The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is expected to release the UPSC NDA 2 2026 Notification on May 15, 2026, for approximately 400 vacancies across the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. If you are an unmarried male or female candidate born between January 2, 2008, and January 1, 2011, this examination is your direct gateway to the National Defence Academy (158th Course) and Naval Academy (120th Indian Naval Academy Course) commencing in July 2027. This prestigious examination offers a golden opportunity for young, aspiring leaders to serve the nation with honor and dignity, embarking on a challenging yet rewarding career in the armed forces. The NDA is renowned for its rigorous training and holistic development, shaping cadets into exemplary officers.

UPSC NDA 2 2026 Notification: Eligibility, Vacancies, Exam Date & Apply Online

UPSC NDA 2 2026: Quick Overview

Before reviewing the detailed syllabus and physical requirements, here are the most critical facts regarding the upcoming NDA examination. Understanding these key points will help you prepare a structured approach for your application and preparation journey.

• Exam Conducting Body: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
• Exam Name: National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (II), 2026
• Expected Vacancies: 400 (Including Female Candidates)
• Application Mode: Online via OTR (One Time Registration)
• Expected Exam Date: September 6, 2026
• Selection Process: Written Exam (900 Marks) + SSB Interview (900 Marks) + Medical Test
• Official Website: upsc.gov.in

When will UPSC release the NDA 2 2026 Notification?

UPSC follows a strict annual calendar for defence examinations. Based on the official UPSC Annual Calendar 2026, candidates must track the following deadlines to ensure they do not miss the application window. Missing any of these dates can lead to disqualification, so meticulous planning is essential for all aspirants.

UPSC NDA 2 2026 Event	Expected Date
NDA 2 2026 Notification Release	May 15, 2026
Online Application Start Date	May 15, 2026
Last Date to Apply Online	June 4, 2026 (Till 6:00 PM)
Application Correction Window	June 5 to June 11, 2026
NDA 2 Admit Card Release	August 2026 (Last Week)
UPSC NDA 2 2026 Exam Date	September 6, 2026
NDA 2 Written Result Declaration	October 2026

Importance of One Time Registration (OTR)

Candidates should complete their One Time Registration (OTR) profile on the UPSC portal well before May 15 to avoid server crashes during the final application days. The OTR system streamlines the application process for various UPSC examinations, allowing candidates to register their basic details only once. This not only saves time during subsequent applications but also helps prevent last-minute technical glitches. Ensure all details in your OTR profile are accurate and up-to-date, as they will be automatically populated into your application form.

Understanding the Application Correction Window

The application correction window from June 5 to June 11, 2026, is a critical period. During this time, candidates can rectify any errors made in their submitted application form, such as incorrect personal details, educational qualifications, or choice of examination center. However, certain fields like the registered email ID or mobile number cannot be changed. It is highly advisable to thoroughly review your application immediately after submission and utilize this window if any corrections are needed, as incorrect information can lead to rejection at later stages.

Check our Sarkari Result section for real-time updates on notification releases and exam results.

Who is eligible for NDA 2 2026? (Age Limit & Education)

UPSC maintains strict eligibility criteria for defence aspirants. A single discrepancy in your date of birth or educational background will result in immediate disqualification at the SSB center. Adhering to these requirements is non-negotiable, as the armed forces demand a high level of discipline and accuracy from the very beginning.

1. NDA 2 2026 Age Limit

Only unmarried male and female candidates are eligible. The age limit for NDA is particularly stringent, as it aligns with the structured training and career progression within the armed forces. For NDA 2 2026, your date of birth must fall strictly within the following range:

• Minimum Age: 15.5 years during application
• Maximum Age: 18.5 years during application
• Crucial Date of Birth Range: Born not earlier than January 2, 2008, and not later than January 1, 2011.

The date of birth entered in your Class 10th (Matriculation) certificate is the only valid proof accepted by the commission. No affidavits for age relaxation are entertained in defence exams. Candidates are advised to cross-verify their birth date with their official documents before applying to avoid any future complications. Any deviation, even by a single day, will lead to automatic rejection.

2. Educational Qualification

Your educational requirements depend entirely on the specific wing of the armed forces you wish to join. This distinction is crucial as different wings have varying academic prerequisites based on their technical demands.

• For Army Wing of NDA: You must have passed the Class 12th (10+2) examination from any recognized State Education Board or University. Arts, Commerce, and Science students are all eligible, emphasizing a broad academic background for leadership roles in the Army.
• For Air Force and Naval Wings of NDA & 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at INA: You must have passed Class 12th with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. These subjects are foundational for the technical and scientific aspects of naval and air operations, including navigation, engineering, and aviation.

Candidates who are currently appearing in Class 12th in 2026 can also apply, provided they can submit proof of passing the exam by June 24, 2027. This provision allows students to apply while completing their senior secondary education, but timely submission of their passing certificate is mandatory for final selection.

3. Physical and Medical Standards

Clearing the written exam and SSB is useless if you fail the medical board. The armed forces require peak physical fitness and specific medical standards to ensure candidates can withstand the rigors of military life and training. A thorough medical examination is conducted by a panel of military doctors.

• Minimum Height (Male): 157 cm (162.5 cm for Air Force). Specific height-to-weight ratio charts are also considered to assess overall physical proportionality and health.
• Minimum Height (Female): 152 cm (162.5 cm for Air Force). Similar to male candidates, weight must be proportionate to height.
• Vision Standards: Uncorrected vision must be 6/6 in the better eye and 6/9 in the worse eye. Myopia should not exceed -2.5D, and hypermetropia should not exceed +2.5D. LASIK surgery is strictly prohibited for NDA candidates as it can lead to complications under extreme conditions. Candidates with any history of eye surgery, even for minor conditions, might face disqualification.
• Tattoos: Permanent body tattoos are only permitted on the inner face of the forearm. Tattoos on any other part of the body will lead to permanent rejection. Tribal tattoos consistent with the customs and traditions of specific tribes may be permitted on the inner face of the forearm and back of the palm, provided they are not offensive or vulgar.

Other Crucial Medical Requirements

Beyond height, weight, and vision, candidates are also assessed for a range of other medical conditions. These include:

• Dental Health: A minimum number of healthy teeth and a good dental hygiene score.
• Hearing: Normal hearing without any history of chronic ear infections or perforations.
• Skeletal Structure: Absence of conditions like knock knees, flat feet, bow legs, or any spinal deformities.
• General Health: No history of chronic diseases like asthma, epilepsy, or heart conditions. Good mental health is also paramount.
• Speech and Hearing: Clear speech and normal hearing are essential for effective communication in the forces.

Prospective candidates are strongly advised to undergo a preliminary medical check-up by a civilian doctor to identify and address any potential issues well in advance of the official medical examination.

How many vacancies are expected in NDA 2 2026?

Based on the previous three recruitment cycles, the total vacancy count remains stable at 400. This consistency reflects the planned intake capacity of the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy. Female candidates now have dedicated vacancies across all branches following the Supreme Court mandate, promoting gender equality and expanding opportunities for women in the armed forces. The distribution of vacancies is carefully planned to meet the future leadership requirements of each service.

Academy / Wing	Total Expected Vacancies	Female Vacancies Included
National Defence Academy - Army	208	10
National Defence Academy - Navy	42	12
National Defence Academy - Air Force (Flying)	92	2
National Defence Academy - Air Force (Ground Duties - Tech)	18	2
National Defence Academy - Air Force (Ground Duties - Non Tech)	10	2
Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme)	30	9
Total Vacancies	400	37

What is the UPSC NDA 2 2026 Exam Pattern?

The NDA written examination is conducted offline (Pen and Paper mode) on a single day in two separate shifts. The exam consists of objective-type multiple-choice questions only, where candidates mark their answers on an OMR (Optical Mark Recognition) sheet. Understanding the exam pattern is crucial for effective time management and strategic preparation.

Paper	Subject	Questions	Marks	Duration	Negative Marking
Paper I	Mathematics	120	300	2.5 Hours	-0.83 Marks per wrong answer
Paper II	General Ability Test (GAT)	150	600	2.5 Hours	-1.33 Marks per wrong answer
Total	Written Exam	270	900	5 Hours	Applicable

Crucial Rule: Candidates must secure a minimum of 25% marks in each subject separately. This means you need at least 75 marks in Mathematics and 150 marks in GAT to be considered for the merit list. If you score 400 in GAT but only 70 in Mathematics (below the 75-mark threshold), your paper will fail the evaluation process, irrespective of your high overall score. This rule emphasizes the importance of a balanced preparation across both papers.

Detailed NDA Syllabus Breakdown

To score above the safe cutoff of 360/900, you must understand the exact syllabus distribution and allocate your study time accordingly. A comprehensive understanding of each topic is essential.

Paper 1: Mathematics (300 Marks)

The mathematics paper tests Class 11 and 12 level concepts. It requires a strong grasp of fundamentals and problem-solving skills. Major weightage goes to:

• Algebra & Matrices: Sets, Venn diagrams, De Morgan laws, complex numbers, quadratic equations, arithmetic and geometric progressions, permutations and combinations, binomial theorem, matrices and determinants (types, operations, inverse).
• Trigonometry: Angles and their measures in degrees and radians, trigonometric ratios, identities, inverse trigonometric functions, properties of triangles (sine rule, cosine rule, projection formula).
• Analytical Geometry: Cartesian system, distance formula, straight lines, circles, parabola, ellipse, hyperbola, 3D geometry (coordinates, direction cosines/ratios).
• Calculus: Concept of a real-valued function, limits, continuity, derivatives of functions, applications of derivatives, indefinite and definite integrals, differential equations (formation and solution of first order and first degree).
• Vector Algebra: Vectors and scalars, magnitude and direction of a vector, unit vector, addition/subtraction/multiplication of vectors, scalar and vector products.
• Statistics & Probability: Frequency distribution, measures of central tendency (mean, median, mode), variance, standard deviation, correlation, random experiments, outcomes, sample space, events, probability of an event

  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  Here are some common questions about the UPSC NDA 2 2026 examination.

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