NDA 1 2027: Age Limit, Notification, Exam Date, Syllabus & Eligibility
Contact Us
Here's what we can help with:
By Delhi Career Group | Defence & NDA Coaching Since 1999
Every year, thousands of young students dream of wearing the uniform of the Indian Army, Navy or Air Force. For most of them, the journey begins with one important step: the National Defence Academy (NDA) examination conducted by the UPSC. If you are planning to appear in NDA 1 2027, this guide will give you clear and simple answers about the notification, exam date, age limit, eligibility, exam pattern and syllabus, all in one place.
At Delhi Career Group, we have guided defence aspirants since 1999. We know that the early questions are often the most confusing ones. So let us go through them calmly, one by one.
Quick Answer:
NDA 1 2027 notification comes on 2 December 2026, applications close on 22 December 2026, and the exam is on 11 April 2027.
- Notification date: 2 December 2026
- Last date to apply: 22 December 2026
- Exam date: 11 April 2027 (Sunday)
- Age limit: Born between 2 July 2008 and 1 July 2011 (both dates included)
- Education: Class 12 pass or appearing (Physics and Maths needed for Air Force and Navy)
- Marital status: Unmarried male and female candidates can apply
- Exam papers: Mathematics (300 marks) and General Ability Test (600 marks)
- Selection: Written exam (900 marks) + SSB interview (900 marks)
- Apply on: upsconline.nic.in
NDA 1 2027 Key Dates at a Glance
According to the UPSC Annual Calendar 2027, the important dates for NDA & NA Examination (I), 2027 are as follows:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
|
Notification release |
2 December 2026 |
|
Online application starts |
2 December 2026 |
|
Last date to apply |
22 December 2026 |
|
Written exam date |
11 April 2027 (Sunday) |
|
Application portal |
upsconline.nic.in |
📌 Important Note: UPSC may change dates if the situation requires it. Always confirm the final dates from the official notification on upsc.gov.in.
NDA 1 2027 Notification
The NDA 1 2027 notification is expected to be published on the official UPSC website on 2 December 2026. It is a detailed document that explains the number of vacancies, eligibility rules, exam pattern, application fee, exam centres and other instructions.
📌 Important Note: Do not wait for the notification to begin your preparation. Use it only to confirm the final details and to apply on time.
NDA 1 2027 Exam Date
The written examination for NDA 1 2027 is scheduled for 11 April 2027. It is a one-day offline exam, held in two sessions. The admit card is usually made available a few weeks before the exam on the UPSC website. The result is generally declared some weeks after the exam, and qualified candidates are then called for the SSB interview.
If you count the days from today, you will see that you have enough time to build a strong base. What matters is a steady daily routine.
NDA 1 2027 Age Limit
Unmarried male and female candidates born between 2 July 2008 and 1 July 2011 (both dates included) are expected to be eligible for NDA 1 2027. In simple words, a candidate should be between 16.5 and 19.5 years of age at the time the course begins.
Three points are worth remembering:
- The age limit is the same for boys and girls.
- UPSC does not give age relaxation to any category.
- Your date of birth is taken from your matriculation (Class 10) certificate, so check it carefully.
📌 Important Note: This age range follows the pattern of earlier years, but the final range is always the one printed in the official notification.
NDA 1 2027 Eligibility Criteria
Besides age, UPSC looks at nationality, marital status and educational qualification.
Nationality: The candidate should be a citizen of India, or belong to the other categories mentioned in the notification.
Marital status: The candidate must be unmarried.
Educational qualification:
- Army wing: Class 12 pass or appearing, from any recognised board, in any stream.
- Air Force and Naval wings, and 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme (Indian Naval Academy): Class 12 pass or appearing with Physics and Mathematics.
Physical and medical standards: Selection also depends on meeting the medical and physical standards set for each service. It is wise to take care of your fitness and eyesight from now on, since these matter during the SSB medical examination.
Women candidates are welcome to apply, and every year more young women choose the NDA path.
NDA Exam Pattern
The NDA written exam has two papers. Both are objective type, and answers are marked on an OMR sheet.
| Paper | Subject | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Paper 1 |
Mathematics |
120 |
300 |
2.5 hours |
|
Paper 2 |
General Ability Test (English and General Knowledge) |
150 |
600 |
2.5 hours |
The General Ability Test carries 200 marks for English and 400 marks for General Knowledge.
📌 Important Note: There is negative marking. One-third of the marks of a question are deducted for each wrong answer. So, it is better to attempt only those questions you are reasonably sure about.
NDA Syllabus 2027
Mathematics: Algebra, Matrices and Determinants, Trigonometry, Analytical Geometry of Two and Three Dimensions, Differential Calculus, Integral Calculus and Differential Equations, Vector Algebra, Statistics and Probability.
English: Grammar and usage, vocabulary, comprehension and cohesion in extended text. The aim is to test how well you understand and use the language.
General Knowledge: Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Freedom Movement, Geography and Current Events. Questions are mostly based on the level of Class 11 and 12, along with day-to-day awareness.
Selection Process After the Written Exam
The selection has two main stages:
- Written exam (900 marks): Mathematics and General Ability Test.
- SSB interview (900 marks): A five-day assessment at a Services Selection Board centre, which includes psychological tests, group tasks, personal interview and a medical examination.
The final merit list is made from the total of both stages, that is, 1800 marks. This shows that the SSB is as important as the written exam, and personality development should go hand in hand with your studies.
How to Apply for NDA 1 2027
- Visit the official UPSC online application portal (upsconline.nic.in).
- Complete the One Time Registration (OTR) if you have not done it earlier.
- Select the NDA & NA Examination (I), 2027 and fill in your details carefully.
- Upload the photograph and signature as per the given size and format.
- Pay the application fee online, if applicable to you, and submit the form.
- Download and keep a printout of the submitted form for future use.
📌 Important Note: Apply a few days before the last date. Heavy traffic on the last day can create unnecessary stress.
Simple Preparation Tips for NDA 1 2027
- Build your Maths base first. Maths carries 300 marks and often decides the rank. Practise a little every day instead of studying for long hours once a week.
- Read English daily. A newspaper editorial and ten new words each day will help you steadily.
- Keep up with current affairs. Make short notes on defence, science and national events.
- Solve previous year papers. They show you the real level and style of the questions.
- Take care of your fitness. Running, exercise and good sleep help you in the SSB as well.
- Be patient with yourself. Some days will feel slow. That is normal, and consistency always wins in the end.
Why Students Choose Delhi Career Group
Preparing for the NDA is not only about books. It is about discipline, guidance and the right environment. Since 1999, Delhi Career Group has been helping students move closer to their dream of serving the nation.
- Experienced mentors: Our core team includes Col. Puneet Sehgal (22+ years of experience), J.W.O Parmod Kumar (16+ years), M.W.O Jasbir Singh (16+ years) and Captain Ranvir Singh (15+ years). Their first-hand knowledge of the defence services helps students understand what the forces truly look for.
- Five branches: Delhi, Pune, Bhopal, Chandigarh and Kolkata.
- Hostel facility: Available at all five branches, so that students from other cities can focus fully on their preparation.
- Complete guidance: Support for the written exam as well as SSB preparation, with attention to each student’s personal growth.
To know more about our programmes, you can visit delhicareergroup.com or read about our NDA coaching in Pune.
Final Words
The road to the NDA is demanding, but it is also one of the most rewarding journeys a young person can take. With the right plan, regular practice and proper guidance, success becomes a realistic goal. Start today, stay consistent and trust the process.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on the UPSC Annual Calendar 2027 and the patterns of previous years. Dates, age limits and rules may change. Please confirm all details from the official UPSC notification at upsc.gov.in before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The notification is scheduled for 2 December 2026, as per the UPSC Annual Calendar 2027.
The last date is 22 December 2026.
The written exam will be held on 11 April 2027.
Candidates should be born between 2 July 2008 and 1 July 2011, both dates included.
Yes. Unmarried female candidates who meet the age and education criteria can apply. The NDA 2027 eligibility for girls is the same as for boys in terms of age, education and marital status.
Yes. Students appearing in Class 12 can apply, subject to submitting proof of passing as required.
For the Army wing, any stream is acceptable. For the Air Force and Naval wings, Physics and Mathematics in Class 12 are required.
Yes. One-third of the marks of a question are deducted for each wrong answer.