UPSC NDA & NA (I): Exam Date, Notification & Latest Update
Last Updated: Sep 15, 2026
Current stage (2027): Admit card released
The UPSC NDA 2 Admit Card for 2026 has been released. Candidates can download it using the direct link provided in the official notification.
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
Who Should Sit the NDA & NA (I) 2027 Exam
The National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination is designed for young Indians who have just completed—or are about to complete—their 10+2 level education and wish to join the defence forces as officers. Unlike the CDS exam, which recruits graduates, the NDA route is open only to school-leavers, making it one of the few entry points into the armed forces that does not require a degree. Candidates who are still in Class 12 should apply only if they are certain they will pass the qualifying examination before the course commencement date stated in the notification.
What the Job Actually Looks Like
Training Path
Successful candidates enter the National Defence Academy at Khadakwasla for a three-year integrated programme that combines academic degrees (B.Sc./B.A./B.Tech depending on stream) with military, naval and air-force training. After the NDA phase, Army cadets proceed to the Indian Military Academy, Navy cadets to the Indian Naval Academy and Air Force cadets to the Air Force Academy for one year of specialised training before commissioning as officers.
Posting Realities
Army officers can expect postings across India and abroad in peacekeeping missions; Navy officers serve on ships, submarines and shore establishments; Air Force officers fly fighter, transport or helicopter squadrons. Early postings are often in field areas or remote locations, and officers must be prepared for frequent transfers and long deployments. The lifestyle is disciplined, with strict adherence to rules and a culture of merit-based promotions.
Vacancies and Competition: The Hard Numbers
UPSC publishes the exact number of vacancies for each academy—Army, Navy and Air Force—only in the official notification. In recent years the Army has advertised around 200–250 vacancies, the Navy around 50–60 and the Air Force around 30–40, with a small number of seats reserved for female candidates. The ratio of applicants to vacancies is therefore extremely high, often exceeding 400 applicants for each available seat. Because the written prelims act as the first major filter, candidates should treat the cut-off as the real starting line rather than the finishing post.
Eligibility: Age, Education and Nationality
The eligibility criteria—age bracket, educational qualification and nationality—are set out in the official notification and can change only marginally from cycle to cycle. Candidates who rely on last year’s rules risk disqualification; always check the current notification before submitting an application. The minimum age is typically 16½ years and the maximum 19½ years on the first day of the month in which the course is due to commence, with relaxations for reserved categories as notified.
Exam Stages: What Happens and When
Stage 1 – Written Prelims
The first hurdle is a single objective-type paper divided into two sections—Mathematics (300 marks) and General Ability Test (450 marks)—taken in two sessions of 2.5 hours each. The Mathematics section covers algebra, trigonometry, coordinate geometry, calculus and statistics at 10+2 level, while the GAT spans English grammar and vocabulary, physics, chemistry, general science, history, geography and current affairs. Negative marking of one-third per wrong answer means candidates must balance speed with caution.
Stage 3 – SSB Interview
Those who clear the prelims are called for a five-day Services Selection Board assessment. Day 1 is screening (an objective test and a picture-perception task); Days 2–4 comprise psychology tests, group discussions, personal interviews and outdoor tasks designed to measure officer-like qualities. Day 5 is the conference where the board decides whether the candidate is recommended. The SSB is not a knowledge test; it is a behavioural and leadership evaluation.
Syllabus in Brief
The syllabus for the written stage is set out in the official notification and is broadly consistent with the 10+2 curriculum. Mathematics covers algebra, trigonometry, coordinate geometry, calculus and statistics; the General Ability Test spans English grammar and vocabulary, physics, chemistry, general science, history, geography and current affairs. The exact weightings and any minor changes are notified each cycle, so candidates should download the syllabus PDF from the UPSC site rather than rely on memory.
How to Decide if NDA & NA Is the Right Exam for You
Compare with CDS
If you already hold a bachelor’s degree—or expect to complete one before the course starts—consider the Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam instead. CDS recruits graduates for the Indian Military Academy, Officers’ Training Academy, Naval Academy and Air Force Academy, offering a wider age window and different training pipelines. NDA is strictly for 10+2 entrants and leads to a joint academy experience before specialised training.
Compare with JEE
Engineering aspirants who are undecided between IIT-JEE and NDA should note that JEE is a single-stage, knowledge-heavy test, whereas NDA is a two-stage process with heavy emphasis on personality and leadership. If you enjoy problem-solving and abstract reasoning, JEE may be the clearer path; if you prefer structured discipline, teamwork and a guaranteed commission after training, NDA is worth considering.
Where to Track Official Updates
All official notifications, corrigenda and admit-card links are published on the UPSC website (https://upsc.gov.in). For quick alerts on form deadlines and exam postponements, follow exam updates on OurEducation without cluttering your inbox with coaching advertisements.
Last updated 15 September 2026. Dates change — always confirm on the official commission website before acting on them.
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