Quick Update: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the exam schedule for the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA) Examination (I), 2026. According to the latest notice released on January 12, 2026, the exam will take place on April 12, 2026.
This is a very important update for all students who applied for the NDA 1 exam in December 2025. The official notice confirms the exam date, shift timings, and subject details. You can view the full schedule on the official website, upsc.gov.in.
Official Exam Schedule and Shift Timings
The NDA 1 2026 written exam will be held in two separate shifts on the same day. Candidates must appear for both papers to qualify.
- Exam Date: April 12, 2026 (Sunday)
- Paper 1 (Mathematics): 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM (Morning Shift)
- Paper 2 (General Ability Test – GAT): 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM (Afternoon Shift)
Important Note: Candidates must reach the exam center at least 30 minutes before the shift starts. Entry will be closed 10 minutes before the exam begins, so do not be late.
Key Dates for NDA 1 2026
If you are preparing for this exam, keep these dates in mind to plan your study schedule.
| Event | Date |
| Notification Released | December 10, 2025 |
| Application Ended | December 30, 2025 |
| Exam Date (Written) | April 12, 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | March 2026 (Expected) |
| Result Declaration | May 2026 (Expected) |
What Happens Next? (Admit Card)
Now that the exam date is fixed, the next big step is the Admit Card. UPSC usually releases the e-Admit Card 3 weeks before the exam.
- You can expect the Admit Card in the last week of March 2026.
- It will be available online on
upsconline.nic.in. - No paper Admit Card will be sent by post. You must download it and print it yourself.
Exam Pattern Overview
To crack this exam, you must understand the marking scheme clearly. The written exam totals 900 Marks.
- Mathematics (300 Marks): This paper tests your math skills at the Class 11 and 12 level. It has 120 questions.
- General Ability Test (600 Marks): This paper has two parts—English (200 marks) and General Knowledge (400 marks). It covers Physics, Chemistry, History, Geography, and Current Events.
Negative Marking: Be careful while guessing answers. There is a penalty of one-third (0.33) marks for every wrong answer.
Total Vacancies
Through the NDA 1 2026 exam, UPSC aims to fill approximately 394 vacancies. These posts are divided among the three wings of the Indian Armed Forces:
- Army: 208 posts
- Navy: 42 posts
- Air Force: 120 posts (including Flying and Ground Duty)
- Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry): 24 posts
Both male and female candidates who clear the written exam will be called for the SSB Interview, which is a 5-day selection process testing your personality and intelligence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: When is the NDA 1 2026 exam?
he exam is scheduled for April 12, 2026. It will be a Sunday.
Q2: Can I apply for the NDA exam now?
No, the application process for NDA 1 2026 closed on December 30, 2025. You can now prepare for the NDA 2 2026 exam, for which notification will come later this year.
Q3: Is there negative marking in the NDA exam?
Yes, marks are deducted for wrong answers. You lose marks for every incorrect answer in both Math and GAT papers.
Q4: Can I use a calculator in the NDA exam?
No, calculators, mobile phones, or smartwatches are strictly prohibited inside the exam hall.
Q5: What is the age limit for NDA 1 2026?
For this specific attempt, candidates must be born between July 2, 2007, and July 1, 2010.