The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the NDA & NA I Examination 2026 Notification, inviting applications for 394 vacancies in the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA). This prestigious examination offers young aspirants a golden opportunity to join the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force as commissioned officers.
🚨 Don't miss out! Apply now. ✨
| Post Title | Last Date to Apply |
|---|---|
Vijayanagara Zilla Panchayat SLWM Consultant Recruitment 2026  | February 12, 2026 |
| India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 | February 14, 2026 |
| RRB Group D Recruitment 2026 | February 20, 2026 |
| KMF SHIMUL Recruitment 2026 | February 21, 2026 |
The online application process begins on 10 December 2025 and will remain open until 30 December 2025 (6:00 PM). Candidates who have passed or are appearing in Class 12 and dream of serving the nation in uniform should not miss this opportunity.
This article provides complete details about UPSC NDA NA I Exam 2026, including eligibility, vacancy breakup, exam pattern, selection process, salary, physical standards, and step-by-step application procedure in a simple and easy-to-understand manner.
🌟 Why UPSC NDA Is One of the Most Respected Exams in India?
The NDA examination is not just a recruitment process—it is a gateway to leadership, discipline, honour, and service to the nation. Selected candidates undergo world-class training at NDA, Khadakwasla, and the Indian Naval Academy before being commissioned as officers.
Key reasons aspirants choose NDA:
- Entry into Armed Forces at a young age
- Fully funded training by Government of India
- Attractive salary and allowances
- Respect, pride, and long-term career growth
- Opportunities to serve in elite forces
📌 UPSC NDA & NA Recruitment 2026 – Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Examination Name | NDA & NA Examination (I) 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 394 |
| Male Vacancies | 370 |
| Female Vacancies | 24 |
| Qualification | 12th Pass / Appearing |
| Age Limit | 16.5 – 19.5 Years |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Online Start Date | 10 December 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 30 December 2025 (6:00 PM) |
| Exam Date | 12 April 2026 |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
📊 UPSC NDA & NA Vacancy Details 2026
The vacancies are distributed across NDA and Naval Academy as follows:
| Academy / Service | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| NDA – Army | 198 | 10 | 208 |
| NDA – Navy | 37 | 05 | 42 |
| NDA – Air Force (Flying) | 90 | 02 | 92 |
| NDA – Air Force (Ground Tech) | 16 | 02 | 18 |
| NDA – Air Force (Ground Non-Tech) | 08 | 02 | 10 |
| Naval Academy (10+2 Entry) | 21 | 03 | 24 |
| Total | 370 | 24 | 394 |
⚠️ Note: Selection of male and female candidates is done separately as per notified vacancies.
🎓 UPSC NDA NA I Exam 2026 – Eligibility Criteria
📘 Educational Qualification
- For NDA (Army Wing):
12th Class pass from a recognized board - For NDA (Air Force & Navy) and Naval Academy:
12th Class pass with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics - Candidates appearing in Class 12 are also eligible
- Candidates studying in Class 11 are NOT eligible
🌍 Nationality Criteria
Candidates must be:
- Citizen of India, OR
- Subject of Nepal, OR
- Person of Indian Origin migrated from specified countries with intent to permanently settle in India
💍 Marital Status
- Only UNMARRIED male and female candidates are eligible
- Marriage during training leads to disqualification and discharge
🎂 Age Limit for UPSC NDA 2026
- Candidates must be born between 01 July 2007 and 01 July 2010
- Minimum Age: 16.5 years
- Maximum Age: 19.5 years
- Date of birth accepted only from Matric certificate
💳 Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC (Male) | ₹100 |
| Female Candidates | No Fee |
| SC / ST | No Fee |
| Wards of JCOs/NCOs/ORs | No Fee |
Payment Mode:
Debit Card / Credit Card / UPI / Net Banking
📝 UPSC NDA Exam Pattern 2026
Stage 1: Written Examination (900 Marks)
Paper I – Mathematics
- Marks: 300
- Duration: 2.5 Hours
Paper II – General Ability Test
- Marks: 600
- English: 200
- General Knowledge: 400
✔ Objective type questions
✔ Negative marking applicable
✔ Bilingual (Hindi & English)
Stage 2: SSB Interview (900 Marks)
Includes:
- Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR)
- PP&DT
- Psychology Tests
- Group Tasks
- Personal Interview
- Conference
Stage 3: Medical Examination
Conducted at Armed Forces Medical Hospitals.
💰 NDA Salary & Allowances (2026)
During Training
- Stipend: ₹56,100 per month
- Fully funded accommodation, food, books, uniforms
After Commissioning
- Lieutenant Pay: ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500
- Military Service Pay: ₹15,500 per month
- DA, Dress Allowance, Transport Allowance, Field Allowance, Para Allowance, Insurance & more
🏃 Physical Standards (Brief)
- Height:
- Male: 157 cm
- Female: 152 cm
- Flying Branch: 162.5 cm
- Vision:
- 6/6 corrected
- CP pass
- Medical Fitness:
- Free from diseases
- Permanent tattoos only on permitted areas
🖥️ How to Apply for UPSC NDA NA I Exam 2026
Step-by-Step Process
- Visit https://upsconline.nic.in
- Generate Universal Registration Number (URN)
- Fill Common Application Form (CAF)
- Upload photo & live photo capture
- Select NDA/NA preferences
- Pay application fee (if applicable)
- Submit and save application number
📌 Registration on joinindianarmy.nic.in is mandatory after qualifying written exam.
🔗 Important Links
- Apply Online: Click here
- Official Notification PDF: Click here
- Official Website: Click here
❓ UPSC NDA NA I Exam 2026 – FAQs
Q1. What is the last date to apply for NDA NA I Exam 2026?
👉 30 December 2025 (6:00 PM)
Q2. How many vacancies are there?
👉 394 Posts
Q3. Can female candidates apply?
👉 Yes
Q4. What is the exam date?
👉 12 April 2026
Q5. Is NDA a permanent job?
👉 Yes, after training and commissioning.
🏁 Final Words
The UPSC NDA NA I Exam 2026 is not just an examination—it is a life-changing opportunity for young aspirants who wish to serve the nation with pride and honour. If you meet the eligibility criteria and have the passion to wear the uniform, start your preparation now and apply before the deadline.
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