Hey learners,
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the NDA & NA (I) 2026 Notification on 10 December 2025 for admission into the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA). This national-level examination is the gateway for young aspirants who dream of joining the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force as officers. The NDA examination is conducted twice every year, and the NDA (I) 2026 exam is scheduled for 12 April 2026. Below is a complete and easy-to-understand breakdown of the notification to help candidates understand the important details before applying.
| UPSC NDA & NA (I) 2026 | Apply Now |
| UPSC NDA & NA (I) 2026 Notification | Read Now |
| UPSC Official Website | Visit Now |
*All Information Subject to Verification
| UPSC NDA & NA (I) 2026: Important Dates | UPSC NDA & NA (I) 2026: Application Fees |
|---|---|
| Notification Release: 10 December 2025 Application Start Date: 10 December 2025 Last Date to Apply: 30 December 2025 (till 6 PM) Exam Date: 12 April 2026 |
General / OBC / Male Candidates:
₹100 Exempted (No Fee Required): Female candidates (all categories) SC candidates ST candidates Sons of JCOs/NCOs/ORs (as per eligibility conditions mentioned in the official notification) |
UPSC NDA & NA (I) 2026 Total Vacancies: 394 Seats
UPSC has announced 394 vacancies across different wings:
- NDA – Army Wing
- NDA – Navy Wing
- NDA – Air Force Wing (Flying & Ground Duty)
- Indian Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme)
These seats will be filled through a highly competitive selection process involving a written exam and SSB interview.
UPSC NDA & NA (I) 2026: Eligibility Criteria
Age Limit
Only unmarried male and female candidates who are born between 01 July 2007 and 01 July 2010 (both dates inclusive) are eligible to apply for NDA & NA (I) 2026.
Educational Qualification
- For Army Wing: Must have passed or be appearing in 10+2 in any stream.
- For Navy, Air Force & Naval Academy: Must have 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics.
Nationality
Applicants must be:
- Citizens of India, OR
- Subjects of Nepal/Bhutan, OR
- Tibetan refugees settled in India before 1962 under specified conditions.
UPSC NDA & NA (I) 2026: Selection Process for NDA 2026
The NDA selection is conducted in three major stages:
1. Written Examination
The written test comprises two papers:
| Paper | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 300 | 2.5 hours |
| General Ability Test (GAT) | 600 | 2.5 hours |
| Total | 900 | - |
The GAT paper includes English, General Knowledge, Defence Awareness, Science, and Current Affairs.
2. SSB Interview
Candidates who clear the written exam are called for the SSB interview, which evaluates personality, leadership qualities, and officer-like traits.
3. Medical Examination
Final shortlisted candidates undergo a medical test to check physical and mental fitness.
UPSC NDA & NA (I) 2026 Notification: Highlights
- The exam is conducted in offline, pen-and-paper mode.
- Negative marking applies in both papers.
- Questions follow the 10+2 level curriculum.
- Final merit is prepared based on written exam + SSB performance.
The UPSC NDA & NA (I) 2026 notification brings an excellent opportunity for students aspiring to join the Indian defence forces at a young age. With 394 vacancies and a clearly defined selection process, candidates must start preparing early to secure a place in the final merit list.
Make sure to carefully read the official notification before applying and stay updated on exam preparation strategies, syllabus coverage, and SSB guidance.