Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the hall ticket for the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I) 2026. Candidates who applied for the 400 prestigious vacancies in the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the NDA can now download their admit cards. The UPSC NDA 1 2026 Exam is scheduled to be held on April 12, 2026. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to download the admit card, exam pattern, syllabus, and important instructions.
UPSC NDA / NA-I Admit Card 2026: Overview (अवलोकन)
| Notification Date | December 10, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Admit Card Status | Released (April 01, 2026) |
| NDA 1 Exam Date | April 12, 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 400 Posts |
| Selection Process | Written Exam + SSB Interview + Medical |
Important Dates & Application Fee (महत्वपूर्ण तिथियां और शुल्क)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Online Application Started | December 10, 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | December 30, 2025 |
| Admit Card Release Date | April 01, 2026 |
| Exam Date | April 12, 2026 |
| General / OBC Fee | ₹ 100/- |
| SC / ST / Female Fee | ₹ 0/- (Exempted) |
Vacancy Details & Eligibility (पद विवरण और पात्रता)
| Post Name | Wing | Total Vacancy | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Defence Academy (NDA) | Army | 208 | Passed 10+2 (Intermediate) from a recognized board. |
| Navy | 42 | Passed 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects. | |
| Air Force | 120 | ||
| Naval Academy (NA) | 10+2 Cadet Entry | 24 |
Age Limit (आयु सीमा)
As per the official UPSC notification for NDA/NA-I 2026:
- Candidates must be born between July 02, 2007, and July 01, 2010.
- Only unmarried male and female candidates are eligible.
- Age relaxation is applicable as per UPSC norms for specific categories.
Selection Process (चयन प्रक्रिया)
The selection for UPSC NDA involves a rigorous three-stage process:
- Written Examination: An offline OMR-based test consisting of Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT).
- SSB Interview: A 5-day intelligence and personality test conducted by the Services Selection Board.
- Medical Examination: To ensure the candidate meets the physical standards required for the Armed Forces.
- Physical Efficiency Test: Includes basic physical activities like running, push-ups, and chin-ups.
Detailed Exam Pattern & Syllabus (परीक्षा पैटर्न और पाठ्यक्रम)
| Subject | Code | Duration | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 01 | 2.5 Hours | 300 |
| General Ability Test (GAT) | 02 | 2.5 Hours | 600 |
| Total Marks for Written Exam | 900 Marks | ||
Note: There is a negative marking of 1/3rd mark for every incorrect answer.
Syllabus Breakdown:
- Mathematics: Algebra, Matrices and Determinants, Trigonometry, Analytical Geometry (2D and 3D), Differential Calculus, Integral Calculus, Vector Algebra, Statistics, and Probability.
- GAT (Part A – English): Grammar and usage, vocabulary, comprehension, and cohesion in extended text.
- GAT (Part B – General Knowledge): Physics, Chemistry, General Science, Social Studies (History, Freedom Movement, etc.), Geography, and Current Events.
NDA Salary & Pay Scale (वेतनमान)
During the training period at the Academy, cadets receive a fixed stipend of ₹56,100 per month (Level 10). Upon successful commissioning as a Lieutenant, the salary includes basic pay, Dearness Allowance (DA), Kit Maintenance Allowance, and highly lucrative Military Service Pay (MSP).
How to Download UPSC NDA Admit Card 2026? (एडमिट कार्ड कैसे डाउनलोड करें?)
- Visit the official portal of Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
- Navigate to the “What’s New” or “Admit Cards” section on the homepage.
- Click on the link “E-Admit Card for National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (I), 2026”.
- Read the instructions carefully and click on ‘Yes’.
- Enter your Registration ID or Roll Number along with your Date of Birth.
- Verify the Captcha code and click on Submit.
- Your UPSC NDA Admit Card 2026 will appear on the screen.
- Download the PDF and take a clear printout for the exam day.
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Important Links Table
| Description | Direct Link |
|---|---|
| Download UPSC NDA / NA-I Admit Card 2026 | Download Hall Ticket / Admit Card |
| Check Admit Card Official Notice | Download Admit Card Notice PDF |
| Check Exam Date Notice | Check Detailed Exam Schedule |
| Apply Online (Login/Registration) | Online Registration / Login |
| Download Official Notification | Download Detailed Notification PDF |
| Official UPSC Website | Visit Official Department Portal |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: When will the UPSC NDA 1 2026 Admit Card be released?
Ans: The admit card has been released on April 1, 2026.
Q2: What is the UPSC NDA 1 2026 Exam Date?
Ans: The examination is scheduled for April 12, 2026.
Q3: Can girls apply for the NDA exam?
Ans: Yes, both male and female unmarried candidates are eligible for NDA 2026.
Q4: Is there any negative marking in the NDA exam?
Ans: Yes, there is a penalty of 1/3rd marks for each wrong answer in both Mathematics and GAT papers.
Q5: How many total vacancies are there in NDA I 2026?
Ans: There are a total of 400 vacancies (Army: 208, Navy: 42, Air Force: 120, and NA: 24).
Q6: What documents are required at the exam center?
Ans: Candidates must carry a printed copy of the Admit Card and an original Photo ID proof (Aadhar Card, PAN, Voter ID, etc.).
Q7: Can I change my exam center after the admit card is released?
Ans: No, UPSC does not allow changes to the exam center once the admit card has been issued.
Q8: What should I do if there is a mistake in my name on the admit card?
Ans: You must immediately contact the UPSC facilitation counter or email them via the official website support.