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NDA 2 Exam 2026: Complete Exam Day Guide for 13 September | Mathematics, GAT, Exam Pattern, Important Instructions
NDA 2 Exam 2026 is being conducted today, 13 September 2026 (Sunday), by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (II), 2026 is an important opportunity for defence aspirants who are aiming to join the Armed Forces as officers.
According to the official UPSC examination schedule, the written examination is being conducted in two shifts on 13 September 2026.
For every NDA aspirant, this is not just another competitive examination. It is an important step towards a career in the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force through the National Defence Academy.
NDA 2 Exam 2026 – Important Details
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | NDA & NA Examination (II), 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Date | 13 September 2026 |
| Day | Sunday |
| Mode | Offline / Pen & Paper |
| Papers | Mathematics & GAT |
| Total Written Marks | 900 |
| Mathematics | 300 Marks |
| GAT | 600 Marks |
| Total Vacancies | 394 |
| Selection After Written Exam | SSB Interview + Medical |
UPSC has officially scheduled NDA & NA Examination (II), 2026 for 13 September 2026. The notification was released on 20 May 2026 and the application deadline was 11 June 2026.
NDA 2 Exam 2026 Timings
The NDA 2 written examination is conducted in two sessions.
1. Mathematics Paper
Time: 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Marks: 300
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
2. General Ability Test – GAT
Time: 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM
Marks: 600
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
The UPSC timetable provides two-and-a-half hours for each paper.
Important: Candidates should follow the exact reporting and entry instructions printed on their individual e-Admit Card.
NDA 2 2026 Exam Pattern
The NDA written examination consists of two papers:
Mathematics – 300 Marks
The Mathematics paper tests the candidate's understanding of mathematical concepts and their ability to apply those concepts accurately and quickly.
Important areas generally include:
- Algebra
- Matrices and Determinants
- Trigonometry
- Analytical Geometry
- Differential Calculus
- Integral Calculus
- Differential Equations
- Vector Algebra
- Statistics
- Probability
- Sets and Relations
- Arithmetic and related mathematical concepts
For Mathematics, time management is extremely important. Candidates should avoid spending too much time on a single difficult question.
General Ability Test – 600 Marks
The GAT is the larger section of the NDA written examination.
It broadly covers:
English
The English section tests areas such as:
- Grammar
- Vocabulary
- Comprehension
- Sentence correction
- Synonyms and antonyms
- Usage of words
- General understanding of English
General Knowledge
The GK portion covers multiple areas, including:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- General Science
- History
- Geography
- Current Affairs
- Defence-related awareness
- General knowledge
The written examination carries a total of 900 marks, with 300 marks for Mathematics and 600 marks for GAT.
NDA 2 2026 Negative Marking
One of the most important things candidates must remember during the NDA examination is negative marking.
An incorrect answer results in a deduction of one-third of the marks assigned to that question. Questions that are left unanswered do not attract negative marks.
Therefore, candidates should not blindly attempt questions.
Smart approach:
Read → Understand → Calculate → Verify → Mark
If you are completely unsure about an answer, it may be better to leave it unanswered rather than make unnecessary guesses.
NDA Exam Day – Important Things to Carry
Candidates should carefully follow the instructions given by UPSC and on their individual e-Admit Card.
Important items generally include:
Carry:
- Printed e-Admit Card
- Valid photo identity document as specified
- Required stationery
- Necessary personal essentials permitted by the examination instructions
Candidates should check their admit card carefully before leaving for the examination centre.
Do not depend on a digital copy of the admit card if UPSC requires a printed copy. Candidates have been advised to carry the physical admit card to the examination centre.
Things Candidates Should Avoid
Candidates should not carry prohibited electronic or unauthorized items into the examination hall.
Avoid carrying:
- Mobile phones
- Smart watches
- Bluetooth devices
- Electronic gadgets
- Unauthorized notes
- Books or study material
- Any prohibited item mentioned in the examination instructions
Always check the latest instructions on the UPSC admit card before entering the centre.
Reach the Examination Centre Early
One of the biggest mistakes candidates can make on examination day is reaching the centre late.
Today, 13 September 2026, candidates should plan their journey carefully because both NDA and other UPSC defence examinations are being conducted across examination centres.
UPSC has also issued a specific highlight for candidates appearing at the Delhi centre for NDA & NA II and CDS II examinations on 13 September 2026.
So, candidates should:
Leave early → Reach the centre comfortably → Complete entry formalities → Stay calm
Do not create unnecessary stress by arriving at the last minute.
How to Attempt the Mathematics Paper
The Mathematics paper contains questions of different difficulty levels.
A good strategy is to divide questions into three categories:
Category 1 – Easy
Attempt these questions first.
These questions can help you secure marks quickly and build confidence.
Category 2 – Moderate
After completing the easy questions, move to questions that require calculation or additional thinking.
Category 3 – Difficult
Do not spend too much time on a single difficult question.
If a question is taking too long, move ahead and return to it later if time permits.
Remember:
Accuracy is more important than blind attempts.
Because of negative marking, unnecessary guessing can reduce your final score.
How to Attempt the GAT Paper
The GAT paper requires good time management because it combines English and General Knowledge.
A candidate should avoid getting stuck on one section for too long.
English
Try to solve questions where you are confident first.
General Knowledge
Attempt familiar questions quickly.
Current Affairs
Use your preparation and eliminate obviously incorrect options where appropriate.
Science
Read the question carefully because many questions can test basic concepts.
NDA 2 Exam 2026 – 394 Vacancies
The NDA & NA Examination (II), 2026 has 394 notified vacancies.
According to published details based on the UPSC notification, these include 370 positions for male candidates and 24 positions for female candidates.
These vacancies make NDA 2 2026 an important opportunity for eligible defence aspirants.
However, candidates should remember that simply appearing in the examination does not guarantee selection.
The selection process continues beyond the written examination.
What Happens After NDA 2 Written Examination?
The NDA selection process has multiple stages.
Stage 1 – Written Examination
Candidates first appear for:
Mathematics + GAT
The written examination carries 900 marks.
Candidates need to meet the applicable qualifying standards/cut-offs to move forward.
Stage 2 – SSB Interview
Candidates who qualify the written examination are called for the Services Selection Board (SSB) process.
SSB is designed to assess candidates on various aspects of intelligence, personality, leadership potential and suitability for military life.
The SSB process includes different assessments such as:
- Intelligence testing
- Psychological assessment
- Group tasks
- Personal interaction/interview
- Leadership and officer-like qualities assessment
Stage 3 – Medical Examination
Candidates who progress through the selection process are required to meet the prescribed medical standards.
Physical and medical fitness are essential for a career in the Armed Forces.
NDA Is More Than Just a Written Examination
Many students focus only on Mathematics and GAT.
But an NDA aspirant should understand that the journey does not end after clearing the written examination.
A successful defence aspirant needs:
Knowledge + Discipline + Physical Fitness + Confidence + Communication Skills + Leadership Qualities
This is why NDA preparation should ideally include written examination preparation as well as personality and SSB preparation.
Exam Day Motivation for NDA Aspirants
Today is the day when preparation meets performance.
You may have studied for months.
You may have solved hundreds of questions.
You may have attended mock tests.
You may have worked on Mathematics, English, GK and current affairs.
Now it is time to stay calm and trust your preparation.
Remember:
Don't panic.
Don't rush.
Don't waste time on one question.
Don't make unnecessary guesses.
Stay focused until the last minute.
Your goal today is simple:
Give Your Best. Stay Disciplined. Think Like a Future Officer.
Manasa Defence Academy – Supporting Defence Aspirants
Manasa Defence Academy focuses on defence-oriented preparation for aspirants targeting examinations and careers in the Armed Forces.
The academy promotes a combination of written examination preparation, physical fitness, SSB-oriented training, personality development, spoken English, group discussions and stage confidence.
For students preparing for NDA, the right environment can help develop not only academic preparation but also discipline, confidence and a consistent approach towards the defence career goal.
What Should Aspirants Do After NDA 2 Exam?
Once the examination is over, do not stop your preparation completely.
Instead:
1. Analyse Your Performance
Think about:
- Which questions were easy?
- Which questions were difficult?
- Where did you lose time?
- Which topics need improvement?
2. Continue Physical Training
Do not stop your fitness routine after the written examination.
Running, strength training, flexibility and overall fitness should remain part of your routine.
3. Start SSB Preparation
If you are expecting to qualify for the written stage, start preparing for SSB instead of waiting for the result.
4. Improve Communication
Work on:
- Spoken English
- Group discussion
- Public speaking
- Current affairs discussion
- Confidence
- Personality development
5. Maintain Discipline
A defence career demands discipline every day, not only on examination day.
NDA 2 Exam 2026: Final Message to Aspirants
The NDA journey is a journey of discipline, determination and continuous improvement.
The 13 September 2026 NDA 2 examination is an important milestone for thousands of defence aspirants across India.
Give the examination with a calm mind.
Read every question carefully.
Manage your time.
Avoid unnecessary guessing.
Believe in your preparation.
And most importantly, remember why you started.
Dream of the Uniform. Prepare with Discipline. Work with Determination.
Manasa Defence Academy
Top Defence Academy for Boys After 10th & 12th
For NDA | Army | Navy | Air Force | SSC | Coast Guard & Central Government Jobs
📞 Call: 7799799220
🌐 www.manasadefenceacademy.com
For the latest NDA, defence recruitment, examination updates and preparation information, candidates should verify important dates and instructions directly with the official UPSC website.
Official UPSC – NDA & NA Examination (II), 2026
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