For many young Indian citizens, the uniform is not merely an outfit, but instead selflessness, courage, discipline, and a lifetime commitment to uphold and protect India. The National Defence Academy (NDA) serves as a premium entry point to be a commissioned officer in the Army, Navy, or Air Force. With NDA 1 & NDA 2 2026, it is vital to understand the eligibility criteria for the above exam, as well as an introduction to exam pattern, syllabus, and ways to prepare.
At Trishul Defence Academy (TDA), we create the structure for the aspirant to strike NDA 2 2026 with confidence and efficiency.
NDA 2 2026 Notification and Exam Dates
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the NDA exam twice a year, creating an opportunity for each candidate to select either NDA 1 or NDA 2. It is safe to say that the NDA 2 2026 notification is important to apply in time and prepare yourself. The below table covers the important notifications like NDA 2 Application Form 2026, Exam date, Admit date etc.
Event | NDA 2 2026 |
Notification Date | 20 May 2026 |
Application Start | 20 May 2026 |
Application End | 20 May 2026 |
Exam Date | 13 September 2026 |
Admit Card | 1 week prior |
Result Declaration | October 2026 (Expected) |
Keeping track of these dates ensures that you do not miss NDA 2 2026 form date and related deadlines.
NDA 2 2026 Age Limit
To be eligible for NDA 2 2026 you need to firstly meet the NDA 2 2026 age limit, date of birth category. To qualify as a candidate you need to be single and an unmarried Male or Female, as well as being able to meet the expected Nationality and Academic requirements.
NDA 2 2026 Age Criteria
Exam | Birth Date Range | Age Requirement |
NDA 2 2026 | 2 Jan 2008 – 1 Jan 2011 | 16.5 – 19.5 years |
NDA 2 2026 Eligibility
Nationality and Educational Qualifications
- Citizenship: Indian, or subjects of Nepal/Bhutan, or specified migrant groups.
- Army Wing: 12th Class or equivalent.
- Air Force & Naval Wings: 12th Class with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
- Final-year students: Eligible if proof of passing is provided before joining NDA.
Physical and Medical Standards for NDA 2 2026
The NDA is a physically and mentally draining experience.The below table showcases the Physical and Medical requirements of the Aspirant.
Parameter | Requirement |
Height | Minimum 157 cm (varies by service)152 cm for Females |
Weight | Proportionate to height and age |
Vision | Excellent, some roles require unaided vision |
Hearing | Sharp hearing, no chronic illness or disability |
NDA candidates must meet high medical and physical standards to be accepted for and proceed on to the SSB interview.Â
NDA 2 2026 Syllabus and Exam Pattern
The NDA exam has two main papers: Mathematics and the General Ability Test (GAT).
Paper I: Mathematics (2.5 hours, 300 marks)
Key topics include:
- Algebra, Matrices & Determinants
- Trigonometry, Analytical Geometry (2D & 3D)
- Differential and Integral Calculus
- Vector Algebra
- Statistics and Probability
Paper II: General Ability Test (GAT, 2.5 hours, 600 marks)
Divided into English (200 marks) and General Knowledge (400 marks).
General Knowledge Topics:
- Physics & Chemistry: Basic principles, elements, and compounds
- General Science: Human body, life processes, common epidemics
- History & Freedom Movement: Indian civilization, constitution, administration
- Geography: Earth, climate, natural resources, physical geography of India
- Current Affairs: National & international events, personalities, sports
Exam Pattern Overview
Stage | Duration | Maximum Marks | Negative Marking |
Mathematics Paper | 2.5 hrs | 300 | 1/3 marks for wrong answer |
GAT Paper | 2.5 hrs | 600 | 1/3 marks for wrong answer |
SSB Interview | 5 days | 900 | N/A |
SSB Interview and Aptitude Evaluation
The SSB interview is a rigorously evaluated 5-day process wherein candidates will be examined for officer-like qualities (OLQs) through the below processes: (to note these parts occur on mornings and afternoons as two separate sessions)Â
- Screening Test (Day 1)
- Psychological Tests (Day 2)
- Group Tasks (Day 3-4)
- Personal Interview & Conference (Day 5)
The final merit list used to determine acceptance into the NDA considering the both written test test (900 marks) and SSB (900 marks) assessments.
NDA 2 2026 Coaching at Trishul Defence Academy
At Trishul Defence Academy , we provide online and offline coaching for NDA 2 2026, focusing on:
- Comprehensive coverage of CDS syllabus 2026 and NDA syllabus
- Mock tests and previous year papers
- Physical training for medical and fitness standards
- Personality development for SSB success
NDA 2 2026: Not Just an Exam, It’s a Responsibility
The NDA 2 2026 examination is not another common competitive exam; it is a gateway to professionally enter one of the most honorable jobs of the nation. It checks you beyond academics or exam preparation. NDA 2 checks up on your sense of discipline as an individual, leadership, teamwork, communication & dedications to be prepared for and by the ideology of being prepared for carrying the uniform of pride.
And with this, the sad truth is that no matter the determination of aspirants, with the right guidance, sketch, and mentorship from experienced mentors, students can dream and study remarkably well.Â
That is precisely what TDA (Trishul t Defence Academy) can help you with.
At the TDA, we prepare students to be officers in the making, With objectively expert faculties, expert faculty, timebound well-prepared schedules with testing mock schedules, physical training, and personal mentors to prepare students for SSB interviews, the Academy offers students that walk into the Campus full of confidence and walk away with benefited experiences no student has.
So think about being at TDA, not a coaching centres or classes but an encouraging family that helped students achieve goals of joining armed forces.Â
If NDA 2 2026 is your aim, then TDA is your launching pad for that aim. Don’t simply desire the uniform – earn the right to wear it with quality training and quality support.Â
Contact TDA today, join the realms of dedication, and take your first step onto the parade ground. The journey to officers’ training starts now.
FAQs :
Q1. Are girls eligible to apply for the NDA 2026 exam?
Yes. Both girls and boys can apply for NDA 2026 exam according to UPSC guidelines.Â
Q2. What is the NDA syllabus transformation 2026?
From 2026, NDA syllabus is going to be based on the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and will sharply focus on conceptual learning, analytical ability and practical aspects of knowledge, not rote based learning and long memorization.Â
Q3. Who is eligible for NDA 2 2026?
Unmarried candidates (Girls and Boys) between [16.5 years to 19.5 years] who have passed or appearing in Class 12 are eligible. For Air Force and Navy, Physics and Mathematics should be studied in Class 12.Â
Q4. Is NDA 2 easier than NDA 1?
NDA 2 and NDA 1 are based on similar difficulty levels. The main difference will be the number of applicants and competition.Â
Q5. Is there a negative marking in the NDA 2 2026 written exam?
Yes, NDA 2 2026 written exam has negative marking scheme of 1/3rd marks for wrong answers in both Mathematics and GAT papers.
Q6. Can I join Trishul Defence Academy if I live outside Bareilly or Lucknow?
Yes, Trishul Defence Academy, which is known as Best online Coaching for NDA, also offers an option of online NDA coaching, so students can prepare from any part of India.
Q7. Does Trishul Defence Academy coach for other defence exams?
Yes, it is!! In addition to NDA, Trishul Defence Academy also conducts coaching for the CDS, AFCAT, SSB Interview, Airforce X & Y group, and Navy exams.
Q8. What are the best online classes for NDA preparation?
Trishul Defence Academy provides one of the best coaching classes, including the following facilities such as live classes, recorded lectures, doubt sessions, and test series designed by ex-defence officers.