The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the NDA & NA (I) 2026 Notification for admission to the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA). Eligible candidates can apply online through the official UPSC website.
⚠️ Important: The last date to apply is 30 December. Candidates who are interested in joining the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force should apply before the deadline.
Candidates preparing for government jobs can also check SSC GD Constable Recruitment 2025 – Apply Till 31 December and CBSE Recruitment 2025 – Last Date 22 December
Official Notification & Apply Link is Down below.
UPSC NDA & NA (I) 2026 – Overview
- Exam Name: NDA & NA Examination (I), 2026
- Conducting Body: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
- Course: NDA (Army, Navy, Air Force) & Naval Academy
- Exam Level: National
- Mode of Exam: Offline (Pen & Paper)
- Application Mode: Online
- Last Date to Apply: 30 December
Important Dates – UPSC NDA & NA (I) 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | December 2025 |
| Online Application Start | December 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 30 December 2025 |
| Application Correction Window | As per UPSC schedule |
| NDA & NA (I) 2026 Exam Date | As notified |
Vacancy Details
The total number of vacancies announced by UPSC is 370 in the official notification. Vacancies are available for:
- National Defence Academy (NDA)
- Army : 208 Nos
- Navy : 42 Nos
- Air Force : 120 Nos
- Naval Academy (10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme) : 24 Nos
Eligibility Criteria for UPSC NDA & NA (I) 2026
Nationality
A candidate must be:
- A citizen of India, or
- A subject of Nepal or
- A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka and East African Countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire and Ethiopia or Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.
Age Limit
- Only unmarried male and female candidates are eligible.
- Candidates must be born between 01st Jul 2007 and 01st July 2010.
(Exact date range is mentioned in the official UPSC notification PDF.)
Educational Qualification
For NDA (Army Wing):
- Passed or appearing in Class 12 (10+2) from a recognized board.
For NDA (Air Force & Navy) and NA:
- Passed or appearing in Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.
Physical Standards
Candidates must be physically fit according to the physical standards prescribed by UPSC for admission to NDA & NA.
Application Fee
- ₹100 for General/OBC candidates
- No fee for:
- SC/ST candidates
- Female candidates
Selection Process – UPSC NDA & NA 2026
The selection process consists of two stages:
- Written Examination
- SSB Interview
Final selection is based on combined marks of the written exam and SSB interview.
Exam Pattern – UPSC NDA & NA (I) 2026
Written Examination
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Mathematics | 300 | 2.5 Hours |
| Paper II | General Ability Test (GAT) | 600 | 2.5 Hours |
| Total | 900 |
GAT includes:
- English
- General Knowledge (Physics, Chemistry, History, Geography, Current Affairs)
How to Apply for UPSC NDA & NA (I) 2026
Follow these steps to apply online:
- Visit the official UPSC website
- Complete One Time Registration (OTR) if not already done
- Login and select NDA & NA (I) 2026
- Fill in personal, educational, and contact details
- Upload required documents
- Pay the application fee (if applicable)
- Submit the form and take a printout for future reference
Important Instructions for Candidates
- Apply well before 30 December to avoid last-minute issues
- Ensure all details match your Class 10 & 12 certificates
- Mobile number and email ID should remain active
- Keep a copy of the submitted application form
Important Links
- Official Notification PDF : National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination
- Apply Online: ONLINE APPLY
- Check The Full Syllabus : Full Syllabus
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the last date to apply for UPSC NDA & NA (I) 2026?
👉 The last date to apply online is 30 December.
Q2. Can female candidates apply for NDA & NA?
👉 Yes, both male and female candidates can apply.
Q3. Is appearing Class 12 eligible for NDA 2026?
👉 Yes, candidates appearing in Class 12 are eligible.
Q4. What is the application fee for NDA exam?
👉 ₹100 for General/OBC candidates. SC/ST and female candidates are exempted.
The UPSC NDA & NA (I) 2026 examination is a golden opportunity for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces. Since the last date is 30 December, eligible candidates should apply immediately and start their preparation seriously.