The UPSC has released the NDA 2026 notification for recruitment to the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy, as well as the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme of the Indian Naval Academy. The NDA Exam will be conducted on 12 April 2026, and a total of 394 vacancies have been announced. The online application process started on December 10, 2025, and remained open until December 30, 2026. Interested candidates were advised to check the notification for details regarding eligibility, age limit, application fees, salary, and selection process before applying through the official link.
UPSC NDA/NA-I Recruitment 2026
NDA 2026 Notification and NDA Exam
Short Details of Notification
| Important Dates | Application Fee |
| • Notification Date: 10 December 2025 • Application Begins: 10 December 2025 • Apply Last Date: 30 December 2025 • Last Date for Fee: 30 December 2025 • Admit Card Date: Notify Later • Exam Date: Notify Later • Result: Notify Later • Candidates are advised to verify the details from the official website of the Union Public Service Commission. | • For General, OBC: ₹ 100/- • For SC/ST: ₹ 0/- • For All Female Category: ₹ 0/- 👉 Payment Mode (Online): You can make the payment using the following methods: • Debit Card • Credit Card • Internet Banking • IMPS • Cash Card / Mobile Wallet |
| Age limit as of 30 November 2025 | Total Post |
| The candidate must be an unmarried male/female Age must fall between 01/07/2007 and 01/07/2010 (both dates inclusive) • Age Relaxation: NO. | 394 Posts |
| NDA 2026 Notification: Total Vacancies | ||||
| Academy | Wing/Branch | Male | Female | Total |
| National Defence Academy | Army | 198 | 10 | 208 |
| Navy | 37 | 5 | 42 | |
| Air Force – Flying | 90 | 2 | 92 | |
| Air Force – Ground Duty (Tech) | 16 | 2 | 18 | |
| Air Force – Ground Duty (Non-Tech) | 8 | 2 | 10 | |
| Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme) | Executive Branch | 21 | 3 | 24 |
| TOTAL | 370 | 24 | 394 | |
| NDA 2026 Notification: Educational Qualification | |
| Post/Wing | Educational Qualification |
| Army Wing – National Defence Academy | • The candidate must have a 12th class pass of the 10+2 pattern of school education or an equivalent examination conducted by a state education board or a university. |
| Navy Wing – National Defence Academy | • The candidate must have a 12th class pass with Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics (PCM) of the 10+2 pattern of school education or equivalent examination. |
| Air Force Wing – National Defence Academy (Flying Branch) | • The candidate must have a 12th class pass with Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics (PCM) of the 10+2 pattern of school education or equivalent examination. |
| Air Force Wing – Ground Duty (Technical) | • The candidate must have a 12th class pass with Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics (PCM) of the 10+2 pattern of school education or equivalent examination. |
| Air Force Wing – Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | • The candidate must have a 12th Class pass with Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics (PCM) of the 10+2 pattern of school education or equivalent examination. (Same requirement as per Air Force eligibility) |
| 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme – Indian Naval Academy (Executive Branch) | • The candidate must have a 12th class pass with Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics (PCM) of the 10+2 pattern of school education or equivalent examination. |
| How to Apply for NDA 2026 Notification and NDA Exam | |
| 👉 How to apply for NDA 2026 Notification and NDA Exam 1. Visit the official UPSC website: https://upsconline.nic.in. 2. Complete the Universal Registration Number (URN) creation if you have not already registered. 3. Fill out the Common Application Form (CAF) and upload the required documents, including a photo and a live photo capture. 4. Fill out the Exam-Specific Module (select a center, service preference, payment method, etc.). 5. Pay the fee of ₹100 (if applicable) through card, UPI, or net banking. 6. Submit the form; no corrections are allowed after submission. 7. Download and save the application ID and confirmation for future reference. Candidates can check their NDA 2026 Notification and NDA Exam through the official link provided below. | |
| NDA 2026 Notification: Mode Of Selection | |
| NDA 2026 Notification – Mode of Selection. 1. Written Examination 2. SSB Interview / Intelligence & Personality Test • Stage I: OIR Test + PP&DT • Stage II: Interview, GTO Tasks, Psychology Tests • Total: 900 marks For Air Force Candidates • To join the Flying Branch, you must qualify for the Computerized Pilot Selection System (CPSS). 3. Final Merit List • Based on the written exam and SSB performance. • Allocation is based on merit, preference, and medical fitness. | |
| IMPORTANT LINKS | |
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Official Notification | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
| Homepage | Click Here |
Important Question (FAQs)
Q1. What is the NDA 2026 exam date?
Ans. The NDA & NA-I 2026 exam will be held on April 12, 2026.
Q2. What is the last date to apply for NDA 2026?
Ans. The last date to apply online is December 30, 2025 (until 6:00 PM).
Q3. What is the age limit for NDA 2026?
Ans. Candidates must be born between July 1, 2007, and July 1, 2010.
Q4. What is the educational qualification required for the NDA?
Ans.
• Army: 12th Pass
• Navy/Air Force/NA: 12th pass with PCM.
• Candidates who have appeared for the 12th grade can also apply.
Q5. How many vacancies are there in NDA 2026?
Ans. A total of 394 vacancies (NDA + Naval Academy) are available.
Q6. What is the selection process for NDA 2026?
Ans. Written exam → SSB interview → Medical test → Final merit list.
Q7. What is the exam pattern of the NDA?
Ans.
• Math: 300 marks.
• GAT: 600 marks
Total Written Marks: 900
Q8. What is the application fee for the NDA?
Ans.
• ₹100 for General/OBC.
• Free for SC/ST, females, and wards of JCOs/NCOs/ORs.
Q9. Can girls apply for the NDA 2026?
Ans. Yes, unmarried female candidates can apply. Vacancies are also allocated separately.
Q10. What documents are needed when applying?
Ans.
• Photo ID (Aadhaar preferred)
• Photograph + Live Photo Capture
• Educational details, age proof, etc.
