The National Defence Academy (NDA) exam is conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). These exams are generally held in the months of April and September, with the exact dates announced by UPSC through official notifications.
NDA Exam Cycle:
- NDA I – Held typically in April
- NDA II – Held typically in September
Each cycle has its own set of notification, application deadlines, admit cards, and exam dates. It’s important for candidates to keep track of the official UPSC notifications for the exact schedule of each exam cycle. The exam dates for both sessions are typically announced several months in advance.
Important Timeline:
- Notification Release: The official notification for the NDA exam is generally published around 5-6 months before the exam date.
- Application Submission: Candidates can apply online through the UPSC website within a specified period after the notification release.
- Admit Card Release: The admit cards for the NDA exam are usually made available about three weeks before the exam.
- Exam Date: As mentioned, NDA I is held in April and NDA II in September.
- Results: The results for both NDA I and NDA II are typically declared a few months after the exam.
NDA Exam Cycle – Quick Reference:
| Exam | Tentative Month | Notification Release | Exam Date |
|------------|----------------------|--------------------------|------------------|
| NDA I | April | January | April (mid) |
| NDA II | September | June | September (mid) |
Key Points to Note:
Eligibility for Both Exams: You can attempt both NDA I and NDA II in the same year, provided you meet the eligibility criteria each time, such as age limit and educational qualifications. If you miss one cycle, you can appear for the next.
Age Limit: The age requirements for both NDA I and NDA II exams are generally fixed, and candidates must be within the prescribed age range on the 1st day of the month in which the exam is conducted.
Attempt Limits: There is no specific limit on how many times you can appear for the NDA exam, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria regarding age, education, and nationality.
How to Stay Updated:
Since the NDA exam is conducted twice a year, the UPSC releases detailed notifications that include information about eligibility, application procedures, and exam patterns for both cycles. Candidates should regularly check the official UPSC website (www.upsc.gov.in) for the latest updates on exam dates, notifications, and any changes in the schedule.