National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I), 2026: Your Complete Roadmap
Table of Contents
Date : April 12, 2026!
Noval Doon Defence Academy, Dehradun’s top-tier institute for armed forces preparation. If your ultimate goal is to earn the prestigious uniform of the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force, consider this guide your ultimate blueprint.
Every crucial detail you need to conquer the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I), 2026. No distractions—just the hard facts!
At a Glance: Official Notification & Timetable Details
Alright, let’s dive in. The CDS 2 2025 Notification is Out and it came as expected, bringing with it the excitement (and panic) that usually surrounds this big day:
- Notification Release Date: Likely around August 2025
- Application Window: Expected from August to early September 2025
- CDS 2 2025 Exam Date: Tentatively set for November 2025.
CDS 2 Exam Dates & Schedule Breakdown
Here is the most important official data and document timeline you need to know right away to ensure you are up to date with the UPSC schedule:
Particulars | Details |
Date of Notification | 10/12/2025 |
Date of Commencement of Examination | 12/04/2026 |
Duration of Examination | One Day |
Last Date for Receipt of Applications | 30/12/2025 – 6:00pm |
Date of Upload | 10/12/2025 |
Notice (2.2 MB) |
Official Released Documents:
Document Type | Document | Date of Upload |
Examination Time Table | 09/01/2026 |
What is the NDA & NA (I) Exam 2026?
Before jumping into the preparation, let’s clarify what you are up against. The National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I), 2026 is an incredible opportunity for young, unmarried men and women to step into the prestigious Indian Armed Forces.
Conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), this examination opens the doors to the National Defence Academy located in Khadakwasla, Pune. The UPSC holds this exam twice a year, and our current target is the first cycle: NDA 1 2026. Earning your spot requires clearing a rigorous written examination followed by the highly demanding SSB Interview.
Exam Feature | Information |
Conducting Body | UPSC |
Total Vacancies | Approx. 394 |
Exam Level | National |
Selection Stages | Written Test + SSB Interview + Medicals |
Pro Tip: Looking for the ultimate edge? Noval Doon Defence Academy provides elite, results-driven coaching in Dehradun to help you easily navigate both the written and SSB stages at a highly affordable fee structure.
CDS 2 Syllabus 2025
UPSC is extremely strict regarding eligibility. Before you begin your preparation, ensure you meet the following non-negotiable criteria:
- Age & Nationality
The exam is strictly for unmarried male and female candidates. For the 2026 cycle, your date of birth must fall between July 2, 2007, and July 1, 2010. If your birthdate is outside this exact window, you are not eligible for this specific attempt.
- Education Requirements
- For the Army Wing: You must have passed (or be appearing for) your Class 12 exams from a recognized board.
- For the Air Force & Navy: You must have passed (or be appearing for) Class 12, specifically with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
- Physical & Medical Standards
You must be medically and physically fit to endure military training. While the baseline height requirement is generally 157 cm (with slight variations for specific categories and regions), your eyesight, weight, and overall health will be thoroughly tested during the SSB medical phase.
Syllabus & Exam Structure
To defeat the enemy, you must know the battlefield. The UPSC NDA exam is an offline, pen-and-paper test utilizing OMR sheets. The single-day exam is split into two rigorous shifts:
Paper | Subject | Marks | Time Allowed |
Paper 1 | Mathematics | 300 | 2.5 Hours |
Paper 2 | General Ability Test (GAT) | 600 | 2.5 Hours |
Total | 900 | 5 Hours |
Mathematics (300 Marks)
This section tests your grip on 11th and 12th-grade math. Expect complex problem-solving in areas like Algebra, Trigonometry, Matrices, Calculus (Differential and Integral), Vector Algebra, and Probability.
General Ability Test – GAT (600 Marks)
The GAT paper is massive and split into two distinct parts:
- Part A (English – 200 Marks): Tests vocabulary, grammar, reading comprehension, and overall language proficiency.
- Part B (General Knowledge – 400 Marks): A mix of Physics, Chemistry, General Science, Geography, History, and current affairs.
Mastering this vast syllabus requires expert strategy. At Noval Doon Defence Academy, our specialized faculty breaks down these complex topics into easy-to-understand, highly scoring modules.
Winning Preparation Strategy
Success in this exam isn’t about reading every book; it’s about reading the right books and following a disciplined routine.
- Gather Your Arsenal: Stick to 11th and 12th NCERT books for basic Math and Science concepts. Supplement them with trusted references like R.S. Aggarwal for Math and Wren & Martin for English.
- The 3-Month Plan:
- Month 1: Clear your fundamental concepts in Math and Physics. Read the newspaper daily to build vocabulary and stay updated on current events.
- Month 2: Pivot to History, Geography, and Chemistry. Begin solving past 10-year question papers to decode the UPSC pattern.
- Month 3: Dedicate this entire month to mock tests, rapid revisions, and strict time management.
- Get Expert Help: Self-study is great, but the structured, military-style discipline at Noval Doon Defence Academy provides the competitive environment required to push your limits.
Hall Tickets & Final Results
Admit Cards
Expect your hall tickets to be available on the official UPSC website (upsc.gov.in) by the last week of March 2026. Keep your registration ID handy to download and print the document, which will contain your specific exam center details.
The Path to Selection
Once you conquer the written test on April 12, results will likely be published in PDF format by May 2026. Clearing the written cutoff earns you a call letter for the exhaustive 5-day SSB Interview (carrying another 900 marks). Your final selection depends entirely on the combined merit of both the written test and the SSB interview, followed by medical clearance.
Conclusion
Securing a rank in the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I), 2026 demands unwavering focus, immense hard work, and the right mentorship. From navigating the heavy syllabus to surviving the intense 5-day SSB interview, the journey will test everything you have.
But you do not have to walk this challenging path alone. Noval Doon Defence Academy is here to transform your dreams into reality. We pride ourselves on creating future leaders through intense classroom sessions, rigorous physical training, and thorough psychological preparation for the SSB.
Are you ready to earn your uniform? Visit Noval Doon Defence Academy today and take your first step toward an extraordinary life in the Indian Armed Forces!
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