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Defence Exams 2026: Dates, Pattern & Syllabus

Physics Wallah brings together complete information and preparation support for Defence Exams 2026, including NDA, CDS, AFCAT, Agniveer Army, Agniveer Air Force, Indian Navy SSC Officer, and SSB Interview preparation. Students can find important details such as the syllabus, exam pattern, selection process, and preparation resources for defence exams in one place.

Students preparing for defence entrance exams often face difficulty managing different exam patterns, physical standards, and selection stages together. Since exams like NDA, CDS, AFCAT, Agniveer Army, Agniveer Air Force, and Navy SSC Officer follow different recruitment processes and syllabus structures, candidates may find it difficult to plan their preparation effectively.

Physics Wallah brings important defence exam information together in one place, including eligibility, syllabus, exam pattern, selection process, and preparation support. This helps aspirants understand various defence exams clearly and prepare according to the latest exam requirements.

Defence Exams 2026 Important Dates

Defence recruitment exams are conducted by different authorities such as the UPSC, the Indian Army, the Indian Air Force, and the Indian Navy. Notification dates, application schedules, and exam timelines may vary from one recruitment cycle to another.

Defence Exams 2026 Important Dates

Exam

Notification

Application Dates

Exam Date

Conducting Authority

NDA 2026 (Phase-2)

20 May 2026

20 May to 9 June

13 September 2026 (Sunday) 

UPSC

CDS 2026 (Phase-2)

20 May 2026

20 May to 9 June

13 September 2026 (Sunday) 

UPSC

AFCAT 2026

12 May 2026

20 May to 19 June 

8 Aug 2026

Indian Air Force

Agniveer Army 2026

13 February 2026

13 Feb to 10 April 2026

June 01 to 15, 2026 (Tentatively) 

Indian Army

Agniveer Air Force 2026

Expected January 2026

Online Application

March 2026

Indian Air Force

Indian Navy SSC Officer 2026

9 Jan 2026

24 Jan to 24 Feb 2026

To be Announced

Indian Navy

SSB Interview 2026

Throughout the year

After the Written Exam

Batch-wise

Armed Forces Selection Boards

Defence Exams Selection Process 2026

The selection process for defence exams generally includes written examinations, physical fitness tests, medical examinations, and SSB interviews. The process may vary depending on the entry type and branch.

Common Stages in Defence Selection

  • Written Examination

  • Physical Fitness Test (For Agniveer Entries)

  • Medical Examination

  • SSB Interview

  • Document Verification

  • Final Merit List

Defence Exam Pattern 2026

Most defence entrance exams test students on mathematics, reasoning ability, English language, general awareness, and aptitude. Some exams also include physical and psychological assessment stages.

Feature

NDA

CDS

AFCAT

Agniveer Army

Exam Mode

Offline

Offline

Online

Online

Question Type

MCQ

MCQ

MCQ

MCQ

Subjects

Maths + GAT

English, GK, Maths

English, Reasoning, GK, Maths

General Subjects

Duration

2.5 Hours Each Paper

2 Hours Each Paper

2 Hours

Varies

Negative Marking

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Medium

English & Hindi

English & Hindi

English

English & Hindi

Defence Exams Syllabus 2026

The syllabus for defence exams mainly focuses on mathematics, reasoning, English language, science, current affairs, and general knowledge. Different exams may include technical or branch-specific topics.

Common Subjects Asked in Defence Exams

  • Mathematics

  • English Language

  • General Knowledge

  • Physics and Science

  • Current Affairs

  • Reasoning and Military Aptitude

Exam

Syllabus

NDA Syllabus 2026

Click Here

CDS Syllabus 2026

Click Here

AFCAT Syllabus 2026

Click Here

Agniveer Army Syllabus 2026

Click Here

Agniveer Air Force Syllabus 2026

Click Here

Indian Navy SSC Officer Syllabus 2026

Click Here

SSB Interview Pattern 2026

Click Here

How PW Helps Students Prepare for Defence Exams

Preparing for defence exams becomes easier with regular practice, revision support, and proper guidance. Physics Wallah supports defence aspirants through exam-focused preparation resources designed according to the latest exam pattern.

 

Defence Exams 2026 FAQs

What are the major defence exams in India after Class 12 and graduation?

Major defence exams include NDA, CDS, AFCAT, Agniveer Army, Agniveer Air Force, Indian Navy SSC Officer, and SSB Interview entries.

What is the eligibility criteria for NDA and CDS 2026?

NDA is generally for Class 12th students, while CDS is for graduates. Age limit, physical standards, and educational qualifications vary according to the defence entry and the academy.

Is there negative marking in Defence Exams like NDA, CDS, and AFCAT?

Yes, exams like NDA, CDS, and AFCAT include negative marking for incorrect answers.

What subjects are included in defence exam preparation?

Most defence exams include Mathematics, English, General Knowledge, Reasoning, Current Affairs, and aptitude-based questions.

How can students prepare for Defence Exams and SSB Interview together?

Students can prepare through regular mock tests, previous year papers, physical fitness preparation, current affairs study, and SSB-focused communication and personality development practice.
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