NDA 1 & NDA 2 2026: Important Dates, Eligibility & Selection Process

Do you wish to be in NDA and serve the country? If yes, then this article is for you. Whether you are aiming for the April or the September attempt, you need to make sure to have a solid battle plan since the competition for 2026 is expected to be severe. Regarding the NDA exam date 2026, UPSC has officially released the notification on its website. Going by the official statement, the NDA 1 & NDA 2 exams are going to be conducted on April 12 and September 13, 2026, respectively. While the applications for the first attempt have been concluded, you will be able to apply for the second attempt from May 20, 2026. The NDA exam selection process will be held in 2 stages - written and SSB Interview. Read on to know more about the details of the NDA 1 & NDA 2 2026 exam.
Read More - NDA Exam Date 2026 Announced

NDA Exam Date 2026 Important Dates

The formal announcement regarding NDA exam date 2026 has been up on the UPSC’s website. If you are looking forward to sitting in the exam, then you must ensure to be well updated with the complete schedule. More information for the NDA 1 & NDA 2 2026 exam dates can be found below:-

NDA 1

NDA 2

NDA 1 & NDA 2 2026 Eligibility

Before you apply for NDA exam, you must make sure that you fit within the specified eligibility criteria. Below mentioned is the detailed criterion of eligibility:-

Educational Qualification:

• Age limit - Must not have been born earlier than July 1, 2007 and not later than July 1, 2010.
• Marital Status - Only unmarried males and females are eligible to apply for the exam.

NDA 1 & NDA 2 2026 Selection Process

The selection process for NDA 1 & NDA 2 basically includes two stages - written and SSB interview. However, this 2-stage process will include several sub-processes, which we will talk about below:-

Stage 1 - Written Exam

Stage 2 - Interview

This is the process that will last about a week or so. Below mentioned is the day-wise process that will be included in the stage 2:-

• Day 1 - Screening : This will be a knockout process, wherein if you fail, you will be let go. This process will include OIR - Verbal and non-verbal reasoning tests, and PP&DT - You view a hazy image for 30 seconds, write a story about it, and then discuss it in a group.
• Days 2 to 5 - The Deep Dive : It will have various tests, such as Psychology Tests, Group Testing Officer Tasks, Personal Interview, and the Conference.

Stage 3 - Medical Exam

In this process, you will undergo a thorough medical checkup at military hospitals. The entire procedure generally takes 3-5 working days.

Stage 4 - Final Merit List

The final "All India Merit List" is prepared by combining your Written Score (900) + SSB Score (900). Your rank in this list, combined with your medical fitness and the number of available vacancies, determines whether you get the "Joining Letter" for the 156th Course (NDA 1) or 157th Course (NDA 2).

In conclusion, the NDA 1 & NDA 2 2026 exams present a significant opportunity for those aiming to serve the country. With the NDA 1 exam set for April 12, 2026, and the NDA 2 exam on September 13, 2026, it’s crucial to stay well-prepared and aligned with the eligibility criteria and key dates. The selection process, spanning from the written exam to the SSB interview and medical checkups, demands a strong commitment. By understanding the entire process and planning accordingly, candidates can increase their chances of success and embark on a rewarding career in the Indian Armed Forces.