NDA 1 & 2 2026: Notification, Exam Dates, Vacancy and SSB

NDA is held twice every year by UPSC, once around the start of the year (NDA 1) and once in the middle of the year (NDA 2). This page gives you all the important 2026 dates, the number of seats, and the full selection process, all in very simple terms.

NDA 2 2026 key dates at a glance

How many seats (vacancies) are in NDA 2 2026?

UPSC announced 394 vacancies for NDA 2 2026. These are shared across the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings, as well as the Naval Academy. Out of these, about 370 seats are for boys and 24 seats are for girls. Vacancy numbers can change slightly, so check the latest notice.

NDA exam pattern (written)

The written exam has two papers, both on the same day:

Total written marks: 900. The GAT paper includes English, General Knowledge, Science, History, Geography, and Current Affairs. There is negative marking, so do not guess blindly.

The full NDA selection process (step by step)

1. Written exam (900 marks) — clear the cut-off to move ahead.

2. SSB interview (900 marks) — this is a 5-day test of your personality, intelligence, and leadership.

3. Medical examination — doctors check your health and fitness.

4. Final merit list — your written marks + SSB marks (total 1800 marks) decide your rank and selection.

So your total selection score is out of 1800 — half from the written exam and half from the SSB.

What happens in the SSB interview?

Many students fear the SSB, but it is just a set of fun and challenging tasks spread over about five days:

• Day 1: Screening test (a picture story and a group discussion).

• Days 2–4: Psychology tests, group tasks (like obstacle races and group planning), and a personal interview.

• Day 5: Conference (final decision) and results.

The SSB looks for honest, confident, and team-spirited students — not just toppers. You can prepare for it with practice and guidance.

When will the result come?

After the written exam (13 September 2026), UPSC releases the written exam results within a few weeks. Students who clear it are then called for the SSB. The final merit list comes after the SSB and medical stages are complete.

How to use these dates wisely

• Apply early — do not wait for the last day. (See How to Apply for NDA.)

• Start preparing for Maths and GAT as soon as you apply.

• Begin light fitness training now, so you are ready for the SSB and medical stages.

• Check your eligibility first — read our NDA Eligibility 2026 guide.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. What is the NDA 2 2026 exam date?
The NDA 2 2026 written exam is on 13 September 2026 (Sunday).

Q2. When was the NDA 2 2026 notification released?
The notification was released on 20 May 2026, and the online form opened the same day.

Q3. How many vacancies are there in NDA 2 2026? 
There are 394 vacancies, including seats for both boys and girls across the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Naval Academy.

Q4. How many times is NDA held in a year? 
NDA is held twice a year — NDA 1 (early in the year) and NDA 2 (around the middle of the year).

Q5. What is the total marks of the NDA selection?
The written exam is worth 900 marks, and the SSB interview is worth 900 marks, for a total of 1800 marks.

Q6. When does NDA training start for NDA 2 2026?
Training for selected candidates begins on 1 July 2027.

Want to start preparing for NDA 2026 with a clear timetable? Veron Institute (Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Bathinda, Tarn Taran) offers full written + SSB coaching. Visit our NDA coaching page to begin.