Aspirants gearing up for NDA 2026 now have clarity on official dates and application windows. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is set to release the NDA 1 notification on December 10, 2025, with the exam scheduled for April 12, 2026. The NDA 2 cycle follows with a notification on May 20, 2026, and the exam on September 13, 2026.

For students focused on NDA & CDS preparation, these dates are anchors around which your study plan must revolve. At Warriors Defence Academy (WDA), we align our training to these official timelines so our students never lose direction. In this blog, we’ll explore:

• The key NDA 2026 schedule and notification details

• What aspirants often ask about (People Ask For)

• How WDA’s preparation approach supports success

• Verified facts, and where discretion or confirmation is still needed

Let’s get started.

1. Verified Official Dates & Notification Timeline

NDA 1 2026

• Notification Release: December 10, 2025 

• Application Window: December 10 – December 30, 2025 

• Exam Date: April 12, 2026 

• Admit Card: Expected in the last week of March 2026 (tentative, based on trend)

• Result Date: Usually in first week of May (projection)

NDA 2 2026

• Notification Release: May 20, 2026 

• Application Window: May 20 – June 9, 2026 

• Exam Date: September 13, 2026 

• Admit Card & Result: Likely in late August / September (to be announced)

These dates match UPSC’s official calendar releases and announcements by credible exam portals. 

2. Eligibility, Application & Pattern at a Glance

Eligibility & Age Limit

• Only unmarried male and female Indian nationals are eligible (female inclusion continues). 

• Age window: 16.5 to 19.5 years

  • For NDA 1 2026: Birth between July 2, 2007 – July 1, 2010 

  • For NDA 2 2026: Birth between January 2, 2008 – January 1, 2011 

Application Process

• Form filling is online only via UPSC’s portal

• Application fee: ₹ 100 for general category; SC/ST / female / wards of JCOs/NCOs/ORs often exempted 

• Correction window will be opened post-deadline (dates to be announced)

• Upload scanned documents including photograph, signature, proof of age & academic certificate

Exam Pattern

• Two papers:
    • Mathematics: 2½ hours, 300 marks
    • General Ability Test (GAT): 2½ hours, 600 marks

• SSB Interview & Personality Test: 900 marks

• Total aggregate: 1800 marks

This pattern is consistent with past UPSC NDA exams. 

3. What People Ask For (Frequently Asked Questions)

To help aspirants, here are common queries tied to the NDA notification:

Q1. When will NDA 1 2026 notification be released?
→ December 10, 2025 (confirmed)

Q2. What is the exam date for NDA 1 & 2 in 2026?
→ NDA 1: April 12, 2026; NDA 2: September 13, 2026

Q3. Who is eligible for NDA 2026 (age, gender, education)?
→ Age between 16.5 and 19.5; both unmarried males & females; 10+2 passed or appearing (with PCM requirement for Air/ Navy wing)

Q4. How to apply & what is the fee?
→ Applications via UPSC’s online portal; fee ₹ 100 for general category (others exempt)

Q5. How many attempts can one take for NDA?
→ No strict limit beyond age eligibility; you can appear as long as you meet criteria

Q6. Does CDS exam follow same schedule as NDA?
→ Yes, CDS and NDA exam dates often align in the same calendar window in the UPSC Exam Calendar. 

4. How WDA Structures Its NDA & CDS 2026 Preparation

Given these verified dates and patterns, here’s how WDA strategizes:

Timeline Planning

• Use the notification date as Day Zero. Back-plan your syllabus coverage, mocks, and revision.

• Adjust batch allocations so that topics finish before application deadlines.

Focus Areas

• Emphasize Mathematics fundamentals + shortcut methods

• Strengthen English & GAT — vocabulary, grammar, comprehension

• Heavy current affairs integration especially in defence, space, geo-politics

SSB Readiness from Day 1

• Personality development, speaking drills, confidence sessions

• Physical fitness routines — stamina, endurance, obstacle training

• Mock SSB rounds (GTO tasks, interview simulations)

Batch Setup & Support

• WDA offers classes 6–7 days a week, with physical & theoretical sessions

• Small batch sizes ensure personalized attention

• Hostel + mentorship + extra doubt classes for late learners

When you train with WDA, you’re not just reacting to the notification — you’re aligning your entire journey with it.

5. Verified Highlights & Caveats

Verified Highlights

• Notification & exam dates as announced in NDA 2026 schedule 

• Age and application criteria match official NDA eligibility standards 

• Exam calendar confirms NDA & CDS I exams on April 12, 2026 and NDA/ CDS II on September 13, 2026. 

Caveats & Aspects to Confirm

• Admit card release dates, correction window dates, and SSB interview scheduling are not yet official

• Detailed syllabus revisions (if any) are subject to official notification

• WDA-specific fees, discounts, or batch-start dates must come from WDA administration

6. Conclusion & Call to Action

The 2026 NDA schedule is clear: Notification on December 10, 2025, written exam on April 12, 2026, and the second cycle starting May 20 with exam on September 13. Aspirants who plan with these confirmed dates and adapt rapidly gain an edge.

If you want guided, structured preparation in sync with the official calendar, consider Warriors Defence Academy — built around this exact framework with daily mentoring, mock tests, and SSB readiness.

👉 Don’t delay — start your NDA & CDS journey now and align with official timelines. Join WDA before new batches fill up.

Author – Warriors Defence Academy