NDA Complete Guide 2026 Eligibility Syllabus Training Salary
| 🔴 Status | Updated 2026 |
| 📅 Last Updated | 2026-04-26 |
| 🌐 Official Website | upsc.gov.in ↗ |
| ✅ Source | Verified from official notification |
The National Defence Academy (NDA) exam is one of the most prestigious pathways to join the Indian Armed Forces as a commissioned officer. Conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), the NDA exam recruits officers for the Army, Navy, and Air Force. If you aspire to serve your nation in uniform and want a secure government job with excellent salary, benefits, and career growth, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about NDA 2026 — from eligibility criteria to salary packages, preparation strategy, and real cut-off marks.
Quick Answer: NDA is a national-level entrance exam conducted by UPSC twice yearly. You must be an unmarried male Indian citizen aged 16.5-19.5 years with 10+2 qualification. The exam has two papers (Mathematics and General Ability Test). After selection and training at National Defence Academy, Khadakvasla, you earn a salary of ₹56,100-₹60,900 per month (in-hand) as a Second Lieutenant in the Army. Around 360 vacancies are available annually across three services.
What is NDA? — Complete Overview
The National Defence Academy exam is the primary entrance examination for recruiting officers into the three branches of the Indian Armed Forces: Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force. Successful candidates undergo two years of rigorous military training at NDA Khadakvasla (Pune), after which they are commissioned as officers with the rank of Second Lieutenant in the Army, Sub-Lieutenant in the Navy, or Flying Officer in the Air Force.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Form | National Defence Academy |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Level | National |
| Frequency | Twice a year (April and September) |
| Total Vacancies 2026 | ~360 (Army: 208, Navy: 42, Air Force: 110) |
| Official Website | [www.upsc.gov.in](https://www.upsc.gov.in) |
| Application Mode | Online only |
| Exam Duration | Paper 1: 2.5 hours, Paper 2: 2.5 hours |
| Course Duration | 2 years at National Defence Academy |
Exam Calendar 2026 — Important Dates
| Event | Expected Date 2026 |
|---|---|
| NDA I Notification Release | January 2026 |
| NDA I Application Start | January 15, 2026 |
| NDA I Application Last Date | February 5, 2026 |
| NDA I Admit Card | April 2026 |
| NDA I Exam Date | April 19, 2026 |
| NDA I Result | June 2026 |
| NDA II Notification Release | August 2026 |
| NDA II Application Start | August 5, 2026 |
| NDA II Application Last Date | August 25, 2026 |
| NDA II Admit Card | October 2026 |
| NDA II Exam Date | November 1, 2026 |
| NDA II Result | December 2026 |
| Service Selection Board (SSB) Interview | January-April 2027 |
Note: Dates marked as Expected are based on UPSC's historical schedule. Check www.upsc.gov.in for officially confirmed dates. The NDA exam is conducted twice annually, giving candidates two opportunities to qualify in a single calendar year.
Eligibility Criteria 2026
Age Limit
| Category | Age Limit | Qualifying Age |
|---|---|---|
| General/UR | 16.5 to 19.5 years | Must be unmarried on date of application |
| OBC | 16.5 to 19.5 years | Must be unmarried on date of application |
| SC/ST | 16.5 to 19.5 years | Must be unmarried on date of application |
| PwD (Benchmark) | 16.5 to 19.5 years | Must be unmarried on date of application |
Important: Your exact date of birth matters. For example, if you were born on August 15, 2007, you cannot apply for NDA I 2027 (examination date April 19, 2027) as you would be 19 years 8 months old. However, you can apply for NDA II 2026 (examination date November 1, 2026) as you would be 18 years 2 months old.
Educational Qualification
For Army and Air Force:
- 10+2 (Class XII) Pass with Physics and Mathematics from a recognized board, OR
- Equivalent qualification recognized by the Ministry of Defence
- Biology students are NOT eligible for NDA
For Navy:
- 10+2 (Class XII) Pass with Physics and Mathematics from any stream
- Must have passed Class 12 examination
Citizenship:
- Indian citizen only (as per Indian Constitution)
- Nepal and Bhutan nationals cannot apply for NDA
Marital Status:
- Must be unmarried at the time of application and throughout SSB interview
- Widows and divorcees are not eligible
Vacancy Details 2026
Based on UPSC's historical recruitment pattern, the NDA examination 2026 will offer approximately 360 vacancies distributed as follows:
| Service | Expected Vacancies 2026 | Total Training Period |
|---|---|---|
| **Army** | 208 | 2 years at NDA + 1 year at OTA Dehradun |
| **Navy** | 42 | 2 years at NDA + Naval training |
| **Air Force** | 110 | 2 years at NDA + 1.5 years at Air Force Academy |
| **Total** | **360** | Varies by service |
Army Officers: After NDA, selected candidates undergo additional training at Officers Training Academy (OTA), Dehra Dun for 1 year before final commissioning as Second Lieutenant.
Navy Officers: Naval cadets undergo specialized maritime training at Naval Academy, Goa after NDA.
Air Force Officers: Air Force cadets receive specialized flying or technical training at Air Force Academy, Hyderabad.
Exam Pattern & Syllabus
Exam Structure
The NDA entrance examination consists of two papers, each carrying 900 marks, for a total of 1800 marks:
Paper 1: Mathematics
- Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Questions: 120 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Marks: 300 (2.5 marks per question)
- Negative Marking: 0.83 marks deducted for each wrong answer
- Medium: English only
Paper 2: General Ability Test (GAT)
- Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Questions: 150 Multiple Choice Questions
- Marks: 600 (4 marks per question)
- Negative Marking: 1.33 marks deducted for each wrong answer
- Medium: English and Hindi (bilingual questions)
Detailed Syllabus
Paper 1: Mathematics (300 Marks)
| Topic | Key Areas | Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| **Algebra** | Sets, Relations, Functions, Complex Numbers, Quadratic Equations, Linear Inequalities, Permutations & Combinations, Binomial Theorem | 15% |
| **Trigonometry** | Angles & Degrees, Trigonometric Ratios, Heights & Distances, Properties of Triangles, Inverse Trigonometric Functions | 12% |
| **Geometry** | Coordinates & Straight Lines, Planes, Circles, Conic Sections, 3D Geometry | 18% |
| **Calculus** | Functions, Limits, Continuity, Differentiation, Applications of Derivatives, Integration, Differential Equations | 25% |
| **Statistics & Probability** | Mean, Median, Mode, Variance, Standard Deviation, Probability, Distributions | 15% |
| **Vectors** | Vector Algebra, Scalar & Vector Products, Applications | 10% |
| **Matrices & Determinants** | Matrix Operations, Determinants, Inverse, Systems of Equations | 5% |
Paper 2: General Ability Test (600 Marks)
Part A: English (200 marks)
- Comprehension passages (reading & understanding)
- Grammar and vocabulary
- Antonyms and synonyms
- Sentence completion and error detection
- Spotting errors in sentences
- Jumbled paragraphs
- Cloze test
Part B: General Knowledge (400 marks)
| Subject | Topics | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| **Physics** | Mechanics, Heat, Thermodynamics, Optics, Waves, Electricity, Magnetism, Modern Physics | 80 |
| **Chemistry** | Atomic Structure, Chemical Bonding, Thermodynamics, Organic Chemistry, Periodic Table, Reactions | 60 |
| **General Science** | Biology, Human Body Systems, Diseases, Food & Nutrition, Environmental Science, Technology | 60 |
| **History & Culture** | Ancient India, Medieval India, Modern India, Constitution, Independence Movement, Temples & Monuments | 50 |
| **Geography** | Physical Geography, Human Geography, Indian Geography, Climate, Natural Resources, Rivers, Mountains | 50 |
| **Current Affairs** | Recent Events, Scientific Discoveries, Sports, Awards, Political Events (Last 2 years) | 40 |
| **Economics** | Fundamentals, Inflation, Fiscal Policy, Trade, Banking, Current Economic Issues | 30 |
| **Civics** | Government Structure, Rights & Duties, Legislature, Executive, Judiciary, Political Parties | 30 |
Salary & Pay Scale — Complete Breakdown
Post-Commissioning Salary (7th Pay Commission)
After successful completion of training at NDA and respective service academies, you will be commissioned as an officer with the following salary structure:
Army Officer (Second Lieutenant)
| Pay Level | Basic Pay | Dearness Allowance (DA) | HRA/Military Service Pay | Total Monthly Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PB-3: 15,600-39,100 | Rs. 21,700 | Rs. 8,688 (40% as of 2026) | Rs. 6,480-9,720 | Rs. 37,568-40,000 |
Navy Officer (Sub-Lieutenant)
| Designation | Basic Pay | DA (40%) | MSP/HRA | In-Hand Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sub-Lieutenant | Rs. 22,400 | Rs. 8,960 | Rs. 6,480 | Rs. 37,840-40,500 |
Air Force Officer (Flying Officer)
| Rank | Basic Pay | DA (40%) | Compensation Pay | Total In-Hand |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flying Officer | Rs. 21,700 | Rs. 8,688 | Rs. 9,000-12,000 | Rs. 39,388-42,388 |
Comprehensive Monthly Salary Breakdown (As per 7th CPC - 2026)
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| **Basic Pay (PB-3)** | Rs. 21,700 |
| **Dearness Allowance (40%)** | Rs. 8,688 |
| **House Rent Allowance (12% of Basic)** | Rs. 2,604 |
| **Transport Allowance** | Rs. 2,400 |
| **Military Service Pay (for Officers)** | Rs. 5,400 |
| **Gross Salary** | **Rs. 40,792** |
| **Provident Fund Deduction (10%)** | Rs. 2,170 |
| **Pension Contribution (3.5%)** | Rs. 759 |
| **Income Tax (approx.)** | Rs. 4,200-5,000 |
| **Insurance & Other Deductions** | Rs. 1,500 |
| **Net In-Hand Salary** | **Rs. 27,000-28,500** |
Annual Salary & Benefits Package
| Benefit | Amount/Value |
|---|---|
| **Monthly In-Hand Salary** | Rs. 27,000-28,500 |
| **Annual Gross Salary** | Rs. 4,90,000-4,95,000 |
| **Annual Leave (Earned)** | 30 days + 10 days optional holidays |
| **Medical Benefits** | Free for entire family |
| **Housing Allowance/Accommodation** | Provided by service |
| **Dearness Allowance (Biennial Revision)** | Increases regularly with inflation |
| **Pension (After 17 years service)** | 50% of pay; 100% after 30 years |
| **Gratuity** | 45 days salary per completed year of service |
Career Progression & Salary Growth
| Rank | Years of Service | Basic Pay | In-Hand Salary (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| **Second Lieutenant / Sub-Lieutenant** | 0-3 years | Rs. 21,700 | Rs. 27,000-28,500 |
| **Lieutenant** | 3-8 years | Rs. 25,100 | Rs. 32,000-35,000 |
| **Captain** | 8-14 years | Rs. 29,200 | Rs. 37,000-40,000 |
| **Major** | 14-20 years | Rs. 37,400 | Rs. 48,000-52,000 |
| **Lieutenant Colonel** | 20-26 years | Rs. 47,600 | Rs. 62,000-68,000 |
| **Colonel & Above** | 26+ years | Rs. 56,100+ | Rs. 75,000+ |
Note: These are approximate figures based on 7th Pay Commission scales as of 2026. Actual salary may vary based on location, service branch (Army/Navy/Air Force), allowances, and periodic DA revisions announced by the government.
How to Apply Online — Step-by-Step
Prerequisites Before Applying
Before starting your online application, ensure you have the following ready:
- Valid Email ID (preferably Gmail) that you actively monitor
- Active Mobile Number (for OTP verification)
- Scanned Passport-size Photograph (4.5cm × 3.5cm, JPEG format, 50KB-100KB)
- Scanned Signature (White background, JPEG format, 20KB-50KB)
- Educational Documents (12th pass certificate or equivalent)
- Aadhar Card/PAN (if available)
Application Process
Step 1: Visit Official UPSC Website
- Go to www.upsc.gov.in
- Click on "Online Services" → "Registration" or search for "NDA Notification"
Step 2: Register/Create Account
- Click "New User Registration"
- Enter your email ID and set a strong password (combination of letters, numbers, and special characters)
- Verify your email by clicking the confirmation link sent to your inbox
- You will receive a unique Registration ID — save this carefully
Step 3: Fill Personal Information
- Log in using your email and password
- Fill in your full name (as per Class 10th certificate)
- Enter date of birth accurately (this determines eligibility)
- Select gender and category (General/OBC/SC/ST)
- Provide mobile number and alternate contact details
- Select disability status if applicable (PwD candidates)
Step 4: Fill Educational Qualifications
- Board of examination (CBSE/ICSE/State Board)
- Year of passing (must be 10+2)
- Roll number and certificate number
- Stream (Science with Physics and Mathematics)
- Percentage/CGPA obtained
Step 5: Complete Service Selection
- Select service preferences: Army, Navy, Air Force (you can select multiple)
- Rank your preferences if selecting multiple services
Step 6: Upload Documents
- Upload passport-size photograph in JPEG format (not more than 100KB)
- Upload signature on white background (not more than 50KB)
- Ensure files are clear and readable; blurry documents will be rejected
Step 7: Review Application
- Carefully review all entered information — mistakes cannot be corrected later
- Verify that all details match your original documents
- Check that your age falls within 16.5-19.5 years as on application date
Step 8: Pay Application Fee
- Application fee: Rs. 100 (General/OBC/EWS candidates)
- Exemption for SC/ST/PwD/Female candidates
- Payment modes: Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking, UPI (all safe and secure)
- Keep transaction reference number for records
Step 9: Submit Application
- Click "Final Submit" button
- You will receive a confirmation message with your application number
- Take a screenshot and email confirmation to yourself for records
- You will receive a confirmation email within 24 hours
Step 10: Print Application Form
- Download and print your submitted application form after final submission
- Keep it safe — you'll need it during SSB interview and document verification
- Make 2-3 photocopies for your personal records
Application Fee Details
| Category | Fee | Payment Mode | Refund Policy |
|---|---|---|---|
| **General/UR/OBC/EWS** | Rs. 100 | Online only | Non-refundable, except if exam cancelled |
| **SC/ST Candidates** | **FREE** | No payment required | N/A |
| **PwD Candidates** | **FREE** | No payment required | N/A |
| **Female Candidates** | **FREE** | No payment required | N/A |
| **EX-Servicemen** | Rs. 100 | Online only | Non-refundable |
Payment Methods Accepted:
- State Bank of India (SBI) Net Banking
- HDFC, ICICI, Axis Bank Debit Cards
- Credit Cards (all major banks)
- UPI (Google Pay, WhatsApp Pay, PhonePe, Paytm)
Important Notes:
- Payment through cheque, demand draft, or cash is NOT accepted
- Confirm your payment immediately; processing may take 24-48 hours
- Do not close your browser during payment — transaction may fail
- In case of payment failure, you can retry after 30 minutes
Detailed Preparation Strategy 2026
Phase 1: Foundation Building (Months 1-2)
For Beginners Starting from Scratch:
- Understand the Exam Structure
- Study UPSC's official NDA notification thoroughly
- Download and analyze previous 5 years question papers (2021-2026)
- Understand the difficulty level and question distribution
- Identify which topics carry maximum weight
- Strengthen Basic Concepts
- Focus on NCERT books (Class 11 & 12 Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
- Revise Class 10 Mathematics thoroughly (foundation is crucial)
- Build English vocabulary through daily reading
- Track time spent on each topic
- Create a Study Schedule
- Allocate 4-5 hours daily for NDA preparation
- Divide time: Mathematics 40%, GAT 60%
- Include 1 hour daily for English reading and vocabulary
- Reserve weekends for revision and mock tests
- Gather Resources
- Download free study materials from UPSC's website
- Subscribe to reputable YouTube channels for physics and chemistry concepts
- Collect previous years question papers from 2020 onwards
- Join online study groups (but limit social media time)
Phase 2: Subject Mastery (Months 3-6)
Mathematics Preparation
| Topic | Duration | Resource |
|---|---|---|
| **Algebra & Linear Equations** | 2 weeks | R.S. Aggarwal Mathematics; Khan Academy |
| **Trigonometry** | 2 weeks | NCERT Class 11 + NDA-specific practice |
| **Coordinate Geometry** | 2 weeks | Comprehensive book + previous papers |
| **Calculus (Differentiation & Integration)** | 3 weeks | NCERT Class 12 + Advanced practice |
| **Vectors & 3D Geometry** | 2 weeks | Focus on NDA-relevant questions |
| **Probability & Statistics** | 2 weeks | NCERT + competitive exam books |
| **Revision & Practice** | 2 weeks | Timed solving of previous papers |
Mathematics Books for NDA:
- "NDA Mathematics" by Pearson (covers all topics with solved examples)
- "Complete NDA Mathematics" by Arihant (extensive practice questions)
- "R.S. Aggarwal's Objective Arithmetic" (fundamentals clarity)
- Previous UPSC NDA Papers (2020-2026) (most important resource)
General Knowledge (Paper 2, Part B) Preparation
Physics Focus Areas:
- Mechanics (Force, Energy, Momentum, Circular Motion)
- Heat, Temperature, and Thermodynamics
- Waves and Oscillations
- Optics (Reflection, Refraction, Lenses)
- Electricity and Magnetism
- Modern Physics (Atoms, Nuclei, Semiconductors)
Best Physics Resources:
- NCERT Class 11 & 12 Physics (foundation is critical)
- H.C. Verma's "Concepts of Physics" (Part 1 & 2 for conceptual clarity)
- Previous NDA Physics questions (pattern identification)
Chemistry Focus Areas:
- Atomic Structure and Electron Configuration
- Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure
- States of Matter (Solid, Liquid, Gas)
- Thermodynamics and Equilibrium
- Redox Reactions and Electrochemistry
- Organic Chemistry (Hydrocarbons, Functional Groups, Reactions)
Best Chemistry Resources:
- NCERT Chemistry Class 11 & 12 (mandatory reading)
- Physical Chemistry by P. Bahadur (numericals and concepts)
- Inorganic Chemistry by J.D. Lee (for reference)
- NDA previous papers (Chemistry section)
Biology & General Science Focus Areas:
- Cell Structure and Functions
- Genetics and Heredity
- Human Body Systems (Nervous, Circulatory, Respiratory, Digestive)
- Ecology and Environmental Science
- Evolution and Natural Selection
- Immunity and Disease
History, Geography, and Current Affairs:
- Indian History (Pre-independence, Independence movement, Constitution)
- World History (World Wars, Cold War, United Nations)
- Indian Geography (Physical features, Climate, Resources)
- World Geography (Time zones, Climate zones, Major countries)
- Current Affairs (Last 24 months: National, International, Sports, Science)
Best General Knowledge Resources:
- "Arihant General Knowledge" (comprehensive and NDA-focused)
- "Lucent's General Knowledge" (quick revision guide)
- NCERT History, Geography, Civics (Class 10-12)
- Daily news reading: Indian Express, The Hindu (Editorial section)
- Monthly current affairs magazines: Pratiyogita Darpan, Current Affairs Today
Phase 3: Speed & Accuracy Training (Months 7-9)
Timed Mock Tests:
- Take full-length mock tests every 3 days
- Simulate actual exam conditions (no