Disha Edge
NDA and NA
NDA and NA is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission. A written examination followed by service selection and medical assessment for defence-academy entry. It is used for admission to Army, Navy and Air Force academy training routes. In the last cycle, the exam was held 13 September 2026. Format: a pen-and-paper test; 300 minutes. This page lists 2 eligibility rules, the exam pattern, the syllabus and the dates, each with its official source.
Union Public Service Commission / Checked on 2 October 2026
What this route opens
A written examination followed by service selection and medical assessment for defence-academy entry.
- Army, Navy and Air Force academy training routes
Requirements to check
For NDA II 2026: unmarried candidates born from 1 January 2008 through 1 January 2011. Nationality and medical conditions in the notice also apply.
Official source checked / 2026-10-02
Army wing: Class 12 or equivalent. Air Force, Naval wings and Naval Academy: Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Class 12 appearing candidates may apply.
Official source checked / 2026-10-02
Exam format
Pen-and-paper test / 300 minutes
- Mathematics
Not published or not applicable; see the format note. / 300 marks
- General Ability Test
Not published or not applicable; see the format note. / 600 marks
An incorrect answer deducts one-third of that question’s allotted marks.
Format note: Two papers, 150 minutes each. The written stage is followed by SSB assessment; passing the written examination is not final selection.
The full guide on one page
The main facts from the tool above, written out so you can read them in one go.
What is NDA and NA used for?
A written examination followed by service selection and medical assessment for defence-academy entry.
- Army, Navy and Air Force academy training routes
- Conducted by
- Union Public Service Commission
- Course areas
- Defence academy routes
Who can take NDA and NA?
For NDA II 2026: unmarried candidates born from 1 January 2008 through 1 January 2011. Nationality and medical conditions in the notice also apply.
Official source checked. Last checked .
Source: Union Public Service Commission
Army wing: Class 12 or equivalent. Air Force, Naval wings and Naval Academy: Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Class 12 appearing candidates may apply.
Official source checked. Last checked .
Source: Union Public Service Commission
What is the NDA and NA exam pattern?
- Mode
- Pen-and-paper test
- Duration
- 300 minutes
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | Not published | 300 |
| General Ability Test | Not published | 600 |
Marking: An incorrect answer deducts one-third of that question’s allotted marks.
Format note: Two papers, 150 minutes each. The written stage is followed by SSB assessment; passing the written examination is not final selection.
Official source checked. Last checked .
Source: Union Public Service Commission
What is the NDA and NA syllabus?
Mathematics
- Sets, relations and functions
- Complex numbers and quadratic equations
- Matrices and determinants
- Permutations, combinations and binomial theorem
- Sequences and series
- Limits, continuity and differentiation
- Integrals and differential equations
- Coordinate geometry
- Vectors and three-dimensional geometry
- Statistics and probability
- Trigonometry
General Ability Test
- English comprehension and usage
- Physics, Chemistry and General Science
- History, freedom movement and social studies
- Geography and current events
When are the NDA and NA dates?
| Step | Date or window | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NDA II 2026 examination | (last cycle) | Official source checked, checked 2 October 2026 | Source: Union Public Service Commission |
| Next cycle | Last cycle (2026): April and September examinations. UPSC has published its 2027 examination calendar on upsc.gov.in (Examinations, then Exam calendar). Check it for the NDA and NA (I) 2027 notice date and application window. If you are in Class 12, check it now so you do not miss the window. Fresh eligibility dates will be in that notice. | Needs verification, checked 6 October 2026 | Source: Union Public Service Commission; Union Public Service Commission |
Each date comes from the official notice linked in its row. A date that has passed belongs to the last cycle.
Which careers and board syllabi connect to NDA and NA?
Careers whose routes use this exam
- Army Officer through NDA
Train to lead teams, organise resources and carry professional military responsibility.
Class 12 board syllabi for the same subjects
Where can I find official NDA and NA papers?
- NDA II Mathematics, 2026: Previous exam paper, checked 2 October 2026
- NDA II General Ability Test, 2026: Previous exam paper, checked 2 October 2026
- NDA I Mathematics, 2026: Previous exam paper, checked 2 October 2026
- NDA I General Ability Test, 2026: Previous exam paper, checked 2 October 2026
Where does this information come from?
Needs verification. Last checked .
- NDA and NA II 2026 notice, Union Public Service Commission, accessed
- UPSC examination calendar page (links the 2027 calendar), Union Public Service Commission, accessed
Prepared by the Disha Stars team from the sources listed here. Check the latest official notice before you apply.