UPSC NDA NA I Exam Notification 2026 Out: Apply Online for 394 Posts; Check Eligibility and Important Dates
New Delhi, 14 December 2025: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official notification for the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA) Examination (I) 2026. This highly anticipated notification details the recruitment process for eligible candidates seeking to join the prestigious armed forces of India. According to the official announcement, a total of 394 vacancies are available across various wings of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and the Naval Academy.
The application process for the UPSC NDA NA I Exam 2026 began on 10 December 2025. Aspirants are advised to carefully review the complete official notification before proceeding with the apply online process. The commission has set a specific deadline for submissions, and all candidates must ensure their applications are completed well in advance to avoid technical difficulties on the final day.
The NDA & NA Examination (I) 2026 is one of the most sought-after defense recruitment drives in the country. It offers a direct pathway for young, aspiring candidates to begin their careers as officers in the Indian Armed Forces. The selection process involves a written examination followed by the Service Selection Board (SSB) interview, which evaluates candidates on various parameters including physical fitness, psychological aptitude, and leadership potential.
Candidates can find detailed information regarding eligibility criteria, important dates, selection process, and instructions for how to apply online through the official website of UPSC (upsc.gov.in) or reliable information portals like Sarkari Result All (https://www.sarkariresultall.in/). This article provides a comprehensive overview of the UPSC NDA NA I Exam Notification 2026, helping candidates navigate the application and preparation phases efficiently.
Important Dates and Application Timeline
The timeline for the UPSC NDA NA I Exam 2026 is critical for all applicants. Missing any deadline can result in the rejection of the application. The application window spans several weeks, followed by specific dates for downloading admit cards and appearing for the examination. Here is a quick overview of the essential dates based on the UPSC NDA NA I Exam Notification 2026:
| Event Details | Important Dates |
|---|---|
| UPSC NDA NA I Exam Notification 2026 Release Date | 10 December 2025 |
| Online Application Start Date | 10 December 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 30 December 2025 (Tentative) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 30 December 2025 |
| Admit Card Availability Date | April 2026 (Approximately 3 weeks before the exam) |
| UPSC NDA NA I Exam 2026 Written Exam Date | April 2026 (Notified by UPSC) |
| Result Declaration Date | Not Available (To be announced after the exam) |
Vacancy Details: Breakdown of 394 Posts
The total number of vacancies announced in the UPSC NDA NA I Exam Notification 2026 is 394 posts. These positions are distributed among different wings of the armed forces. The detailed breakdown helps candidates understand the availability of seats for each specific service and branch, allowing them to make informed decisions during the application process. The distribution of vacancies is as follows:
| Wing / Branch | Academy | Total Posts |
|---|---|---|
| National Defence Academy (NDA) | Army Wing | 208 |
| National Defence Academy (NDA) | Navy Wing | 42 |
| National Defence Academy (NDA) | Air Force Wing (Flying) | 92 |
| National Defence Academy (NDA) | Air Force Wing (Ground Duty - Tech) | 18 |
| National Defence Academy (NDA) | Air Force Wing (Ground Duty - Non-Tech) | 10 |
| Naval Academy (NA) | 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme | 24 |
| Grand Total | 394 Posts |
Candidates applying for the Air Force and Naval Academy wings must meet specific requirements related to subjects studied in their 10+2 examination, as detailed in the official UPSC NDA NA I Exam Notification 2026.
Eligibility Criteria: Age Limit and Educational Qualification
The eligibility criteria specified in the UPSC NDA NA I Exam Notification 2026 are strict and must be fulfilled by every candidate. Failure to meet these criteria, especially regarding age and education, will lead to disqualification at any stage of the selection process.
Age Limit:
For the UPSC NDA NA I Exam 2026, candidates must be born between a specified range. The typical age range for the NDA NA I Exam 2026 is as follows:
- Minimum Age: Candidates must not be born earlier than 02 July 2007.
- Maximum Age: Candidates must not be born later than 01 July 2010.
This age window ensures that applicants are within the required bracket to begin training at the appropriate age. Only unmarried male and female candidates who meet this age criterion are eligible to apply for the UPSC NDA NA I Examination 2026.
Educational Qualification:
The educational qualification requirements vary slightly depending on the specific wing a candidate wishes to join. Candidates must have passed the 10+2 examination or an equivalent qualification from a recognized board. The specific requirements are:
- For Army Wing of National Defence Academy: Candidates must have passed the 10+2 pattern examination from a recognized board or university. Any stream (Science, Arts, or Commerce) is generally acceptable for the Army Wing.
- For Air Force and Naval Wings of National Defence Academy, and for 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme of Naval Academy: Candidates must have passed the 10+2 pattern examination with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) as subjects. This requirement is non-negotiable for these specific branches, as technical knowledge is fundamental to these services.
Candidates who are currently appearing in their 11th grade examinations are not eligible. However, candidates appearing in the 12th grade examination are allowed to apply, provided they furnish proof of passing the 10+2 examination before the commencement of the course in July 2026.
Detailed Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide
The application process for the UPSC NDA NA I Examination 2026 is entirely online and consists of two parts. Candidates must follow the instructions carefully to ensure their application is successfully submitted. The official website for submission is upsc.gov.in. Here’s a detailed guide to applying online:
Part-I Registration:
- Visit the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in or the dedicated application portal.
- Locate the link for "Online Application for Various Examinations" and find the link for "UPSC NDA NA I Exam Notification 2026".
- Click on "Part I Registration". Read the instructions thoroughly and proceed.
- Fill in all personal details accurately, including name, date of birth, father's name, mother's name, gender, community, educational qualification, and communication address.
- After completing Part I registration, a registration ID and password will be generated. Note these down carefully for future reference.
Part-II Registration:
- Log in using the registration ID and password generated in Part I.
- Fee Payment: Pay the application fee. The application fee for most candidates is typically Rs. 100/-. However, candidates belonging to certain categories (SC/ST/Sons of JCOs/NCOs/Other Ranks) are exempted from paying the fee. Payment can be made online through various methods (Net Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card).
- Document Upload: Upload scanned copies of your recent photograph and signature. Ensure the files adhere to the specifications (size and format) mentioned in the official UPSC NDA NA I Exam Notification 2026. Poor quality or improperly sized images may lead to rejection.
- Preference Selection: Select your preferences for the different services (Army, Navy, Air Force) and academies.
- Final Submission: Review all entered information carefully. Once confirmed, submit Part II of the application. An acknowledgment or a final confirmation page will be displayed. Save and print this confirmation page for your records.
Candidates are advised to frequently check the official website and resources like Sarkari Result All for updates regarding application status, admit card release, and result announcements for the UPSC NDA NA I Exam 2026.
Selection Process: Written Exam and SSB Interview
The selection process for the UPSC NDA NA I Examination 2026 involves two stages: a written examination conducted by UPSC, followed by the Service Selection Board (SSB) interview. Candidates must clear both stages to be considered for final selection.
Stage 1: Written Examination
The written examination consists of two papers, both conducted on the same day. The exam pattern is as follows:
- Paper I: Mathematics (300 Marks): This paper covers topics from Algebra, Matrices and Determinants, Trigonometry, Analytical Geometry of Two and Three Dimensions, Differential Calculus, Integral Calculus and Differential Equations, Vector Algebra, and Statistics and Probability. The duration for this paper is 2 hours and 30 minutes.
- Paper II: General Ability Test (600 Marks): This paper assesses candidates' general knowledge and English language proficiency. It is divided into two parts: Part A (English) and Part B (General Knowledge). Part B includes subjects like Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, and Current Events. The duration for this paper is also 2 hours and 30 minutes.
The maximum total marks for the written examination are 900. There is negative marking for incorrect answers, so candidates are advised to attempt questions carefully.
Stage 2: SSB Interview
Candidates who qualify the written examination will receive an invitation for the SSB interview. This is a five-day long process designed to assess the candidate's officer-like qualities (OLQs). The SSB interview is conducted in two stages:
- Stage I: Screening Test: This stage includes an Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test and a Picture Perception and Discussion Test (PP&DT). Candidates who perform well in Stage I are retained for Stage II, while others are sent back.
- Stage II: Psychological Tests and Group Tasks: This stage comprises various psychological tests (e.g., Thematic Apperception Test (TAT), Word Association Test (WAT), Situation Reaction Test (SRT), Self Description Test (SDT)), Group Testing Officer (GTO) tasks (e.g., group discussion, obstacle race, command task), and a personal interview.
Following the SSB interview, candidates must also undergo a medical examination to ensure they meet the physical standards required by the armed forces.
Preparation Tips for UPSC NDA NA I Exam 2026
Given the high competition for the 394 posts in the UPSC NDA NA I Exam 2026, thorough preparation is essential. Candidates should formulate a clear study plan focusing on both the written exam and the SSB interview process.
- Know the Syllabus: Start by thoroughly understanding the syllabus for both Mathematics and the General Ability Test. Pay special attention to the topics covered in 10+2 level PCM, as these form the basis for the technical branches.
- Practice Past Papers: Solve previous years' question papers for the NDA & NA Examination. This helps in understanding the pattern of questions, managing time effectively, and identifying high-priority topics.
- Current Affairs and General Knowledge: Stay updated with national and international current events. Reading newspapers regularly and following current affairs summaries will be highly beneficial for the General Knowledge section of Paper II.
- Physical Fitness: The SSB interview requires strong physical fitness. Begin a consistent physical training routine involving running, swimming, and basic exercises to prepare for the physical tasks and medical examination.
- Personality Development: The SSB assesses personality traits. Focus on developing leadership qualities, effective communication, and problem-solving skills. Group activities and discussions can help hone these skills before the actual interview.
The release of the UPSC NDA NA I Exam Notification 2026 marks the beginning of a challenging yet rewarding journey for defense aspirants. By following the guidelines in the official notification and preparing diligently, candidates can maximize their chances of securing one of the 394 posts available through this recruitment drive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the last date to apply for the UPSC NDA NA I Exam 2026?
A: According to the UPSC NDA NA I Exam Notification 2026, the application window closes on 30 December 2025 (tentative last date). Candidates are strongly advised to complete their applications well before this deadline to avoid last-minute issues on the official website. The application process started on 10 December 2025.
Q2: How many vacancies are available in the UPSC NDA NA I Exam 2026?
A: The official notification states that there are a total of 394 posts available for the UPSC NDA & NA I Examination 2026. These vacancies are distributed across the Army, Navy, Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy and the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme of the Naval Academy.
Q3: Is the 10+2 (Intermediate) qualification mandatory for all wings of NDA?
A: Yes, passing the 10+2 examination or an equivalent qualification is mandatory. However, for the Army Wing, candidates from any stream can apply. For the Air Force and Naval Wings (including Naval Academy 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme), candidates must have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) in their 10+2 examination.
Q4: Can female candidates apply for the UPSC NDA NA I Exam 2026?
A: Yes, female candidates are eligible to apply for the UPSC NDA NA I Exam 2026. The selection process and eligibility criteria, including age limit and educational qualification, are generally the same for both male and female candidates. The specific number of vacancies for female candidates is detailed within the full official notification.
Q5: What is the age limit for the UPSC NDA NA I Examination 2026?
A: Candidates must be unmarried and born between 02 July 2007 and 01 July 2010 (inclusive of both dates) to be eligible for the UPSC NDA NA I Exam 2026. Age relaxation benefits generally do not apply to the NDA NA I Examination.
Q6: How can I download the admit card for the written examination?
A: The admit card for the UPSC NDA NA I Exam 2026 will be released by UPSC approximately three weeks before the written examination date. Candidates can download their admit card from the official website, upsc.gov.in, by logging in with their registration ID and date of birth. No hard copy of the admit card will be sent by post.
Q7: What is the structure of the written exam for UPSC NDA NA I 2026?
A: The written exam consists of two papers: Mathematics (300 marks) and General Ability Test (600 marks). Each paper is 2 hours and 30 minutes long. The total marks for the written examination are 900. There is negative marking for incorrect answers in both papers.
Q8: Is there an application fee for the UPSC NDA NA I Exam 2026?
A: The application fee for general candidates for the UPSC NDA NA I Exam 2026 is typically Rs. 100/-. However, candidates belonging to the SC/ST category and sons/wards of JCOs/NCOs/Other Ranks are usually exempted from paying the fee.
Q9: Where can I get regular updates on the UPSC NDA NA I Exam 2026 results and other notifications?
A: You can find reliable updates on the official website of UPSC (upsc.gov.in) and dedicated government job portals like Sarkari Result All, which constantly monitor official notifications and provide timely information about results and admit card release dates for the UPSC NDA NA I Examination 2026.
Q10: What subjects are included in the General Ability Test (GAT) paper?
A: The GAT paper for the UPSC NDA NA I Exam 2026 consists of two parts. Part A covers English language proficiency (comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, etc.). Part B covers General Knowledge, including subjects like Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, and Current Events.