NDA 2 2026 Application Form: Step-by-Step Process to Apply at upsc.gov.in

If you are a young student in India, then the National Defence Academy (NDA) exam is one of the largest opportunities available for you to join the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force. This exam is conducted twice in a year by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). NDA 2 2026 is the second NDA exam of the year 2026. 

The students who are in class 12 or passed out from class 12 exam can apply for this exam. NDA Application Form 2026 is available online on the official UPSC website – upsc.gov.in. This blog will describe it very simply, so that even a school student can easily understand.

NDA Exam Date 2026 and Important Schedule

The first step is to know the exam dates. The following is the anticipated NDA 2 2026 timetable:

The NDA Exam Date for 2026 is anticipated to be in September. Please confirm the dates on upsc.gov.in as they may change a little after the official notification.

Read More - NDA 2026 Maths Syllabus: Chapter-Wise Important Topics & Preparation Tips

Who Can Apply – Eligibility at a Glance

Before you start filling the NDA application form 2026, you must check whether you are eligible or not. The following is a basic set of rules explained in simple terms: 

Must be a male citizen of India. Girls are eligible to apply only in Air Force (Flying Branch) as per UPSC latest guidelines. Must be between the ages of 16.5 and 19.5. The date of birth should be between 2 January 2007 and 1 July 2010 for NDA 2 2026. 

Passed or appearing in Class 12 from a recognized board. In the Army, any stream is good. In Navy and Air Force, Physics and Mathematics is a compulsory subject in Class 12. Must be unmarried and physically fit to the Army/Navy/Air Force requirements.

NDA Application Form 2026 – Step-by-Step Process

There are two steps to the NDA registration process on the UPSC website. If you take the time to do it properly, it's not hard. You can use this basic table as a guide:

You provide your basic information such as name, date of birth, address, educational qualification, etc. in Part I. Once you complete Part I, you will receive a Registration ID and Password. Use these to log in and fill out Part II (upload photo, sign, and pay application fee). 

The Application fee is Rs. 100. SC/ST category and son of JCOs/NCOs/ORs are exempted from fee. Payment can be done online via net banking or through debit or credit card and offline at the SBI bank branches via the challan.

NDA Registration Process – Documents You Need

Prepare these things in advance before you commence the NDA registration procedure so that you will not have to pause in between. Please carry your Class 10 certificate for proof of date of birth, Class 12 marksheet or admit card (if appearing), a recent passport size photograph with white background, your signature on white paper and category certificate (SC/ST or son of defence personnel). 

The photo should be a JPG and be 20KB to 300KB. The signature file must also be of the JPG format and size between 10 Kb to 80 Kb. Ensure that the photograph is clear and recent. The blurry or old photo can lead to rejection of your application.

NDA Admit Card – How to Download

Once your application is accepted, UPSC will publish the NDA Admit Card approximately 3 to 4 weeks prior to the exam date of NDA. The exam hall will not allow you to enter without the admit card – it is very important. 

Download NDA Admit Card from upsc.gov.in by following the steps mentioned above, click on 'e-Admit Card'. Enter the Registration Number & Date of Birth to login and download the Admit Card. Take two to three printouts and keep them safely. Verify all the information mentioned on the admit card such as name, roll no, examination centre and examination date. Should there be any mistake, please notify UPSC right away.

Best NDA Books 2026 for Preparation

The right NDA books 2026 can help you a lot in your preparation. The NDA written test consists of two papers – Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT). Here are the top books for both:

Always use NCERT books for Mathematics from class 6th to 12th. These are the basics. After getting a grip on the basics, go to the Pathfinder NDA book and practice past year papers. Solving the past papers will help you understand the pattern of the NDA exam.

Quick Tips to Clear NDA

Daily Maths study for a minimum of 1 hour. NDA Maths is not very tough if you practice regularly. Read a newspaper daily and do current affairs weekly for the General Ability Test. Take at least 4-5 complete mock tests prior to the exam. This will enhance your speed and accuracy. Don't neglect the English part of GAT. Read grammar rules and do comprehension passages. Physical fitness is also important. Start running and exercising from today itself as you will need to clear the SSB interview and medical test after the written exam.

Recommended NDA Books and Study Materials

Practice Comprehensively with Oswaal360 Online Courses for NDA 2026 Exams

Practice Now with Free Oswaal360 Online Mock Test for NDA 2026 Exams

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