UPSC NDA 2026 Exam On April 12: E-Admit Cards To Be Issued Online, Key Guidelines Released

New Delhi: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will conduct the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I) 2026 on April 12 across multiple centres in the country. The Commission confirmed the schedule in an official press note issued on April 1.

Candidates appearing for the examination will be required to download their e-admit cards from the official website once released. UPSC has clarified that no paper admit cards will be issued, making it mandatory for candidates to carry a printed copy to the exam centre.

Direct link for official announcement

Steps to download admit card

Once the official link is operational, candidates can get the hall ticket PDF by following the instructions.

Step 1: Visit upsc.gov.in, the official UPSC website.

Step 2: Select the link labelled "UPSC NDA Admit Card 2026."

Step 3: You'll see the login window. Enter your password and registration number.

Step 4: The screen will display the admit card.

Step 5: Download it, then print off a copy for the test day.

Admit Card Mandatory, Strict Entry Rules in Place

According to UPSC, candidates must present a printed copy of their e-admit card at the allotted venue. Entry will not be permitted without it. Along with the admit card, candidates must carry the same photo ID mentioned in the document during each session of the examination.

In cases where the photograph on the admit card is unclear or missing details, candidates will have to bring a valid photo ID along with two recent passport-sized photographs carrying their name and date.

The Commission has also set strict reporting timelines. Entry to the examination venue will close 30 minutes before the start of each session 10:00 AM for the forenoon session and 2:00 PM for the afternoon session. Candidates arriving after the gate closure will not be allowed to enter under any circumstances.

Ban on Electronic Devices and Other Items

UPSC has reiterated that candidates are not allowed to carry mobile phones, smart watches, or any electronic devices inside the examination premises. Other items such as bags, books, and other valuable items are also prohibited, and no facility will be given to store them in the centers.

Essential items, such as the admit card, black pen, pencil, identity proof, and photographs, are the only items allowed to be taken into the examination hall. Even wrist watches, but not the ones with communication facilities, are allowed.

The Commission has clearly stated that if the rules are violated, the consequences could be severe.

Window to Raise Objections

Candidates will also have an opportunity to raise objections to the question papers through the Online Question Paper Representation Portal (QPRep). The window will be open from April 13 to April 19, 2026, till 6 PM. UPSC has stated that no representations submitted after the deadline or through any other mode will be considered.

Candidates are advised to carefully read all instructions mentioned on the e-admit card and report any discrepancies to the Commission at the earliest.

Published on: Wednesday, April 01, 2026, 07:04 PM IST