UPSC NDA & NA II 2026 Exam Date Released: Check September 13 Exam Schedule, Timing, Pattern & Selection Process

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced the NDA & NA II 2026 exam date for candidates preparing for admission to the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy.

The UPSC NDA & NA II 2026 examination will be conducted on September 13, 2026, in two sessions. Candidates appearing for the exam should reach their allotted examination centre well before the reporting time mentioned on their admit card.

The examination will consist of two papers — Mathematics and the General Ability Test (GAT).

UPSC NDA & NA II 2026 Exam Schedule

Candidates can check the complete NDA & NA II 2026 exam timing below:

There is a break between the two papers. Candidates should carefully check their NDA & NA II admit card for reporting time, examination centre and other instructions.

NDA & NA II 2026 Exam Pattern

The written examination has two objective-type papers:

The GAT paper covers areas such as English, General Knowledge, Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography and Current Events.

Candidates should prepare according to the latest UPSC NDA syllabus and give special attention to Mathematics and English, along with regular current affairs revision.

NDA & NA II 2026 Negative Marking

Candidates should be careful while attempting questions because negative marking applies to incorrect answers in the objective-type papers.

Therefore, students should avoid making random guesses. During preparation, candidates should practise previous-year question papers and mock tests to improve both accuracy and time management.

UPSC NDA & NA II 2026 OMR Sheet Instructions

Since the written examination is conducted through an OMR-based system, candidates must follow the instructions carefully.

Important points include:

• Use a black ballpoint pen to mark answers on the OMR sheet.

• Do not use a pencil or a pen of another colour.

• Enter the roll number correctly.

• Carefully fill in the test booklet series code.

• Check all details before submitting the OMR sheet.

• Mistakes in important identification details may result in rejection of the answer sheet.

Candidates should also read the instructions printed on the question paper and OMR sheet before starting the examination.

UPSC NDA & NA II 2026 Selection Process

Clearing the written examination is only the first stage of the NDA selection process.

Candidates who qualify the written examination are called for the Services Selection Board (SSB) process.

The SSB selection involves a two-stage procedure.

Stage 1

Candidates first appear for:

• Psychological Aptitude Test

• Intelligence Test

This is conducted on the first day of reporting at the relevant Selection Centre, Air Force Selection Board or Naval Selection Board.

Only candidates who qualify Stage 1 are permitted to continue with the remaining selection tests.

Stage 2

Candidates who clear Stage 1 proceed to the remaining SSB tests. The process assesses candidates on different aspects of their personality, intelligence, psychological suitability and leadership potential.

Candidates who qualify the required stages must submit their original documents along with photocopies.

Documents Required for NDA & NA II 2026 Selection

Candidates who qualify the SSB stage should keep their original documents ready.

Important documents include:

• Matriculation pass certificate for proof of date of birth

• Class 12 pass certificate for educational qualification

• Other documents as required by UPSC/SSB

• Photocopies of the required certificates

Candidates should follow the document requirements communicated by UPSC or the concerned selection authority.

How to Check UPSC NDA & NA II 2026 Exam Date

Candidates can check the NDA & NA II 2026 exam schedule on the official UPSC website by following these steps:

1. Visit the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in.

2. Go to the examination section.

3. Look for the NDA & NA II 2026 examination notice/schedule.

4. Open the relevant notification.

5. Check the exam date, timings and other instructions.

6. Download the notice for future reference.

Official website: upsc.gov.in

NDA & NA II 2026 Preparation Tips for Students

With the exam scheduled for September 13, candidates should use the remaining preparation time carefully.

Focus on the NDA Syllabus

Divide your preparation between Mathematics and GAT. Avoid spending too much time on topics that carry less weightage.

Practise Previous-Year Papers

Solving previous-year NDA question papers can help you understand the difficulty level, question types and time pressure.

Take Mock Tests

Regular mock tests can improve speed and accuracy. Analyse incorrect answers after every test instead of simply checking the score.

Revise Current Affairs

The GAT includes General Knowledge and current affairs. Keep a regular revision schedule for important national and international events.

Practise OMR-Based Tests

Since the written examination uses OMR sheets, practise marking answers with a black ballpoint pen and become familiar with the process.

What After the NDA & NA II 2026 Written Exam?

Candidates who qualify the written examination will be considered for the next stage of the selection process. They will be called for the SSB interview and testing process.

Final selection depends on performance in the applicable stages, medical fitness, merit and the availability of vacancies, as per UPSC's rules.

Therefore, candidates should not stop preparation immediately after the written examination. Those expecting to qualify should also understand the SSB process and start preparing accordingly.