🔰 What is NDA II 2026?

The National Defence Academy (NDA) Exam, conducted by UPSC, is a national-level entrance exam held twice a year (NDA I & NDA II) for admission into the defence forces.

NDA II 2026 is the second cycle of the exam and is crucial for students planning to join defence services after Class 12.

📅 NDA II 2026: Important Dates

Here are the tentative but widely accepted key dates:

📌 These dates are based on UPSC calendar trends and exam notifications.

🎯 NDA II 2026 Eligibility Criteria (Complete Breakdown)

To apply for NDA II 2026, candidates must satisfy four major criteria:

1️⃣ Age Limit for NDA II 2026

👉 This is the most critical eligibility condition

• Age Range: 16.5 to 19.5 years

• Date of Birth Range:
  👉 2 January 2008 to 1 January 2011 (both dates included)

📌 No age relaxation is provided for any category.

2️⃣ Educational Qualification

✅ For Army Wing:

• Passed or appearing in Class 12 (any stream)

✅ For Navy & Air Force:

• Must have Physics & Mathematics in Class 12

📌 12th appearing students can also apply.

3️⃣ Nationality

Candidates must be:

• A citizen of India, or

• A subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or

• Tibetan refugee (as per UPSC norms)

4️⃣ Marital Status & Gender

• Must be unmarried

• Both male and female candidates can apply

5️⃣ Physical & Medical Standards

• Candidates must meet strict physical fitness standards

• Includes:

  • Height & weight ratio

  • Vision standards

  • General medical fitness

📌 Final selection includes SSB Interview + Medical Test

📊 NDA II 2026 Selection Process

The selection process has two stages:

Stage 1: Written Exam

• Mathematics (300 marks)

• General Ability Test (600 marks)

Stage 2: SSB Interview

• Psychological Tests

• Group Tasks

• Personal Interview

⚠️ Important Points to Remember

• Application mode: Online only

• Application fee: ₹100 (Free for SC/ST/Female candidates)

• No limit on attempts, but restricted by age

• Exam conducted in offline (pen & paper) mode

🚀 NDA II 2026 Preparation Tip (Bonus Insight)

Since NDA II is held in September 2026, ideal preparation should:

• Start by April–May 2025

• Focus on:

  • NCERT (Class 11 & 12)

  • Mathematics practice

  • Current Affairs

  • SSB personality development

❓ FAQs: NDA II 2026

1. What is the age limit for NDA II 2026?

Candidates must be between 16.5 to 19.5 years, born between 2 Jan 2008 and 1 Jan 2011.

2. Can girls apply for NDA II 2026?

Yes, both male and female candidates are eligible if they meet the criteria.

3. What is the qualification required for NDA II 2026?

• Army: Class 12 (any stream)

• Navy & Air Force: Class 12 with Physics & Maths

4. When will NDA II 2026 notification be released?

The notification is expected on 20 May 2026.

5. What is the exam date for NDA II 2026?

The exam will be conducted on 13 September 2026.

6. Can 12th appearing students apply?

Yes, students appearing in Class 12 are eligible.

7. Is there any age relaxation in NDA?

❌ No, there is no age relaxation for any category.

8. What happens after clearing NDA written exam?

You will be called for the SSB Interview, followed by a medical examination.

🏁 Final Words

NDA II 2026 is one of the best opportunities for young aspirants to join the defence forces right after school. Understanding the eligibility, age criteria, and key dates early gives you a major advantage.

👉 If you are eligible, start your preparation immediately — because NDA is not just an exam, it’s a career of honour, discipline, and leadership.