New Delhi, January 13, 2026 — The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially announced the date for the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA) Examination (I), 2026. Candidates will appear for the written exam on Sunday, April 12, 2026, in offline mode at various centres across India.

UPSC released the detailed timetable on its official website (upsc.gov.in) in early January 2026, giving clear guidance to thousands of aspirants who submitted applications in December 2025.

Exam Schedule and Structure

The NDA & NA (I) 2026 exam takes place in two shifts on the same day:

• Mathematics Paper — 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM (2½ hours, 300 marks)
• General Ability Test (GAT) — 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM (2½ hours, 600 marks)

Both papers contain objective-type multiple-choice questions. UPSC applies negative marking for wrong answers according to the instructions printed on the question paper. Unanswered questions attract no penalty.

On the same day, UPSC will also conduct the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination (I), 2026 in three separate shifts.

Vacancies and Objective

UPSC plans to fill around 390–394 vacancies through NDA & NA (I) 2026 for the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy, plus the Indian Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme). This exam opens a direct route for young candidates (aged 16.5–19.5 years) to join the Indian Armed Forces as officers.

The selection process includes:

1. Written examination
2. SSB interview
3. Document verification
4. Medical examination

Important Dates at a Glance

• Notification released → December 10, 2025
• Online application window → December 10–30, 2025
• Exam date published → Early January 2026
• Written exam → April 12, 2026

UPSC will release admit cards a few days before the exam (most likely in the first week of April 2026). Candidates should download them from the official website using their login details and reach the exam centre at least 30 minutes before the reporting time. Latecomers will not receive entry.

Tips for Candidates

Stay updated by regularly visiting upsc.gov.in for admit card release, exam-day instructions, and any last-minute changes. Concentrate your preparation on Mathematics, English, Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, and Current Affairs to perform strongly in this highly competitive defence entrance exam.

All the best to every aspirant preparing for NDA & NA (I) 2026! 🇮🇳

  NA, NDA, UPSC