The National Defence Academy (NDA) 2026 exam, conducted by UPSC, is one of the most prestigious defence entrance exams in India. Every year, thousands of aspirants have common doubts about eligibility, syllabus, preparation, SSB, medicals, salary, and career prospects.
This SEO-optimised, comprehensive FAQ guide answers the most frequently asked questions about NDA 2026, making it a one-stop reference for aspirants, parents, and educators.
General Questions About NDA 2026
Q1. What is the NDA exam?
The NDA exam is conducted by UPSC to select candidates for training at the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla, for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Q2. How many times is the NDA exam conducted in a year?
The NDA exam is conducted twice a year:
NDA I 2026
NDA II 2026
Q3. Who conducts the NDA exam?
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the NDA exam.
Eligibility FAQs – NDA 2026
Q4. What is the age limit for NDA 2026?
Candidates must be between 16.5 and 19.5 years at the time specified in the official notification.
Q5. Can girls apply for NDA 2026?
Yes. Girls are fully eligible for NDA 2026 for Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Q6. What is the educational qualification for NDA?
Army Wing: 12th pass (any stream)
Navy & Air Force: 12th with Physics and Mathematics
Q7. Can commerce or arts students apply for NDA?
Yes.
Commerce/Arts students → Army wing
For Navy/Air Force → Maths & Physics are mandatory
Q8. Can appearing candidates apply for NDA 2026?
Yes, candidates appearing in Class 12 can apply, provided they pass before joining.
Exam Pattern & Syllabus FAQs
Q9. What is the NDA 2026 exam pattern?
| Paper | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 300 | 2.5 Hours |
| GAT (English + GK) | 600 | 2.5 Hours |
| Total | 900 | — |
Q10. Is there negative marking in NDA?
Yes.
Maths: –0.83 per wrong answer
GAT: –0.33 per wrong answer
Q11. What is included in the GAT paper?
English (200 marks)
General Knowledge (400 marks)
History
Geography
Polity
Economics
Science
Current Affairs
Q12. Is the NDA syllabus difficult?
The syllabus is based on Class 10–12 level, but requires speed, accuracy, and strong fundamentals.
Preparation & Strategy FAQs
Q13. How many months are required to prepare for NDA?
Ideally:
6–12 months for beginners
4–6 months for repeaters
Q14. Is coaching necessary for NDA 2026?
No. NDA can be cleared through self-study, coaching, or a hybrid approach. Discipline matters more than coaching.
Q15. What are the best books for NDA preparation?
NCERT (Class 9–12)
Maths: R.S. Aggarwal / PathFinder
GAT: Lucent GK / NCERT + current affairs
Previous Year Question Papers
Q16. Are previous year question papers important?
Yes. They help in:
Understanding exam pattern
Identifying important topics
Improving time management
SSB Interview FAQs
Q17. What is the SSB interview?
SSB (Services Selection Board) is a 5-day personality assessment to test Officer Like Qualities (OLQs).
Q18. What are the stages of SSB?
Screening Test
Psychology Tests
GTO Tasks
Personal Interview
Conference
Q19. Is SSB tough?
SSB is challenging but clearable with right attitude, honesty, and practice.
Q20. How many attempts are allowed for SSB?
There is no fixed limit—it depends on age eligibility and written exam clearance.
Medical & Physical Fitness FAQs
Q21. What is the minimum height for NDA?
Boys: Generally 157 cm
Girls: Generally 152 cm
(Relaxations apply for certain regions)
Q22. Can spectacles be used for NDA?
Yes, within prescribed limits. Excessive power may lead to rejection.
Q23. Is physical fitness compulsory for NDA?
Yes. Candidates must meet medical and physical standards as per defence norms.
Training, Salary & Career FAQs
Q24. Do NDA cadets get salary during training?
No. Salary starts after commissioning as an officer.
Q25. What is the starting salary after NDA?
Approx. ₹56,100 basic pay, with allowances taking it to ₹70,000–₹85,000+ per month.
Q26. Where is NDA training conducted?
At National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla (Pune) for 3 years.
Q27. What happens after NDA training?
Cadets go to:
IMA (Army)
INA (Navy)
AFA (Air Force)
for final training before commissioning.
Attempts, Selection & Miscellaneous FAQs
Q28. How many attempts are allowed for NDA?
As many times as you are age-eligible.
Q29. Is NDA harder than JEE or NEET?
NDA tests speed, accuracy, and personality, not just academics—so difficulty is different.
Q30. What is the success rate of NDA?
Selection rate is less than 1%, making it highly competitive.
Final Words
The NDA 2026 exam is not just an entrance test—it is a gateway to a life of leadership, discipline, honour, and service to the nation. Clearing your doubts early helps you prepare smarter and stay confident.
🇮🇳 Those who dare to lead, choose NDA.
