NDA 2 Exam Day Guidelines 2026: Do’s and Don’ts for Candidates

The UPSC NDA 2 Exam 2026 is scheduled to be conducted on September 13, 2026. The National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (II), 2026 will be held in offline mode using OMR answer sheets. The Mathematics paper will be conducted from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM, while the General Ability Test (GAT) will be held from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM.

Candidates appearing for the exam should carefully follow the NDA 2 exam day guidelines 2026. UPSC has strict rules regarding entry, identity verification, electronic devices, answer-sheet filling and prohibited items. Candidates should reach the examination centre well before the scheduled time to complete verification and frisking.

NDA 2 Exam 2026 Important Details

The table below highlights the main details candidates should remember before reaching the examination centre.

UPSC has already released the NDA 2 2026 e-Admit Card through its online portal. Candidates should download and print their admit card before leaving for the examination centre.

NDA 2 Exam Day Guidelines 2026 Do’s

Candidates should follow these important instructions on the examination day:

• Carry a printed copy of the NDA 2 e-Admit Card.
• Carry the required valid photo identity proof as specified in the admit card instructions.
• Carry a black ball-point pen for filling the OMR answer sheet and attendance-related details.
• Reach the examination venue well in advance.
• Complete the required face authentication, identity verification and frisking at the venue.
• Check the examination centre and travel route one day before the exam.
• Carefully read the instructions printed on the test booklet and answer sheet.
• Verify the test booklet series before encoding details on the OMR sheet.
• Fill in the roll number, subject code and booklet series carefully.
• Follow all instructions given by the invigilator.

UPSC requires candidates to undergo face authentication at the examination venue. Candidates are therefore advised to arrive early enough to complete the verification process without rushing.

NDA 2 Exam Day Guidelines 2026 Don’ts

Candidates should avoid carrying or using any prohibited item inside the examination premises. UPSC has specifically warned that electronic and communication devices are not permitted, even when switched off.

UPSC has stated that no arrangement will be made for the safekeeping of banned items at the examination venue. Candidates should therefore avoid bringing such items altogether.

NDA 2 OMR Sheet Instructions 2026

The NDA 2 written examination is objective in nature, and candidates have to mark their answers on an OMR answer sheet. The use of a black ball-point pen is required for marking answers and filling important details.

Candidates should check the booklet series before encoding it on the answer sheet. The roll number and subject code should also be filled and encoded carefully. Any mistake in these details can affect the evaluation of the answer sheet.

Candidates should also remember that NDA has negative marking. One-third of the marks assigned to a question is deducted for every incorrect answer. No marks are deducted for a question that is left unanswered.

NDA 2 Exam 2026 Last-Minute Tips

Candidates can follow these simple tips before entering the examination hall:

• Keep the admit card and required ID ready the night before.
• Carry at least one or two black ballpoint pens.
• Check the examination centre location in advance.
• Avoid last-minute heavy revision.
• Get adequate sleep before the exam.
• Reach the centre early.
• Do not carry prohibited electronic devices.
• Read every OMR instruction carefully.
• Avoid random guessing because of negative marking.
• Stay calm if a question paper appears difficult.

The written examination carries 900 marks, with 300 marks for Mathematics and 600 marks for GAT. Each paper has a duration of two and a half hours.

NDA 2 Exam Day Guidelines 2026 FAQs