If you are the one who eagerly wants to serve the nation and wants to prepare for defence. This blog is going to be very informative and helpful for every young Indian who is dreaming to wear the prestigious uniform of the army, navy or air force. The National Defence Academy (NDA) is the entrance point to your defence dream. The NDA is not just an academy, it is more than this regard as the symbol of honor, courage and leadership. Each year lakhs of students appear for the NDA exam, but only the best and most disciplined aspirants make it possible with right guidance and determination. As the NDA 2026 exam approaches this is the right time to understand everything about the exam about the eligibility and syllabus to exam pattern and preparation strategies. And if you are serious about turning your dream into reality, Shield Defence Academy the best NDA coaching in Lucknow is the perfect place to rely on and begin your journey. Let’s explore this complete guide to the NDA 2026 exam and discover how Shield Defence Academy can help you to succeed.
What is the NDA Exam?
The National Defence Academy is the premier joint training institution of India that prepares cadets for the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. As we already aware with the NDA exam is conducted twice a year that is NDA- 1 and NDA-2 by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Candidates who clear the written exam and after succeeding the SSB Interview undergo attentive three year training at the NDA in Khadakwasla in Pune followed by specialized training at their respective service academies the Indian Military Academy, Naval Academy or Air Force Academy. Passing the NDA exam is more than just an achievement, it is the beginning of a life which is devoted to discipline, leadership and service to the nation.
NDA 2026 Important Highlights
It is very important to know the important highlights of the NDA 26 to get yourself well prepared for both mentally and physically. With the best NDA institute in India, Shield Defence Academy is here to help you with all possible information and changes that are expected to take place in the upcoming NDA pattern of 2026. Let explore together-
- NDA exam is conducted By Union Public Service Commission
- Exam happen in twice per Year that is NDA 1 and NDA 2
- The mode of Exam will be offline in written pattern followed by previous style
- Type of Questions will be objective that is multiple choice questions
- Selection Process will be same that is written exam + SSB Interview + medical test
- Training after selection in the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla in Pune
- The Official Website is easy to access for any queries and details.
Eligibility Criteria for NDA 2026
Before applying for the exam we suggest our candidates must check the eligibility criteria to ensure they meet all the eligibility conditions or not related to their age, education, nationality and marital status. To make it easy we are portraying all the details for the cross check read these carefully before applying for NDA 2026 exam-
Nationality
Candidates should be an Indian citizen or must be a subject of Bhutan, Nepal or
a Tibetan refugee who came on 1st January 1962 to India before intending to settle permanently in India. These following identities are accepted for the NDA entrance exam.
Age Limit
The age limit for NDA-1 2026 the candidates must be born between 2nd July 2007 and 1st July 2010 both dates are going to accept and allow you to sit for the exam.
For NDA-2 2026 the candidates are allowed to be born between 2nd January 2008 and 1st January 2011.The age limit should lie between 16.5 and 19.5 years at the time of joining so it becomes more important to go through your birth date and eligibility criteria for hassle free exam.
Gender and Marital Status
For gender and marital status both male and female candidates are eligible for the NDA Exam they must be unmarried.
Educational Qualification
For army wing passes or appearing in Class 12 from any recognized board. For Air Force and Naval Wings aspirants should be passed or appearing in Class 12 with Physics it is mandatory as well as Mathematics as compulsory subjects.
Physical Fitness
All candidates must be physically and medically fit as per the standards prescribed by the NDA and the Armed Forces Medical Board (AFMS). Physical endurance, vision and overall health work as a key component of the selection process.
What will be the Exam Pattern for NDA 2026 ?
The NDA 2026 exam pattern consists of two stages , the written examination and the SSB Interview.
Stage one
In the first stage the written examination includes two papers conducted on the same day. Paper I is Mathematics that carries a total mark of 300 and is held for a duration of 2 1⁄2 hours. Paper II is the General Ability Test that is GAT which carries total marks of 600 and is also conducted for 2½ hours. Thus, the total calculation of written examination carries a mark of 900 total. Both papers include objective type questions and candidates are required to mark their answers using a black ballpoint pen on the OMR sheet provided during the exam.
Mathematics Paper
This paper covers topics from Class 11 and 12 such as
Algebra, Trigonometry, Statistics and Probability, Geometry, Differential and Integral Calculus, Matrices and Determinants, Vectors
General Ability Test
This paper evaluates English proficiency and general awareness of the candidates. Thus, it is divided into two sections
Part A consists – English (200 Marks) – Grammar, Vocabulary, Comprehension and Usage.
Part B consists – General Knowledge (400 Marks) – Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography and Current Affairs.
There‘s negative marking for each incorrect answer in the count of one-third that is 0.33 of the marks assigned to that question are deducted.
Stage 2 enumurate SSB Interview
Candidates who qualify for the written exam are invited for the Services Selection Board Interview, which carries 900 marks. The SSB process continue over for continuous five days for testing psychological aptitude, intelligence and officer like qualities through various assessments includes –
- Psychological Tests
- Group Discussions
- Personal Interview
- Outdoor Tasks
The final merit list is prepared based on the total marks of 1800 obtained in the written test and SSB interview in the combined format.
Let’s get NDA 2026 Syllabus Overview with SDA
Mathematics Syllabus
- Algebra Operations, Sets, Complex Numbers, Quadratic Equations
- Mensuration – surface area and volume of solids
- Trigonometry – ratios, identities, heights and distances
- Statistic – mean, median, mode, variance
- Probability, permutations and combinations
- Geometry – lines, circles, areas of figures
- Calculus – limits, derivatives and integration
General Ability Test Syllabus consists of these following papers including
Part A – English
- Vocabulary grammar and usage
- Sentence correction
- Reading comprehension
Part B – General knowledge
- Biology – human body, diseases, plants
- History -Indian freedom struggle and culture
- Physics – motion, energy, electricity, light
- Chemistry – elements, compounds and reactions
- Current Affairs – defence exercises, awards, politics, science and tech
- Geography – earth, climate, Indian geography
Why it is Important to Know the Syllabus and Pattern
To Understand the exact exam pattern and syllabus of the exam is very important. It will help the candidate to stay focused on relevant topics instead of wasting time on unnecessary material that will not benefit you.
Strengthening Your Basics will help you alot
As we already know that concept clarity is the foundation. Thus focusing on strengthening the fundamentals in Mathematics, English Grammar and Science help you to uplift your rank because these subjects carry good weightage in the exam.
Regular Practice
Solve previous years question papers and give weekely mock tests. This will help in building speed, accuracy and confidence while helping you identify weak areas.
Develop a Reading Habit
Reading newspapers and defence related magazines daily will enhance General Knowledge and Current Affairs which play a crucial role for both the GAT paper and SSB Interview.
Focus on Personality Development
The SSB Interview tests your leadership qualities, communication skills and confidence. Thus it becomes very important to focus on your personality development. It plays a major role. Regular participation in group discussions, debates and physical activities will boost your overall personality.
Physical Fitness Maintenance
Start regular physical training early. Include running, push ups, Situps and basic exercises in your routine to build stamina and endurance for SSB tasks and medical tests.
Reason to Choose Shield Defence Academy for NDA 2026 Preparation?
Because as it is said choosing the right coaching or institute can be the turning point in your NDA journey and this is why Shield Defence Academy in Lucknow, is the best NDA coaching in India. It has built a trusted reputation and ultimate destination for NDA and CDS aspirants. SDA is well known for its results and selections. With years of experience and a legacy of producing successful cadets Shield stands well as one of the best NDA coaching institutes in India.
Experienced Faculty OF SDA
Our expert team and faculty comprises experienced educators and defence mentors who have in depth knowledge of UPSC patterns and they guide every student personally that help students to get their doubts clear.
Stuff of Comprehensive Course
SDA provides updated study material, topic wise notes and practice tests that are based on the latest NDA syllabus and pattern to ensure full coverage and conceptual clarity of our aspirants.
Mock Tests & Performance Analysis
Regular mock exams reflect real exam conditions that dilute the exam fear of the students and are followed by detailed performance analysis to track progress and improve accuracy.
SSB Interview Training
SDA provides exclusive SSB training sessions led by retired defence officers focusing on psychological tests, GTO tasks as well as personal interviews.
Smart Classroom Learning
Interactive teaching with digital smart boards, doubt clearing sessions and small batch sizes create an engaging learning environment and support a concentrating atmosphere as well..
Hostel and Academic Support
The academy provides residential facilities for outstation students who are outsider and not the residence of lucknow our hostel facilities will help in maintaining a disciplined routine similar to a military environment to build habits of punctuality and responsibility.
Proven Results
Shield Defence Academy has produced numerous NDA qualified candidates. Many of whom are now serving proudly in the armed forces. Our consistent results reflect our commitment to quality training.
At Shield Defence Academy we believe that to convert dreams into reality it is only possible through proper discipline, guidance and you are the one who is aiming for NDA-1 or NDA-2 for 2026 at SDA our expert mentors, structured study plans and result oriented approach will help you to perform your best.
Our mission is very simple that to train, transform with every aspirant who walks through our gates. Join Shield Defence Academy and let your dream of serving the nation take off.
