UPSC has announced the NDA & Naval Academy (I) 2026 exam date. This article explains everything an aspirant needs to know. It uses short sentences and clear steps. Read fast. Act faster.
Exam: NDA & NA (I) 2026. Date: 12 April 2026. Mode: Offline (Pen & Paper). Papers: Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT) on the same day. Typical timings: Maths in the morning; GAT in the afternoon.
Exact schedule and what it means for you
The written exam runs on a single day with two papers. The morning paper tests Mathematics. The afternoon paper tests General Ability—English, General Knowledge, and Science/History/Geography. In practice you must manage time across both papers and recover energy between sessions. Plan rest, food, and a short relaxation routine for exam day.
Eligibility and application window (reminder)
Eligibility is by age, nationality, and educational qualifications. Typically, only unmarried male and female candidates meeting the age and 10+2 requirements can apply. The online application window usually opens with the UPSC notification months earlier. If you applied during the announced window, ensure your admit card is downloaded when released. Keep ID proofs and scanned documents ready.
Exam pattern — precise and actionable
Mathematics: structured objective paper covering algebra, trigonometry, calculus, vector geometry, statistics, and applied mathematics. GAT: split into English and General Knowledge. English tests grammar, comprehension, and vocabulary. General Knowledge covers physics, chemistry, general biology, geography, history, polity, current events, and elementary economics. Questions are objective with negative marking. So accuracy matters as much as speed.
Scoring and selection stages — full route map
Stage 1: Written exam (both papers). Stage 2: Shortlisting on combined written scores to call candidates for SSB. Stage 3: SSB (Services Selection Board) interviews and psychological testing over several days. Stage 4: Medical tests after SSB clearance. Stage 5: Final merit list combining written and SSB scores. Note: Failing medicals can remove a candidate despite earlier success.
Answer keys and unofficial analyses appear within days. UPSC typically publishes results several weeks after the exam. Shortlisting for SSB occurs soon after results. SSB calls may be staggered over months. Thus, from exam day to final selection, expect a 6–12 month process. Keep documents and medical records updated during this entire period.
Expected cutoffs — pragmatic view
Cutoffs vary year to year. Maths performance often dominates the written score because it has a heavy weight and no sectional normalization. GAT decides fine margins. Historically, NDA cutoffs for first calls depend on cohort quality. Therefore, aim well above the last known cutoffs. Prepare to clear a high bar rather than aim for minimum.
Deep preparation strategy — what actually works
Strengthen fundamentals first. For Mathematics, master the NCERT 11–12 topics and practice varied problems daily. For GAT, split time: vocabulary and comprehension every day; static GK thrice weekly; science and maths basics weekly review. Importantly, practice full-length papers under timed conditions once a week from week 6 onwards. Review errors immediately. Also, read a good daily current affairs brief and summarise two lines per article you find relevant.
A compact 12-week plan (practical)
Weeks 1–4: Build foundations. Math core topics and NCERTs. English grammar basics plus daily reading. Static GK overview. Weeks 5–8: Topic depth and speed. Timed mini-tests, sectional tests for Maths and English, and subject mapping for GK. Weeks 9–10: Full-length papers twice weekly. Identify weak zones and patch them. Week 11: Revision and selective practice; polishing formulae and vocabulary. Week 12 (final week): Light practice, mock exam once, rest, and exam-day routine rehearsal. Use the past 10 years’ papers for mocks.
SSB preparation — don’t leave it late
SSB tests personality, communication, leadership traits, group work, and intellectual ability. Start SSB prep in parallel once confident of written performance. Practice personal interview answers that are honest, short, and structured. Build a short timeline of your life events and achievements. Practice group discussions and GTO tasks in peer groups or coaching modules. Also, do psychological tests to be familiar with tasks and time pressure.
Medical — details that matter
Medical standards include vision, hearing, and overall fitness. Some conditions are disqualifying. Do a pre-SSB medical check if possible to identify fixable issues (orthopedic, dental, ENT). Keep records and specialist reports ready if you have a past medical history. It saves time and reduces surprises later.
Common pitfalls to avoid
Cramming instead of concept clarity. Ignoring negative marking. Underestimating English and GK. Neglecting the interview and personality work. Overtraining just before exam day. Skipping full mocks. Overlooking medical readiness. Address each of these early.
Resources — focused and limited
Use a small set of trusted materials. For Maths, use NCERT 11–12 and one good problem book. For English, a quality grammar guide and reading practice. For GK, concise compilations plus science NCERT basics. Most importantly, use official past papers and at least 20 timed mocks before the exam.
Mental and logistics checklist for exam day
Carry admit card, valid photo ID, passport photos, black ballpoint pens, simple watch, and water. Plan travel and reach center early. Eat light, rest well, and do breathing exercises. Pace yourself during the exam. Move on from tough questions quickly to avoid time drains.
Check UPSC’s official site regularly for admit card release, exam center notices, and corrigenda. Also watch for official timelines for result and SSB call letters. Save the UPSC announcements PDF and screenshots as a backup.
You are not studying for a paper only. You are preparing to join a service. So think like a candidate and behave like an officer. Keep discipline in study. Rest is part of preparation. Trust fundamentals. Practice under timed pressure. Keep your paperwork ready. Finally, remember: consistent, small steps win long races.
 2026 exam for 12 April 2026. Here's a point-to-point guide that explains the dates, stages, likely timelines, exam strategy, and what every serious aspirant must do next.){kind=link}