The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the NDA Admit Card 2026 for the National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (I). Candidates can now download their hall tickets from the official portal at upsc.gov.in or upsconline.nic.in.
Here's everything you need to know — from the download steps to what you must (and must not) carry on exam day.
At a Glance: UPSC NDA 1 Admit Card 2026
DetailInformationConducting BodyUnion Public Service Commission (UPSC)Exam NameNDA & NA Examination (I) 2026Total Vacancies394Admit Card Released2nd April 2026Exam Date12th April 2026 (Sunday)Expected ResultMay 2026Exam ModeOffline (Pen & Paper)Official Websiteupsc.gov.in / upsconline.nic.in
Why Your Admit Card Matters More Than You Think
Think of your NDA Admit Card as your entry pass into a career in uniform. It's not just a piece of paper — it's your proof of eligibility. The hall ticket carries your exam date, reporting time, exam centre address, roll number, and a set of critical instructions you need Recruitment to follow on D-Day.
One crucial thing to remember: UPSC will NOT send admit cards by post or email. It is entirely your responsibility to download and print it yourself.
⚠️ No hard copy of the admit card = No entry into the exam hall. Period.
Step-by-Step: How to Download the NDA 1 Admit Card 2026
Follow these simple steps to get your hall ticket in minutes:
- Visit the official UPSC website: https://upsc.gov.in
- On the homepage, look for the "What's New" section
- Click the "Click Here" link next to "e-Admit Cards: National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I), 2026"
- Read through the on-screen instructions carefully, then click "Yes" to proceed
- Choose your preferred login method — By Registration Number or By Roll Number
- Enter your credentials along with your Date of Birth and the Captcha Code, then hit Submit
- Your NDA Admit Card 2026 will appear on screen
- Download it and print a clear copy on an A4 sheet — keep multiple copies
🔗 Direct Download Link: CGPSC https://upsconline.nic.in
📧 Spotted an error on your admit card? Report it immediately to UPSC at usnda-upsc@nic.in
NDA 1 2026 Exam Schedule & Shift Timings
The exam will be conducted in two shifts on 12th April 2026:
PaperSubjectReport ByExam TimingPaper 1Mathematics9:00 AM10:00 AM – 12:30 PMPaper 2General Ability Test (GAT)1:00 PM2:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Plan your travel accordingly — exam centres can be crowded, and entry closes before the official reporting time.
NDA 2026 Exam Pattern — Know Before You Go
Understanding the exam structure helps you walk in with confidence, not confusion.
SubjectNo. of QuestionsTotal MarksDurationMathematics1203002.5 HoursGeneral Ability Test (GAT)1506002.5 HoursTotal2709005 Hours
Negative Marking Alert:
- Mathematics: −0.83 per wrong answer
- English & GK (within GAT): −1.33 per wrong answer
The GAT paper is further divided into English (200 marks) and General Knowledge (400 marks). Note that the English section must be answered in English only — no exceptions.
What to Carry to the Exam Centre
Don't leave home without these:
- ✅ Printed NDA Admit Card 2026 (clear photograph visible)
- ✅ Original Government-issued Photo ID — any one of: Aadhaar Card WBPRB
- Voter ID Card
- Driving License
- PAN Card
- Passport
- ✅ Recent passport-size photograph (if required at your centre)
Allowed vs. Prohibited Items — The Complete Checklist
This is where many candidates slip up. Study this table carefully:
Category✅ Allowed❌ Not AllowedAdmit Card & IDHard copy (clear print) + Original photo IDSoft copies, photocopied or expired IDsWriting ToolsBlue ballpoint pen onlyPencil, eraser, scale, calculator, geometry set, log bookElectronicsNothing electronic permittedMobile phones, smartwatches, Bluetooth devices, earphonesPersonal ItemsTransparent water bottleWallets, handbags, metal-buckle belts, heavy jewelleryFood & MedicalDiabetic candidates: sugar tablets/fruits with medical documentsPacked food, snacks, chocolates, tea, coffee, soft drinksStudy MaterialNothingBooks, notebooks, loose sheets, chits, notes
NDA 1 2026 Exam Centres Across India
The exam will be held at centres spread across the country. Here's the full list:
AgartalaGhaziabadPanaji (Goa)AgraGorakhpurPatnaAjmerGurgaonPort BlairAhmedabadGwaliorPrayagrajAizawlHyderabadPuducherryAligarhImphalPuneAlmoraIndoreRaipurAnantpur (AP)ItanagarRajkotAurangabadJabalpurRanchiBengaluruJaipurSambalpurBareillyJammuShillongBhopalJodhpurShimlaBilaspurJorhatSiliguriChandigarhKochiSrinagar (J&K)ChennaiKohimaSrinagar (Uttarakhand)CoimbatoreKolkataThaneCuttackKozhikodeThiruvananthapuramDehradunLehTiruchirapalliDelhiLucknowTirupatiDharwadLudhianaUdaipurDispurMaduraiVaranasiFaridabadMumbaiVelloreGangtokMysoreVijayawadaGayaNagpurVishakhapatnamGautam Buddh NagarNavi MumbaiWarangal
UPSC NDA 1 Selection Process 2026
Clearing the written exam is just the beginning. The full selection journey has two stages:
Stage 1 — Written Examination All registered candidates sit for the objective-type written test. online Application This assesses your mathematical ability, English proficiency, and general knowledge.
Stage 2 — Intelligence & Personality Test (SSB Interview) Candidates who qualify the written exam are called for the SSB. This rigorous multi-day assessment evaluates your officer-like qualities, psychological aptitude, and leadership potential.
Candidates who clear both stages must submit original certificates along with photocopies of their Class 10 and Class 12 marksheets/certificates.
Pro Tips for Exam Day — From Those Who've Been There
- Download now, don't wait — server traffic spikes close to the exam date
- Print at least 3 copies — one for entry, one as backup, one for records
- Verify your exam centre on Google Maps today — know the route, parking, and nearest public transport
- Arrive 45–60 minutes before your reporting time — latecomers are turned away
- Stay off your phone — electronic devices cannot even be in your possession at the centre
- Eat well the night before — but carry only what's permitted on exam day
The NDA exam is your first real step toward wearing the uniform. The admit card is your passport to that journey. Download it, print it, and walk into that hall ready to give your best.
All the best! 🇮🇳
