Exam dates and application windows change every year. Details here can go out of date — always confirm on the official website, or ask Sahayak below for the latest guidance.
NDA (National Defence Academy)
Information last verified: September 2026 · Always verify on the official portal before payment.
UPSC exam for 12th-pass entry into Army, Navy and Air Force via NDA Khadakwasla — written + SSB.
Conducted by
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Age Limit
16.5–19.5 years (unmarried male and female). No relaxation.
Education
Army wing: 12th any stream. Navy/Air Force: 12th with Physics, Chemistry, Maths. Appearing candidates allowed.
Physical Standards
SSB + Services medicals. Indicative: minimum height ~157.5cm (male) / ~152cm (female), 6/6 correctable vision norms — full standards in the notice's appendix.
Application Fee
Rs. 100 online. Exempt: SC, ST, female candidates, wards of JCOs/NCOs/ORs.
Documents Needed
- 12th marksheet / admit card
- Photo + signature per UPSC specs
- Photo ID
- Category certificate if applicable
How to Apply
- One Time Registration on upsc.gov.in when notification opens
- Fill Part-I/II, choose wing preferences + exam centre
- Pay fee (if applicable), submit, print
Selection Process
- Written: Maths (300) + GAT (600)
- 5-day SSB (screening, psychology, GTO tasks, interview, conference)
- Services medicals
- Final merit (written + SSB)
Exam Pattern
Maths 120 Qs/300 marks/2.5 hrs; GAT 150 Qs/600 marks/2.5 hrs (English 200 + GK 400). Objective with negative marking.
Correction Window
Usually ~7 days after closing (OTR edit window). Check notice.
Admit Card
e-Admit cards on upsc.gov.in ~3 weeks before. SSB call-ups separately. Never by post.
Download admit card — candidate loginResult
Written-result merit PDFs on upsc.gov.in; SSB marks + final merit after medicals.
Check result — candidate loginWho can apply
Unmarried, 16.5–19.5 yrs; 12th (PCM for Navy/Air Force).
How the yearly cycle usually works
- Two notifications a year (usually ~Dec and ~May pattern).
- Written usually ~April and ~September.
- SSB + medicals over following months; 3-year NDA training at Khadakwasla.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for NDA 2026?▾
Unmarried male and female citizens aged 16.5–19.5 years. Army wing: 12th any stream. Navy/Air Force wings: 12th with Physics, Chemistry, Maths.
Can girls apply for NDA?▾
Yes — women have been eligible since the 2021 entry, under the same age and education rules.
What is the NDA exam pattern?▾
Written: Mathematics 300 marks (2.5 hrs) + GAT 600 marks (2.5 hrs: English 200 + GK 400). Then 5-day SSB (screening, psychology, GTO, interview, conference) + medicals.
What are the NDA fees?▾
Rs. 100 online. Exempt: SC, ST, female candidates and wards of JCOs/NCOs/ORs.
When are NDA exams usually held?▾
Twice a year (usually ~April and ~September pattern). Check the UPSC annual calendar for exact dates.