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NDA Exam 2 2026: Syllabus, Exam Pattern & Latest Updates Explained
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the National Defence Academy (NDA) exam twice a year. For young men and women dreaming of joining the Army, Navy, or Air Force, NDA 2 2026 is a golden ticket. With the exam scheduled tentatively for September 2026, the clock is ticking.
Here is your complete guide to the syllabus, pattern, and latest updates for NDA 2 2026 at Aim Defence Academy. We believe preparation does not start on the day the notification drops. It starts today.
If you missed NDA 1 or are planning your first attempt, this is your complete guide. No fluff, no filler— just what you need to know, explained the way we teach it at Aim Defence Academy.
The Window Is Short — Move Fast
UPSC will release the NDA 2 2026 official notification on May 20, 2026. The application window closes on June 9, 2026 — that is just 20 days. If you miss that, you will have to wait another six months.
Here is the full timeline at a glance:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | May 20, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | June 9, 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | August 2026 |
| NDA 2 Written Exam | September 13, 2026 |
| SSB Interviews | October–December 2026 |
The application fee is just ₹100 for general candidates. SC/ST, female candidates, and wards of JCOs/NCOs/ORs are fully exempted. Apply online at upsconline.nic.in.
Who Can Apply? Know Your Eligibility
Age: Born between January 2, 2008 and July 1, 2011. Your age must fall between 16.5 and 19.5 years on the exam date.
Gender: Both male and female candidates can apply. NDA opened its doors to women and we have been proudly helping female aspirants prepare at Aim Defence Academy ever since.
Marital Status: Only unmarried candidates are eligible.
Education:
- Army Wing — Passed or appearing in Class 12 from any stream.
- Air Force & Naval Wings — Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics is compulsory.
Appearing in Class 12 board exams? You can still apply — you do not need to wait for results.
The Exam Pattern: Understand It Before You Fear It
The written exam is held in pen-and-paper mode and consists of two papers on the same day:
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Mathematics | 300 | 2.5 Hours |
| Paper II | General Ability Test (GAT) | 600 | 2.5 Hours |
| Total Written | 900 | 5 Hours | |
| SSB Interview | Personality & Leadership | 900 | 5 Days |
| Grand Total | 1800 |
All questions are MCQs, and negative marking applies — 0.83 marks in Maths and 1.33 in GAT for each wrong answer. At Aim Defence Academy, we emphasize smart NDA Exam Preparation—focus on accuracy, avoid guesswork, and attempt wisely. Regular mock tests and analysis help students improve performance and minimise negative marking effectively.
Mathematics — 300 Marks, 120 Questions
This paper is based on Class 11 and 12 NCERT Maths. It is the paper that separates toppers from the rest. Focus areas:
- Algebra — Sets, Complex Numbers, Quadratic Equations, Permutations & Combinations
- Trigonometry — Ratios, Identities, Inverse Functions, Heights & Distances
- Calculus — Differential and Integral Calculus, Differential Equations
- Matrices & Determinants
- Vector Algebra
- Analytical Geometry — 2D and 3D
- Statistics & Probability
General Ability Test (GAT) — 600 Marks, 150 Questions
GAT is split into two parts:
Part A: English (200 Marks) Grammar rules, vocabulary, reading comprehension, sentence correction, and cohesion. Read a newspaper every morning — it is the single best habit for this section.
Part B: General Knowledge (400 Marks) This covers six subjects with approximate weightages:
- Physics — 25%
- History & Freedom Movement — 20%
- Geography — 20%
- Chemistry — 15%
- General Science — 10%
- Current Events — 10%
The GK paper is vast but predictable. NCERT books from Class 9 to 12 cover roughly 80% of it. The remaining 20% comes from staying up to date on current affairs — something our students at Aim Defence Academy practice daily through curated news sessions.
What Comes After the Written Exam?
Clearing the written exam earns you a call for the SSB (Services Selection Board) Interview — a rigorous 5-day personality assessment held at selection centers across India. The SSB carries 900 marks equal to the written exam and tests your leadership, communication, problem-solving, and emotional resilience.
The SSB is not a knowledge test. It is a character test. Begin building those qualities from day one of your preparation — not after your written result arrives.
Expected Written Cut-off: 350–370 marks (out of 900) Expected Final Cut-off (Written + SSB): 700–750 marks (out of 1800)
The Aim Defence Academy Edge
At Aim Defence Academy, we do not just teach the syllabus — we build defence-ready individuals. Our approach combines structured subject coaching, daily current affairs, mock SSB sessions, and physical fitness guidance under one roof.
With NDA 2 2026 just months away, the time to start is not tomorrow. If you are reading this and you have a dream of wearing the uniform, let that dream fuel your discipline right now.
Start early. Aim high. Serve with pride.
Stay tuned to the official UPSC website for the exact NDA 2 2026 notification. For Updated study material and daily quizzes, visit Aim Defence Academy today.