UPSC NDA & NA Exam 2 2026 Dates Announced: Check Complete Schedule

Published: Wednesday, August 12, 2026, 19:32 [IST]

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced the examination date for the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA) Examination (2), 2026. According to the schedule, the written examination will be conducted on September 13, 2026, in two shifts.

UPSC NDA & NA Exam 2 2026 Dates Announced — Photo Credit - Oneindia

The NDA and NA Examination is conducted for candidates aspiring to join the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy and pursue careers in the Indian Armed Forces. The recruitment examination will be conducted for a total of 394 vacancies.

UPSC NDA & NA Exam 2 2026: Exam Date and Timings

The UPSC NDA and NA Exam 2 will be held on September 13, 2026. The written examination will consist of two papers conducted in separate shifts.

Mathematics: 10 AM to 12:30 PM
General Ability Test (GAT): 2 PM to 4 PM

The Mathematics paper will carry 300 marks, while the General Ability Test will carry 600 marks.

Candidates should reach their respective examination centres well before the reporting time mentioned in their admit cards.

UPSC NDA & NA Exam 2 2026: Vacancy Details

The NDA and NA Examination 2, 2026 will be conducted to fill 394 vacancies.

The vacancy distribution includes:

Male candidates: 370 vacancies
Female candidates: 24 vacancies
Total: 394 vacancies

The vacancies are for admission to the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy, subject to the eligibility conditions and selection process prescribed by UPSC.

UPSC NDA & NA Exam 2: Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme

The written examination comprises two papers: Mathematics and the General Ability Test.

The Mathematics paper carries 300 marks, while the GAT carries 600 marks. Each paper is conducted for 2.5 hours.

The examination follows a negative marking system. For every incorrect answer, one-third of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted. No marks will be deducted for questions that candidates leave unanswered.

Candidates should therefore read each question carefully and avoid making random guesses.

UPSC NDA & NA Exam 2 2026: Selection Process

Candidates first have to qualify in the written examination. Those who meet the prescribed cutoff will be shortlisted for the next stage, the Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview.

The SSB selection process evaluates candidates through different stages, including intelligence and personality assessment, group tasks and psychological evaluation. Candidates who successfully clear the SSB process are required to undergo a medical examination.

Final selection is subject to the candidate's performance, eligibility, medical fitness, available vacancies and other conditions prescribed by the authorities.

UPSC NDA & NA Exam 2 2026: Registration Details

The UPSC had conducted the online registration process for NDA and NA Examination 2, 2026, with the application window closing on June 11, 2026.

Candidates who successfully submitted their applications should now focus on examination preparation and keep track of further updates, including the release of the admit card and examination instructions.

UPSC NDA & NA Exam 2 2026: Important Instructions

Candidates appearing for the examination should carefully check their admit card once it is released. They must carry the required documents and follow all instructions issued by UPSC.

Since the written test carries a total of 900 marks, candidates should prepare thoroughly for both Mathematics and GAT. Time management is particularly important because each paper has a fixed duration and negative marking applies to incorrect responses.

The UPSC NDA & NA Examination 2, 2026 provides an opportunity for eligible aspirants seeking admission to the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy. With the written examination scheduled for September 13, 2026, candidates should use the remaining preparation time effectively and regularly check official UPSC updates.