NDA 2 2026 Notification Out: 394 Vacancies for Class 12 Students, Apply Online by June 9 and Exam on September 13
Last Updated: May 28, 2026
The Union Public Service Commission released the NDA 2 2026 Notification on May 20, 2026. A total of 394 vacancies have been announced for admission to the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy for Army, Navy, Air Force, and Naval Academy wings. The online application window is open from May 20 to June 9, 2026, and the examination is scheduled for September 13, 2026. This recruitment is open to eligible unmarried male and female candidates who have passed or are appearing in Class 12.
NDA is one of the most prestigious entry routes into the Indian Armed Forces for young students completing their Class 12. If you are a student appearing or appearing in Class 12 and dream of serving the nation, this comprehensive guide covers everything from eligibility to preparation strategy for NDA 2 2026.
NDA 2 2026: Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | May 20, 2026 |
| Online Application Starts | May 20, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | June 9, 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | To be notified on upsc.gov.in |
| NDA 2 Written Exam Date | September 13, 2026 |
| SSB Interview | After written exam result |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in / upsconline.nic.in |
NDA 2 2026: Vacancy Distribution
| Wing | Vacancies (Male) | Vacancies (Female) |
|---|---|---|
| Army | 208 | 10 |
| Navy | 42 | 6 |
| Air Force (Flying) | 92 | 2 |
| Air Force (Ground Duties) | 18 | 4 |
| Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry) | 10 | 2 |
| Total | 370 | 24 |
NDA 2 2026: Eligibility Criteria
Nationality
Candidates must be citizens of India, subjects of Bhutan or Nepal, or Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) who have migrated from specified countries with the intention of permanently settling in India.
Age Limit
Candidates must be born between January 2, 2008 and January 1, 2011 (both dates inclusive). This means candidates who are currently in Class 11 or Class 12 in 2026 are eligible to apply.
Educational Qualification
- For Army Wing: Passed or appearing in Class 12 in any stream from a recognised board.
- For Navy and Air Force Wings: Passed or appearing in Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects from a recognised board.
Marital Status
Candidates must be unmarried at the time of application. This condition continues until the completion of training at NDA.
Physical Standards
Candidates must meet the physical and medical standards prescribed by the Indian Armed Forces. A medical examination is conducted after the written test and SSB interview. Key requirements include adequate height and weight proportionality, normal eyesight (correctable in some cases), and no serious medical conditions.
How to Apply for NDA 2 2026
Applications must be submitted online before June 9, 2026. Follow these steps:
- Visit the official UPSC online application portal at upsconline.nic.in.
- Register if you are a new user or log in with existing UPSC credentials.
- Select the NDA and NA Examination (II), 2026 link.
- Fill in personal, academic, and contact details accurately.
- Upload your photograph and signature in the prescribed format.
- Pay the application fee of Rs. 100 online. SC and ST candidates and sons of JCOs, NCOs, and ORs are exempted.
- Submit the form and download the confirmation page.
NDA 2 2026: Exam Pattern
The NDA written examination consists of two papers:
| Paper | Subject | Questions | Total Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Mathematics | 120 | 300 | 2.5 Hours |
| Paper 2 | General Ability Test (GAT) | 150 | 600 | 2.5 Hours |
| Total | 270 | 900 | 5 Hours |
There is negative marking of one-third of marks for each wrong answer. The GAT Paper 2 covers English (Part A, 200 marks) and General Knowledge (Part B, 400 marks) including Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, Current Events.
NDA 2 2026: SSB Interview
Candidates who clear the written examination are called for the Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview which carries 900 marks. The SSB is a five-day process held at designated SSB centres. It assesses the Officer Like Qualities (OLQs) of candidates through psychological tests, group tasks, personal interviews, and board interviews. The final merit list is based on written exam performance plus SSB marks plus medical fitness.
NDA 2026 Preparation Strategy for Class 12 Students
1. Master Class 11 and 12 Mathematics
Mathematics Paper 1 is where most candidates struggle. The NDA Maths syllabus covers Algebra, Matrices, Determinants, Trigonometry, Analytical Geometry, Differential Calculus, Integral Calculus, Differential Equations, Vector Algebra, Statistics, and Probability. Revise NCERT Class 11 and 12 Maths thoroughly. Practice at least 30 to 40 Maths problems daily.
2. Build a Strong Foundation in Physics and Chemistry
For candidates targeting the Navy and Air Force wings, Physics and Chemistry are crucial. The GAT paper tests Physics, Chemistry, and General Science at Class 10 and 12 level. NCERT books are the primary reference. Students who want to pursue the Air Force or Navy and are also considering engineering entrance examinations can benefit from integrated preparation at best IIT JEE coaching online from PlutusSTEM, as the syllabus overlap is significant.
3. English and General Knowledge for GAT
The English section in GAT covers grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing skills. Practice reading comprehension passages and grammar rules daily. For GK, focus on History, Geography, Indian Polity, current events, and basic science concepts. Read a national daily newspaper and follow current affairs regularly. Resources from TheHinduzone.com can be helpful for current affairs and editorial analysis.
4. Physical Fitness Training
The NDA training and the SSB process both require a high level of physical fitness. Begin a structured fitness routine that includes running (3 to 5 km daily), push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups, and overall stamina building. Physical fitness is not tested in the written exam but is critical for SSB performance and NDA training.
5. Attempt Previous Year NDA Papers
Solving previous year NDA question papers is one of the most effective ways to understand the exam pattern, identify high-frequency topics, and improve time management. Attempt full-length mock tests under timed conditions at least once a week. NDA previous year papers and study materials are available at examophobia.com.
6. Week-wise Study Plan (May to September 2026)
- June (Weeks 1 to 4): Complete full NCERT revision for Maths, Physics, Chemistry, and History Geography. Start English grammar daily practice.
- July (Weeks 5 to 8): Focus on Maths problem solving and GK covering current affairs from January to July 2026. Attempt 2 full mock tests per week.
- August (Weeks 9 to 12): Intensive mock test practice with analysis. Revise weak areas. Continue physical fitness training.
- September Week 1 to 2: Final revision of Maths formulas, GK facts, and English rules. Avoid studying new topics. Focus on confidence building.
Life at NDA: What to Expect
The National Defence Academy is located in Khadakwasla, Pune. Cadets spend three years at NDA and one year at the respective service academy (Indian Military Academy, Naval Academy, or Air Force Academy). The training is rigorous and comprehensive, covering academics, physical fitness, military training, and character development. Graduates are commissioned as Officers in the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force.
NDA is not just an exam but the beginning of a prestigious career in service to the nation. Students targeting NDA 2027 and NDA 2028 examinations should begin their preparation well in advance, focusing especially on Mathematics and General Science.
Conclusion
The NDA 2 2026 Notification is an excellent opportunity for Class 12 students and those who have just completed their board exams to pursue a career in the Indian Armed Forces. With 394 vacancies and the application window open until June 9, 2026, eligible candidates should apply without delay. Start preparation immediately, focusing on Mathematics and GAT. The exam on September 13, 2026 gives aspirants roughly three and a half months. Consistent effort, daily practice, and physical fitness training will help you qualify in the written test and excel in the SSB Interview. Begin your NDA journey today and work towards wearing the prestigious uniform of India’s Armed Forces.
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