The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) released the NDA (2) 2026 notification on 20th May 2026, opening a fresh opportunity for Class 12 students to join the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy. Here is everything an aspirant needs to know before applying.

Key Dates for NDA 2 2026

UPSC opened online registration on 20th May 2026, with the application window extended till 11th June 2026. The written examination for NDA & NA (2) 2026 will be held on 13th September 2026 across designated exam centres in India. Successful candidates will join the 158th NDA Course and the 120th Indian Naval Academy Course commencing on 2nd July 2027.

Vacancies and Eligibility

UPSC has announced 394 vacancies across the Army, Navy and Air Force wings for NDA 2 2026. Unmarried male and female candidates who have passed or are appearing in Class 12 are eligible to apply. Candidates for the Air Force and Naval wings must have studied Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level. The age limit typically falls between 16.5 and 19.5 years, so aspirants must check the exact date-of-birth bracket mentioned in the official notification before applying.

Exam Pattern at a Glance

The NDA written exam carries 900 marks split between Mathematics (300 marks) and General Ability Test (600 marks covering English and General Knowledge). The SSB interview carries another 900 marks, making the total selection score 1800. Negative marking applies for wrong answers, so accuracy matters as much as speed.

How to Prepare in the Time Remaining

With the exam scheduled for September, aspirants have a few months to strengthen fundamentals in Mathematics, sharpen English grammar and comprehension, and build a daily current affairs habit. A structured coaching environment with regular mock tests, doubt-clearing sessions and SSB-oriented personality development can make a real difference in converting this attempt into a selection.

Frequently Asked Questions