NDA 2 Notification 2026 Released: Complete Details for NDA 2 Exam

The NDA 2 Notification 2026 has officially been released by the Union Public Service Commission for candidates who dream of joining the Indian Armed Forces after Class 12. The National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination is one of the most prestigious defence entrance examinations in India. Through the NDA 2 Notification 2026, eligible male and female candidates can apply for admission into the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy and the Naval Academy.

The UPSC conducts the NDA examination twice every year, and lakhs of students appear for this highly competitive defence exam. The latest NDA 2 Notification 2026 includes complete details regarding vacancies, eligibility criteria, exam pattern, syllabus, age limit, physical standards, selection process, and online application procedure.

Candidates who want to build a successful career in the Indian Armed Forces should carefully read the complete NDA 2 Notification 2026 before applying online.

NDA 2 Notification 2026 Overview

According to the NDA 2 Notification 2026, the official notification was released on 20 May 2026, while the last date to submit the online application form is 09 June 2026. The written examination for NDA 2 will be conducted on 13 September 2026.

The examination is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission for admission to the 158th NDA Course and the 120th Indian Naval Academy Course commencing from July 2027.

The NDA 2 Notification 2026 also states that candidates must apply online only through the official UPSC portal. The application process includes Universal Registration Number generation, Common Application Form submission, and examination-specific registration.

NDA 2 Notification 2026 Vacancy Details

The NDA 2 Notification 2026 has announced a total of 394 vacancies for Army, Navy, Air Force, and Naval Academy entries.

The vacancy distribution is as follows:

1. Army Wing – 208 vacancies
2. Navy Wing – 42 vacancies
3. Air Force Flying Branch – 92 vacancies
4. Air Force Ground Duties (Tech) – 18 vacancies
5. Air Force Ground Duties (Non-Tech) – 10 vacancies
6. Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme) – 24 vacancies

The vacancies mentioned in the NDA 2 Notification 2026 are provisional and may change depending on training capacity and organizational requirements.

NDA 2 Eligibility Criteria 2026

Candidates applying under the NDA 2 Notification 2026 must satisfy all eligibility conditions mentioned in the official notification.

Nationality

Applicants must be Indian citizens or subjects of Nepal. Certain categories of candidates of Indian origin migrated from specific countries are also eligible as per UPSC rules.

Age Limit

According to the NDA 2 Notification 2026, only unmarried male and female candidates born between 01 January 2008 and 01 January 2011 are eligible to apply.

Candidates must also ensure that their date of birth matches the details mentioned in their Matriculation certificate because no changes are allowed after application submission.

Educational Qualification

For the Army Wing of NDA, candidates must have passed Class 12 or equivalent examination from a recognized board.

For Air Force, Navy, and Naval Academy entries, candidates must have passed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.

Students appearing in the Class 12 examination are also eligible to apply under the NDA 2 Notification 2026.

NDA 2 Exam Pattern 2026

Understanding the exam pattern is very important for candidates preparing for the NDA 2 Notification 2026 examination.

For detailed syllabus and Exam pattern, click here: UPSC NDA

The total marks for the written examination are 900.

The NDA 2 Notification 2026 clearly mentions that all questions will be objective type. The mathematics paper and Part B of the General Ability Test will be bilingual in Hindi and English.

There is also negative marking in the examination. One-third of the marks assigned to a question will be deducted for every incorrect answer.

Candidates preparing according to the latest NDA 2 Notification 2026 syllabus will have a better chance of scoring high marks.

NDA 2 Selection Process 2026

he selection process mentioned in the NDA 2 Notification 2026 consists of multiple stages.

Written Examination

Candidates first appear for the NDA written examination conducted by UPSC.

SSB Interview

Candidates who qualify in the written examination are called for the Services Selection Board interview.

The SSB process includes:

1. Officer Intelligence Rating Test
2. Picture Perception and Description Test
3. Psychological Tests
4. Group Tasks
5. Personal Interview
6. Conference Round

The SSB interview carries 900 marks.

Medical Examination

Candidates clearing the SSB interview must undergo detailed medical examination according to defence standards.

Final Merit List

The final merit list under the NDA 2 Notification 2026 is prepared based on combined performance in the written exam and SSB interview.

NDA 2 Physical Standards 2026

Candidates applying under the NDA 2 Notification 2026 must be physically fit according to the physical standards prescribed by the Ministry of Defence.

Medical fitness, eyesight requirements, height-weight standards, and overall physical condition are important factors during final selection.

Candidates are advised to start physical fitness preparation early along with written exam preparation.

NDA 2 Application Fee 2026

As per the NDA 2 Notification 2026, General and OBC category candidates need to pay an application fee of Rs. 100.

SC, ST, female candidates, and wards of JCOs/NCOs/ORs studying in Military Schools or Sainik Schools are exempted from fee payment.

The application fee can be paid through UPI, debit card, credit card, or net banking.

NDA 2 Preparation Tips 2026

Candidates preparing for the NDA 2 Notification 2026 should follow a smart preparation strategy.

Daily newspaper reading is important for current affairs preparation. Candidates should focus on strengthening mathematics concepts and improving English grammar and vocabulary.

Regular mock tests and previous year question paper practice can significantly improve speed and accuracy.

Physical fitness preparation is equally important because candidates must clear the SSB interview and medical examination.

The NDA 2 Notification 2026 offers an excellent opportunity for students who aspire to serve the nation by joining the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force. With 394 vacancies available across multiple defence wings, candidates have a strong chance to begin a prestigious career in the Armed Forces.

Candidates should complete the online application process before the last date and begin focused preparation for both the written examination and SSB interview. Proper planning, regular practice, discipline, and confidence are the key factors for success in the NDA examination.

The competition in the NDA 2 Notification 2026 exam will be intense, but candidates with dedication and consistent preparation can achieve their dream of becoming defence officers.