The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the notification for the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA) Examination (I) 2026. This recruitment drive offers a prestigious career path for young aspirants wishing to join the Indian Armed Forces as officers. With a total of 394 vacancies across the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings, this is a prime opportunity for candidates who have completed or are appearing in their 12th-grade examinations.
The online registration window opened on December 10, 2025, and will close on December 30, 2025. Candidates are encouraged to apply early to secure their preferred examination centers and avoid last-minute technical delays.
UPSC NDA & NA 1 Notification 2026: Key Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | National Defence Academy & Naval Academy (I) 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 394 Posts |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Job Location | Across India |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
Important Dates for NDA 1 2026
Mark these dates on your calendar to ensure you don’t miss any critical deadlines for the NDA 1 2026 exam cycle:
- Notification Release Date: December 10, 2025
- Online Application Start Date: December 10, 2025
- Last Date to Apply Online: December 30, 2025 (by 6:00 PM)
- Application Correction Window: January 2026 (As per schedule)
- Admit Card Release: 2–3 weeks before the exam
- NDA 1 Written Exam Date: April 12, 2026
- Declaration of Result: Expected May/June 2026
Detailed Vacancy Distribution
The total 394 vacancies are distributed among the three wings of the National Defence Academy and the Naval Academy as follows:
1. National Defence Academy (NDA)
- Army: 208 Posts (including 10 for female candidates)
- Navy: 42 Posts (including 5 for female candidates)
- Air Force:
- Flying: 92 Posts (including 2 for female candidates)
- Ground Duties (Tech): 18 Posts (including 2 for female candidates)
- Ground Duties (Non-Tech): 10 Posts (including 2 for female candidates)
2. Naval Academy (NA)
- 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme: 24 Posts (including vacancies for male candidates only)
Eligibility Criteria for NDA 1 2026
Aspiring candidates must strictly adhere to the eligibility parameters set by the UPSC. Failure to meet any of these will lead to immediate disqualification.
1. Nationality
A candidate must be either:
- A citizen of India, or
- A subject of Nepal, or
- A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, or East African countries with the intention of permanently settling in India.
2. Age Limit & Marital Status
- Age Range: Candidates must have been born between July 02, 2007, and July 01, 2010.
- Marital Status: Only unmarried male and female candidates are eligible. Candidates must undertake not to marry until they complete their full training period.
3. Educational Qualification
- For Army Wing of NDA: Must have passed 12th Class (10+2) or equivalent from a recognized State Education Board or University.
- For Air Force & Navy Wings of NDA (and 10+2 Cadet Entry at NA): Must have passed 12th Class with Physics and Mathematics from a recognized Board/University.
- Appearing Candidates: Those currently appearing in the 12th Class (10+2) examination in 2026 are also eligible to apply.
Application Fee Structure
| Category | Fee |
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹100/- |
| SC / ST / Female Candidates | Exempted (No Fee) |
| Wards of JCOs/NCOs/ORs | Exempted (No Fee) |
Note: The fee can be paid online via Net Banking, Visa/Master/RuPay Credit/Debit Card, or UPI. For offline payment, candidates can use the “Pay by Cash” mode at any SBI branch.
Selection Process for NDA 2026
The selection process is rigorous, designed to test both intellectual capability and leadership potential:
- Written Examination: Conducted by UPSC, consisting of Mathematics and a General Ability Test (GAT).
- SSB Interview: Candidates who clear the written cutoff are invited for the Intelligence and Personality Test conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB).
- Medical Examination: Finalists must meet the required physical and medical standards for the Armed Forces.
- Final Merit List: Prepared based on combined marks from the Written Exam and the SSB Interview.
UPSC NDA 1 Exam Pattern 2026
The written exam is held on a single day in two shifts. Both papers are objective (Multiple Choice Questions).
| Subject | Duration | Maximum Marks |
| Mathematics | 2.5 Hours | 300 |
| General Ability Test (GAT) | 2.5 Hours | 600 |
| Total | 5 Hours | 900 |
Mathematics: Covers Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, Statistics, and Probability.- GAT: Divided into Part A (English – 200 Marks) and Part B (General Knowledge – 400 Marks, including Physics, Chemistry, Science, History, Geography, and Current Events).
- Negative Marking: There is a penalty (1/3rd of marks) for every wrong answer.
Salary and Benefits
Once commissioned as a Lieutenant (or equivalent rank in Navy/Air Force), officers receive an attractive pay package:
- Stipend during Training: ₹56,100 per month (Level 10).
- Pay Scale: ₹56,100 to ₹1,77,500 per month (Level 10).
- Allowances: Including Dearness Allowance (DA), Kit Maintenance Allowance, High Altitude Allowance (as per posting), and Medical benefits.
How to Apply for UPSC NDA & NA 1 2026
Follow these steps to complete your registration on the official UPSC portal:
- One-Time Registration (OTR): Visit upsconline.nic.in. If you haven’t registered before, complete the OTR process by providing your basic personal details.
- Login: Log in using your Email ID, Mobile Number, or OTR ID.
- Fill Part-I: Navigate to the “Latest Notifications” tab and select NDA & NA (I) 2026. Complete the Part-I registration by filling in your educational details and service preferences (Army, Navy, Air Force).
- Pay Fee: Pay the required application fee (if applicable).
- Upload Documents: Upload your scanned photograph and signature. You must also upload a scanned copy of a Photo ID Proof (Aadhaar, Voter ID, etc.).
- Select Center: Choose your preferred examination city.
- Final Submission: Agree to the declaration and submit the form. Print the final application for your records.
Document Checklist for Application:
- Active Email ID and Mobile Number.
- Scanned Photo and Signature (as per specified dimensions).
- Scanned Photo ID Card (PDF format).
- Class 10 and 12 Marksheets.
Preparation Tips for NDA 1 2026
- Master NCERTs: For Physics, Chemistry, and History, NCERT books of Class 11 and 12 are essential.
- Mathematics Practice: Focus on speed and accuracy. Solve previous years’ papers to understand the recurring patterns.
- Current Affairs: Stay updated with the last 6–8 months of national and international news, specifically focusing on defense acquisitions and exercises.
- Physical Fitness: Start light exercise and running to prepare for the physical demands of the SSB and training.