The National Defence Academy (NDA) Exam is one of the most prestigious competitive exams in India. Conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), it opens the gateway for young aspirants to join the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force as officers. With the NDA (I) 2026 exam scheduled for April 2026, this is the right time to begin structured preparation.
If you are a student aiming to crack the NDA April 2026 exam, the right coaching and guidance can make all the difference. This article provides a comprehensive guide on NDA exam coaching, preparation strategies, syllabus breakdown, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Why Choose NDA Coaching for April 2026?
While self-study is important, NDA coaching provides:
Expert Faculty Guidance – Learn directly from retired defence officers and UPSC/SSB experts.
Structured Study Plan – Covers Mathematics, General Ability Test (GAT), English, and SSB training.
Time Management – Balanced preparation for NDA along with school/college studies.
Mock Tests & Practice Papers – Regular tests based on UPSC standards to improve accuracy and speed.
SSB Interview Training – Specialized coaching for PP&DT, WAT, SRT, GTO tasks, and personal interviews.
Personality Development – Leadership skills, communication, and confidence building.
NDA Exam 2026: Key Details
Exam Name: National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (NDA)
Conducting Body: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
NDA I 2026 Exam Date: April 2026 (exact date to be announced by UPSC)
Eligibility:
Age: 16.5 to 19.5 years (Candidates must be born between 2nd July 2007 and 1st July 2010 for NDA I 2026).
Education:
For Army Wing – Passed/appearing in Class 12th.
For Navy & Air Force Wing – Passed/appearing in Class 12th with Physics & Mathematics.
Gender: Both male and female candidates are eligible.
Marital Status: Unmarried.
NDA 2026 Exam Pattern
The NDA written exam consists of two papers:
| Paper | Subject | Duration | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Mathematics | 2.5 hours | 300 |
| Paper II | General Ability Test (GAT) | 2.5 hours | 600 |
| Total | – | 5 hours | 900 |
SSB Interview: 900 Marks
Final Merit: Based on 1800 Marks (Written + SSB)
NDA 2026 Syllabus Breakdown
1. Mathematics (300 Marks)
Algebra
Trigonometry
Differential Calculus
Integral Calculus & Differential Equations
Vector Algebra
Statistics & Probability
2. General Ability Test (600 Marks)
English (200 Marks): Grammar, Vocabulary, Comprehension, Usage.
General Knowledge (400 Marks):
Physics
Chemistry
General Science
History, Freedom Movement
Geography (World & India)
Current Affairs
NDA April 2026 Coaching Strategy
1. Start Early
Begin at least 8–10 months before the exam (from July–August 2025) for NDA I 2026.
2. Daily Study Schedule
Mathematics: 2–3 hours (focus on NCERT + previous years’ papers).
English: 1 hour (reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary practice).
General Knowledge: 2 hours (NCERT books + current affairs newspapers like The Hindu).
Mock Tests: Weekly practice for time management.
3. SSB Preparation
Work on communication, confidence, and leadership qualities.
Practice Psychological Tests (TAT, WAT, SRT).
Attend mock interviews and group tasks under experienced SSB mentors.
4. Revision & Test Series
Join a dedicated NDA test series for April 2026.
Revise NCERT books multiple times.
Focus on concept clarity rather than rote learning.
Why Victor Growth is the Best NDA Coaching in Kochi for April 2026
At Victor Growth, we have been shaping defence aspirants since 2010, with 14+ years of expertise in NDA, CDS, AFCAT, and SSB coaching.
Defence Mentors: Learn from retired Armed Forces officers like Commodore Roy K George (Indian Navy), Col. Sumesh Antony (Indian Army), and Col. Vidur Nevrekar (SSB expert).
Comprehensive Preparation: Covers NDA written + SSB interview with complete study materials.
Personal Mentorship: Founder S. Vijay Jagadeesh personally guides students in Polity, IR, and Geography, while expert faculty handle Mathematics, Science, and Current Affairs.
Proven Results: Hundreds of aspirants have been mentored for NDA, CDS, AFCAT, and UPSC exams.
Affordable Fee: We provide quality coaching at an affordable fee.
If you’re preparing for the NDA April 2026 exam, joining a reputed institute like Victor Growth in Kochi ensures you get the right strategy, study material, and SSB guidance to succeed.
FAQs on NDA Exam Coaching for April 2026
1. When is the NDA (I) 2026 exam scheduled?
The NDA (I) 2026 exam will be conducted by UPSC in April 2026. The exact date will be announced in the official notification.
2. Who can apply for NDA 2026?
Students aged 16.5 to 19.5 years, who are unmarried and have passed/appeared in Class 12th, are eligible. For Air Force and Navy, Physics & Mathematics are compulsory.
3. How many stages are there in the NDA exam?
The NDA exam has two stages:
Written Examination (900 marks)
SSB Interview (900 marks)
4. Which coaching is best for NDA April 2026 in Kochi?
Victor Growth is one of the best NDA coaching institutes in Kochi, with 14+ years of expertise, retired defence officers as mentors, complete study material, and personalized guidance.
5. When should I start NDA 2026 preparation?
Ideally, aspirants should start at least 8–10 months before the exam. For NDA I 2026 (April), starting in July–August 2025 ensures enough time for syllabus coverage, practice, and revision.
6. Does NDA coaching also include SSB training?
Yes, reputed institutes like Victor Growth provide comprehensive SSB interview training, including PPDT, TAT, WAT, SRT, GTO tasks, and mock interviews.
