For many young Indians, the uniform represents more than just clothing. It shows pride, bravery, and a deep promise to serve the country. The National Defence Academy, or NDA, offers a prestigious path to achieve this goal. It allows direct entry as commissioned officers in the Army, Navy, and Air Force. If you’re preparing for the NDA 1 & 2 2026 exams, you’re in the right spot. This guide provides key details to prepare, including age criteria, exam format complete syllabus, and important admission tips.
NDA 2026: Syllabus, Pattern, Age – Your Gateway to Defence
Age
To apply for NDA 2026, candidates need to be unmarried males or females who are citizens and were born in certain date ranges. The age requirement is 16.5 to 19.5 years when joining the Academy. For NDA 1 in 2026, candidates should have been born between July 2, 2007, and July 1, 2010. For NDA 2 in 2026, the birthdate window is January 2, 2008, to January 1, 2011. There are no exceptions to these age criteria.
Exam Dates: Save the Date for NDA 2026
Knowing exam dates matters a lot to prepare well. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) holds the NDA exam two times each year with NDA I and NDA II.
NDA 2026 Application form – https://upsconline.nic.in/
- NDA 1 – 2026 (Tentative Dates):
- Notification Date: December 10, 2025
- Applications Open: December 10, 2025 and close on December 30, 2025
- Exam Scheduled For: April 12, 2026
- NDA 2 – 2026 (Tentative Dates):
- Notification Date: May 20, 2026
- Application Window: Starts May 20, 2026 and ends June 9, 2026
- Exam Date: Scheduled for September 13, 2026
These schedules are rough estimates drawn from historical patterns and official calendars. To verify exact dates always check the official UPSC notification. Missing an application or exam date due to oversight can lead to problems, so staying alert matters!
Academic and Nationality Requirements:
- Nationality: Applicants must be Indian citizens. People from Nepal, Bhutan, or certain migrant groups from other nations can also apply if they fulfill specific government rules.
- Army Wing Education Requirement: To join the Army Wing of NDA, applicants need to complete the 12th Class or an equivalent exam from a recognized board.
- Air Force and Naval Wings Education Requirement (including 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme): To qualify for Air Force or Naval Wings, candidates must finish the 12th Class with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics from a recognized board.
- Eligible Candidates: Students taking their 12th-grade exams can also apply. They need to show proof of passing before joining the Academy.
Physical and Medical Criteria for NDA 2026:
The military looks for candidates who are strong in both mind and body. They expect you to meet tough physical and medical requirements since the training is demanding. Staying prepared is key.
- Height and Weight Guidelines: Specific rules on height and weight depend on the service branch and location. , the lowest height accepted is about 157 cm, and your weight should match your height and age.
- Vision and Health Standards: Excellent eyesight is often expected, and some roles might require no reliance on vision correction. Hearing must be sharp, and candidates should have no illnesses, disabilities, or skin conditions. Official notifications explain these rules in detail.
Syllabus: Topics to Master to Prepare for NDA 2026
The NDA exam has two main sections: Mathematics and the General Ability Test. Understanding their topics is the first step to preparing your strategy.
Mathematics (Paper I):
This section includes a wide range of 10+2 level math concepts.
- Algebra: Concept of a set, operations on sets, Venn diagrams, De Morgan’s laws, Cartesian product, relation, equivalence relation, representation of real numbers on a line. Complex numbers—basic properties, modulus, argument, cube roots of unity. Binary system of numbers. Arithmetic, Geometric and Harmonic progressions. Quadratic equations with real coefficients. Solution of linear inequations of two variables by graphs. Permutation and Combination. Binomial theorem and its applications. Logarithms and their applications.
- Matrices and Determinants: Types of matrices, operations on matrices. Determinant of a matrix, basic properties of determinants. Adjoint and inverse of a square matrix, Applications—solution of a system of linear equations in two or three variables by Cramer’s rule and by matrix method.
- Trigonometry: Angles and their measures in degrees and radians. Trigonometrical ratios. Inverse trigonometrical functions. Applications—Height and distance, properties of triangles.
- Analytical Geometry of Two and Three Dimensions: Rectangular Cartesian coordinate system. Distance formula. Equation of a line in various forms. Angle between two lines. Distance of a point from a line. Standard forms of parabola, ellipse, and hyperbola. Point in a three-dimensional space, distance between two points. Direction cosines and direction ratios. Equation of a plane and a line in various forms. Angle between two lines and angle between two planes.
- Differential Calculus: Concept of a real valued function—domain, range and graph of a function. Composite functions, one to one, onto and inverse functions. Notion of limit, continuity and differentiability. Derivative of sum, product and quotient of functions, derivative of a composite function. Maxima and minima of functions of one variable.
- Integral Calculus and Differential Equations: Integration as inverse of differentiation, integration by substitution and by parts, definite integrals and their properties. Application of definite integrals in finding areas of plane regions. General and particular solution of a differential equation, solution of first order and first degree differential equations.
- Vector Algebra: Vectors in two and three dimensions, magnitude and direction of a vector. Unit and null vectors. Addition of vectors, scalar multiplication of a vector, scalar product or dot product of two vectors. Vector product or cross product of two vectors.
- Statistics and Probability: This includes classification of data, measures of central tendency, variance, standard deviation, correlation, regression, random experiments, events, and various theorems on probability.
Match question to find the correct answer for your set for NDA 2 2025 Maths Exam – NDA-2-MATHS-ALL-SETS-1 to 4
To view the complete NDA 2025 click on the link : NDA 2 2025 Answer Key
General Ability Test (Paper II):
This test includes two sections: General Knowledge and English.
- Part A: English. This part checks how well you know grammar, words, and reading in English.
- Part B: General Knowledge. This section explores multiple fields.
- Physics: States of Matter, Gravitation, Work, Power, Energy, Heat, Light, Electricity, Magnets, Sound. Basic principles and applications.
- Chemistry: Elements, Compounds and Mixtures, Symbols, Formulae and simple Chemical Equations, Physical and Chemical changes, Properties of Air and Water, Acids, Bases and Salts, Carbon and its forms, Fertilizers, Metals and Non-metals.
- General Science: Differences between living and non-living, Basis of Life—Cells, Protoplasm and Tissues. Growth and Reproduction in Plants and animals. Human Body and its important organs, Common Epidemics, food, source of energy for man, constituents of food, balanced diet, Achievements of Scientists.
- History, Freedom Movement, etc.: Broad survey of Indian History, with emphasis on Culture and Civilization. Freedom Movement in India. Elementary study of Indian Constitution and Administration.
- Geography: The Earth, its shape and size. Latitudes and Longitudes, Concept of time. International Date Line. Movements of Earth and their effects. Origin of Earth. Rocks and their classification, Weathering—Mechanical and Chemical, Earthquakes and Volcanoes. Atmosphere and its composition. Climate, Oceans—Currents and Tides. India—physical geography, climate, natural vegetation, minerals, power resources, major industries and agricultural activities.
- Current Events: Knowledge of important events that have happened in India in recent years. Prominent personalities, sports, cultural events and international affairs.
Match question to find the correct answer for your set for NDA 2 2025 GAT Exam – NDA-II-2025-GAT-SET-A-TO-D
To view the complete NDA 2025 click on the link: NDA GAT 2025 Complete Analysis
Pattern: NDA 2026 Exam Structure
The NDA selection process comprises two main stages: a written examination and the SSB interview.
Written Examination:
- Paper I: Mathematics
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Maximum Marks: 300
- Negative Marking: Yes, for every incorrect answer, 1/3rd of the marks assigned to that question are deducted.
- Paper II: General Ability Test (GAT)
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Maximum Marks: 600 (200 for English, 400 for General Knowledge)
- Negative Marking: Yes, for every incorrect answer, 1/3rd of the marks assigned to that question are deducted.
SSB Interview and Aptitude Test for Psychological Evaluation:
Candidates meeting the cutoff in the written test move forward to the SSB interview, which has 900 marks. This tough five-day process evaluates your mental, emotional, and physical readiness to join the armed forces. The evaluation includes different assessments:
- Day 1 involves the Screening Test.
- Day 2 focuses on Psychological Tests.
- Day 3 and Day 4 cover tasks by the Group Testing Officer.
- Day 5 concludes with the Conference and Personal Interview.
The final merit ranking considers the combined scores of the written exam, which is out of 900, and the SSB interview also out of 900.
Admission Details Online or Offline with Doon Defence Dreamers
To start your journey with expert guidance, click here for the Online Registration Form at Doon Defence Dreamers.
To succeed in the NDA 2026 exam, students in Dehradun and from all over India need the right guidance. Doon Defence Dreamers, a top-tier institute, runs focused courses to help you with the written test and the SSB interview.
New Batch Starts for NDA 2026 at Doon Defence Dreamers:
- 22-September-2025
- 29-September-2025
- 06-October-2025 or for more information visit: https://doondefencedreamers.com/
Reasons to Pick Doon Defence Dreamers?
- Legacy Built on Success: Doon Defence Dreamers has a history of helping many students fulfill their goal of joining the armed forces.
- Well-Rounded Training: The institute combines a complete curriculum with physical preparation and interview coaching to prepare students for the SSB process.
- Skilled Mentors: Retired military officers and expert instructors lead the training sharing key strategies and knowledge.
Steps to Apply Online or Offline:
- Online Admission: Start the process from home by visiting the Doon Defence Dreamers’ official site. There, you’ll see an online registration form. Pick your course and provide your details. A registration fee is required, and , they don’t refund this fee. Admission gets finalized after you pay the full course fee.
- Offline Admission: To get a hands-on experience, head over to the Doon Defence Dreamers campus in Dehradun. Their counseling team helps walk you through the admission process and discusses which courses suit you best while completing your enrollment. Going in person also lets you explore the campus and check out its facilities.
Special Features & Support:
Doon Defence Dreamers does more than regular classroom lessons. It offers students:
- Detailed Study Resources: Students receive tailored notes mock exams, and practice papers to strengthen their understanding.
- Fitness Preparation: The program emphasizes physical training sessions to ensure students achieve the fitness and medical eligibility needed for joining the armed forces.
- Character Building: Sessions focus on improving communication, leadership abilities, and public speaking to ready candidates for the SSB interview.
Conclusion
The NDA 2026 exams go beyond testing just knowledge. They test your resolve, discipline, and character. The road to success can be tough, but staying focused and having the right support can make wearing the uniform a real possibility. Begin preparing , study with focus, and keep yourself ready. If you want expert advice and a clear plan to succeed, think about joining a trusted coaching center like Doon Defence Dreamers. Their all-round guidance can help you not pass the exam but also perform well.
Key Takeaways
- Age is a Strict Criterion: The NDA 2026 exams have a tight, non-negotiable age window. For NDA 1, candidates must be born between July 2, 2007, and July 1, 2010. For NDA 2, the window is January 2, 2008, to January 1, 2011.
- The Exam is a Two-Stage Process: Success in the NDA relies on two crucial stages: the written examination (900 marks) and the Service Selection Board (SSB) interview (900 marks). You must clear both to be on the final merit list.
- Syllabus is Comprehensive: The written exam has two papers: Mathematics and the General Ability Test (GAT). The GAT is further divided into English and a vast General Knowledge section, covering Physics, Chemistry, Science, History, Geography, and Current Events.
- It’s More Than Just Academics: The NDA selection process is a holistic assessment of your personality, leadership qualities, and physical fitness. The SSB interview and medical standards are as important as your academic performance.
- Doon Defence Dreamers Offers a Holistic Path: The blog highlights Doon Defence Dreamers as a resource that provides comprehensive training for both the written exam and the SSB interview, including physical training and personality development.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the minimum educational qualification required for the NDA 2026 exam?
For the Army Wing, you must have passed the 12th Class or its equivalent. For the Air Force and Naval Wings, you must have passed the 12th Class with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
Q2. Are girls eligible to apply for the NDA 2026 exam?
Yes, both male and female candidates who meet the age and educational criteria are eligible to apply.
Q3. Is there a negative marking in the NDA written exam?
Yes, for every incorrect answer, one-third (1/3rd) of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted. It is important to be cautious while attempting the paper.
Q4. What is the structure of the SSB interview?
The SSB interview is a five-day process that includes screening tests, psychological tests, group activities (GTO), personal interviews, and a final conference. It is designed to assess your Officer-Like Qualities.
Q5. Can I join Doon Defence Dreamers if I am not from Dehradun?
Yes, Doon Defence Dreamers offers both online and offline admission processes. You can enroll for their courses online from anywhere or visit their campus in Dehradun for offline admission.
