The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) holds the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy exam two times each year. This guide zeroes in on NDA 2 2026. It covers the official schedule when to apply, who can take part how the test works, the complete NDA 2 syllabus, and a practical six-month study plan laid out in easy-to-follow steps. For anyone looking to tackle NDA 2 2026 with a clear head and a solid plan, this one-stop guide has all the details you need.
Key Points about NDA 2 2026
- Exam Date: 13 September 2026 (as per the provided schedule). This serves as the main reference to the nda 2 exam date throughout this document, helping create a clear timeline to plan.
- Notification Release: 20 May 2026 (as referenced). This will act as the official nda 2 notification to provide exam rules, vacancies, and application steps.
- Application Window: 20 May 2026 to 9 June 2026. These dates mark the full process from the nda 2 notification to the end of online form submissions before the nda 2 exam date.
These three key events—nda 2 notification, application window, and the nda 2 exam date—shape the preparation timeline for NDA 2 2026.
What is the National Defence Academy (NDA)?
The National Defence Academy trains cadets from the Army, Navy, and Air Force together before they move to service-specific pre-commissioning academies. The exam selects candidates to join NDA and Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme). NDA 2 2026 stands for the second round in the 2026 session. It ends with the written test on the set nda 2 exam date followed by SSB interviews and medical checks.
NDA 2 2026 Timeline at a Glance
- nda 2 notification comes out: 20 May 2026
- Online applications open: 20 May 2026
- Deadline to apply: 9 June 2026
- Admit cards come out: three weeks before the nda 2 exam date
- Written test happens: 13 September 2026
- SSB interview groups: Follow the written test results, spread over several months
- Final list of selected candidates: After SSB and medical checks
The time between the nda 2 notification and the nda 2 exam date gives candidates about 16 weeks. This provides enough time to implement a well-planned six-month strategy. Students can start their preparation earlier and focus on covering the NDA 2 syllabus .
Eligibility Requirements for NDA 2 2026
Citizenship
- Indian citizen, or
- Nepalese subject, or
- Person of Indian origin who has moved from certain countries with the goal to settle in India subject to eligibility conditions stated in the nda 2 notification.
Age & Marriage Status
- single male and female applicants are eligible.
- For NDA 2 2026, the nda 2 notification will state the allowed birth date range; applicants need to be between 16½ and 19½ years old when the course starts.
Educational Qualification
- Army Wing: Completed 10+2 or its equivalent from an approved board.
- Air Force and Naval Wings and 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at INA: Finished 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics.
- Students taking 10+2 exams can apply too; the nda 2 notification explains the details each year.
Physical Standards
- Medical and physical standards in line with defence guidelines: rules for eyesight sharpness, height and weight measurements, lack of specific health issues, and general physical condition. Details are spelled out in the nda 2 notification and are applied during the medical phase following SSB.
Exam Structure for NDA 2 2026
The written test has two papers held on the nda 2 exam date:
- Mathematics
- Marks: 300
- Time: 2½ hours
- Questions: Objective type
- Syllabus: Follows the official NDA 2 syllabus (you’ll find details below)
- GAT (General Ability Test)
- Marks: 600
- Time: 2½ hours
- Parts: English and General Knowledge (covers Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, and Current Events)
Negative Marking: Wrong answers have a penalty under the UPSC scheme—these details are always repeated in the nda 2 notification. SSB Interview: 900 marks (Stage I screening and Stage II psychology GTO, and interview), which takes place after the written result.
The complete NDA 2 syllabus (Mathematics + GAT)
The NDA 2 syllabus is set by UPSC and appears again each cycle in the nda 2 notification. Here’s a clear, topic-by-topic breakdown used in recent years.
Mathematics (300 marks)
- Algebra
- Sets, Venn diagrams, De-Morgan’s laws Cartesian product, relation and function
- Complex numbers, modulus and argument, cube roots of unity
- Quadratic equations arithmetic and geometric progressions
- Permutations and combinations binomial theorem
- Matrices and determinants (their characteristics how to find a matrix’s inverse ways to solve multiple linear equations at once)
- Trigonometry
- Trigonometric ratios, identities, and equations
- Inverse trigonometric functions
- Triangle properties, heights and distances
- Analytical Geometry (Two & Three Dimensions)
- Cartesian coordinate system
- Straight line angle between two lines distance of a point from a line
- Circle parabola, ellipse, hyperbola—basic forms and key properties
- Direction cosines, direction ratios equation of a line and plane in 3D angle between two lines/planes
- Differential Calculus
- Limits continuity, differentiability
- Derivatives of common functions, product/quotient/chain rule
- How derivatives apply: monotonicity, maxima/minima, tangents and normals
- Integral Calculus & Differential Equations
- Indefinite integrals and their characteristics
- Definite integrals and how to use them (area)
- Differential equations (first order first degree) and their simple uses
- Vector Algebra
- Vectors in 2D and 3D how big they are and which way they point
- Scalar and vector products how we use them
- Statistics & Probability
- Ways to measure the middle and spread of data
- How things relate and predict each other (the basics)
- Chance (key ideas, Bayes’ rule) things that can happen by chance, and the two-outcome pattern
These items make up the NDA 2 syllabus for Mathematics and stay the same unless the nda 2 notification changes them.
General Ability Test – English + General Knowledge (600 marks)
Part A: English (about 200 marks)
- Grammar and usage, vocabulary, comprehension, and cohesion in long texts to check clear expression.
Part B: General Knowledge (about 400 marks)
- Physics: Physical quantities motion, laws of motion, work and energy, heat, electricity, magnetism, optics, sound, and basic electronics ideas.
- Chemistry: Matter and how it’s grouped atomic structure, chemical bonding, acids, bases and salts, oxidation and reduction, carbon compounds, metallurgy, fertilizers, and everyday chemistry.
- General Science: Life processes human body basics, nutrition, diseases, and the basics of biotechnology.
- History, Freedom Movement: Indian history from ancient to modern times, the fight for independence, and issues after India gained freedom.
- Geography: Earth latitude & longitude, climate, soils, rivers, agriculture, industries, transportation, what we buy and sell with other countries.
- Current Events: Major happenings at home and abroad in politics, the economy, defense, science and technology, sports, and culture.
The GAT outline shown above reflects the NDA 2 syllabus that UPSC releases each cycle and finalizes in the nda 2 notification.
What Happens After You Take the Written Test
- Result Declaration: UPSC announces the written result a few weeks after NDA 2 2026.
- SSB Allotment: Short-listed candidates get call-ups to attend SSB (five-day process).
- Medical Examination: Recommended candidates go through medicals at designated centres.
- Merit List & Joining: The final merit combines written and SSB scores depending on medical fitness and document verification. The official nda 2 notification and follow-up instructions spell out needed certificates, identity proofs, and joining steps.
Documents & Application Checklist
From the day the nda 2 notification comes out, get these things ready to apply before the nda 2 exam date gets close:
- ID with photo that’s still good and a scanned photo/signature that fits the size rules
- Your 10+2 report card or, if you’re taking the exam now, info about your board as the form asks
- Paper that shows your category (if you need one)
- Email and phone number you use often to get OTPs and news
- Ways to pay the fee for applying
The UPSC website gives you tips along with the nda 2 notification, but if you get these things ready , you won’t feel rushed when the nda 2 exam date is near.
Six-Month Preparation Strategy for NDA 2 2026 (Paragraph Format)
Phase 1 (Months 1–2): Building the Base & Getting Familiar
Start by reading the nda 2 notification as soon as it’s out. Match each part to the plan. Set up a strong foundation in Math: focus on algebra, trigonometry, and coordinate geometry first. Work on formula-based questions every day, and start adding basic calculus by the end of the second month. For GAT, set aside equal time for English—practice reading comprehension and build your vocabulary—and rotate through GK topics like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, History, Geography, and Current Events. Keep a weekly record that links topics to the NDA 2 syllabus, and highlight areas you’re falling behind in to review in the coming weeks.
Phase 2 (Month 3): Expansion & Topic Reinforcement
Switch to vectors, probability, and integral calculus while reviewing earlier math topics through mixed-topic sets. For English, focus on grammar accuracy with subject-verb agreement, modifiers, and parallelism; for GK, delve into the details of Indian polity and geography’s map-based questions. Set aside one day each week to summarize the NDA 2 syllabus through brief notes turning lengthy chapters into short bullet points. This summary day should also include any updates or explanations that come up after the nda 2 notification. The schedule continues to aim at improving speed and accuracy well before the nda 2 exam date.
Phase 3 (Month 4): Practice-Heavy Cycle Start giving full-length math tests twice weekly and one complete GAT paper every week. After each test, make a list of mistakes: wrong formula use, misunderstood questions, or poor time management. Redo these same errors two days later to help remember. For General Knowledge, write short paragraphs about key Physics formulas and simple experiments common Chemistry reactions, and important History/Geography questions. Make sure your practice matches the official NDA 2 syllabus and that you split your time like you will on the real nda 2 exam date.
Phase 4 (Month 5): Revision Cycles & Blended Assessments Switch between subject-specific review and mixed-area tests. A routine could be: morning—calculus practice; afternoon—English reading; evening—History & Current Events. Every third day, do a 2½-hour Math session and, two days after, a 2½-hour GAT session to match the rigor of NDA 2 2026. Maintain a small list of equations and GK prompts (like constitutional articles or physical geography terms) and look it over . This month should cut out less useful content and boost speed within the scope of the NDA 2 syllabus so the final stretch before the nda 2 exam date is clear and relaxed.
Phase 5 (Month 6): Final Consolidation & Exam Readiness
Practice full mock tests in the morning following the nda 2 exam date schedule and order. Take 2–3 complete mock cycles in the final month to build stamina. Recheck admit card details and exam centre information given after the nda 2 notification, and prepare all required papers and supplies. In the last two weeks, revise key topics only—calculus limits, trigonometry formulas, matrices, important English rules, and GK from the NDA 2 syllabus. Maintain a consistent routine in the final week to perform your best in NDA 2 2026.
Subject-Wise Focus Within the Six-Month Plan
Mathematics:
- Keep three strands each week from algebra, trigonometry, coordinate geometry, calculus, vectors, and statistics to make sure you touch all parts of the NDA 2 syllabus .
- Strengthen proof-based methods to solve maxima/minima and slope/normal problems; highlight short derivations that you can remember.
- Getting answers right matters more than doing lots of problems; working on a smaller set of questions and checking all solutions will help you do better in NDA 2 2026.
English:
- Read editorials and do cloze tests to boost understanding.
- Keep a small grammar sheet—go over ten main rules every other day.
- Vocabulary: learn words in context, not from lists; pick up new words from what you read.
General Knowledge:
- Organize Physics and Chemistry notes—write down laws, definitions, and simple problems with examples.
- Use timelines and maps for History/Geography; connect causes and effects for the independence movement and regional features.
- Current Events: sum up defense drills new leaders, and country achievements each week.
All of these maintain tight links to the NDA 2 syllabus while lining up with the schedule set by the nda 2 notification and ending on the nda 2 exam date.
Scoring System & Time Control on Test Day
- Math and GAT have 150 questions each across two papers. Look over the paper and mark problems by how hard they are.
- In Math, start with topics you know well: identities basic coordinate geometry, and straightforward integrals.
- In GAT do English parts and move to Physics/Chemistry before lengthy humanities, based on what you’re good at.
- A smart approach practiced in mock tests well before NDA 2 2026, stops you from spending too much time on odd questions and follows the negative-marking rule in the nda 2 notification.
Admit Card, Exam Centre & Answer Sheet Protocols
- Admit cards show up about three weeks before the nda 2 exam date. Check your photo, signature, and test center info right away.
- Get to the place with the photo ID listed in the nda 2 notification; give yourself extra time for security checks and finding your seat.
- You must follow the rules for filling out the OMR—question booklet code, roll number bubbles, and using a black ball-point pen. If you don’t, you might get disqualified.
- Keep a list in your head to avoid common OMR mistakes you’ve learned about during practice tests for NDA 2 2026.
Medical Standards & SSB Snapshot
- Physical Fitness: Base endurance, body alignment, weight-to-height ratio, and eyesight standards.
- SSB Modules: Evaluation through OIR and PP&DT then mental assessments, GTO exercises (team talks, field challenges, leadership assignments), and one-on-one discussions.
- Documentation: School and college papers proof of identity, and health clearances as the nda 2 notice specifies.
- The ultimate ranking combines many factors—consistent results beyond the writing portion of NDA 2 2026.
Training, Pay, and Job Growth
- Applicants who reach the final merit list train at NDA, Khadakwasla then complete pre-commissioning at their respective academies.
- Government orders announce or update the training stipend and pay scale after commissioning; the nda 2 notification links to the relevant rules.
- This journey begins with training, moves through commissioning, and continues with career growth in the Army, Navy, or Air Force.
Common Reference Points for NDA 2 2026
- nda 2 exam date: 13 September 2026 (serves as a fixed point to plan backward).
- nda 2 notification: 20 May 2026 (contains all official guidelines).
- Application window: 20 May 2026 to 9 June 2026 (has a firm cutoff).
- NDA 2 syllabus: Covers Mathematics + GAT with well-defined subjects (stays the same unless UPSC changes it; always check the latest nda 2 notification).
- Admit card: Shows up a few weeks before the nda 2 exam date, with details on the center and reporting.
- Result & SSB: Written exam results come out first followed by SSB invitations; final rankings depend on medical fitness.
These points sum up the key workings of NDA 2 2026 from its initial announcement to the final merit phases.
Final Word
NDA 2 2026 shows a clear path with set dates: the NDA 2 notification on May 20, 2026 kicks things off, applications close on June 9, 2026, and the NDA 2 exam date lands on September 13, 2026. A solid six-month plan that begins , lines up with the NDA 2 syllabus, and practices exam timing leads to steady trackable gains. When each week has specific tasks and every practice test helps fine-tune your study, NDA 2 2026 turns into a well-run project—with clear goals focused work, and a strong showing on exam day.
About Doon Defence Dreamers
Doon Defence Dreamers is the best NDA coaching in Dehradun, delivering top results every year. It offers expert training for NDA, CDS, AFCAT, MNS, Sainik School, and SSB, along with hostel facilities, a disciplined study environment, and physical training. With dedicated faculty, updated study material, and a result-focused approach, students develop complete officer-like qualities. With 710+ recent selections, it is one of the most trusted institutes for defence and NEET/JEE aspirants in India.
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