The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the notification for the National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (II), 2026. Through this recruitment drive, eligible unmarried male and female candidates can apply for admission to the Army, Navy, Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy (NDA) and the Indian Naval Academy (INA).
UPSC NDA 2 Recruitment 2026: Vacancy Details
UPSC has announced a total of 394 vacancies for various wings of the National Defence Academy and Naval Academy.
| Academy | Service | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| National Defence Academy | Army | 208 |
| National Defence Academy | Navy | 42 |
| National Defence Academy | Air Force Flying Branch | 92 |
| National Defence Academy | Air Force Ground Duty (Tech) | 18 |
| National Defence Academy | Air Force Ground Duty (Non-Tech) | 10 |
| Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme) | Executive Branch | 24 |
| Total | 394 |
UPSC NDA 2 Recruitment 2026: Eligibility Criteria
Nationality
Candidates must be:
- Citizens of India, or
- Subjects of Nepal, or
- Persons of Indian origin who migrated from specified countries with the intention of permanently settling in India.
Age Limit
Applicants must be born between 01 January 2008 and 01 January 2011. Only unmarried male and female candidates are eligible to apply.
Educational Qualification
- For Army Wing of NDA: Passed Class 12 or equivalent examination from a recognized board.
- For Air Force, Navy & Naval Academy: Passed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM).
Candidates appearing in Class 12 examinations in 2026 are also eligible to apply.
| UPSC NDA 2 Recruitment 2026: Important Dates | UPSC NDA 2 Recruitment 2026: Application Fee |
|---|---|
|
Notification Released: 20.05.2026 Application Start: 20.05.2026 Last Date to Apply Online: 09.06.2026 (06:00 PM) NDA 2 Examination Date: 13.09.2026 ****All information is subject to official verification** |
General / OBC / EWS: ₹100 SC / ST: Exempted Female Candidates: Exempted Wards of JCOs/NCOs/ORs (Eligible Categories): Exempted |
UPSC NDA 2 Recruitment 2026: Selection Process
The selection process consists of the following stages:
- Written Examination
- Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview
- Medical Examination
- Final Merit List
Written Exam Pattern
| Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 300 | 2.5 Hours |
| General Ability Test | 600 | 2.5 Hours |
| Total | 900 |
The SSB Interview will also carry 900 marks.
- Candidates should note that there will be negative marking in the objective-type examination. One-third of the marks assigned to a question will be deducted for every incorrect answer.
| UPSC NDA 2 Recruitment 2026: Application Portal | Apply Now |
| UPSC NDA 2 Recruitment 2026: Notification | Read Now |
| (UPSC) Union Public Service Commission: Examination Notices | Visit Now |
| (UPSC) Union Public Service Commission: Official Website | Visit Now |
UPSC NDA 2 Recruitment 2026: Salary and Training
Selected candidates will undergo training at the National Defence Academy and Indian Naval Academy. After successful completion of training, cadets will be commissioned into the Indian Armed Forces with attractive salary packages, allowances, and career growth opportunities.
How to Apply for UPSC NDA 2 Recruitment 2026
Candidates can follow these steps to apply online:
- Visit the official UPSC online portal.
- Complete the Universal Registration Number (URN) registration.
- Fill out the Common Application Form (CAF).
- Upload photograph, live photo, and signature.
- Fill the NDA & NA Examination Specific Form.
- Pay the application fee, if applicable.
- Submit the form and take a printout for future reference.
The UPSC NDA 2 Recruitment 2026 offers an excellent opportunity for candidates aspiring to serve the nation through the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Interested candidates should carefully check the eligibility criteria and complete the application process before the deadline. Since competition is expected to be high, aspirants should begin their preparation early for the written examination and SSB interview.
For complete details, candidates are advised to read the official notification carefully before applying.