NDA 1 Exam 2026 - Result (OUT), Cut Off, Merit List
About NDA 2026
Union Public Service Commission released the NDA 1 2026 application form from Decemebr 10 to 30, 2025 at upsc.gov.in. The UPSC NDA 1 notification 2026 was also released on December 10, 2025. Before applying for the NDA 1 exam, candidates need to make sure they meet the eligibility criteria. The commission has scheduled to conduct the NDA 1 2026 exam on April 12, 2026.
As per the NDA 2026 eligibility criteria, all 12th-passed candidates between 16.5 to 19.5 years can apply for the examination. General category applicants need to pay the application fee of Rs. 100. However, SC/ST, female candidates and other reserved category candidates are exempted from paying the NDA 2 application fee.
What is the NDA exam?
The NDA exam is conducted twice every year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in April and September. The NDA recruitment exam 2026 is conducted to induct eligible and qualified applicants as officers in the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. All class 12th passed from a recognised board between the age group of 16.5 to 19.5 years can apply for the UPSC NDA exam. Those who have taken the standard 12th exam and are awaiting results are also eligible to appear for the NDA exam 2026.
The NDA recruitment process as has two stages - a written exam and an SSB interview. The NDA written exam has two papers one of elementary mathematics and the other of general aptitude test (GAT). Both the NDA 2026 papers are conducted in offline mode.
Candidates clearing the written exam are eligible to appear for the Service Selection Board (SSB) interview which is a 5-day process in which applicants are tested on various parameters to confirm their final candidature before the induction. On clearing the NDA 2026 recruitment process, candidates then have to undergo intensive training for the defence service they are selected for before they are deputed to their respective services.
What is the full form of NDA?
The NDA exam full form is National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination. However, it is commonly known and referred to as the NDA exam or UPSC NDA exam. The objective of the NDA exam is to recruit eligible and qualified candidates as officers of the defence safety and security of the country.
Candidates preparing for the NDA exam can check the NDA question papers for their effective preparations. The NDA selection process comprises a written exam followed by an SSB interview and a medical examination. UPSC NDA written exam comprises two papers - Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT). The duration of each test is 2 hours and 30 minutes. The maximum mark allotted to the written exam is 900. Candidates who clear the written exam will be called for an SSB interview.
NDA vacancies
| Year | National Defence Academy (NDA) | Indian Naval Academy (NA) (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme) | Total |
| NDA I 2026 | 370 | 24 | 394 |
| NDA I 2025 | 370 | 36 | 406 |
| NDA I 2023 | 370 | 25 | 395 |
| NDA II 2023 | -- | -- | -- |
| NDA I 2022 | 370 | 30 | 400 |
| NDA II 2021 | 370 | 30 | 400 |
| NDA II 2021 | 370 | 43 | 413 |
| NDA I 2020 | 370 | 48 | 418 |
| NDA II 2019 | 370 | 45 | 415 |
| NDA I 2019 | 342 | 50 | 392 |
| NDA II 2018 | 339 | 44 | 383 |
| NDA I 2018 | 360 | 55 | 415 |
| NDA II 2017 | 335 | 55 | 390 |
| NDA I 2017 | 335 | 55 | 390 |
UPSC Contact Details
If candidates face any problem with any aspect of the UPSC IAS exam, they can get in touch with the Union Public Service Commission at the following address, phone number and email.
UNION PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION
Dholpur House,
Shahjahan Road, New Delhi - 110069
Facilitation Counter: 011-24041001
Email: upscsoap@nic.in.
NDA 2026 Highlights
| Full Exam Name | National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination |
| Short Exam Name | NDA |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission |
| Frequency Of Conduct | Twice a year |
| Exam Level | Intermediate |
| Exam Duration | 5 Hours |
| No Of Seats | 394 |
NDA Important Dates
NDA National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (session 2026)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The NDA 1 exam 2026 was conducted on April 12, 2026.
The NDA admit card 2026 was issued on April 2, 2026.
The NDA 1 2026 application form was activated from December 10 to 30, 2025.
Yes, girls can also apply for the UPSC NDA exam 2026.
Candidates who complete the NDA training will get commissioned as Lieutenant and will get a salary from Rs 56,100 to Rs 1,77, 500 Per Month. During the training period, they will get a stipend of Rs. 56,100. Know more about the NDA 2026 salary here.
Yes, it is a bit tough as the vacancies range between 350-450 and the competition is quite high. However, if candidates prepare for 2026 NDA in a strategize way they can qualify it.
There are two subjects in the NDA exam 2026 - General Ability Test (GAT) and Mathematics.
NDA has a vast syllabus, for more information click here NDA 2026 Syllabus.
There are two stages in the NDA exam, the written test while and the SSB (Services Selection Board)
The age limit of the candidates who are applying for NDA must be 16.5-19.5 years while the academic qualification must be 10+2 qualified/appearing. However, candidates will have to showcase their qualified result if they get selected for NDA.
Questions related to NDA
On Question asked by student community
Hello, aspirant
To prepare for the National Defence Academy Exam 2026, first understand the NDA syllabus and exam pattern. Focus on Mathematics and General Ability Test. Start with NCERT books (Classes 9 to 12) to build basics. Practice previous years’ question papers regularly. Read newspapers daily for current affairs.
Yes, you can start preparing for NDA after Class 11. However, you need to qualify in Class 12 to be eligible for NDA exam. You can also prepare by practising the NDA best books from Careers360.