NDA 1 Notification 2026 Out, Check Age Limit, Qualification and Apply Online Link

The NDA 1 Notification 2026 will be released soon by UPSC, opening opportunities for students who dream of joining the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.The National Defence Academy (NDA) exam is one of the most respected entrance exams in India, conducted twice a year by UPSC. NDA offers young candidates a chance to start their defence career right after Class 12. This article guides aspirants with important details like exam dates, eligibility, age limit, exam pattern, syllabus, and the complete application process.

NDA 1 Notification 2026 Out

The application form for NDA 1 will start on 10th December 2025, and the written exam will be held on 12th April 2026. Early planning and steady preparation are extremely important because the NDA exam is highly competitive and requires both academic knowledge and mental strength. Clearing the written exam allows candidates to attend the SSB interview, which is the next step of selection. Go through this article to know about all the important exam dates, eligibility, exam pattern, syllabus and application link.

Check UPSC Calendar 2026 

NDA 1 2026: Important Exam Highlights

Understanding the basic exam details helps students get a clear idea of what to expect throughout the selection process. These details guide candidates in planning their preparation, gathering documents, and organising their study routine. Follow the table given below:

NDA 1 Exam 2026: Important Dates

UPSC has released the important dates for NDA 1 Exam 2026 through the UPSC Calendar 2026. The NDA 2026 Notification will be issued on 10th December 2025. Candidates can check all key dates for NDA 1 below and mark them in advance to avoid missing deadlines.

The application fee for general category candidates is Rs. 100, while SC/ST candidates, female candidates, and wards of JCOs/NCOs/ORs do not have to pay any fee.

NDA 1 Exam Eligibility Criteria 2026

Eligibility rules are one of the most important parts of the notification. Candidates must check these conditions before applying because UPSC strictly verifies documents during the later stages of selection. Eligibility is divided into nationality, age limit, educational qualifications, marital status, and physical standards. These requirements ensure that selected candidates are academically prepared, disciplined, and physically fit to undergo the intensive training at NDA.

Nationality

Candidates must be:

• Citizens of India, OR
• Subjects of Nepal, OR
• Persons of Indian origin who have migrated from countries such as Burma, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, or certain East African nations with the intention of settling permanently in India.

Age Limit

• NDA 1 2026: Born between 2 July 2007 and 1 July 2010
• NDA 2 2026: Born between 2 January 2008 and 1 July 2011
• Acceptable age range: 16.5 to 19.5 years
• Only unmarried male and female candidates can apply.

Educational Qualification

• Army Wing: Passed Class 12
• Air Force & Naval Wings: Passed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics
• Students appearing in Class 12 may also apply.

Physical Standards

• Candidates must meet medical and fitness standards set by the armed forces. After clearing the written exam, physical tests and medical examinations will be conducted during the SSB interview process.

NDA 1 Exam Syllabus 2026

A detailed understanding of the syllabus helps students prepare efficiently and cover all essential topics before the exam. The NDA syllabus is divided into Mathematics and the General Ability Test (GAT). Both sections are important because the written exam score decides whether a candidate qualifies for the SSB interview.

NDA 1 Exam Pattern 2026

The NDA 1 exam is held offline and includes two papers, Mathematics and GAT. Both papers contain objective type questions, and there is negative marking for incorrect answers. After clearing the written exam, candidates have to face the SSB interview, which carries equal weightage.

Download NDA 1 Previous Year Question Papers- Click here

How to Apply for NDA 1 Exam 2026?

The application process for NDA is completely online and must be done through the official UPSC website, upsconline.gov.in. The first step is completing the One-Time Registration (OTR), which stores the candidate’s basic information for future UPSC exams. OTR is done only once in a lifetime and can be completed at any time of the year. After the registration is successful, candidates can log in and fill out the NDA application form. The form requires personal details, educational qualifications, identification information, and scanned copies of a photograph and signature. All details must match the official documents because any mismatch or missing document may lead to cancellation of the application. Candidates must read the instructions in the notification carefully before final submission. If someone has already completed OTR in the past, they can skip straight to the application form section and complete the process.

Steps to Apply for NDA 2026:

1. Visit the UPSC website.

2. Open the OTR Registration link.

3. Fill out the OTR form and complete registration.

4. Log in again and open the NDA application form.

5. Enter all required details carefully.

6. Upload scanned photo and signature.

7. Pay the application fee (if applicable).

8. Download and print the final form.

NDA 1 2026 Application Correction Window

UPSC provides a correction facility so that candidates can fix mistakes made during the registration or form submission. The correction window remains open for seven days.

• NDA 1 Correction: Second week of January 2026
• NDA 2 Correction: Second week of June 2026

Corrections can only be made through the official website using login credentials. Once the window closes, no further changes will be allowed.