NDA 2027: Exam Dates, Eligibility, Application Process & Selection

The National Defence Academy (NDA) offers students an opportunity to pursue a career as an officer in the Indian Army, Navy or Air Force after Class 12. Admission is through the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy (NDA & NA) Examination, conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

UPSC has announced the NDA & NA 2027(I) examination schedule. The first examination is scheduled for 11 April 2027, with applications opening on 2 December 2026.

What is the National Defence Academy?

The National Defence Academy, located in Khadakwasla, Pune, is a tri-service military training institution for future officers of the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force.

Cadets undergo academic education alongside military training, physical conditioning and leadership development. The programme prepares them for further specialised training in their respective services.

NDA & NA 2027: Important Dates

According to UPSC’s Annual Examination Calendar 2027, the examination will be conducted in two sessions.

Source: UPSC Annual Examination Calendar 2027

Who Can Apply for NDA 2027?

Candidates must meet UPSC’s educational, age, nationality and medical eligibility requirements.

Educational Qualifications

Students appearing for their Class 12 examinations may also apply, subject to the conditions specified by UPSC.

Age and Marital Status

NDA applicants are generally required to be unmarried and approximately 16½ to 19½ years old.

However, UPSC specifies an exact eligible date-of-birth range for each examination. Students must check the NDA & NA (I) 2027 notification before applying.

Can Girls Apply for NDA?

Yes. Both male and female candidates can apply for NDA, provided they satisfy the eligibility and medical requirements prescribed by UPSC.

Physical and Medical Requirements

Candidates must meet the physical and medical standards prescribed for their chosen service.

These include requirements relating to height, weight, vision, hearing and general medical fitness.

Standards may differ across the Army, Navy and Air Force. Candidates should consult the medical standards appendix in the official examination notification.

How to Apply for NDA 2027

Applications must be submitted through UPSC’s official online application portal.

Application Steps

1. Visit the official UPSC application portal.
2. Create an account or log in using existing credentials.
3. Select the NDA & NA Examination (I), 2027 when applications open.
4. Complete the required personal and educational information.
5. Select the relevant service preferences and examination centre options.
6. Upload the documents requested by UPSC.
7. Pay the applicable examination fee.
8. Review and submit the application.
9. Save a copy of the submitted application for future reference.

The detailed application instructions and document requirements will be confirmed in the official 2027 notification.

Application Fee

The examination fee has been ₹100 in previous NDA examinations.

Female candidates and SC/ST candidates have been exempt from paying the fee. Certain wards of serving or former defence personnel may also qualify for exemptions under specified conditions.

What is the NDA 2027 Examination Pattern?

The NDA selection process begins with a written examination conducted by UPSC.

The written examination comprises two papers carrying a total of 900 marks.

Both papers consist of objective-type questions.

The General Ability Test includes English and General Knowledge, covering subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography and Current Events.

What Happens After the NDA Written Examination?

Candidates who qualify in the written examination may be called for the Services Selection Board (SSB) assessment.

The SSB evaluates candidates’ suitability for officer training through a series of assessments.

Stage I: Screening

This generally includes:

• Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests
• Picture Perception and Discussion Test (PPDT)

Candidates who qualify proceed to Stage II.

Stage II: Detailed Assessment

The second stage generally includes psychological tests, group tasks, personal interviews and a board conference. The assessment examines qualities such as leadership, decision-making, teamwork, communication and adaptability.

Final Selection

Candidates must also satisfy the prescribed medical standards.

Final selection is based on performance in the written examination and SSB assessment, medical fitness, eligibility, available vacancies and the applicable merit criteria.

How Should Students Prepare for NDA 2027?

Students preparing for NDA should develop a study plan covering Mathematics, English, General Knowledge and physical fitness.

• Mathematics: Strengthen concepts from Classes 11 and 12, particularly algebra, trigonometry, matrices, calculus, coordinate geometry and statistics.
• English: Practise reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary and sentence correction.
• General Knowledge: Revise school-level science, history and geography while keeping up with national and international developments.
• Previous-Year Papers: Solve official UPSC question papers to understand the examination format, difficulty level and time requirements.
• Physical Fitness: Maintain a consistent fitness routine appropriate to individual health and ability.
• SSB Preparation: Develop communication, teamwork, awareness and problem-solving skills through regular participation in academic and extracurricular activities.

Conclusion

The NDA & NA Examination provides a pathway into officer training in the Indian Armed Forces after Class 12.

With the 2027 examination dates announced, interested students can begin preparing for the written examination, review their subject eligibility and plan their applications.

Candidates should check the official UPSC notification when released on 2 December 2026 for the final eligibility requirements, application instructions and examination details.