UPSC NDA 2 Exam 2026: Official Notification, Eligibility, and Prep Guide

Pooja Singh
February 18, 2026

With the NDA 2 2026 notification arriving on May 20, 2026, your window to join the Indian Armed Forces through the second cycle of the year is officially opening! The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has issued the roadmap for the National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (II) 2026. If you are willing to apply for this prestigious career, you must fulfill the strict eligibility criteria and understand the updated 2026-27 timelines to fill out your online form correctly.

While the first cycle of the year is underway, our focus is now on the UPSC NDA 2 2026 notification, which is scheduled for release on 20 May 2026. This is the primary opportunity for aspirants aiming for the September 13 written exam. Our mission is to ensure you grab complete information about the UPSC NDA 2 Exam 2026 by reading the detailed breakdown we have furnished in this guide.

UPSC NDA 2 Exam 2026 Overview!

Exam name	National Defence Academy & Naval Academy (II) 2026
Conducting Body	Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Exam Rounds	Written (900 Marks) + 5-Day SSB (900 Marks) + Medicals
Total Vacancies	Approx. 400 (Including seats for Female candidates)
Final Merit List	Calculated out of 1800 Total Marks
Official Website	https://upsc.gov.in

UPSC NDA 2 2026 Important Dates (Updated)

Events	NDA 2 2026 Timeline
Notification Date	20 May 2026
Application Last Date	09 June 2026
Written Exam Date	13 September 2026
Admit Card Release	August 2026

NDA 2 2026 Written Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme

To succeed in the September exam, you must master the balance between speed and accuracy. The written exam consists of two objective papers held on the same day. Note: There is a negative marking of 0.33 (1/3rd) for every wrong answer.

Paper I (Mathematics): 120 Questions | 300 Marks | 2.5 Hours
Paper II (GAT): 150 Questions | 600 Marks | 2.5 Hours
Sectional Cutoff: You must score at least 25% in Mathematics to have your GAT paper evaluated.

NDA II Eligibility Criteria 2026-27

Army Wing: Aspirants must have passed or be appearing in the 10+2 Exam from any recognized board.
Air Force & Naval Wings: Candidates must have Physics and Mathematics. For the Naval Academy 10+2 Cadet Entry, a higher aggregate (often 70% in PCM) is typically required.
Gender Eligibility: Both Male and Female unmarried candidates are eligible to apply.

NDA 2 2026 Age Limit (Strict Window)

For the second cycle of 2026, the age criteria is very specific. Ensure your birth date falls within this range:

NDA 2 2026: Born between 2nd January 2008 and 1st January 2011.

NDA Physical & Medical Standards

Height (Army): 157 cm (Male) / 152 cm (Female).
Height (Air Force): 162.5 cm. Specific measurements for leg length (min 99 cm) and sitting height apply for Flying Branch.
Visual Standards: 6/6 (Better) & 6/9 (Worse). Myopia must be less than -0.75D for Air Force; broader for Army.

The SSB Interview: A 5-Day Selection Journey

Clearing the written exam leads you to the SSB Interview (900 Marks), which tests your personality and “Officer Like Qualities” (OLQs):

Day 1 (Screening): OIR Tests and PPDT. This is an elimination round; nearly 60-70% of candidates are screened out here.
Day 2 (Psychology): TAT, WAT, SRT, and Self-Description.
Day 3 & 4 (GTO Tasks): Group obstacles, Command Task, and Personal Interview.
Day 5 (Conference): Final assessment and result declaration.

Mandatory One-Time Registration (OTR) Process

Before you fill out the application form for NDA 2, UPSC requires all candidates to complete the OTR on the official portal.

Visit upsconline.nic.in.
Click on “New Registration” and provide basic details (Name, DOB, Email, Mobile).
Verify using OTP and set your password.
Your OTR ID is permanent; keep it safe for all future UPSC applications.

Watch: NDA 2 2026 Roadmap & Selection Strategy

Cadet Salary, Degree & Career Benefits

The rewards for your hard work are immense. During your 3-year training period at the academy, you will earn a B.Sc./B.A./B.Tech degree from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). Cadets receive a fixed stipend of ₹56,100 per month (Level 10 Pay Matrix). Upon commissioning as a Lieutenant, your starting in-hand salary (including DA and MSP) typically ranges between ₹90,000 to ₹1,00,000 per month.

Got Questions? We Have Answers!

We know that preparing for the NDA 2 2026 exam can feel overwhelming. To help you stay focused, we have answered the most common doubts you might have below.

1. Can I apply for NDA 2 2026 if I am currently in Class 12?

Yes, absolutely! If you are appearing for your Class 12 exams in 2026, you are eligible to apply. We recommend starting your preparation early so that you can balance your board exams with the NDA entrance requirements. Just remember, you’ll need to provide proof of passing by the time the course starts.

2. What is the exact age limit for the NDA 2 2026 cycle?

For the NDA 2 2026 exam, your Date of Birth (DOB) must fall between January 2, 2008, and January 1, 2011. Both dates are inclusive. If your birthday is even one day outside this window, you won’t be able to apply for this specific cycle.

3. Is there a negative marking in the NDA written exam?

Yes, be careful! UPSC follows a strict negative marking policy. For every wrong answer, 0.33 (1/3rd) of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted. In Mathematics, this means 0.83 marks are lost, and in GAT, you lose 1.33 marks per wrong attempt. We always advise our students: “Accuracy is better than quantity.”

4. Do I need coaching to clear the NDA 2 2026 exam?

While coaching can provide structure, it is not mandatory. Many aspirants successfully clear the exam through self-study using NCERT books (Class 9-12) and consistent practice with previous year papers. If you are disciplined and follow a solid timetable, you can definitely make it on your own!

5. Can girls apply for the Air Force and Navy wings?

Yes, you can! Since the 2021 landmark judgment, female candidates are eligible for all three wings: Army, Navy, and Air Force. However, for the Navy and Air Force, you must have had Physics and Mathematics in your 10+2 curriculum.

6. What is the minimum height required for the Army?

For the Army wing, the minimum height is generally 157 cm for males and 152 cm for females. There are slight relaxations for candidates from the Gorkha, Garhwal, and Kumaon regions. We suggest checking the official medical standards if you have concerns about your height or weight.

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