Published on : 12/12/25 01:40:35 am
The National Defence Academy (NDA) is India’s elite joint services training institute where cadets for the Army, Navy, and Air Force train together before moving to respective service academies after selection. Held twice a year by the UPSC, the NDA exam is one of the most prestigious entry routes into the Indian Armed Forces.
Aspiring defence officers compete through a written exam followed by the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview and medical tests. The academy builds leadership, physical fitness, and military esprit de corps — shaping cadets for lifelong defence careers.
The UPSC has released the NDA (I) 2026 notification with application details. Here are the confirmed key dates for aspirants preparing for 2026 entry
| Process | NDA I 2026 | NDA II 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Notification Released | 10 Dec 2025 | Expected May 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 10 Dec 2025 | Expected from 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 30 Dec 2025 (6 PM) | 9 Jun 2026 |
| Written Exam | 12 Apr 2026 | 13 Sep 2026 |
📌 NDA 1 application window is already open until 30 December 2025, while NDA 2 registration will start in May 2026 and close by 9 June 2026.IE
👉 Apply here (official): https://upsconline.nic.in
To successfully apply for NDA 2026:
Visit the UPSC Online portal at https://upsconline.nic.in.
Register or log in to your UPSC profile.
Select “NDA & NA I/II 2026” from available exams.
Fill in personal, academic, and contact details.
Upload your photograph and signature as per UPSC specifications.
Pay the application fee (fee waivers apply for certain categories).
Submit and download the confirmation page for future reference.
Only online submissions will be accepted — no offline forms. Always check official instructions carefully before submitting.
A candidate must satisfy the following to apply:
✔ Nationality: Indian citizen
✔ Age Limit: 16.5 to 19.5 years
✔ Educational Qualification:
Army: 12th pass or appearing (any stream)
Air Force & Navy: 12th with Physics & Mathematics
✔ Marital Status: Unmarried (male & female eligible)
✔ Physical Standards: Must meet UPSC’s medical fitness requirements
Female candidates and SC/ST categories are eligible with applicable rules and fee exemptions.
The NDA written exam consists of two papers:
Paper I — Mathematics
Paper II — General Ability Test (GAT)
Both papers are objective type and held in offline mode. After clearing the written exam, candidates go through the SSB interview and medical tests for final selection.
The only official platform to apply is:
👉 UPSC Online Application Portal: https://upsconline.nic.in
Do not use any third-party sites for form submission — always use the UPSC site above for authentic information. Registration details are available on the UPSC official portal.
There are many Pentagon-specialized institutes across India that help NDA aspirants prepare for the written exam, SSB interview, and physical fitness.
But one academy stands out especially due to its tailored environment and success record:
Official Site: https://bestndacoachinginindia.com/
WDA emphasizes quality learning rather than quantity — meaning every student gets personal attention and feedback based on performance.
The faculty includes retired defence officers and seasoned UPSC/defence experts — giving insights rooted in real service experience.
WDA doesn’t just focus on books — it builds confidence in SSB communication tasks, GD, WAT, interview, body language & leadership skills.
Daily PT sessions and structured fitness plans ensure students meet the demanding SSB standards that many academies overlook.
Timed tests, analysis sessions, and weekly assessments help aspirants track progress with real exam-style evaluations.
✔ Online & Offline Coaching
✔ Personal Guidance & Mentorship
✔ Regular Physical Training
✔ SSB Simulation Exercises
✔ Mock Tests & Section-Wise Practice
✔ Strategy Planning & Study Roadmaps
✔ Personality Development Workshops
✔ Hostel/Stay Assistance (where available)
These facilities ensure every student is well-rounded — academically strong, physically fit, and mentally confident.IE Education
The NDA 2026 application process is underway with NDA 1 open till 30 December 2025 and NDA 2 registrations expected until 9 June 2026 — so don’t wait till the last day!
Prepare strategically: practice past papers, join a reliable academy, and train your mindset and body. If you’re serious about NDA success, Warriors Defence Academy (WDA) offers the complete ecosystem to help you achieve that goal.
Q1: What is the NDA application last date for 2026?
A: NDA 1 2026 must be submitted by 30 December 2025 (6 PM), and NDA 2 2026 by 9 June 2026.
Q2: Where can I apply online for NDA 2026?
A: Official UPSC portal: https://upsconline.nic.in
Q3: Can female candidates apply for NDA?
A: Yes — female candidates are eligible and receive fee exemptions like SC/ST categories.
Q4: Why choose Warriors Defence Academy (WDA)?
A: WDA offers structured NDA prep including written coaching, SSB training, PT & mentorship.
