Commonly Asked Question on NDA 2026 Exam

Commonly Asked Question on NDA 

The NDA 2026 exam is one of the most popular defence exams in India. It is conducted twice a year by UPSC for students who want to join the Army, Navy, or Air Force. Every year, thousands of students from across the country apply, as it gives a direct chance to join the National Defence Academy and start a career in the armed forces right after Class 12. NDA 2026 will be held in two cycles: NDA 1 in April 2026 and NDA 2 in September 2026. The exam includes a written test followed by the SSB interview, and both stages are equally important for selection.

When students begin preparing, they often have many doubts about eligibility, exam pattern, age limit, syllabus, cut-offs, and the difficulty of the SSB interview. These small but important questions help candidates understand the exam better and plan their preparation more smoothly. To help with this, here are some of the frequently asked questions about NDA that aspirants usually have. These commonly asked questions on NDA will give clear answers and guide students through the basic details, making preparation less confusing.

Check Out: PW Defence Books

Frequently Asked Questions About NDA

Since the NDA is conducted twice a year, it is important for candidates to have clear information about eligibility, age limits, exam pattern, and the selection process. The written exam consists of two papers, Mathematics and the General Ability Test (GAT). After clearing the written stage, candidates appear for the SSB interview, which evaluates intelligence, communication skills, personality, and officer-like qualities. Going through these commonly asked questions on NDA will help students understand the exam better and prepare with confidence.

What is the NDA Exam, and who conducts it?

The NDA exam is a national-level test for students who want to join the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force as officers. It is conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

What is the eligibility criteria for NDA 2026?

To apply for NDA 2026, you need to be an unmarried male or female candidate. You should have either passed or be appearing in Class 12. For the Army wing, Class 12 in any stream is accepted, while for the Air Force and Navy, you must have Physics and Mathematics in Class 12.

What is the age limit for NDA 2026?

For NDA 2026, candidates must be between 16.5 years and 19.5 years at the time of joining the academy. This means your date of birth should fall within the exact range that UPSC will mention in the official notification. There is no age relaxation based on caste or category for the NDA exam, the age limit is the same for everyone, including General, OBC, SC, and ST candidates.

Can girls apply for the NDA 2026 exam?

Yes, girls can apply for the NDA 2026 exam. Since 2021, UPSC allows both male and female candidates to appear for the NDA, as per the Supreme Court’s order. Girls must be unmarried, fall within the official age limit, and meet the required educational, physical, and medical standards set by the Armed Forces. Female candidates can be selected for the Army, Navy, or Air Force wings, depending on their Class 12 subjects and overall performance in the written exam and SSB Interview.

What Educational Qualification is Required for NDA?

To apply for the NDA exam, candidates must have passed or be appearing for Class 12 from a recognised board. For the Army Wing, students from any stream (Science, Commerce, or Arts) can apply. For the Air Force and Navy, students must have Physics and Mathematics in Class 12. Students appearing in Class 12 can also apply, but they must submit proof of passing before joining the academy.

Check Out: Shaurya NDA/NA Combo Set of 4 Books

When will NDA 2026 (NDA 1 & NDA 2) be conducted?

NDA 2026 will be held in two phases. NDA 1 is scheduled for 12 April 2026, while NDA 2 is expected on 13 September 2026. These dates are important for candidates to plan their preparation and cover all subjects in a structured way.

How Many Attempts are Allowed for NDA?

There is no fixed number of attempts for the NDA. The main limit is the age requirement, which is 16.5 to 19.5 years at the time of joining. This means candidates can attempt NDA as many times as they are eligible by age. Most students can realistically attempt it around 4 to 6 times, depending on their date of birth and which NDA exams they are eligible for.

What is the Selection Process for NDA 2026?

The NDA selection process has four main stages:

1. Written Exam

• The written exam consists of two papers: Mathematics (300 marks) and General Ability Test (GAT, 600 marks).

• The questions are objective type (MCQs), and negative marking is applied for wrong answers.

• Mathematics covers topics like Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Probability, and Statistics. GAT includes Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, and English.

2. SSB Interview

The Service Selection Board (SSB) interview lasts 5 days.

• Day 1 – Screening Test: This includes Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception & Description Test (PPDT). Candidates who clear this move to the next stage.

• Group Testing and Psychology: Candidates go through Group Tasks, Personal Interviews, and Psychological Tests to assess leadership, teamwork, and decision-making skills.

• Special Tests for Air Force: Candidates opting for the Air Force may undergo CPSS (Computerised Pilot Selection System) to test their aptitude.

3. Medical Examination

Shortlisted candidates must clear a detailed medical exam. This checks vision, hearing, heart, and overall physical wellness to ensure candidates are fit for military training.

4. Final Merit List

The final selection is based on the combined scores of the written exam and SSB interview. Candidates who clear all stages and medical tests are offered admission into the Army, Navy, or Air Force wings of NDA.

What is the Exam Pattern for the NDA Written Exam?

The NDA written exam is the first stage of selection and consists of two papers, which include mathematics and GAT. Check out the details here:-

Check Out: NDA/NA 23 Previous Years Solved Papers

How Many Papers are There in the NDA exam?

The NDA written exam consists of two papers. The first is Mathematics, and the second is the General Ability Test (GAT). Both papers are conducted on the same day, with a total duration of 5 hours. Mathematics carries 300 marks, the while the GAT carries 600 marks, making a total of 900 marks.

What are the Subjects Asked in NDA 2026?

The Mathematics paper covers topics like Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Calculus, Statistics, Probability, Vectors, and Matrices. The General Ability Test has two parts: English (200 marks) and General Knowledge (400 marks). General Knowledge includes Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, Civthe ics, and Current Affairs.

Is NDA Exam Difficult for First-Time Aspirants?

The NDA exam can feel challenging for first-time aspirants because it tests both Mathematics and General Knowledge in detail. But with a proper study plan and regular practice, it becomes manageable. Solving sample papers and previous years’ questions gradually help to build confident and improves speed. This is one of the commonly asked questions on NDA by new candidates.

Which Books are Best for NDA 2026 Preparation?

For NDA 2026, PW NDA books are well-known for their high-quality questions and detailed solutions. They help students understand what is asked in NDA exam. Check out the Books for NDA exam here:-

PW NDA Books

Are NCERT Books Enough for NDA Exam?

NCERT books provide a strong foundation, especially in Maths, Science, and History. However, for competitive exams like NDA, you also need additional practice materials like PW NDA books to cover NDA related questions and improve speed and accuracy.

What is the Syllabus of NDA 2026 Maths?

The NDA exam mainly consists of two papers, Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT). Mathematics carries 300 marks, while GAT is for 600 marks, making a total of 900 marks. The exam tests candidates on concepts from school-level maths, English, general science, history, geography, and current affairs. Check out the NDA syllabus from the table to get a clear idea of what is asked in NDA exam:-

What happens after clearing the NDA written exam?

After the written exam, candidates attend the SSB (Services Selection Board) interview, which includes psychological tests, group tasks, and personal interviews.

Read More: NDA Previous Year Question Papers, Download PDF

Commonly Asked Question on NDA  FAQs

1. What is the physical fitness requirement for NDA 2026?

Candidates must meet height, weight, and chest measurement standards. Physical fitness tests include running, push-ups, sit-ups, and the long jump. Vision and hearing standards are also checked during the medical exam.

2. Is there a difference in syllabus for the Army, Navy, and Air Force?

The Mathematics syllabus is the same, but some topics in GAT differ slightly for the Air Force and the Navy, such as physics and mechanics. English and General Knowledge sections are common for all wings.

3. Are there any language requirements for NDA?

There is no specific language requirement, but questions are asked in English and Hindi. Strong English comprehension helps in the GAT and SSB interviews.

4. Is there a negative marking in NDA exam?

Yes, there is negative marking for wrong answers in both Mathematics and GAT. Candidates must be careful while attempting questions and avoid guesswork.

5. Can students from CBSE or State Boards apply?

Yes, candidates from any recognised board are eligible, provided they meet the educational qualifications and age criteria. Both English and regional language students can appear for the exam.