The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced the UPSC NDA & NA (I) Examination 2026 for 394 vacancies across the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings. The online application window opens on 10 December 2025, and candidates can submit their forms until 30 December 2025. Intermediate (10+2) completed or appearing candidates are eligible to apply for this national-level defence recruitment. The complete details regarding eligibility, vacancy break-up, age rules, selection method, and application process are explained below.
UPSC NDA 2026 Notification
UPSC conducts the NDA & NA examination twice every year to recruit young and eligible candidates for officer training at the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Indian Naval Academy (INA). This recruitment cycle includes 394 posts, out of which 370 vacancies are for male candidates and 24 vacancies are allotted for female candidates. Selected candidates will undergo training, followed by commissioning as Lieutenant with an attractive pay scale.
UPSC NDA Vacancy Details (Branch-wise)
- Army Wing (NDA – 157th Course): 208 posts
- Navy Wing (Executive Branch – NDA): 42 posts
- Flying Branch : 92 posts Air Force
- Air Force Ground Duties – Technical : 18 posts
- Air Force Ground Duties – Non-Technical : 10 posts
- Naval Academy – 10+2 Cadet Entry (119th INAC): 24 posts
Total: 394 vacancies
UPSC NDA Educational Qualification
Candidates must fulfill one of the following:
For Army Wing
- Must have passed 12th class from a recognized board.
For Air Force & Naval Wing
- Must have passed 12th with Physics and Mathematics.
For Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry)
- 12th pass with PCM subjects.
Students appearing for the 12th class can also apply, but they must submit proof of passing before 10 December 2026.
UPSC NDA Age Limit
- Minimum Age: 16.5 years
- Maximum Age: 19.5 years
- Candidates must be born between 01 July 2007 and 01 July 2010 (both dates inclusive).
- Only unmarried male and female candidates are eligible.
UPSC NDA Application Fee
- General/OBC (Male) – ₹100
- SC/ST, Female – No Fee
- Payment Mode: UPI, Credit/Debit Card, or Net Banking.
Fee once paid is non-refundable.
Selection Process
The UPSC NDA & NA 2026 selection process includes three major stages:
1. Written Examination
- Mathematics – 300 marks
- General Ability Test (GAT) – 600 marks
- Total Written Marks: 900
- Negative marking applies for wrong answers.
Paper is bilingual: Hindi/English.
2. SSB Interview
- Total Marks: 900
- Includes intelligence tests, group tasks, psychology tests, and personal interview.
3. Medical Test
- Candidates must satisfy physical, visual, and medical standards as per defence guidelines.
Final merit list will be prepared on the basis of written marks + SSB marks.
Salary & Training Benefits
- During NDA training: ₹56,100 per month (stipend).
- After commissioning as Lieutenant:
- ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 per month (Level 10).
- Additional allowances include MSP, DA, Transport Allowance, Field Allowances, Uniform Allowance, and more.
- Free medical, ration, accommodation and canteen facilities during service.
Physical Standards
Height Requirements
- Male: Minimum 157 cm
- Female: Minimum 152 cm
- Flying Branch: 162.5 cm
Vision Standards
- 6/12 without glasses & 6/6 with correction
- Myopia: up to -1.0 D
- Hypermetropia: up to +2.0 D
Permanent tattoos allowed only on inner forearm or back of hand.
How to Apply for UPSC NDA & NA (I) 2026
Follow the steps below:
- Visit the official UPSC website: upsconline.nic.in
- Create your account and generate URN (Universal Registration Number).
- Fill in personal and academic details.
- Upload photo, signature, and ID proof.
- Select your preferred exam centre.
- Pay the exam fee online (if applicable).
- Submit the form and download the confirmation page for future use.
Important Dates
- Notification Released: 10 December 2025
- Application Start: 10 December 2025
- Application End: 30 December 2025
- Exam Date: 12 April 2026
- SSB Interview: June–July 2026
- Course Begins: January 2027
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