UPSC NDA & NA (I) 2026 Exam: Date, Schedule, Instructions

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released an important press note regarding the National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (I) 2026. This notification provides crucial details about the examination date, admit card download, exam day instructions, and guidelines for candidates appearing for the prestigious NDA & NA (I) 2026 examination. All admitted candidates are advised to carefully read these instructions to ensure a smooth examination experience.

Exam Overview

Exam Schedule

The examination will be conducted in two sessions. Candidates must adhere to the entry timings strictly.

Note: Entry into the Examination Venue shall be closed 30 minutes before the scheduled commencement of each session. No candidates will be allowed entry after the closing time.

Exam Centers

The National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I) 2026 will be conducted at various Centers/Venues all over India. The specific examination venue and center details for each candidate will be mentioned on their e-Admit Card. Candidates are only allowed to appear at the venue specified on their admit card.

Exam Pattern

While the detailed exam pattern (number of questions, marks per subject) is not provided in this notification, it explicitly states that candidates will be required to fill OMR Answer Sheets. This confirms the examination will be conducted in an offline, objective format. The question papers will be available for representation after the exam.

Admit Card

The e-Admit Card is a mandatory document for entry into the examination venue. Candidates must download and print it from the official website.

How to Download Admit Card

1. Visit the official UPSC website for online applications: https://upsconline.nic.in.
2. Look for the link related to ‘e-Admit Card for National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (I) 2026’.
3. Click on the download link and provide your login credentials (e.g., Registration ID/Roll Number and Date of Birth).
4. Download the e-Admit Card and take a clear printout.
5. Preserve the e-Admit Card printout until the declaration of the final result of the examination.

What to Verify on Admit Card

• Candidate’s Name and Father’s Name
• Roll Number and Registration ID
• Examination Date and Session (Forenoon/Afternoon)
• Examination Venue (Name and Address)
• Photograph and Signature
• Important Instructions appended with the e-Admit Card

Important: No paper Admit Card will be issued. In case of any discrepancy noticed in the e-Admit Card, candidates must communicate it immediately to the Commission at e-mail ID usnda-upsc@nic.in for resolution.

Documents Required on Exam Day

Candidates must carry the following mandatory documents to the examination venue:

• Printout of e-Admit Card: A clear printout of the downloaded e-Admit Card.
• Photo Identity Card: An original photo ID card (e.g., Aadhar Card, Passport, Driving License, Voter ID, PAN Card) whose number is mentioned in the e-Admit Card.
• Black Ball Point Pen: Mandatory for filling OMR Answer Sheets and the Attendance List.
• Photographs (if applicable): If the photograph on the e-Admit Card is not clear or is without the candidate’s name and date of photograph, candidates must bring a photo identity card along with two passport-size photographs (with name and date of photograph) for each session, along with an undertaking.
• Normal/Simple Wrist Watch: Allowed, but smartwatches or watches with communication features are strictly prohibited.

Exam Day Instructions & Banned Items

Do’s on Exam Day

• Carry your e-Admit Card printout, original photo ID, and a black ballpoint pen.
• Reach the examination venue well before the entry closing time.
• Carefully read and follow all instructions given by the invigilators.
• Fill the OMR Answer Sheet and Attendance List using only a Black Ball Point Pen.
• Ensure your photograph on the admit card is clear. If not, carry extra photographs as specified.
• If you have changed your name, produce a Government-issued Photo ID with the changed name at the exam centre in each session.

Don’ts on Exam Day (Banned Items)

• Do NOT bring any bag, baggage, luggage, valuables/costly items.
• Do NOT bring mobile phones, smart/digital watches, any other IT gadgets.
• Do NOT bring books, notes on e-Admit Cards, papers, erasers, or any other incriminating material.
• Do NOT bring any Electronics/Communication devices or smartwatches/watches with special accessories.
• Venue supervisors will not make arrangements for keeping banned items. Candidates bringing such items must make their own arrangements outside the venue, and the Commission will not be responsible for any loss.
• Do NOT attempt to enter the examination venue after the entry closing time.
• Do NOT appear at any examination venue other than the one mentioned on your e-Admit Card.

Violation of any instruction may lead to disciplinary action including cancellation of candidature, filing of FIR/Police complaint, or prohibition from appearing in subsequent examinations.

Last-Minute Tips

As the exam date approaches, effective last-minute preparation can significantly boost your confidence and performance:

• Revision Focus: Prioritize revising key concepts, formulas, and important facts. Avoid starting new topics.
• Mock Tests: If time permits, take one or two full-length mock tests to simulate exam conditions and identify areas for improvement in time management.
• Time Management Strategy: Plan how you’ll allocate time to each section based on your strengths and weaknesses.
• Stay Calm: Get adequate sleep before the exam. Practice deep breathing to manage pre-exam anxiety.
• Documents Check: Double-check all required documents (Admit Card, ID proof, pen) the night before to avoid last-minute panic.

What to Expect on Exam Day

Understanding the exam environment can help reduce stress:

• Security Checks: Expect thorough security checks at the entry gate. Cooperate with the staff.
• Seating Arrangement: Your roll number will guide you to your designated seat. Ensure you are in the correct hall/room.
• OMR Sheet Filling: Pay close attention to instructions for filling the OMR sheet. Use only the black ballpoint pen. Ensure your roll number and other details are correctly marked to avoid disqualification.
• Invigilator Instructions: Listen carefully to all announcements and instructions from the invigilators. Do not hesitate to ask if you have any doubts before the exam begins.
• Question Paper: Carefully read the instructions on the question paper booklet before attempting questions.

Question Paper Representation Portal (QPRep)

The Commission provides a facility for candidates to submit representations regarding the questions asked in the examination.

• Portal URL: https://upsconline.nic.in/miscellaneous/QPRep/
• Submission Period: From 13th April, 2026 to 19th April, 2026 (till 06:00 PM).
• Mode of Submission: Representations must be submitted ONLY through the Online Question Paper Representation Portal (QPRep). No other mode of submission will be accepted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is the e-Admit Card mandatory for entry?

A1: Yes, a printout of the e-Admit Card is absolutely mandatory. Candidates without it will not be allowed to take the examination.

Q2: What if my photograph on the admit card is not clear?

A2: If your photograph is unclear or lacks your name and date, you must bring your original photo ID, two recent passport-size photographs (with your name and date of photograph) for each session, along with an undertaking.

Q3: Can I carry a normal wrist watch?

A3: Yes, normal or simple wrist watches are allowed. However, smartwatches or watches with any special accessory that could be used as a communication device are strictly prohibited.

Q4: What is the last time to enter the examination venue?

A4: Entry closes 30 minutes before the scheduled commencement of each session. For the 10:00 A.M. session, entry closes at 09:30 A.M., and for the 02:00 P.M. session, entry closes at 01:30 P.M.

Q5: Can I submit objections to questions offline?

A5: No, representations on question papers must only be submitted through the ‘Online Question Paper Representation Portal (QPRep)’ on the UPSC website during the specified dates (13th April, 2026 to 19th April, 2026).

Q6: What if I forget to bring my Photo ID?

A6: Carrying an original Photo ID card (whose number is mentioned on the e-Admit Card) is mandatory. Without it, along with the e-Admit Card, you will not be allowed to appear for the examination.

Q7: Can I change my exam center?

A7: No, candidates are strictly not allowed to appear at any Examination Venue except the one mentioned in their e-Admit Card.

Q8: What kind of pen should I use for the OMR sheet?

A8: You must use only a Black Ball Point Pen for filling the OMR Answer Sheets and the Attendance List.