, chemistry, history, geography and national/international affairs.
| Stage | Papers | Marks | Duration | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prelims | Mathematics | 300 | 2.5 hours | Objective MCQ |
| General Ability Test | 600 | 2.5 hours | Objective MCQ |
Quick orientation: preparation and next steps
For those considering NDA & NA, start by downloading the official syllabus and past-year question papers from upsc.gov.in. Assess your current level in Mathematics and English; if your fundamentals are weak, consider a structured 10th–12th bridge course. Begin reading a national newspaper daily and maintain a monthly current affairs log. For SSB readiness, familiarise yourself with the OLQ framework and practise group discussions with peers. If you are also preparing for JEE or NEET, balance your schedule so that neither suffers. For updates on exam dates and pattern changes, follow exam updates on OurEducation.
Should you apply?
Apply if you are a male school-leaver committed to a career in uniformed service, willing to accept strict discipline, frequent postings and operational hazards. Do not apply if you seek a civilian career or if you are unwilling to undergo rigorous physical and mental training. Compare the commitment with your other options—engineering, medicine, law—and choose the path that aligns with your long-term goals.
Last updated 14 August 2026. Dates change — always confirm on the official commission website before acting on them.
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