UPSC NDA 2026 Notification: National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Exam
The UPSC National Defence Academy (NDA) & Naval Academy Examination recruits candidates for the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of the NDA and the Naval Academy. Open to unmarried 12th-pass candidates, selection is via a written exam and an SSB interview.
Overview
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
|---|---|
| Total Vacancies | 394 |
| Qualification | For the Army wing: Class 12 (10+2) pass. For the Air Force, Navy and Naval Academy: Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Candidates must be unmarried. |
| Job Location | All India |
| Salary | Stipend during training; on commissioning, pay as per the defence pay matrix (Level 10, ₹56,100 entry) plus military service pay and allowances. |
| Apply Mode | Online |
Important Dates
| NDA & CDS (II) Notification | 20 May 2026 |
|---|---|
| Written Exam | 13 September 2026 |
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC (male) | ₹100 |
| SC / ST / Sons of JCOs/NCOs/ORs (as specified) | Exempted |
Age Limit
Around 16.5 to 19.5 years (unmarried), as specified for each examination cycle in the official notification.
Eligibility / Qualification
For the Army wing: Class 12 (10+2) pass. For the Air Force, Navy and Naval Academy: Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Candidates must be unmarried.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the National Defence Academy (NDA) & Naval Academy Examination twice a year to admit candidates to the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of the NDA and to the Indian Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry). It is the primary route for young candidates to become commissioned officers in the Armed Forces.
Selection & Exam Pattern
The written examination has two papers — Mathematics and a General Ability Test (GAT) — conducted in offline mode. Candidates who qualify the written exam are called for the SSB Interview (Services Selection Board), a five-day personality and intelligence assessment, followed by a medical examination.
Please note: the vacancy count and the application window are confirmed only in the official notification — verify on upsc.gov.in.
Vacancy Details
| Post | Total | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| NDA (Army / Navy / Air Force) & Naval Academy | 394 (as announced) | 12th pass (PCM for Air Force/Navy) |
Selection Process
Written Examination (Mathematics + General Ability Test) → SSB Interview → Medical Examination → Final Merit.
How to Apply
- Apply online at upsconline.nic.in within the application window.
- Complete registration and fill the NDA application, choosing your service preferences.
- Upload the required documents, pay the fee online and submit.
Important Links
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the UPSC NDA 2026?
Unmarried candidates who have passed or are appearing in Class 12. The Air Force, Navy and Naval Academy wings require Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.
What is the NDA selection process?
A written exam (Mathematics and General Ability Test), followed by the SSB interview and a medical examination.
Disclaimer: HireNestle publishes this information for reference only. Please verify all details on the official website before applying. We are not a recruiter or government body.