NDA 2026 Notification Apply Online
| 🔴 Status | Notification Out |
| 📅 Last Updated | 2026-04-23 |
| 🌐 Official Website | upsc.gov.in ↗ |
| ✅ Source | Verified from official notification |
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the NDA 2026 Notification for recruitment to the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy. This is an excellent opportunity for young candidates who dream of serving the nation through the Indian Armed Forces. The NDA exam is conducted twice a year – NDA 1 and NDA 2 – and offers admission to the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings. Interested candidates can apply online through the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in.
Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination |
| Post Name | NDA & NA (I) and NDA & NA (II) 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 800+ (Approximate) |
| Application Mode | Online Only |
| Selection Process | Written Exam + SSB Interview |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
Important Dates
NDA 1 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | December 2025 |
| Online Application Start Date | 18th December 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 07th January 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | March 2026 |
| NDA 1 Exam Date | 13th April 2026 |
| Result Declaration | May 2026 |
NDA 2 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | May 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 14th May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 03rd June 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | August 2026 |
| NDA 2 Exam Date | 06th September 2026 |
| Result Declaration | October 2026 |
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must fulfill the following eligibility requirements to apply for NDA 2026:
Age Limit
- Minimum Age: 16.5 years
- Maximum Age: 19.5 years
- For NDA 1 2026: Candidates born between 02nd July 2006 and 01st July 2009 are eligible
- For NDA 2 2026: Candidates born between 02nd January 2007 and 01st January 2010 are eligible
- Only unmarried male candidates are eligible to apply
- Female candidates are NOT eligible for NDA examination
Educational Qualification
| Wing | Educational Qualification |
|---|---|
| Army Wing | Class 12th pass or appearing from any recognized board |
| Air Force & Naval Wings | Class 12th pass or appearing with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects |
| Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry) | Class 12th pass or appearing with Physics and Mathematics |
Nationality
- Must be a citizen of India, OR
- A subject of Nepal, OR
- A subject of Bhutan, OR
- A Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1st January 1962 with intention to permanently settle, OR
- A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries with intention to permanently settle in India
Vacancy Details
| Wing/Course | NDA 1 2026 (Expected) | NDA 2 2026 (Expected) |
|---|---|---|
| Army | 208 | 208 |
| Navy | 42 | 42 |
| Air Force (Flying) | 92 | 92 |
| Air Force (Ground Duties) | 18 | 18 |
| Naval Academy (10+2 Entry) | 55 | 55 |
| **Total** | **415** | **415** |
Note: The above vacancy numbers are tentative based on previous years' data. The actual vacancies will be confirmed when the official notification is released.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹100/- |
| SC / ST | Exempted (No Fee) |
| Sons of JCOs / NCOs / ORs | Exempted (No Fee) |
Payment Mode
- Online payment through Net Banking
- Visa / Master / RuPay Credit or Debit Card
- UPI Payment
- SBI Challan (offline mode)
How to Apply Online for NDA 2026
Follow these simple steps to apply online for NDA 2026 examination:
Step 1: Visit the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in
Step 2: Click on "Online Application for Various Examinations of UPSC"
Step 3: Select "NDA & NA Examination 2026" from the list
Step 4: Click on "Part I Registration" and fill in basic details like name, date of birth, email ID, and mobile number
Step 5: Note down the Registration ID and Password sent to your registered email
Step 6: Login again and complete "Part II Registration" with educational details, address, and other information
Step 7: Upload scanned photograph (JPEG, 20-300 KB) and signature (JPEG, 10-150 KB)
Step 8: Pay the application fee online
Step 9: Submit the application and take a printout for future reference
Exam Pattern
Written Examination
| Paper | Subject | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Mathematics | 300 | 2.5 Hours |
| Paper II | General Ability Test | 600 | 2.5 Hours |
| **Total** | **900** | **5 Hours** |
General Ability Test Breakup
| Section | Marks |
|---|---|
| English | 200 |
| General Knowledge | 400 |
| **Total** | **600** |
SSB Interview
Candidates who qualify the written exam will be called for SSB Interview conducted over 5 days. The SSB Interview carries 900 marks which includes:
- Psychological Tests
- Group Testing Officer Tasks
- Personal Interview
- Conference
Selection Process
- Written Examination: Conducted by UPSC in various cities across India
- SSB Interview: 5-day assessment for written exam qualifiers
- Medical Examination: Candidates clearing SSB undergo medical tests
- Merit List: Final selection based on combined marks of written exam and SSB interview
Physical Standards
| Measurement | Army | Air Force | Navy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Height (Minimum) | 157 cm | 162.5 cm | 157 cm |
| Weight | As per height and age | As per BMI standards | As per height |
| Vision | 6/6 in better eye, 6/9 in worse eye | 6/6 in each eye (correctable) | 6/6 in better eye |
Important Documents Required
- Class 10th Mark Sheet and Certificate
- Class 12th Mark Sheet (if available)
- Passport size photograph (recent)
- Signature scan
- Category Certificate (if applicable)
- Valid ID Proof (Aadhaar Card / PAN Card)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can female candidates apply for NDA 2026?
A: No, currently only unmarried male candidates are eligible to apply for NDA examination. Female candidates can join the armed forces through other entries like CDS, AFCAT, or SSC (Tech) entry.
Q: Is there any negative marking in NDA exam?
A: Yes, there is negative marking in NDA written examination. For every wrong answer, one-third (0.33) of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted as penalty.
Q: How many times can I attempt NDA exam?
A: There is no limit on the number of attempts for NDA examination. You can apply as many times as you want, provided you fulfill the age criteria (16.5 to 19.5 years) at the time of application.
Q: What is the training period after selection in NDA?
A: The training at National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla (Pune) is for 3 years. After completing NDA training, cadets undergo further training at respective service academies – IMA (Army), INA (Navy), or AFA (Air Force) for 1 year.
Q: Can I apply for NDA if I am appearing in Class 12th exam?
A: Yes, candidates who are appearing in Class 12th examination are also eligible to apply for NDA. However, they must pass the exam before joining the academy.
Q: What is the salary of NDA cadets?
A: During training, NDA cadets receive a stipend of approximately ₹56,100/- per month. After commissioning as Lieutenant, the starting salary is around ₹56,100/- to ₹1,77,500/- (Level 10 in Pay Matrix) plus various allowances.
Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | upsc.gov.in |
| Official Notification | upsc.gov.in |
| Download Admit Card | upsc.gov.in |
| Check Result | upsc.gov.in |
Always verify all information from the official UPSC website (upsc.gov.in) before applying. The dates and vacancy numbers mentioned above are tentative and subject to change as per official notification.