UPSC NDA I 2026 Exam Date Announced: The NDA & NA 1 exam will be held on April 12th; the complete schedule has been released.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially announced the exam schedule for the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA) Examination (I), 2026. This update is crucial for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force through one of the country’s most prestigious defence entrance examinations.
As per the official notification available on upsc.gov.in, the UPSC NDA NA 1 2026 examination will be conducted on April 12, 2026, in two shifts across various exam centres nationwide. Candidates who have successfully registered for the exam can now check the detailed timetable and begin their final phase of preparation.
UPSC NDA I 2026 Exam Date and Timings
According to the examination timetable released by UPSC, the NDA and NA (I) exam will be held on a single day in two separate sessions:
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Exam Date: April 12, 2026
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First Shift: 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM
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Second Shift: 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM
The Mathematics paper will be conducted in the morning session, followed by the General Ability Test (GAT) in the afternoon session. Candidates are advised to report to their exam centres well before the reporting time mentioned on the admit card to avoid last-minute inconvenience.
Vacancy Details: 394 Posts to Be Filled
Through the UPSC NDA NA I 2026 recruitment drive, a total of 394 vacancies will be filled across the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The post-wise distribution is as follows:
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Indian Army (NDA): 208 vacancies
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Indian Navy (NDA): 42 vacancies
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Indian Air Force – Flying Branch: 92 vacancies
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Air Force Ground Duty (Technical): 18 vacancies
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Air Force Ground Duty (Non-Technical): 10 vacancies (including 2 for women candidates)
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Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme): 24 vacancies (including 3 for women candidates)
This recruitment is conducted under the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme, making it an excellent opportunity for students who have completed their higher secondary education and dream of serving the nation.
UPSC NDA I 2026 Exam Pattern
The written examination consists of two papers, conducted on the same day:
Paper 1: Mathematics
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Duration: 2.5 hours
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Maximum Marks: 300
Paper 2: General Ability Test (GAT)
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Duration: 2.5 hours
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Maximum Marks: 600
Candidates who clear the written examination will be shortlisted for the Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview, which carries 900 marks. The final merit list will be prepared based on combined scores from the written exam and interview.
UPSC NDA I 2026 Admit Card Details
The UPSC NDA NA 1 2026 admit card will be released a few days before the examination date on the official website. The hall ticket will be available only in online mode, and candidates must download and print it for exam day use.
Along with the admit card, candidates must carry a valid original photo ID proof, such as Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, or Passport. Entry to the examination hall will not be allowed without these documents.
How to Download UPSC NDA I 2026 Exam Schedule
Candidates can follow these simple steps to access the exam timetable:
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Visit the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in
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Go to the “What’s New” section on the homepage
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Click on “Examination Time Table: National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I), 2026”
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The PDF file will open on the screen
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Check the details carefully and download it for future reference
Final Advice for Aspirants
With the exam date now officially confirmed, candidates should focus on revision, mock tests, and time management. A clear understanding of the exam pattern and consistent practice will be key to success. Aspirants are also advised to regularly visit the UPSC website for updates related to admit cards and exam instructions.
The UPSC NDA I 2026 examination is a gateway to a disciplined, respected, and rewarding career in the Indian Armed Forces. Proper planning and dedication at this stage can make a significant difference in final results.
